[tabgroup]
[tab title="Austria"]
Company Formation in Austria
A prosperous and sophisticated business centre and a traditional trading bridge to Eastern Europe and the Balkans, Austria actively welcomes foreign investors. Setting up a company here is physically very easy. However there are important procedural issues to contend with.
REQUIREMENTS
- A company with limited liability (GmbH) is usual form of company in Austria.
- Minimum share capital is €35,000, of which at least half, €17,500, has to be paid up in cash.
- At least one shareholder will be required.
- At least one managing director, who does not have to be an Austrian citizen or resident in Austria, will be required.
- Audit and disclosure requirements may be necessary.
What other types of company are there?
- stock corporation (AG), minimum share capital €70,000, at least two shareholders required
- general partnership (OHG), unlimited liability for all partners
- limited partnership (KG), unlimited liability for at least one partner
- registered civil law partnership (EEG), similar to OHG or KG but suitable for small companies and partnerships
- cooperative (Genossenschaft), legal entity with flexible membership, no fixed capital, not primarily for profit
- foreign branch, GmbH and AG companies based abroad may establish a branch in Austria
[/tab]
[tab title="Belgium"]
Company Formation in Belgium
Belgium lies at the political heart of the European Union and it is the most cosmopolitan of all EU states. This may go some way to explaining its strongly free-market approach to businesses wishing to set up a company in Belgium. The authorities impose relatively few restrictions on foreign companies operating within the country. Belgium is also the most prosperous country in the EU apart from Luxembourg.
What are the most common types of company in Belgium?
- company limited by shares (S.A./N.V.)
- private limited liability company (S.P.R.L./B.V.B.A.)
How much share capital is needed for a private limited liability company S.P.R.L./B.V.B.A.?
The minimum share capital for a S.P.R.L./B.V.B.A. is €18,600, of which at least €6,200 must be paid up.
What are the other features of a S.P.R.L./B.V.B.A.?
- the company has to have at least one shareholder
- this form of company admits only one director
- shareholders are responsible only for the assets they brought into the business
[/tab]
[tab title="Croatia"]
Company Formation in Croatia
Croatia is one of the most developed European post-communist countries. Croatia shall become the Member of the EU in 2012. Today the Republic of Croatia offers a stable and welcoming home to foreign investors.
REQUIREMENTS
- Limited liability Company (d.o.o.) – Basic capital is 20.000 HRK (approx: €2,800).
- Annual filing of accounts must be completed, A registered manager is necessary (resident or non-resident)
- A clear criminal record needs to be provided. Appointed Manager gives a statement with respect to such clear criminal record – no other evidence needs to be provided for the appointment.
[/tab]
[tab title="Cyprus"]
Company Formation in Cyprus
Although Cyprus is no longer the offshore tax haven that it used to be before the EU came calling, it remains a dream destination for many foreign investors. An efficient and sophisticated business environment, coupled with corporate income tax of just 10%, help to explain the pull.
What are the main types of Company in Cyprus?
Most investors choose one of the following corporate formats:
- limited company
- branch
- partnership
REQUIREMENTS
- No minimum share capital requirement.
- Number of shareholders must be between one and fifty.
- Company must have one director.
- Annual accounts must be filed.
What are the main features of a limited liability partnership?
- general partnership: between two and twenty members
- limited partnership: at least one partner with unlimited liability
- required to register with Registrar of Companies
- no requirement for audited accounts, but must keep proper books
What about offshore companies?
Any private company based in Cyprus that is 100% foreign-owned is regarded as an offshore company, although the term International Business Company (IBC) is also used. But there is no longer any difference in tax treatment between an offshore company and a regular Cypriot company.
[/tab]
[tab title="Czech Republic"]
Company Formation in Czech Republic
Entrepreneurial even during the Communist era, Czechs have seized every opportunity to demonstrate their free-market credentials since joining the EU in 2004. Today the Czech Republic offers a stable and welcoming home to foreign investors.
What are the main types of company in the Czech Republic?
There are four main kinds of business entity for foreign investors and they are as follows:
- limited liability company (SRO)
- joint stock company partnership (AS)
- partnership
- branch office
REQUIREMENTS
- Limited liability Company (s.r.o.) – Basic capital is 200.000 CZK (approx: €8000).
- Annual filing of accounts must be completed, A registered manager is necessary and this can be any EU citizen or individual holding a residence permit.
- A clear criminal record needs to be provided. This can be applied for in your home country. The procedure takes approximately 2 weeks and upon receipt this then needs to be Notarized and Apostilled, which takes another week.
[/tab]
[tab title="Denmark"]
Company Formation in Denmark
Denmark’s liberal approach to life in general is mirrored in its attitude to companies coming in from abroad. Opening a company in Denmark is straightforward; thanks to a streamlined regulatory regime and more than 2,500 foreign companies already operate in the capital, Copenhagen. Denmark has double-taxation treaties with more than 80 countries.
Danish corporate tax rate: 25%
What is the most common type of company in Denmark?
There are two main kinds of business entity in Denmark:
- public limited company – Aktieselskab (A/S)
- private limited company – Anpartsselskab (ApS)
REQUIREMENTS for Aps (Limited) Company:
- The minimum share capital is €17,000.
- Minimum director is one
[/tab]
[tab title="Estonia"]
Company Formation in Estonia
Estonia’s economy has boomed in recent years as it has pursued a liberal business agenda in preparation for EU membership which was finally achieved in 2004. Foreign investment has flooded into this small Baltic state enabling it to create a relatively relaxed environment for the international business community.
REQUIREMENTS
- The minimum share capital for an OÜ (Ltd) is EEK 40,000 (€2,550).
- Auditors required if share capital exceeds EEK 400,000 (€25,500).
- At least half the members of the Board of Management must be European Union permanent residents.
- If share capital exceeds EEK 400,000, an OÜ (Ltd) must have a supervisory board with three members. Auditor obligatory in this case.
- The business plan needs to be provided to the VAT office together with copies of contracts and any invoices that prove that you are going to or are trading in the EU or through Estonia.
[/tab]
[tab title="Finland"]
Company Formation in Finland
Finland’s economic stability and high-tech industrial base has made it a key target for international investors. Anyone can set up a limited company in Finland, irrespective of nationality, so long as one of the company’s founding members is resident in the European Economic Area. If the founder is a legal person, its domicile should be in an EEA country (the EEA compromises all the EU countries plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland).
What is the most common type of company in Finland?
The two most popular forms of business entity in Finland are:
- public limited company – osakeyhtiö Oyj
- private limited company – osakeyhtiö Oy
How much share capital is required to establish a public limited company (Oyj)?
The minimum share capital for a public limited company is €80,000.
What other requirements are there for a public limited company?
- a minimum of three board directors plus a chief executive
- it is usual to be listed in the Helsinki Stock Exchange
- there is a statutory requirement for audited accounts
- flat corporate tax rate of 26%
How much share capital is required to establish a private limited company (Oy)?
The minimum share capital for a private limited company is €8,000.
What other requirements are there for a private limited company?
- at least one board director and a deputy
- there is a statutory requirement for audited accounts
- a local serviced office is advisable, click here for details
- flat corporate tax rate of 26%
[/tab]
[tab title="France"]
Company Formation in France
France has been slower than many of its EU counterparts to embrace a truly liberal business culture. At the same time, it has aggressively sought to attract foreign investment – and with considerable success. One result is that it is now very simple and straightforward to open a company in France.
What is the most common type of company in France?
There are three main kinds of business entity in France:
- business corporation – Societé Anonyme (SA)
- limited company – SARL
- simplified stock corporation – SAS
What are the requirements for an SA company?
What are the requirements for a SARL company?
- the minimum share capital was recently reduced to €1.00
- the minimum number of shareholders is one
- shareholders are liable up to the limit of their capital contribution
- accounts must be audited in line with statutory requirements
- top managers have more onerous tax and security rules than SA managers
[/tab]
[tab title="Germany"]
Company Formation in Germany
If you’re a foreign investor and you want to open a German company, you have a broad spectrum of options. You could take a cautious view and start with a one-person sales office based within a serviced office (we can help you with this). If it doesn’t work out, you can easily withdraw without having invested very much capital. Or you could have the courage of your convictions, and enter the German market in a manner that makes clear you really mean business. Our company formation service makes it easy for you to establish whatever kind of German company you want, from a sole trader through to a partnership or corporation.
What are the main types of German company?
There are four main forms of German business entity, and they are as follows:
- limited liability corporation (GmbH)
- stock corporation (AG)
- partnerships
- sole proprietor
What are the main features of a GmbH company?
- the minimum share capital for a GmbH is €25,000
- it is the most common form of business enterprise in Germany
- simple structure designed for private companies only
- the minimum number of shareholders is one
What are the main features of an AG company?
- the minimum share capital for an AG is €50,000
- the standard corporate form for major public companies
- the minimum number of shareholders is one
- subject to heavy regulation as a listed company
What are the main features of a partnership?
- available either as a general (oHG) or limited (KG) partnership
- foreign investors tend to prefer limited-liability KG partnerships
- minimum of two partners, one of which can be a GmbH company
- widely used in Germany for small and family-owned businesses
What are the main features of a sole proprietor company?
- the simplest and least-regulated form of business entity
- registration required in commercial register and local trade office
- sole trader has unlimited liability for all liabilities and debts
- profits are subject to German income tax at individual rates
[/tab]
[tab title="Greece"]
Company Formation in Greece
Greece has never been a particularly fashionable destination for foreign investors. The headline rate of corporation tax is relatively high, although it has fallen in recent years and is set to drop below 30% from 2006 onwards. However there are plenty of tax-efficient business opportunities if you know your way around. We know exactly where to look.
REQUIREMENTS
- The minimum share capital for an EPE(Ltd.) company is €4,500 and must be fully paid up at formation.
- The minimum number of shareholders is usually two.
- The EPE requires at least one member and one manager
- Statutory financial reporting requirement.
- Offices are needed depending on activity
- Non-EU members/directors require local representative.
[/tab]
[tab title="Ireland"]
Company Formation in Ireland
Ireland may be a small country but it has become one of the EU’s biggest success stories. The so-called Celtic Tiger economy has powered ahead in recent years, fuelled by foreign investment, low corporate tax and a liberal approach to trade. Generous investment incentives complete an attractive package. No wonder that thousands of foreign investors have opened an Irish company.
REQUIREMENTS
- If the directors are non EEA, you will have to pay a non-refundable bond of €1692. This lasts for 2 years and then it needs to be renewed.
- The company must have a minimum of 2 directors
- Shares remain the same as if the company were being set up with Irish directors – a minimum of one share at a cost of €1 is required (this is for a single member company) and then two or more shares for a multiple member company.
- You will not need to have a nominee director as the bond works as a type of insurance to the government.
[/tab]
[tab title="Italy"]
Company Formation in Italy
Still battling to shake off its reputation as an economic slow starter, Italy has recently taken new steps to position itself as a welcoming home for foreign investment. The result is that Italy is slowly emerging as a land of opportunity, although you will need specialist local advice to help navigate your way through the bureaucracy. We are experts at this.
What are the main types of company in Italy?
There are three major kinds of business entity for foreign investors, and they are as follows:
- limited liability company (SrL)
- joint stock company (SpA)
- branches
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum share capital is: €10,000 for 1 shareholder, €2,500 for 2 or more shareholders
- Ltd (Srl) is most popular format for businesses.
- Minimum number of directors is one. They must be an EU citizen
- No restrictions on foreign shareholders.
- Audited accounts to be filed annually.
- Annual tax return and VAT filed quarterly plus annual audit.
- Codice Fiscale required
[/tab]
[tab title="Latvia"]
Company Formation in Latvia
Positioned at the crossroads of northern and eastern Europe, the Baltic state of Latvia is rapidly making the most of its recently-acquired status as a member of the EU. Foreign investment is rising strongly and Latvian authorities have taken steps to streamline the regulations governing company formation. The range of possible business entities has been reduced from thirteen to five, bringing the commercial landscape more into line with established EU standards.
- Latvia has been a member of the EU since 2004
- The most popular business entity is the limited liability company (SIA).
- Corporate tax rate is fixed at 15%, one of the lowest in the EU
- Most widely spoken languages: Latvian and Russian
What are the main types of company in Latvia?
There are four main kinds of business entity for foreign investors, and they are as follows:
- limited liability company (SIA)
- joint stock company (A/S)
- branch office
- representative office
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum share capital to be deposited: €3090, at least half to be paid up.
- Minimum one director required
- No restrictions on foreign shareholders or directors.
- Registered office address (no P.O. Box allowed)
- Visit to Latvia is required to open a bank account. Please contact us for alternative arrangements if initial visit is not possible.
[/tab]
[tab title="Luxemburg"]
Company Formation in Luxemburg
The world’s wealthiest country by GDP and one of the smallest in size, Luxembourg provides a unique low-tax environment for international investors. It is also a founder member of the EU, a fact that sits oddly with its status as a tax haven. The country is widely used in corporate structuring for cross border transactions, but due to its place in Europe’s political environment it is constantly adapting its tax legislation to avoid adverse conflict with the tax authorities of other EU countries. Due to its progressive and adaptive approach, Luxembourg is, and will remain, a beneficial country for international business structuring. As a result, Luxembourg’s tax laws frequently come under scrutiny from other EU states and are prone to change. So, if you want to capitalize fully on the many advantages of opening a company in Luxembourg talk to us about company formation, bank accounts and everything else you need to know. We will steer you safely through Luxembourg’s complex tax regulations.
Is Luxembourg a low-tax environment for everyone?
Not at all – purposely the tax benefits in Luxembourg are carefully structured to ensure minimal disruption with other EU countries. In many ways it is a high-tax country – corporate income tax is 31%, individual tax rates are higher and there’s a wealth tax on top. On the face of it, the corporate structure in Luxembourg is similar to that of most other EU states, with most companies adopting the usual joint stock or limited liability formats. However within this standard structure is a strictly-defined class of holding company. Qualify for this – and corporate income tax can sink to below 1%. For expert advice, we can put you in touch with one of our local specialists in tax planning .
What does the standard corporate structure look like?
These are the main forms of standard-tax business entity:
- joint stock company (SA), minimum share capital €31,000; requirements include at least three directors, a registered office in Luxembourg, and audited accounts if the company exceeds a certain size
- limited liability company (SARL), minimum share capital €12,400, no more than 40 shareholders; requirements include at least one director, a registered office in Luxembourg, and audited accounts subject to size
- general partnership, limited partnership, and branch of foreign company
What are the features of a SOPARFI company?
- subject to normal corporate income tax
- eligible to benefit from double-taxation treaties
- some beneficial tax treatment of profits and dividends
How easy is it to recruit staff in Luxembourg?
The unemployment rate in Luxembourg is low but businesses have little trouble recruiting staff as the labor pool is bolstered by workers commuting into Luxembourg from neighboring countries. The workforce is well educated and is particularly attuned to the financial services sector. Contact us for help and advice on recruitment.
REQUIREMENTS
- If there is only 1 director (i.e. the company form is a SARL, share capital is €12,500) no company secretary is required.
- Share capital can be used as normal company funds after incorporation. You will need an office address.
- Use of nominee Shareholders is common practice – we can provide this service. €850 per shareholder per annum
- Provision of managers (physical persons) + commissioner of accounts (physical person legally mandatory) €1,750 per annum
[/tab]
[tab title="Netherlands"]
Company Formation in Netherlands
The Netherlands has long been a favourite home for foreign investors. It has a stable and successful economy and a trade and investment policy that’s one of the most open in the world.
What are the main types of company in the Netherlands?
There are four major kinds of business entity, and they are as follows:
- public limited company (NV)
- private limited company (BV)
- partnerships
- branches
REQUIREMENTS
- One director will be required.
- A minimum share capital of €18,000 for BV and €45,000 for NV needs to be deposited
- Accounting obligations required.
- Virtual or physical office required.
- One utility bill within the last 30 days, as well as documents listed below, will be required upon request
[/tab]
[tab title="Norway"]
Company Formation in Norway
Few countries can beat Norway when it comes to quality of life. The world’s third biggest oil exporter after Saudi Arabia and Russia, Norway is a wealthy, stable democracy with an enviable ability to balance free-market capitalism and social welfare. The business climate is surprisingly benign, with a flat corporation tax rate of 28%.
What are the main types of company in Norway?
The three most popular forms of corporate structure in Norway are as follows:
- private limited company (AS)
- public limited company (ASA)
- branch office of a foreign company
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum share capital 100,000 NOK (€12,836), fully paid up.
- At least one shareholder; board of directors required.
- 50% of board members must be resident in Norway. Nominees can be provided at € 1750 per annum for passive director services.
[/tab]
[tab title="Panama"]
Company Formation in Panama
FEES
- Company formation
- First year government filing fees, Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Letter of appointment of first Director
- Minutes of the first meeting of the founders
- Share Certificates
- Register of shareholders and Register of Directors
- Registered agent services/registered office (Domiciliation fee) 1 year
- Nominee Director
- Nominee Shareholder
[/tab]
[tab title="Poland"]
Company Formation in Poland
There are generally two reasons why business investors set up companies abroad: either to access new markets or to cut costs. Poland, which joined the EU in 2004, scores exceptionally well on both counts. The Polish market is the largest in Central Europe
What are the main types of company in Poland?
There are four main kinds of business entity for foreign investors and they are as follows:
- limited liability company (sp. z o.o)
- joint stock company (S.A.)
- partnership
- sole proprietor
REQUIREMENTS
- A private limited company is the most popular format for small/medium sized companies.
- Minimum share capital is 5,000 zlotys €1,100 to be fully paid up).
- Minimum number of directors is one.
- No restrictions on foreign shareholders.
- Annual accounts to be prepared and held at company offices.
[/tab]
[tab title="Portugal"]
Company Formation in Portugal
The Portuguese economy has had some difficulties in keeping pace with the rest of the European Union and its gross domestic product remains significantly below the EU average. This doesn’t mean Portugal is a poor prospect for international investors – far from it. A natural hub for trade between Europe and the Americas, Portugal has an open economy and actively seeks to attract foreign investment.
What are the main types of company in Portugal?
There are two main forms of corporate structure for foreign companies, and they are as follows:
- public company (S.A.)
- private limited company (Lda)
REQUIREMENTS
- If the new company has only one shareholder, then the option is to set up a Single Shareholder Limited Liability Company.
- Minimum share capital is €5,000. This needs to be transferred as soon as the bank account has been set up.
- You will need to go over to Portugal to sign documents with the notary and to sign forms for the bank account.
[/tab]
[tab title="Romania"]
Company Formation in Romania
Romania has pulled off a minor economic miracle in recent years, sweeping aside the remnants of socialist planning and transforming itself into a model of free-market reform. Now a full member of the EU, and with GDP moving ahead briskly at more than 5% annually, Romania is one of Europe’s most promising locations for investors wishing to set up a new company. For many, however, it is uncharted territory, which is why we should be your first port of call. Our specialist experts will steer you safely to success.
What are the most common types of company in Romania?
The two most popular forms of business entity in Romania are:
- Limited liability company (SRL)
- Joint stock company (SA)
[/tab]
[tab title="Spain"]
Company Formation in Spain
Spain has one of the most robust economies in the EU, thanks to strong inward investment, a booming manufacturing sector and a liberal business environment. Annual growth, currently well over three per cent, has been outperforming the EU average for a number of years. Spain has a deserved reputation as a low-cost land of opportunity for foreign investors but bureaucratic requirements are strict.
What are the main types of company in Spain?
The two most popular forms of corporate structure in Spain are as follows:
- public limited company (S.A.)
- private limited company (S.L.)
REQUIREMENTS
- You should firstly apply for your Spanish identification number called an NIE. You can apply to a Spanish embassy for this document in the country in which you reside before arriving in Spain. It will take 8 weeks to obtain the NIE number but if you apply in Spain it will take only 2 weeks.
- Minimum share capital to be deposited for a Limited company is €3,006.
- Minimum directors: no minimum directors required – you can be a director and a shareholder at the same time.
- If EU VAT number required, then minimum is a Serviced/Physical Office
- If only local tax number required, then a minimum of a registered office is required
[/tab]
[tab title="Sweden"]
Company Formation in Sweden
Sweden has been officially neutral and at peace for the entire 20th century, which goes some way to explaining its prosperity and security today. With a stable economy that is strongly oriented towards foreign trade, it is a natural choice for international investors seeking new territorial markets. Sweden is also firmly committed to the welfare state and the high tax rates that are needed to fund it, so it is essential to take professional advice on tax planning and related issues.
What are the main types of company in Sweden?
The five most popular forms of corporate structure in Sweden are as follows:
- private limited company
- public limited company
- branch office of a foreign company
- partnership
- sole trader
REQUIREMENTS
- The board may consist of just one member, plus a deputy.
- The minimum share capital is SEK 50,000 (€5,000).
- Owner’s liability is limited to assets of the company.
- Client must have a summons representative if there is no intention to have a presence in Sweden.
- A Swedish company must have an Ordinary Board Member and Deputy Board Member, these cannot be the same person.
- Client will be required to go to Sweden to set up bank account.
- Client must provide a Notary Certified passport copy.
- Client must provide a statement from HMRC showing their tax record.
- Client must also provide short business plan (Business Descriptions, operations in Sweden, Estimates of Turnover/Volume of payments etc/ clear description of the ownership.
[/tab]
[tab title="Switzerland"]
Company Formation in Switzerland
Switzerland is undoubtedly one of the most attractive countries in the world in which to live, work, and run a company. It offers a combination of political and economic stability, a clean and safe environment, and comparatively low personal and company tax rates. But the tax regime, whilst relatively benign, is quite complex. If you want to make sure your company is structured in the most tax-efficient way.
What are the main types of company in Switzerland?
There are two major types of business entity for foreign investors, and they are as follows:
- Limited Liability Company (Sàrl)
- Corporation (SA)
What are the main features of an Sàrl?
- Mainly used for small to medium sized businesses
- Minimum share capital is 20,000 Swiss Francs (€12,320)
- No restrictions on foreign ownership
- Minimum of two people required to establish the company
- One of the directors must be a Swiss resident
What are the main features of an SA?
- Mainly used for medium to large sized businesses
- Minimum share capital is 100,000 Swiss Francs (€61,600)
- At least 50% of share capital to be paid up
- Shareholders can remain completely anonymous
- Majority of board directors must be Swiss residents
[/tab]
[tab title="Turkey"]
Company Formation in Turkey
Turkey offers a natural gateway to three of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets: Europe, Asia and the Middle East. No wonder its economy is booming, up 34% over the four years to 2005, and still growing more than 5% per annum. Add to this a huge domestic market, an ambitious labor force and low wage costs, and you can see why Turkey is emerging as an essential centre for foreign investors.
What are the main forms of business entity in Turkey?
The two most popular forms of business entity in Turkey are:
- Limited liability company (LS)
- Joint stock company (AS)
How much share capital is required for a limited liability (LS) company?
The minimum share capital for a limited liability company is YTL 5,000 (€2,700) of which 25% should be paid up.
What other requirements are there for a limited liability (LS) company?
- Minimum of two shareholders
- Shareholders may be Turkish or foreign nationals
- No need for audited accounts if fewer than fifty shareholders
How much share capital is required for a joint stock (AS) company?
The minimum share capital for an AS company is YTL 50,000 (€27,000) of which 25% should be paid up.
What other requirements are there for a joint stock (AS) company?
- Minimum of five shareholders (no nationality requirement)
- Board of Directors (minimum three directors)
- All AS companies are required to have their accounts audited
[/tab]
[tab title="Ukraine"]
Company Formation in Ukraine
With rich farmlands, a well-developed industrial base, highly trained labour force, and a good education system; Ukraine has the potential to become a major European economy. The economic situation records show high growth during the last three years. Though the country’s long-term economic prospects depend on acceleration of its market reforms. Ukraine encourages foreign trade and investment. The share of foreign trade in country’s GDP has reached nearly 115%. One-third of Ukraine’s exports go to Europe, while as nearly one-fourth goes to Russia and the CIS countries.
What are the most common types of company in Ukraine?
- Limited liability company (ТOV)
- Jonit-stock company (VAT & ZAT)
- Representative Office (can perform both trading and non-trading activity)
What requirements are there for a TOV?
- share capital of at least 1 minimum official salary which amounts to approximately 80 EUR.
- at least 50% of the share capital must be paid up before company’s registration
- the management board can consist of one person (Director), or several people as an executive board.
- resident director required at the moment of incorporation
What requirements are there for a VAT/ZAT?
- at least one shareholder
- share capital of at least 1250 minimum official salaries which amounts to approximately 105.200 EUR.
- at least 50% of the share capital must be paid up before company’s registration
[/tab]
[tab title="United Kingdom"]
Company Formation in United Kingdom
The United Kingdom has one of the most successful economies in the EU. It attracts more inward investment from Asia and the US than any other EU country, securing almost a quarter of all investment into Europe in 2006, according to Ernst & Young. This success is reflected in the number of foreign companies that have expanded into the UK.
Why is the UK so popular among foreign investors?
Investors have cited a number of reasons for choosing the UK, including these:
- size of the market – it is the world’s 4th largest economy
- strong currency – the pound has performed better than the Euro
- location and language – a natural point of entry into the EU
- government policy – the UK has a liberal business environment
- At the same time, it should be noted that the UK doesn’t have a particularly attractive tax regime – full corporate income tax is 30% – and there are few general incentives.
What are the main types of company in the UK?
These are the most popular structures for foreign companies entering the UK:
- private limited company (Ltd)
- public limited company (Plc)
- branch of a foreign company
- limited liability partnership
REQUIREMENTS
- Director and Shareholder are currently required. Company Secretary is recommended.
- Minimum share capital is £2:00 although we recommend that you deposit at least £100 into your corporate bank account.
- VAT: You will require a minimum of a virtual office for VAT registration purposes. You may designate a tax agent in the UK for this purpose.
[/tab]
[tab title="USA"]
Company Formation in USA – Delaware
The state of Delaware is fast becoming renowned as a business haven for corporations looking for a business-friendly environment. With its low tax incentives and increased confidentiality, these factors can provide an attractive advantage to you and your business.
REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum share capital $1
- An increase in the shares may cause an increase in the initial filing fee.
- At least one director is required.
- Residency for directors is not required.
- Directors are not required to be listed in the articles of incorporation.
- The name must contain corporation, incorporation or an abbreviation.
- The name must not be similar to another incorporation.
- Annual filing fee is $289 and is due 1st January.
- To pay local taxes EIN Number.
[/tab]
[/tabgroup]
