Company Formation in Europe
Get help Incorporating your company in Europe with our Team of Expert Lawyers.
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Starting Your company in
Spain
Portugal
Greece
France
Italy
Take the first step towards realizing your entrepreneurial dreams by incorporating a company in Europe and turning your business idea into a thriving reality!
What types of companies can I incorporate?
Company formation is the ideal way to grow or expand your business into Europe. Some businesses enter the country as a way to sell products or services to a new marketplace, while others use it as a springboard to launch operations in Europe due to the linguistic and cultural similarities.
Whatever the motivation or goal, there are several legal entities in Europe that can be used to position your business for success:
This is a popular type of company structure in Europe, which offers limited liability protection to its owners. It requires at least one shareholder and one director, and the liability of shareholders is limited to the amount of capital they have invested in the company.
This type of company is a publicly traded company and is required to have a minimum share capital. It has a board of directors, which is responsible for managing the company, and its shares can be bought and sold on the stock exchange.
A partnership is a business structure where two or more individuals share ownership and profits of the company. The partners are jointly responsible for the liabilities of the company.
A sole proprietorship is a business structure where an individual is the sole owner of the company. The owner has unlimited liability for the debts and obligations of the business.
A cooperative is a type of business structure that is owned and controlled by its members, who share the profits and benefits of the company.
A branch office is an extension of a foreign company, which operates under the same legal entity as the parent company. This is a good option if you have your company in your country and want to expant to Europe.
Deciding on the right type of company for your business can be challenging, but our experienced team of lawyers can help guide you through the process and ensure that your company formation in Europe is successful.
If you’re ready to start your business journey in Europe or have any questions about company formation in Europe, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of lawyers is ready to assist you and provide the legal support you need to succeed.
Steps for Company Formation in Europe
Creating a company in Europe can vary depending on the country where you want to establish it. However, here are some general steps that can guide you in the process:
Determine the legal structure: You need to decide on the legal structure of your company, such as a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or corporation.
Choose the country and location: Decide on the country and city where you want to establish your company. This can depend on factors such as tax laws, market conditions, and infrastructure.
Register your business: You will need to register your business with the appropriate government agency in the country where you plan to operate. This can include obtaining a tax identification number and registering with the chamber of commerce.
Obtain necessary permits and licenses: Depending on the type of business you want to start, you may need to obtain specific permits or licenses. For example, if you plan to sell food or alcohol, you will need to obtain a permit from the relevant authorities.
Hire employees: If you plan to hire employees, you will need to follow the labor laws in the country where you operate. This can include providing appropriate benefits and complying with minimum wage laws.
Open a bank account: You will need to open a bank account in the country where your business is located to handle financial transactions.
Comply with tax laws: Make sure you understand and comply with the tax laws in the country where you operate. This can include registering for and paying taxes.
It’s important to note that the process of creating a company in Europe can be complex and time-consuming, so it may be helpful to consult with a lawyer or accountant who is familiar with the laws and regulations in the country where you plan to operate.
Costs of Opening a Company in Europe
The costs of setting up a company in Europe can vary depending on the country where you want to establish your business and the legal structure you choose. Here are some general costs to consider:
Registration fees: The registration fees for setting up a company in Europe can range from a few hundred to several thousand euros, depending on the country and the type of company you want to establish. For example, in France, the registration fee for a SARL (Limited Liability Company) is around €400.
Legal and accounting fees: The fees for legal and accounting services can vary depending on the complexity of your business and the amount of work required. To better understand your case and get an approximate quote, contact us and we will provide a free consultation to understand your case.
Notary fees: Notary fees can be required in some countries for the registration of a company, and the fees can vary depending on the country and the type of notary service required. For example, in Spain, the notary fees for a public limited company can range from €500-€2,500.
Share capital: The amount of share capital required for setting up a company in Europe can vary depending on the country and the type of company structure you choose. For example, in Italy, the minimum share capital for a limited liability company is €10,000, while in Spain, you can set up your Limited Liability Company (S.L.) with just 1€.
Taxes: The taxes associated with setting up a company in Europe can vary depending on the country and the type of company structure you choose. Also, depending on the country, you will have to pay a different Corporate Income Tax (CIT), going from 21% in Portugal to 28% in France.
It’s important to note that these costs are only general estimates, and the actual costs can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances of your business and the country where you plan to establish your company.
How Lexidy will tackles Company Formation in Europe for you
The process of incorporating a company can be very long, expensive and, ultimately, exhausting. International businesses and entreprenerial ex-pats are often unaware of specific regulations set by Capital Companies Act or the Mercantile Register Regulations. This can lead to unforeseen hurdles and complications that delay your market entry, first-mover advantage or even drain your start-up capital.
A lawyer will guide you through the company incorporation process, whether it’s a Limited or Public Limited Company, and make the bureaucracy much simpler. A legal professional has the expert knowledge and practical experience to make the process faster, more affordable and more efficients. For example, a highly-qualified lawyer has regular interactions with Spain’s various public administrations and can glide through the unique requirements and questions, which often complicate the procedure for those unfamiliar with officials.
Even if you successful navigate the corporation process, the Mercantile Register is quick to reject the registration of deeds of incorporated companies. Their meticulous approach will flag any small formal errors and delay the process. A professional lawyer will have the experience to avoid any errors, large or small, to ensure your business gets to market as quickly as possible.
Another benefit of appointing a lawyer when forming a company is Power of Attorney. A company or director can grant legal authority to a lawyer and empowered them to act on their behalf when the officials require someone to appear in person for a particular process. This helps the business save on the cost, time and hassle of traveling to Spain for bureaucratic processes.
The team at Lexidy LegalTech Boutique has years of experience working all clients the world over and their company formation needs. We regularly work with businesses of all sizes throughout the country’s economic centers to position new entreprises for success.
What Our Clients Are Saying
Our law firm has helped numerous clients successfully create, move or stablish their companies in Europe
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To request a free consultation case, please provide us with your contact details below and we will contact you via email or phone.
How can a lawyer help with Company formation in Europe?
A lawyer can assist you with company formation in Europe in several ways. Here are some examples:
Choosing the right business structure: A lawyer can help you determine the appropriate business structure for starting a company in Europe , such as a limited liability company, a sole proprietorship, or a partnership, based on your needs and goals.
Registering your company: A lawyer can guide you through the process of registering your company with the relevant authorities in Europe, such as the Commercial Registry or the Tax Office.
Drafting legal documents: A lawyer can draft legal documents for your company formation in Europe, such as articles of association, shareholder agreements, and employment contracts.
Compliance: A lawyer can advise you on legal requirements and regulations applicable to your business in Europe, such as labor laws, data protection laws, and tax laws, and help you comply with them.
Representation: A lawyer can represent you in negotiations with suppliers, customers, and other parties, as well as in legal disputes and litigation.
In short, a lawyer can provide valuable legal advice and support to ensure that your company formation in Europe is successful and compliant with local laws and regulations.
If you’re interested in starting a company in Europe or need assistance with company formation in Europe, we’re here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers and learn how we can assist you with your business needs.
Quality Life for You and Your Business
Why Europe?
Opening a company in Europe can offer a strategic location at the crossroads of Africa, and the Americas, making it an attractive option for companies looking to expand their operations globally. Additionally, Europe offers a stable economy, a highly skilled workforce, a competitive tax system, and a supportive business environment, making it an excellent choice for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking growth and success.
Cultural immersion
Experience the rich European culture.
Strategic location
Explore Europe without visa restrictions.
Stable economy
Europe has a stable and growing economy
Delicious cuisine
Taste world-renowned European food and wine.
Affordable living
Cost of living is lower compared to other European countries.
Healthcare access
Access to high-quality healthcare facilities and services.
Skilled workforce
Europe has a highly skilled and multilingual workforce
Access to funding
a variety of financing options available for businesses of all sizes
Frequently Asked Questions
Starting a business in Europe as a foreigner can be a relatively straightforward process, although it may require some additional steps and paperwork compared to setting up a business as a European citizen. You will need to obtain a foreigner identification number (for example, NIE for Spain) and register your business with the Commercial Registry, among other requirements.
The most profitable business types in Europe can vary depending on various factors, including market demand and trends. However, some sectors that are currently doing well in Spain include technology, tourism, renewable energy, and healthcare.
Setting up a business in Europe for US nationals is generally easy and follows the same process as for other foreign nationals. However, you may need to consider tax implications and other legal requirements that may differ from the US. Contact us for a free case evaluation!
After Brexit, setting up a business in Europe may require additional steps and considerations, such as obtaining a work permit and meeting new regulatory requirements.
International companies can enter the European market through various means, including establishing a subsidiary or branch in Europe, partnering with a local company, or exporting goods and services directly.
The tax system depends on the country. For example, in Spain, is complex and includes several taxes, including corporate income tax, value-added tax (VAT), and local taxes. Businesses are required to comply with tax obligations, including filing tax returns and paying taxes on time.
Labour laws and employment regulations in Europe also depends on the country. In Spain, are extensive and provide strong protections for employees. Employers must comply with requirements related to contracts, wages, working hours, and other employment conditions. Our Legal Labour team can guide you through the requirements.
Funding options for starting a business in Europe include bank loans, venture capital, government grants, and crowdfunding.
Cultural and language barriers may exist when doing business in Europe, but many European professionals speak English, and there are several resources available to help foreigners navigate the cultural differences. It is important to understand and respect local customs and business practices.
Lexidy has experience guiding foreigners through all the steps involved in forming a company. With our legal team you would not feel the language barrier in Europe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Team
For us, Lexidy is a way of life and what excites us the most is to be able to deliver the happiness and satisfaction of a successful immigration process. We want to help you achieve your goals and dreams, whether it’s residence in Europe or simply an investment.