Developing a business

The EU Single Market offers a range of solutions for starting or expanding a business across borders. Whether you are setting up a company, forming a cooperative, making investments, planning a merger, or moving your business, this section outlines the key rules and tools to help you operate in multiple EU countries. You will also find guidance on managing data, improving sustainability, and navigating sector-specific regulations in areas like tourism and biotechnology.

• If you are planning to expand your business cross-border, you might consider setting up a European Company (Societas Europaea, SE). It is a type of public limited-liability company regulated under EU law which give you several advantages.
• If you are considering expanding your cooperative across EU borders, then you will need to learn more about setting up a European Cooperative Society (ECS). This business format will make it easier for your cooperative to operate in multiple EU countries by allowing it to group members from different countries, pool resources, and follow a single set of EU-level rules.
• To further develop your business or find a new business opportunity you can consider several different kinds of cross-border operations. Learn more on merging or taking over an existing company, dividing your company into two or more entities or moving your company’s registered office to another EU country through a conversion process.
• If you want to grow in a sustainable way, you can improve and monitor the environmental performance of your company through the EU's Eco-management and Audit Scheme (EMAS). Learn the benefits of EMAS and its requirements for registration.
• To do business in another EU country, it is important to be aware of your rights and the potential limitations related to using, storing, and transferring non-personal data. Learn more on how to do that and avoid any potential legal issues.
• If you intend to invest in another EU country, you can rely on EU investment protection rules. Learn more on what type of cross-border investments are included and how these rules work.
• To start and run a business, you need to understand the registration, permitting, and licensing requirements involved. These can be very different from one country to the next. Read what you need to know and where to get advice.
• If you run a business in the tourism industry, know key trends and characteristics of the European markets to tailor your tourism services and products accordingly. Learn more on EU rules in the tourism industry, consumer rights, EU funding, and accessibility.
• If you run a business in biotechnology or biomanufacturing, it is important to know what EU rules apply to your business (e.g. clincal trials, market authorisation, intellectual property etc.), what kind of research infrastructure is available to you and where to find funding and business support. Learn more on how to bring innovative biotech products to market.