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.

Timeline: When Will EU Inc Become Reality?

From Proposal to Reality: The Road Ahead

The EU Inc proposal was officially published on March 18, 2026. But in the European Union, a proposal is just the beginning. The legislative process that lies ahead is complex, multi-staged, and historically prone to delays. Here's what we know about the timeline — and what we can realistically expect.

The Legislative Journey

March 2026: Commission Publishes the Proposal

The European Commission has formally adopted the EU Inc regulation proposal. This document is now the starting point for negotiations between the two co-legislators: the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (representing member state governments).

Q2-Q3 2026: Committee Review in Parliament

The proposal will be assigned to the relevant European Parliament committee — most likely the Committee on Legal Affairs (JURI). A rapporteur will be appointed to lead the review. During this phase, MEPs will examine the proposal in detail, hold hearings with experts, and propose amendments. This typically takes 3-6 months.

Q4 2026 - Q1 2027: Parliament's First Reading Position

After committee review, the Parliament will adopt its first reading position. This is where significant amendments are typically introduced. Contentious issues — such as the scope of Article 4's referral to national law, the details of EU-ESOP, and the notary question — will be debated and voted upon.

Parallel: Council Working Group Negotiations

Simultaneously, the Council will conduct its own review through working groups of member state representatives. This is where national interests come into play. Countries with strong notarial traditions (like Germany and Italy) may push back on the no-notary requirement. Countries with competitive company forms may be reluctant to support a rival framework.

2027: Trilogue Negotiations

Once both Parliament and Council have their positions, trilogue negotiations begin — informal three-way talks between Parliament, Council, and Commission to reach a compromise text. This is typically the most critical and unpredictable phase. Trilogues for major legislative proposals can take anywhere from a few months to over a year.

Late 2027 - Early 2028: Final Adoption

If trilogue negotiations succeed, the agreed text goes back to Parliament and Council for formal adoption. The regulation is then published in the Official Journal of the European Union.

2028-2029: Implementation Period

EU regulations typically include a transition period — usually 12-24 months — before they become applicable. During this time, member states must set up the necessary digital infrastructure, train officials, and adapt national systems to accommodate the new EU Inc form.

Realistic Expectations

Based on historical precedent with similar legislative proposals, here are realistic scenarios:

Best case (optimistic): First EU Inc registrations in late 2028
Base case (realistic): First registrations in 2029
Delayed case (if negotiations stall): 2030 or later

Potential Obstacles

Several factors could slow the process:

Member state resistance: Countries may resist aspects that conflict with their legal traditions
European Parliament elections: The next EP elections in 2029 could reset the legislative agenda
Lobbying: Notary associations and legal professions may lobby against the no-notary provision
Scope creep: Attempts to expand or narrow the regulation during negotiations
Tax implications: Even though tax is excluded from the proposal, concerns about tax competition may arise

What to Do While Waiting

For entrepreneurs eager to benefit from EU Inc, the waiting period is not wasted time:

Follow the legislative progress through the European Parliament's legislative tracker
Engage with industry associations advocating for the proposal
Plan your cross-border strategy so you're ready to adopt EU Inc when it becomes available
Consider using existing EU structures (like the SE or cross-border mergers) as interim solutions

The EU Inc proposal represents genuine political will for reform. But in the EU, good proposals need time, patience, and sustained advocacy to become reality.

Source: European Commission — How EU law is adopted