Business registration in Europe for non-residents
Country selection, company registration, and setup with banks and payment systems — tailored to your business model
WoBorders is an independent private consulting company. We provide advisory and administrative support and are not affiliated with any government authority or official registry
countries where we support international business launch
8 years of consulting experience in company registration and structuring in Europe
clients who successfully launched their businesses abroad with our support
We are grateful to our clients for their trust
Which businesses are suitable for company registration in Europe
European business registration is not a one-size-fits-all solution. The choice of country and company structure depends on your business model, payment infrastructure, and target market. Below are the most common scenarios where a European company provides the most value.
Benefits of registering a company in Europe
Register your company in Europe to access payment infrastructure, operate within a clear legal framework, and work with international clients. Build a solid foundation to scale your business, launch sales, and connect easily with Stripe, marketplaces, and banking solutions
EU Single Market and IP
The EU single market allows you to work with clients across 27 countries without additional barriers. It simplifies trade in goods and services, and enables trademark registration through a unified system (EUIPO)
Flexible tax regimes
European countries offer various tax models. For example, Estonia taxes only distributed profits, meaning retained earnings are not taxed, resulting in a 0% rate on those earnings. Cyprus – CIT 15%. This lets you select the jurisdiction best suited to your business model.
Transparent and predictable business environment
Most EU countries have clear business regulations, digital registers, and transparent reporting. This simplifies company management and interaction with banks, partners, and clients
Access to funding and partnerships
European companies have access to grants, investments, and business support programs. This facilitates scaling and opens opportunities for cooperation with international partners
How to choose a country for business registration in Europe
The choice of country for registering a business in Europe depends on your business model, payment infrastructure, and company goals. Below are the key criteria that help determine the most suitable jurisdiction.
We do not recommend a “default” country. We start by analyzing your business model, target markets, payment tools, and goals. Based on that, we recommend a jurisdiction that fits your needs and helps you avoid costly mistakes and future issues.
Where we help you open companies in Europe
We support company registration in key European jurisdictions. Each country has its own specifics — from tax models to substance requirements and payment infrastructure.
If you want to compare countries in detail and understand taxes, company structures, and selection criteria — we recommend exploring our detailed guide.
Setup time: up to 3 days
Ideal for SaaS, IT, and online businesses. 0% tax on retained earnings — tax is paid only when dividends are distributed. Fully remote setup via e-Residency
Setup time: up to 5 days
Suitable for businesses targeting the EU market. Corporate tax — 9% or 19% depending on turnover. Strong banking system and easy work with European clients
Setup time: up to 15 days
Suitable for small and medium-sized businesses. Microcompany regime — 1% on turnover up to €100,000 (subject to conditions), or 16% corporate tax. Popular for e-commerce and services
Setup time: up to 30 days
Stable jurisdiction with a strong reputation. Corporate tax — 21%. Suitable for service businesses and working with EU clients
Setup time: 1–3 days
Popular jurisdiction for investment-focused and IT businesses. Corporate tax — 19–25% depending on profit. Simple administration
Setup time: up to 30 days
A solid option for international business and IT holding structures. Corporate tax — 15%. Convenient structure for international founders
Need help choosing a country and setting up a company in Europe?
We help you evaluate your business model, select the right jurisdiction, and understand requirements for registration, payment infrastructure, and accounting support
Your consultant
Ivan Chebotarov
CEO & co-Founder
Describe your request
Accounting and reporting for companies in Europe
After you register a business in Europe, make sure to properly organize accounting, tax reporting, and banking relationships. We support your business not only at setup, but also throughout ongoing operations.
Already have a company in Europe? Order accounting support as a separate service. See below for the countries where this service is available.
European bank account and payment solutions
After setting up a company in Europe, it’s important to establish payment infrastructure — either a bank account or fintech solutions — to receive payments. The choice of jurisdiction directly affects access to Stripe, banks, and payment systems
Fintech solutions (fast setup)
Classic banking
Frequently asked questions business formation in Europe
Do you help choose a country for company registration in Europe?
Yes, we analyze your business model, payment tools, and goals, and select the most suitable jurisdiction for your specific case.
Can I open a company remotely in Europe?
Yes, in most European countries, a company can be registered fully remotely. The process depends on the country: for example, in Estonia via e-Residency, and in Poland, Romania, or the Czech Republic via power of attorney. The process typically includes document preparation, identity verification, and registration through electronic or notarial procedures.
Can a non-resident open a company in Europe?
Yes, company registration is available for non-residents. In most cases, you do not need citizenship or residency. In some jurisdictions, there may be requirements for a local director, legal address, or representative.
What documents are required to register a company in Europe?
You typically present a passport, tax identification number, and proof of residential address. In addition, some countries may require documents confirming the source of funds, depending on the business structure and banking requirements.
Do I need a physical address or office?
No, for most businesses, a legal address is sufficient. However, banks or tax authorities may require proof of real presence depending on the country and business activity.
Can I open an account in a European bank?
Yes, but requirements depend on the country and business structure. Traditional banks often require physical presence or a local office. An alternative is fintech solutions (Wise, Payoneer, Revolut), which allow faster setup and international payments.
What taxes does a company pay in Europe?
The main tax is corporate income tax (CIT), which varies by country (typically 9–21%). In some jurisdictions, like Estonia, tax is paid only when profits are distributed.
Companies may also need to register for VAT if they exceed certain thresholds or work with EU clients. Additional taxes may include dividend tax and social contributions.
Which company structure should I choose?
In most cases, the optimal option is a limited liability company (LLC / OÜ / Sp. z o.o. / SRL). This structure is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses and covers most needs.
Joint-stock structures are recommended if you plan to raise investments or have a more complex business setup
Which country should I choose to start a business in Europe?
The choice depends on your business model, target market, payment infrastructure, and tax considerations. For example, Estonia is suitable for IT and SaaS, Poland for working with EU clients and banking, and Romania for small businesses with tax optimization.
We do not recommend a “default” country—we first analyze your business and then suggest the most suitable jurisdiction.
What is OSS (One Stop Shop) and when is it needed?
OSS is a simplified VAT system for B2C sales across EU countries. It allows you to file a single VAT return and pay taxes through one country, even if you sell across the entire EU.
How much does it cost to register a company in Europe?
The cost of company registration depends on the country, company structure, and additional services (legal address, accounting, and bank account setup).
On average, a full package including company registration, government fees, legal address, and a Payoneer account costs:
– Estonia — from 950 €
– Poland, Romania, Czech Republic — from €1500–2000
– United Kingdom — from 1000 €+
– Cyprus — from 5000 €+
The price usually includes company registration, document preparation, and basic support. Additional costs may include government fees, accounting, and the setup of payment infrastructure.
We calculate pricing individually, depending on your business needs and chosen jurisdiction.
Didn’t find the answer to your question?
Your consultant
Ivan Chebotarov
CEO & co-Founder
Describe your case — we’ll suggest the best solution for your business
We reply within one business day. We’ll advise which country fits your business, what requirements to consider, and how to get started
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