The EU Inc. (European Incorporated Company) is a new pan-European company form proposed by the European Commission under Regulation COM(2026) 320. It allows entrepreneurs to incorporate a company valid across all 27 EU member states, entirely online, in 48 hours, for under €100.

When will the EU Inc. be available?

The regulation was proposed on March 18, 2026. It is currently being reviewed by the European Parliament and Council. Final adoption is expected in 2027, with the first EU Inc. companies possible by 2028.

How much does it cost to create an EU Inc.?

The maximum registration fee is capped at €100, with zero minimum capital requirement. This makes it the most affordable company form in Europe and possibly the world.

Is the EU Inc. valid in all EU countries?

Yes. Once registered, an EU Inc. is automatically recognized in all 27 EU member states without any need for re-registration or additional procedures.

Do I need a notary to create an EU Inc.?

No. The entire process is digital. Identity verification is done online, replacing traditional notarization. You can incorporate from anywhere with an internet connection.

What is Regulation COM(2026) 320?

COM(2026) 320 is the official reference number for the European Commission's legislative proposal establishing the EU Inc. company form. It was published on March 18, 2026.

48 Hours, €100, Zero Notary: How EU Inc Works

A Radically Simplified Registration Process

One of the most striking aspects of the EU Inc proposal is how dramatically it simplifies the process of starting a business. Where traditional company formation in Europe often involves weeks of paperwork, multiple professional intermediaries, and thousands of euros in fees, EU Inc promises to cut through all of that.

Step-by-Step: How to Register an EU Inc

Step 1: Digital Application

Everything begins online. The founder accesses a centralized EU digital platform — no need to visit any physical office. The application form is standardized across all member states, meaning the same process applies whether you're registering from Lisbon or Helsinki.

Step 2: Identity Verification

The applicant's identity is verified through the eIDAS framework — the EU's existing electronic identification system. If you already have a national digital ID (which is increasingly common across Europe), this step takes minutes.

Step 3: Standard Articles of Association

Instead of hiring a lawyer to draft custom articles of association, EU Inc provides pre-approved template statutes. These cover the most common governance structures and can be adopted without modification. For founders who want custom arrangements, modifications are allowed but may trigger additional review.

Step 4: Minimum Capital

The minimum share capital requirement is just €1. This is a dramatic departure from countries like Germany (€25,000 for a GmbH) or even the more startup-friendly jurisdictions. The low threshold removes one of the biggest barriers for bootstrapped founders.

Step 5: Registration Confirmation

Within 48 hours of submitting a complete application, the company is registered and receives its EU-wide legal identity. The total cost is capped at approximately €100 in administrative fees.

What You Get After Registration

Once registered, an EU Inc benefits from:

A single legal identity recognized across all 27 EU member states
No need for local subsidiaries — you can operate cross-border with your single EU Inc
Standardized reporting requirements that don't change from country to country
Access to the EU-ESOP framework for employee stock options
Digital-first governance — board meetings, shareholder votes, and corporate decisions can all be conducted online

What About the Registered Office?

An EU Inc must have its registered office in an EU member state, but it can freely move this office between member states without dissolution and re-registration. This cross-border mobility is another significant advantage over national company forms.

No Notary — Really?

Yes. The proposal explicitly eliminates the notarial requirement for company formation. This is perhaps the most controversial aspect in countries with strong notarial traditions, but the Commission argues that digital verification provides equivalent safeguards at a fraction of the cost and time.

The elimination of notarial requirements alone could save European entrepreneurs an estimated €2-5 billion annually in formation costs.

What It Doesn't Cover

It's important to note that EU Inc governs company law only. Tax obligations, employment law, and sector-specific regulations still follow the rules of the member state where you operate. This means tax planning still requires local expertise, but the corporate structure itself is dramatically simplified.

Source: Trending Topics EU