Remote company setup in Europe
Estonia is the only one here you can set up yourself online, with e-Residency. The others work remotely through a local agent or power of attorney. Bulgaria costs least, at least £114 in year 1.
| Country | Minimum, year 1 | Per year after | Typical year 1 | Corporation tax | Setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estonia | £443 | £130 | £1,548 | 0% / 22% | Fully remote |
| Lithuania | £220 | £100 | £1,535 | 7% / 17% | Through a provider |
| Latvia | £147 | £130 | £1,785 | 0% / 20% | Through a provider |
| Bulgaria | £114 | £85 | £1,744 | 10% | Through a provider |
| Romania | £150 | £100 | £1,350 | 16% | Through a provider |
| Georgia | £125 | £70 | £1,278 | 0% / 15% | Through a provider |
Estonia and e-Residency
e-Residency gives you a digital ID to form and run an Estonian company online. You collect the card once, in person. Profit kept in the company is taxed at 0%, and you pay 22% when you pay it out. You need a local contact person and address if you run it from abroad. It costs at least £443 in year 1.
Lithuania and Latvia
Both can be formed with an EU e-signature, or through an agent with power of attorney. Latvia taxes only profit you pay out, like Estonia. Lithuania charges 7% for companies under €300k revenue and 17% above.
Bulgaria and Romania
Low flat rates: 10% in Bulgaria and 16% in Romania. Both are set up by power of attorney, and local banks usually want one visit.
Georgia
Not in the EU, but a common alternative. Georgia taxes profit at 0% while you keep it and 15% when you pay it out. Formation is quick by power of attorney, but TBC and Bank of Georgia usually want a visit.
Where you pay tax
A company is usually taxed where it is managed and controlled, not where it is registered. If you make the decisions from home, your home country will usually tax the company, whatever rate it pays abroad.
Questions
Can I set up a company in the EU without living there?
Yes. Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Bulgaria and Romania all let a non-resident own and direct a company.
What is e-Residency?
A digital ID from Estonia that lets you form and run an Estonian company online. You collect the card in person once.
Which is cheapest?
Bulgaria, at least £114 in year 1 and £85 a year after.
Do I need to visit?
For Estonia, once, to collect the e-Residency card. Banks in Bulgaria, Romania and Georgia usually want a visit.
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