EU Inc: How to Register a Company in 48 Hours Across Europe

A New Era for European Business Formation

For decades, starting a business in Europe has meant navigating a labyrinth of national regulations, visiting government offices in person, and waiting weeks — sometimes months — for official registration. The EU Inc proposal, formally introduced by the European Commission, aims to change all of that by creating a unified, digital-first company form that can be registered in under 48 hours from anywhere in the European Union.

This isn't just an incremental improvement. It represents a fundamental rethinking of how businesses are born in Europe, designed to make the continent competitive with jurisdictions like Delaware, Singapore, and the UK that have long attracted entrepreneurs with their speed and simplicity.

The Digital-by-Default Registration Process

The cornerstone of EU Inc is its digital-by-default approach. The entire registration process takes place online through a standardized portal accessible in all EU member states. Here's what the process looks like step by step:

Step 1: Identity Verification

Founders verify their identity using any EU-recognized electronic identification (eID) scheme. This includes national ID cards with digital certificates, eIDAS-compliant digital identities, and qualified electronic signatures. There is no need to appear in person at any office.

Step 2: Choose Your Company Details

Through the online portal, founders select:

• The company name (with real-time availability checking across all EU registries)
• The registered office location (any EU member state)
• The standardized articles of association (a pre-approved template that covers most use cases)
• Share structure and initial shareholders

Step 3: Capital Contribution

One of the most revolutionary aspects of EU Inc is the zero minimum capital requirement. While founders can choose to contribute capital, there is no mandatory minimum — a stark contrast to the €25,000 required for a German GmbH or the €10,000 for a French SARL.

Step 4: Digital Notarization

The traditional notary requirement is completely eliminated. Instead, the digital platform performs automated compliance checks, verifying identity, checking for sanctions and anti-money laundering (AML) requirements, and ensuring all documentation is complete. This alone saves founders hundreds or even thousands of euros in notary fees.

Step 5: Registration and Certificate

Once all information is submitted and verified, the registration authority has a maximum of 48 hours to process the application. In practice, many registrations are expected to be completed within hours or even minutes, as the process is largely automated.

What You Receive Upon Registration

Upon successful registration, founders receive:

• A unique EU-wide company registration number
• A digital certificate of incorporation recognized in all 27 EU member states
• Automatic registration in the Business Registers Interconnection System (BRIS)
• A Legal Entity Identifier (LEI) for cross-border transactions
• Access to the EU Inc management portal for ongoing corporate governance

Cross-Border Recognition from Day One

Perhaps the most significant advantage of the EU Inc is automatic recognition across all member states. Unlike national company forms that require additional registration or recognition procedures when operating in other EU countries, an EU Inc is legally recognized everywhere in the Union from the moment of incorporation.

"The EU Inc eliminates the single biggest barrier to cross-border business in Europe: the need to navigate 27 different corporate law systems," noted a senior European Commission official during the proposal's announcement.

The Technology Behind the Speed

The 48-hour guarantee is made possible by several technological innovations:

• Interconnected registries: Real-time data sharing between national business registries ensures no duplication and fast verification
• Automated compliance: AI-powered systems handle AML checks, sanctions screening, and document verification
• Standardized templates: Pre-approved articles of association eliminate the need for legal review in standard cases
• eIDAS integration: Leveraging the EU's existing electronic identity infrastructure for seamless authentication

What This Means for Entrepreneurs

The practical implications are enormous. A software developer in Lisbon can register a company with its seat in Dublin on a Monday morning and be legally operating across all 27 EU member states by Wednesday. A team of co-founders spread across Berlin, Milan, and Amsterdam can incorporate without anyone booking a flight or visiting a notary.

For the European startup ecosystem, this is a game-changer. The continent has long struggled with fragmentation — talented founders forced to choose between national forms that limit their cross-border ambitions. EU Inc removes that friction entirely.

Costs and Accessibility

The registration fee for an EU Inc is capped at under €100, making it the most affordable company formation option in Europe. Combined with the elimination of notary fees, legal consultation costs, and travel expenses, the total cost of starting an EU Inc is a fraction of what entrepreneurs currently pay in most member states.

Looking Ahead

The EU Inc proposal is currently moving through the European legislative process, with strong support from the European Parliament and most member states. While some countries with lucrative notary industries have expressed reservations, the overall momentum is clear: Europe is ready for a simpler, faster, more unified way to start a business.

For entrepreneurs watching this space, the message is simple: the future of European business formation is digital, fast, and borderless.