Starting a business

To start a new company or expand your business in another EU country you need to know the rules that apply and the relevant national contact point Open as an external link to set up a company in that specific country.

Find the right place to start-up in different EU countries:

What can you do?

As an EU citizen you are entitled to:

  • set up your own business (even as a sole trader) in any EU country, Iceland, Norway or Liechtenstein
  • set up a subsidiary branch of an existing EU-based business that is already registered in one EU country

Requirements

The requirements vary depending on the country. However, the EU encourages all countries to meet certain targets for helping to set up new companies, including:

  • setting up in no more than 3 working days
  • costing less than EUR 100
  • completing all procedures through a single administrative body
  • completing all registration formalities online
  • registering a company in another EU country online (through the national contact points Open as an external link )

Funding and support

There are several projects dedicated to help startup businesses in the EU:

  • Startup Europe strengthens networking opportunities between high tech startups, scaleups, investors, accelerators, corporate networks, universities and the media.
  • Startup Europe Partnership is an integrated pan-European open innovation platform that helps the best EU scaleups grow.
  • InvestEU Portal brings together investors and project promoters on a single EU-wide database of investment opportunities.
  • Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a cross-border business exchange programme, offering new entrepreneurs the possibility to collaborate with an experienced entrepreneur from another European country.

Read about EU funding programmes and how to get access to finance.

See also:

See also

For enterprises & entrepreneurs
For consumers & employees

Need support from assistance services?

Get in touch with specialised assistance services

Points of single contact

National information on expanding your business in another EU country.

Do you have questions on operating a business cross-border, for example exporting or expanding to another EU country? If so, the Enterprise Europe Network can give you free advice.

You can also use the assistance service finder to find the right help for you.

Last checked: 04/09/2024
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