The prospect of the Albanian EU integration and its transition to NATO makes it a viable choice for foreign investors. Its geographic and geopolitical location represents an interesting opportunity for those who wish to incorporate a business in Albania. The process of incorporation is completed in ...

The state of Albania has an economy that needs incentives for investors, and the Albanian government is well aware of this issue, having enabled adoption of the national treatment clause, stating all foreign investors are treated no less favorable then Albanian companies. Having this in mind, along ...

Registering companies, legal entities and other entities in Albania, is done through the National Registration Center of Albania. The Center’s main attributions include ensuring a good communication between citizens, public institutions and state authorities. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and ...

The Albanian law encourages foreign investment, equally protecting the freedom of establishment of foreign and Albanian companies, guaranteeing non-discriminatory treatment. Companies with a capital divided into shares can develop branches on a certain territory. Albanian Law permits foreign investo ...

1. What is the minimum share capital for a Limited Liability Company in Albania? A Limited Liability Company is the most common and cheapest to set up in Albania. The minimum share capital required for a LLC is 100,000 ALL (Albanian Lek), which is about 700 EUR. All capital must be paid up prior to ...

 1. What is the corporate tax in Albania? Albania has a corporate tax of 10% that has to be paid for businesses with a turnover of 2 to 5 million ALL per year. However, this tax is among the lowest in Europe. 2. What is the VAT in Albania? In Albania, the Value Added Tax (VAT) is 20%. However, ...

Companies in Albania are regulated by the Law 9901 from 14.04.2008 on the entrepreneurs and commercial companies, a law which brought important changes to the previous corporate law. The company law in Albania however refers to some other aspects from time to time, which are provided by the law 9879 ...

Albania has not been a very popular destination for foreign investments, but its economic growth and market-based economy attracts more and more entrepreneurs who want to establish a company in Albania. The great potential of Albania is mainly exploited by investors in the tourism, construction, chr ...

The legal profession in Albania is regulated by Law 9109/2003, with recent amendments in Law 10047/2008. The profession of lawyers in Albania is independent and self-managed. The Albanian National Bar Association supervises the legal activity of attorneys in Albania and makes sure that lawyers in Al ...

An Albanian notary is a public officer. Public notaries in Albania are organized at a local level by notary chambers on each judicial district. All these local notary chambers are governed by the National Chamber of Notary in Albania. The Albanian public notaries need to register with the local cham ...

It is practically a rule for foreign investors to set up a limited liability company in Albania instead of any other type of company. The decision might be influenced by the low cost of this type of business. Almost 80% of the companies in Albania are limited liability companies.  Capital The m ...

Through its economic policies and reforms, Armenia has become a country full of opportunities for investors. Foreign companies are encouraged to invest here, and are granted the same rights, by the Armenian law. Foreign investors may invest in Armenia establishing fully foreign owned companies. Arme ...

The Civil Code of the Republic of Armenia provides sole proprietorships, limited liability companies, joint stock companies, and general and limited partnerships as legal entities. Most of Armenian companies are small and medium-sized companies, functioning as sole proprietorships and limited liabil ...

1. What is the minimum share capital for a Limited Liability Company in Armenia? A Limited Liability Company in Armenia requires a minimum share capital of 50,000 drams (AMD), approximately 100 EUR. 2. What is the minimum share capital for a Joint Stock Corporation in Armenia? Joint Stock Companies ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Armenia? Armenia has a corporate tax of 20% on taxable profit earned by legal entities. 2. What is the VAT in Armenia? The VAT in Armenia is 20%. Some transactions in different areas are subject to exemption from VAT in Armenia. The VAT can be paid monthly or quarter ...

There are various forms of business entities in Austria, and all of them must be registered with the Austrian Trade Register, in order to function. Setting up an Austrian company is fairly easy, mostly for the limited liability company, which is the most common company type in Austria, and the vario ...

Austrian law welcomes foreign entrepreneurs to start their business here, having similar rules as for Austrian entrepreneurs. The most common forms of business are the Austrian limited liability company and the Austrian joint stock corporation, which must be registered with the local court (Handelsg ...

There are many business types that may be set up by foreign and Austrian entrepreneurs, each having advantages and disadvantages. Most of the companies are required to register with the Austrian Commercial Register. A foreign company, wishing to extend its activities may open a branch in Austria, en ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of an Austrian GmbH (Limited Liability Company)? Entrepreneurs who wish to establish a Limited Liability Company in Austria must provide a minimum capital of 35.000 EUR. However in order to commence the registration procedure only half of the minimum capital must ...

Investing in Austria can be done by setting up a brand new company from scratch, or by purchasing a shelf company. A shelf company is a business entity with no activity, that has been collecting age, a factor that determines its price. The longest a company has been "on the shelf" the more ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Austria? The headline rate of the corporate tax in Austria is of 25% and it is payable within one month after receiving the tax assessments, issued in few weeks after filling the tax return. In general, companies have to file the corporate income tax within three mont ...

When it comes to establishing a company in Austria, the main laws that regulates the procedure and the running of the business are the Austrian Commercial Code, the Austrian Trade Law 1994, the New Companies Promotion Act, the Commercial Register Act and the Federal Law on Special Assistance for Sma ...

Austria is a profitable choice for foreign investors. Entrepreneurs from all over the world choose to set up a business in Austria for different reasons. Its favourable location gives access to Eastern Europe markets. Besides, establishing a company in Austria is an attractive way of development and ...

A Limited Liability Company in Austria is known as a Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung or GmbH and it is the most popular option for foreign companies set up in Austria, because it is easy and simple to establish and run. High net-worth entrepreneurs who want to invest in Austria found the ...

Any lawyer in Austria must be a member in the Austrian Bar Association. The Bar Association also supervises disciplinary issues. The compensation of an attorney in Austria is determined according to the Lawyers’ Tariffs Act, but lawyers in Austria may as well be free to set their fees. Austria ...

A public notary in Austria mainly deals with legalization and authentication of documents. The fee for a public notary in Austria is determined according to the Notarial Tariff Act. The Federal Minster of Justice decides upon the number of notarial positions and locations of offices. The Federal Mi ...

In Azerbaijan the legal entities are regulated by the Civil Code, as well as specific laws and regulations. These laws include the Law on State Registration of Legal Entities, the Law on Securities, the Law on Joint Stock companies and the Law on Limited liability companies, and they regulate the re ...

Setting up a company is one way to invest in Azerbaijan. However a less risky procedure is setting up a company branch of a foreign company. This means the parent company will be liable for the debts and obligations of the branch which won't be regarded as a separate legal entity, but is subject to ...

1. What is the minimum share capital for a Limited Liability Company in Azerbaijan? There is no specified minimum share capital when establishing a Limited Liability Company in Azerbaijan. However, a minimum capital might be set by an executive authority. In this case, the amount must be paid in ful ...

 1. What is the corporate tax in Azerbaijan? Any company registered in Azerbaijan is subject to a corporate tax rate of 20% for its worldwide income.  2. What is the VAT in Azerbaijan? In Azerbaijan, the standard VAT rate is 18%. As in other European systems, there are several goods or tra ...

The most important incentive for foreign investors is the welcoming environment that Belarus offers. Its economy offers low taxes and guaranteed security of funds and information. According to Belarusian law, business can be set up by individuals or legal entities who comply with the law. There are ...

The state of Belarus encourages foreign entrepreneurs to invest in the country, and one method is to form a company, benefiting from the same regulations, and a non-discriminatory treatment. An entrepreneur may chose from various forms of business types. The most common business entity in Belarus is ...

 1. What is the minimum share capital for a Limited Liability Company (OOO) in Belarus? A Limited Liability Company (Obshchestvo s Ogranichennoi Otvetstvennostyu, “OOO”) in Belarus does not require a minimum share capital in order to be set up. Still, you have to keep in mind there ...

  1. What is the corporate tax in Belarus?  The corporate tax rate for a company registered in Belarus is 24% from the sales profit. 2. What is the VAT in Belarus? The Value Added Tax (VAT) in Belarus is 20%. However, there are some exceptions in several areas, such as food, agriculture, r ...

Belgium admits various forms of business on its territory, and is well-known in Europe for the reduced period of time for the incorporation of a fully functional company. Although entrepreneurs may choose from a variety of legal structures, the most common forms are the public and private limited co ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Belgian BVBA/SPRL (Private Limited Liability Company)? In order to set up a Belgian NV/SA or Limited Liability Company the law requires a minimum capital of 18.550 EUR. However before commencing the registration procedure only 6.500 EUR must be paid up. As t ...

Many foreign companies wishing to invest in Belgium usually open a branch or a subsidiary in the country. However a Belgian branch is not regarded as a separate entity from the foreign parent company whereas the subsidiary is considered a separate Belgian company. The branch is an extension of the p ...

Entrepreneurs who wish to invest in Belgium have various alternatives, out of which acquiring a Belgian shelf or readymade company, may be the quickest. A Belgium "off the shelf" company is an already established business entity which is usually dormant or inactive. This type of company sh ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Belgium? The corporate income tax rate on the total income of resident companies in Belgium is 33, 99% and it includes a 3% called 'crisis surcharge', which was introduced by the Belgian government in 1993, as a crisis complementary tax contributing to social security ...

Starting a company in Bosnia and Herzegovina implies a series of well structured procedures. An entrepreneur must register for tax purposes, insurance, health and in order to obtain the certificate of function, registering the company with Municipal Court is mandatory. Foreign investors find a produ ...

The Company Law of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina regulates the establishment, operation and dissolution of businesses. The registration procedure of a company in Bosnia is done in maximum five days at the Ministry of Trade. There are a number of possibilities for foreign investors to acti ...

1. What is the minimum share capital for a Limited Liability Company in Bosnia and Herzegovina? The minimum share capital needed for establishing a Limited Liability Company (d.o.o.) in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 2,000 BAM, the equivalent of approx. 1,000 EUR, which has to be fully paid prior to reg ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Bosnia and Herzegovina? The corporate tax rate in Bosnia and Herzegovina is 10%. Only companies with less than 9 employees and less than 100,000 BAM per year revenue are entitled to a reduced corporate tax rate of 2%. 2. What is the VAT in Bosnia and Herzegovina? The ...

There are several types of company appropriate for conducting business in Bulgaria. According to the Commercial Law issued by The Supreme Court of Cassation of the Republic of Bulgaria, entrepreneurs can choose between five main types of business. Article 64, chapter 10, division 3, mentions their g ...

Every person whishing to undertake economic activity developing a Bulgarian company may do so by registering to the Bulgarian District Court and the Commercial Register. The most common forms of registered companies are the limited liability company and the joint stock company. Preliminary activit ...

Even though the State of Bulgaria is not one of the most powerful states, economically speaking, there are many entrepreneurs that do not regret the choice of investing in Bulgaria. This can be done either by establishment of a new company, either by opening a branch of an already existing foreign c ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Limited Liability Company in Bulgaria ? Limited Liability Company is the most common vehicle for doing business in Bulgaria due to its straight-forward incorporation process, simple structure and minimum capital requirement of only 2 Leva, approximately 1 EU ...

  1. What is the corporate tax in Bulgaria? The corporate tax  for a Bulgarian company is 10%, with the exception of companies who activate in shipping or gambling, which are submitted to different corporate taxes on income. 2. What is the VAT in Bulgaria? The VAT in Bulgaria is calculate ...

Doing business in Croatia offers plenty opportunities for success, as the country has an increasingly powerful economy, based on a high level of professionalism and geographical and geopolitical advantages. Foreign investors are welcome, being equally treated, and encouraged to develop business. Due ...

Croatia offers a friendly and welcoming environment for foreign investors, mainly due to the favorable foreign investment policy. Investors in Croatia find a prosperous economy, offering them plenty opportunities for success in many domains. Even though there are many business entities available, fo ...

Foreign entrepreneurs who wish to invest in Croatia may choose from a number of business forms, including setting up a company or a branch of a foreign company. The incorporation process is straightforward and foreign entrepreneurs are welcome in Croatia. A Croat branch is not a separate legal entit ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Croatian Limited Liability Company? Limited Liability Companies are the most common form of business in Croatia due to the straight-forward incorporation process and low initial capital required, which is 20.000 HRK. 2. What is the minimum share capital for ...

 1. What is the corporate tax in Croatia? The corporate income tax rate in 2011 for legal entities that are registered in Croatia is 20%. 2. What is the VAT in Croatia? The standard VAT rate in Croatia is 23%, but there are also exceptions, when several goods and services are only subject to a ...

The Company law in Croatia is based in German and Austrian law and was adopted in November 1993. It is considered that the company law in Croatia is flexible for all sizes of a business. The Companies’ Act in Croatia regulates the formation of a company in Croatia. The basic rules on structure ...

The legal profession has quite a long tradition in Croatia, dating from the 1200s. There are almost 4,000 lawyers practicing in Croatia and most of them are in the capital city of Zagreb. Foreign law companies are not allowed to be set up in Croatia. The Attorney’s Code of Ethics regulates the ...

The Cyprus laws regulate the structure of companies and legal forms, and are very similar to the ones of the United Kingdom. In order to function, every company in Cyprus must be registered within the Registrar of Companies, a procedure that can be done by nationals or foreigners, with few differenc ...

Cyprus is a major business centre offering great business facilities including a low tax haven, with a stable economy and a welcoming territory for foreign investments. The company registration procedure in Cyprus is basically the same for all business entities, having a simple and straightforward s ...

There are plenty of entrepreneurs who start up their business in Cyprus, either by setting up companies, or establishing Cypriot branches of foreign companies. A Cypriot branch is not a separate legal entity, the parent company disposing of the branch's profit and holding full liability for its debt ...

There are many ways to invest in Cyprus and even more reasons. Cyprus offers a welcoming environment for foreign investment, and the government has a positive attitude towards it. Entrepreneurs often choose to establish companies as it is one of the best ways to invest here. In order to do that entr ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Cypriot Private Company Limited by Shares? In Cyprus most entrepreneurs who start their small to medium-sized business incorporate a Private Company Limited by Shares. This company type is not required a minimum initial capital. 2. What is the minimum share ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Cyprus? The standard corporate tax rate for companies that are registered in Cyprus is 10%, one of the lowest in Europe. 2. What is the VAT in Cyprus? In Cyprus, the standard VAT rate is 15%, but there is a reduced rate of 8% and 5%. There are also some services and ...

Country profile Cyprus is a republic with 754,064 inhabitants, that are extended on 9,250 kilometers square. The country is actually an island, situated in the Mediterranean Sea. The capital city of Cyprus is Nicosia, with approx. 195,000 people. Other important cities include Larnaca, Limassol or P ...

Anyone who wants to set up a business in Cyprus needs to be aware of the rules mentioned in the Cyprus Company Law, cap. 113, which is considered to be inspired by the English Companies Act 1948. Anyway, there were some amendments to the Companies Law, which were introduced in 2000 and 2001. As a co ...

General overview There are over 1,000 international businesses in Cyprus at the moment and the main priority for the Cyprus Government is to attract even more foreign investments. As a consequence, the Cypriot government established the Cyprus Investment Promotion Agency (CIPA) in order to promote t ...

Many elements contribute to making Cyprus an attractive option for foreign investments. Doing business on this island is facilitated by location, infrastructure, work force and tax system. Besides, the Central Bank of Cyprus provides sufficient data to consider that Cyprus has a high potential in te ...

  A Limited Liability Company in Cyprus is regulated by the Cyprus Company Law, Chapter 113, being the most popular form of business that foreign investors choose when coming to Cyprus. One entrepreneur can choose to form a company as holding, property or general trading company. Capital There ...

Joint Stock Companies in Cyprus are public companies limited by shares (PLC). As a matter of fact, any company without the restrictions applicable to private companies limited by shares is a public company. A PLC has access to capital markets and may sell its shares to the public, as well as being l ...

A lawyer in Cyprus is both an advocate and an advisor in legal situations. A Cyprus attorney can help prevent and solve legal issues by providing advice to local and international clients. Law firms in Cyprus must have the proper expertise in order to provide advice to and act for individuals and co ...

The profession of public notary in Cyprus does not exist. The duties that usually belong to public notaries in other states are performed by lawyers in Cyprus who are members of the Cyprus Bar Association. There are also certifying officers in Cyprus who can only deal with only one of the notary&rsq ...

A power of attorney in Cyprus is a formal means of handing over one’s authority to make decisions on another person’s behalf. The activities that the attorney is entitled to perform are usually defined in the power of attorney in Cyprus. These actions may include representation in legal ...

1. What is the minimum share capital? One can choose between two most popular types of companies that are usually set up in Cyprus. For a Private Company Limited by shares, there is no minimum share capital required, but if the choice is the establishment of a Public Company limited by shares, then ...

a) Czech Limited Liability Company (Spole?nost s ru?ením omezeným) The Limited Liability Company is the most common form of company in the Czech Republic. It offers simpler administration than a Joint Stock Company and one person can be both the sole owner and executive. For a limited ...

The most common business types established on the Czech territory are the limited liability and the joint stock company. In order to function, both company types must obtain a commercial license through the Companies Registrar. Preliminary activities before registering A Czech Limited liability (L ...

Foreign entrepreneurs may incorporate businesses in the Czech Republic in many ways. Establishing a company, usually limited liability company, may represent the best suited solution for someone who wishes to set up a brand new company. However already established companies may choose to incorporate ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Czech s.r.o (Limited Liability Company)? In order for a Czech Limited Liability Company to function legally it must provide at least 7938 EUR as minimum capital. Each member of the new company must make a monetary or non-monetary contribution. The amount of ...

There are various forms to invest in The Czech Republic, but only two ways to establish a company. The first means to start the company from scratch, by providing all the required paperwork, notarize it and submit it to the relevant institutions. The second option implies purchasing a readymade or & ...

1. What is the corporate tax in the Czech Republic? A Czech company has to pay a corporate income tax rate of 19%, with a rate of 5% for pension funds, investment funds and share funds. The corporate tax has to be paid for the worldwide income. 2. What is the VAT in the Czech Republic? The standard ...

Danish companies are registered with the Danish Commerce and Companies Agency, in a process that requires minimum administrative procedures. Entrepreneurs may chose from various types of business types, suitable for their needs. As in most European countries, the most common types used are the limit ...

Establishing a company in Denmark has a lot of advantages, the main one being a very simple and short registration process. Towards foreign investment Denmark is characterized by openness and non-discrimination. Entrepreneurs prefer to open mostly public and private limited companies. Preliminary a ...

There are many ways to invest in Denmark, including setting up a Danish company. The Danish law allows fully owned foreign companies, and does not restrict operations in foreign currencies. Already existing foreign companies may choose to open branches on the territory of Denmark, provided that they ...

Denmark is a powerful country economically speaking, offering entrepreneurs a good business environment. For this reason many entrepreneurs choose to invest in Denmark either by setting up companies, branches or acquiring a readymade company. This company type refers to a business entity already inc ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Denmark? Companies resident in Denmark are subjected to Danish corporate tax on their profits made in Denmark and abroad, to some extent. Non-resident companies, on the other hand pay tax on the income made in Denmark. The standard corporate income tax is 25%. 2. Wha ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Private Limited Liability Company in Denmark ? Private Limited Liability Companies are the most suited business organization form for small up to medium sized business. The minimum required capital is DKK 125.000 or EUR 17.000 . 2. What is the minimum share ...

The Danish company law is known for its freedom of organisation and it is valid only in the version published in the Official Law Gazette. The major types of companies in Denmark are ruled by acts that have been slightly modified throughout time. For instance, the private companies are regulated by ...

Denmark is one of the top choices in the world when it comes to foreign investments. Several aspects such as highly qualified labour market or the lack of bureaucracy contribute to the reasons that make entrepreneurs from all over to world to set up businesses in Denmark. As a matter of fact, Denmar ...

A lawyer in Denmark is mainly a legal adviser. Lawyers in Denmark are subject to a Code of Conduct issued by the Minister of Justice and they are also supervised by the Consumer Ombudsman. The Code of Conduct is not only a guide to lawyers in Denmark and their clients, but also a contribution to the ...

A limited liability company is usually the choice for small and middle-sized companies in Denmark. Limited liability companies in Denmark are known as Anpartsselskab or ApS and must be registered with the Danish Commerce and Companies Agency before beginning their activity. This type of company has ...

A joint stock company in Denmark is a public limited company also known as Aktieselskab or A/S. It is usually chosen by entrepreneurs who want to set up a large company and who want to be listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange. The formation agreement of a joint stock company in Denmark must be sig ...

The tax system of Estonia is considered a success as it contains a flat income tax and no corporate tax, a characteristic quite unique to Estonia. Entrepreneurs prefer establishing Estonian public and private limited companies, which have an easy incorporation process, requiring few steps. Prelimin ...

The economy of Estonia relies in a significant way on foreign investments, and allows entrepreneurs of whatever nationality to establish Estonian limited companies or partnerships. However most of the business entities set up in Estonia are public or private limited liability companies. Open a Publ ...

A new company in Estonia must be registered with the Commercial Register of Estonia in order to function. The institution’s main attribution is to ensure that every registered company has updated information stored in the database, to enlist every change made in the structure of a legal entity ...

There are many ways to invest in Estonia and foreign entrepreneurs usually establish companies or set up branches. If a foreign company wants to offer services in its own name in Estonia it must register as a branch with the Commercial Register. An Estonian branch is not a legal person, nor is it co ...

 1. What is the minimum share capital for a limited liability company in Estonia? In order to set up a Limited Liability Company in Estonia, the minimum amount of share capital is around 2,500 EUR. Since 1 January 2011, the currency in Estonia became euro. The contribution can be paid off in ca ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Estonia? The tax system in Estonia does not require the payment of a corporate tax for undistributed profits, a characteristic quite unique to Estonia. 2. What is the VAT in Estonia? In Estonia, the standard VAT rate is 20%, but there are also some exceptions. For ex ...

Companies in Estonia are governed by the Commercial Code, which was firstly introduced in 1995. However, it has been lately modified in order to meet the modern requirements and also to adapt to the European legislation. As a matter of fact, Estonia had an agreement with the European Union regarding ...

Private limited liability companies in Estonia are known as Osaühing or OÜ. They are rather popular for foreign investors who want to set up a business in Estonia because they are less expensive and easier to run.   Capital The minimum share capital required for setting up a private l ...

A public limited liability company in Estonia is a bit different from the private limited liability company. The main characteristic is that this type of company can list its shares with the stock exchange. This type of business is also known as Aktsiaselts or AS and it is also quite popular in Esto ...

Estonia is a popular destination for foreign investors who want to set up business abroad. Many foreign companies were established in Estonia over the past decades and it is needless to say that foreign investors played an important role to the Estonian economy. Foreign companies dominate banking an ...

Finland allows various forms of business types, regulated by the Companies Act. In many ways, setting up a company in Finland does not differ from setting it up anywhere else in Europe. The process is quite simple, and resembles with other countries, and the forms of business entities are not very d ...

The state of Finland offers great incentives for foreign investment and also it represents a country full of opportunities for entrepreneurs in many sectors. Engaging in commercial activities can be done through establishment of a brand new Finish company, or by setting up a company branch. Choosing ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Finnish Oy (Private Limited Liability Company)? The most common form of business in Finland is the Limited Liability Company, or Oy. The business type is best suited for small to medium sized business and the minimum capital required is 2.500 EUR. 2. What i ...

There are various ways to invest in Finland, a country that offers plenty incentives with a permanently developing economy. Entrepreneurs can start a new business on the territory of Finland by setting up a business. Even though the procedure is not very common, an investor may choose to buy a Finni ...

 1. What is the corporate tax in Finland? Companies that are set up in Finland have to subdue to a corporate tax rate of 26%. All companies that are resident in Finland have to pay the corporate tax for the worldwide income, while those that are not Finnish residents must pay only for the incom ...

Foreign investors are attracted to Finland as a destination for setting up a new business. The reasons include the location, the infrastructure and reduced rate of corruption. It is no wonder why Finland is situated in high positions in different international ratings for economic stability. The min ...

The legal profession in Finland falls under the Advocates Act 1958/496. A lawyer in Finland must observe the Rules of Proper Professional Conduct for Advocates. Legal practitioners in Finland can be either members of the Finnish Bar Association or non-members, but only those who are registered with ...

The profession of public notary in Finland is regulated by law. A public notary in Finland can only be employed by local register offices or jurisdictional district offices. A public notary in Finland is a state official. Finnish public notaries do not fulfill this position full-time. Many public no ...

Formation of a French Joint Stock Company (Société Anonyme - S.A.) The Joint Stock company in France may not be formed by less then seven shareholders, individuals or legal entities that provide at least EUR 37.000 as a minimum capital. The shareholders must appoint a minimum of three ...

A big advantage to setting up a company in France is that foreign entrepreneurs don't have to obey any specific restrictions, withstanding the same rules, regulations, rights and obligations as nationals. The most common business forms chosen by entrepreneurs are French joint stock companies (Soci&e ...

The French Registry of Commerce and Companies, or the Registre de commerce et des sociétés (RCS) includes all natural and legal persons engaged in commercial activities, and other entities according to the Act of December 19, 2002 on non profit foundations, civil society etc. The Trade ...

Foreign investors who wish to incorporate a business may do so by establishing a brand new company, and going through the incorporation procedure or extend their business through a branch established in France. Foreign investment is encouraged in France, and entrepreneurs will benefit from a non-dis ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a French S.A.R.L. (Limited Liability Company)? In order to set up a French S.A.R.L. or French Limited Liability Company the law does not require a minimum capital, as this requirement has been removed since 2003. Before that, the minimum capital was 8000 EUR ...

1. What is the corporate tax in France? Under French tax law the corporate tax is an annual direct tax that affects all profits made by corporations and business entities. Corporations domiciled or managed in France are obliged to have full corporation tax liability, having their domestic and foreig ...

The main document to which French company law submits is the Commercial Code (Code de Commerce). Moreover, the Civil Code and the Monetary and Financial Code are also considered sources of the rules that apply to the establishment of French companies. The French Registry of Commerce and Companies, o ...

Country profile France is a republic with 22 administrative regions that contain 96 departments. Its population of 65 million lives either in the metropolitan area, or in overseas territories. France is considered the largest West-European Country, with a surface of 545,630 kilometers square of land ...

General overview At the moment, there are over 20,000 foreign companies in France, employing over 2.3 million people. In 2010, France registered 782 new foreign investment projects, creating more than 30,000 jobs, according to the Invest in France Agency. Some European Statistics situate France in t ...

France is one of the leading foreign investment recipients in Europe. Its stable economy and high quality of life are among the most frequent reasons for entrepreneurs to choose France as their investment destination. In a report published in 2010 by the Invest in France Agency under the name &ldquo ...

If a foreign investor intends to set up a Limited Liability Company in France or a Societe a Responsabilite Limitee (SARL), it is necessary to know that this type of company is the best choice for small and medium-sized businesses. Although the French system is rather complex and you may need some g ...

Joint stock corporations are very common in France and they are known as Société Anonyme or SA. The French Joint Stock Companies are preferred by foreign investors who want to set up a larger business. Capital The minimum capital required for setting up a SA in France is 37,000 EUR. At ...

Lawyers in France practise in either private or public law. Private law focuses on civil and criminal law, while public law means especially administrative and constitutional law. In 2007, there were over 47,000 lawyers in France, out of which half were practising in Paris. The profession of an atto ...

A public notary in France is responsible for written agreements, contracts and other official documents. French public notaries play an important role in the legal system. In 2007, there were over 8,500 notaries in France and more than 4,500 notarial offices. Public notaries in France are highly edu ...

The Power of Attorney in France is known as a “procuration” in French and has the role of granting the person appointed the right to represent the person who grants the power, as well as undertake actions on behalf of the latter. The French Power of Attorney or POA is necessary when a pe ...

1. What is the minimum share capital? An entrepreneur who wants to set up a business in France, can choose between the formation of a limited liability company or a joint stock company. The first type does not require a minimum share capital higher than one euro, but when it comes to a joint stock c ...

The Georgian government encourages foreign investment and guarantees nondiscriminatory behavior. The most common Georgian company form is the limited liability company, but there are other business types available for every need. Open a Limited Liability Company in Georgia The Georgian limited liab ...

In order to establish a company in Georgia, the founders must comply with a small number of procedures, very well structured. It is important that the members provide company documents, as charters or articles of association, as well as information on the shareholder, or participants. Registration o ...

1. What is the minimum share capital for a Limited Liability Company in Georgia? There is no obligatory minimum capital for establishing a Limited Liability Company in Georgia. 2. What is the minimum share capital for a stock corporation in Georgia? As in the case of a limited liability company, the ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Georgia? The corporate income tax rate for a business in Georgia is 15%. 2. What is the VAT in Georgia? In Georgia, the standard VAT rate is 18%. There are no reduced rates, but a zero VAT rate applies to exports, services of tour operators, electrical power, internat ...

Entrepreneurs of any nationality have the possibility to chose from various forms of business entities in Germany, even though the most common company types are the German limited liability company, or Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung and the joint stock company, or Aktiengesellschaft. Fo ...

The most common forms of business entities in Germany are the German limited liability company (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) and the German joint stock company (Aktiengesellschaft). Preliminary activities before registering limited liability and joint stock companies in Germany Prior ...

There are plenty of reasons, economically speaking for which an entrepreneur chooses Germany as the state to invest in. There are various alternatives available to do so. They may invest in an already existing company, create and incorporate a separate company, usually limited liability company, or ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a German GmbH (Limited Liability Company)? Setting up a German Limited Liability Company requires a minimum capital of 25.000 EUR in monetary or non-monetary contributions which have to be evaluated. Also each member of a German GmbH must provide at least 100 ...

Engaging in business in Germany, one of the most powerful economies in the world, is usually done by setting up private companies, or branches on the countries territory. An entrepreneur can commence the business establishment from scratch, or acquire a shelf, or ready made company. This business ty ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Germany? Since the comprehensive reforms in 2001 and 2008 the tax system in Germany has been modified to better suit the country's economy. The corporate tax in Germany applies to a standard rate of 15%. In addition a business tax of 14% up to 17% is applied, being pa ...

Foreign investors are attracted to Germany as a destination for setting up new businesses due to many reasons. Germany is considered to be one of the top countries for foreign investments, with an estimated inward investment of 479 billion EUR. Furthermore, Germany is the second exporter in the worl ...

There are many opportunities for opening a company in Greece, as it represents a welcoming business environment both for nationals and foreign investors. The Greek company law is based on the French system, the major business types are equivalent of the French. The most common way to open up a busin ...

Establishing a Greek company can be a great opportunity for investors, as the Greek tax system is simple and the government supports foreign business activities. Also Greece has a high level of competitiveness within the active population for education and work productivity. The incorporation proces ...

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Greece has a lot of attributions, but is the main institution responsible for company registration. Other attributions include assisting the Government in the fields of commerce, industry, services and general development. One of the most important activities, ...

Anyone wishing to conduct business in Greece finds a welcoming and economically stable environment. Another advantage in setting up a business in Greece is the high qualified workforce and limited restrictions. Entrepreneurs may set up a brand new business, usually a limited liability company or may ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Greek EPE (Limited Liability Company)? In order to establish a limited liability company in Greece, or an EPE, the founders must provide a minimum capital of 4.500 EUR which must be fully paid up on signature of the Articles of Association. At least half of ...

 1. What is the corporate tax in Greece? The standard corporate tax rate for the first half of 2011 in Greece is 24%. After the 31st July 2011, the corporate tax rate is 20%, while for partnerships, the corporate tax rate in Greece is 25%.  2. What is the VAT in Greece? In Greece, the stan ...

Company law in Greece is based on the French system. Therefore, the main types of the companies that can be established in Greece are pretty much the same as the ones in France. The basic rules of the Greek company law were enacted by the Parliament in the 1920s. After becoming a member state of the ...

A lawyer in Greece must be a member of a Bar Association in Greece. There are 63 Bar Associations and the ones in Athens, Piraeus and Thessaloniki are the largest. Members of these Greek Bar Associations differ on their degree of specialization. An attorney in Greece can only practice law in the dis ...

Public Notaries in Greece play an important role in what legal system means. A Greek public notary shares responsibilities with those of an attorney in Greece.  Public notaries in Greece are also trained under the same conditions as lawyers. In general, a public notary in Greece is a legal offi ...

A power of attorney in Greece allows a person to represent. A power of attorney in Greece is based on the will of the person who is represented so that the attorney can perform legal transactions on behalf of the grantor. The person who receives a power of attorney does not have to give their accept ...

The Hungarian Law regulates many types of trading companies, allowing foreign investors to guide themselves by the same rules as national entrepreneurs. As in most countries, the most common form of business is represented by the Hungarian Limited Liability Company, followed by limited and general p ...

There are some consisting advantages in setting up a company in Hungary. Hungary has a stable economy and low taxes. Also a big advantage consists in the short period of time needed to set up a Hungarian company. Preliminary activities before registering Limited liability (LLC) and joint stock comp ...

The state of Hungary offers great incentives for business purposes in many sectors, a fact that influences many entrepreneurs to invest here. There are several forms of business available for foreign investors to operate. Establishing a company may be a profitable activity, as well as establishing a ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Hungarian Limited Liability Company? The minimum capital for a Limited Liability Company in Hungary has been recently decreased to 500k HUF. 2. What is the minimum share capital for a Hungarian Joint Stock Company? The Hungarian Joint Stock Company, which i ...

 1. What is the corporate tax in Hungary? The Hungarian corporate tax for any type of company is 10% for an income up to 500 million HUF (approximately 2 million EUR). If the income exceeds this amount, the rest of it is submitted to a 19% tax rate. 2. What is the VAT in Hungary? VAT is not fix ...

The state of Iceland encourages foreign investment, mostly by offering incentives for many business sectors. Therefore a number of foreign investors see a real possibility for economic success and decide to invest here. Non-resident investors can normally choose between a series of different legal s ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Icelandic Private Limited Liability Company? The Iceland Private Limited Liability Company is designated for small to medium-sized business being the most common form of business in Iceland. The minimum requested capital is 500.000 ISK. 2. What is the minim ...

 1. What is the corporate tax in Iceland? The corporate tax in Iceland is differentiated according to the type of company. This way, the corporate tax rate for a limited liability company in Iceland is 20%, while the rest of the companies have to pay a 36% corporate tax rate. 2. What is the VAT ...

Iceland is one of the preferred countries in terms of foreign investments for its economic advancement, technological innovation and social stability. It is also known as the country with the least corruption. Its political and economic stability as well as its competitiveness make Iceland a perfect ...

Ireland represents a profitable and consistent business environment, offering several company types suitable for different kind of businesses. The procedure for company formation and registration in Ireland is rather simple, being finished in a matter of days. Entrepreneurs, foreign or nationals, us ...

Ireland has one of the lowest Corporate Tax Rate in the world and a strong well structured organizational infrastructure. The economy of Ireland is developing and is offering a stable basis for foreign entrepreneurs. Setting up a company in Ireland is a fairly simple process that can be completed in ...

The Companies Registration Office in Ireland is the institution where the public statutory information on Irish companies and businesses is stored. The institution has as main functions the incorporation of Irish companies and registration of business names, to apply the enforcement of the Companies ...

Foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish a business in Ireland may do so by incorporating a brand new Irish company, being encouraged by the Irish government and enjoying equal and non-discriminatorily treatment. However already existing foreign companies may establish a branch in Ireland in orde ...

In order to invest in Ireland a foreign entrepreneur needs to consider his/her options. Forming a company may be a profitable way to invest, and this can be achieved by setting up a brand new company, or purchasing a shelf, or readymade company. The main difference consists in the time of incorporat ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Ireland? In Ireland companies pay corporate tax levied on company profits. The tax is charged for both the company's income and gains and its rates differ. 12, 5% tax is charged on trading income, 25% for non-trading income and 10% for companies activating in manufact ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Private company limited by shares in Ireland? The most common company type in Ireland is the Private company limited by shares as it is similar to a regular limited liability company, having a simple structure and a minimum capital requirement of only 2 EUR ...

Italy is a location preferred by foreign investors from all over the world, as the government offers investment incentives in certain areas. Those who wish to establish a company in Italy can choose from the following business entities in accordance to their requirements: Forming a General Partners ...

Italy offers a profitable environment for business development as it has a well organized business infrastructure, a stable economy and most importantly encourages foreign investment. The process of incorporating a company in Italy doesn't take much time and effort to complete. Preliminary activiti ...

The institution in charge with company registration in Italy is the Register of Enterprises of Italy, regulated by the Chamber of Commerce. Its main scope is to register different legal entities storing information into databases permanently accessible to the public. Providing a good communication b ...

Foreign entrepreneurs, owners of companies who wish to expand their business investing in Italy often choose to open a company branch. This business type is regarded separately from the parent company. The parent company is fully liable for the liabilities of each branch it owns. The incorporation p ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of an Italian SRL (Limited Liability Company)? An Italian Limited Liability Company may be owned by one or more shareholders who must provide a minimum capital of EUR 10.000. Usually the shareholders' contributions are made in cash, unless the act of incorporatio ...

A way to engage in business in Italy is acquiring a shelf company, and adjusting it. An Italian shelf company represents a quicker and more efficient way to start a company, as it is already established and registered in Italy with all required institutions. Therefore the time needed to start activi ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Italy? Italian Tax Law requires companies and individual entrepreneurs to pay a 27% corporate tax, which is a State Tax called IRES in Italy. In addition there is another tax, called IRAP which is a regional tax of 3, 9% bringing the total taxation amount at 31, and 4 ...

The main legislation that refers to all types of companies in Italy is the Italian Civil Code. In addition to that, companies are also regulated by the Legislative Decree 58/1998, also known as the Consolidated Financial Act. This act was subject to a reform in 2001 by the Law 366/2001. Also, Consob ...

A limited liability company in Italy is known as a Societa a Responsabilita Limitata or SRL. This type of company is usually intended to meet the needs of a small business. Due to the company law reform, limited liability companies in Italy became rather flexible and easy to run. This is why this ty ...

Joint stock corporations in Italy are known as Societa per azioni or SpA. The capital can be divided into several types of shares, such as related shares, redeemable shares, shares with limiting voting rights or shares offered to employees. The company law reform brought some changes in the governan ...

Lawyers in Italy are entitled to practice legal profession all over the country, no matter where they passed the bar exam. A lawyer in Italy must be aware of the professional code of conduct in order not to break its rules. Attorneys in Italy are divided into ordinary lawyers and lawyers qualified ...

The Italian public notaries are civil law public notaries who act as public officers with jurisdiction over voluntary private law. Their main activities are the authentication of documents. A public notary in Italy plays an official role in the Italian legal system. The first legal mentioning of pub ...

A power of attorney in Italy grants a person the right to represent another individual and act on behalf of their interest in all needed circumstances. If one cannot be present during negotiations of a transaction or for the signing of documents, it is necessary to appoint a third party that represe ...

Latvian law permits developing business on its territory on the same grounds, and following the same rules for Latvian merchants as well as for foreigners. The basics of the types of business entities, adopted by the Saeima (The Latvian Government) and written in The Commercial Law, are enlisted bel ...

In order to be a legal entity and to undertake business activities all companies must be registered with the Latvian Registry of Companies and also as taxpayers with the State Revenue. Preliminary activities before registering a Latvian Limited liability (LLC) and Latvian joint stock companies (JS ...

The state of Latvia encourages foreign investment, offering incentives for foreign investors as well as a great business environment. Entrepreneurs who wish to engage in commercial activities may incorporate a company or set up a branch of the foreign company on the territory of Latvia. A Latvian br ...

A well-known way to invest in Latvia is to start a business by setting up a new company. Even though many entrepreneurs choose to incorporate brand new companies, ensuring all their company's needs are met, the easiest and quickest way to start business is to acquire a shelf company. An "off-th ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Latvia? The general corporate income tax rate for companies in Latvia is 15%. If you set up a micro company, you will benefit from a lower corporate tax rate of 9%. 2. What is the VAT in Latvia? The standard VAT rate in Latvia is 22%, with a reduced rate of 12% for a ...

1. What is the minimum share capital for a Limited Liability Company in Latvia? In order to establish a SIA (Limited Liability Company) in Latvia, a minimum share capital of 2,000 LVL, about 3,000 EUR is required.  2. What is the minimum share capital for a Joint Stock Corporation in Latvia? W ...

There are various forms of business entities allowed in Lithuania, each having its own characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. The Lithuanian law institutes similar regulations for national and foreign entrepreneurs. There are four main kinds of company types which are commonly founded on Lit ...

Every functioning company in Lithuania has to be registered with the Trade Register. The process takes about a week and implies a series of documentation. This process is similar to foreign and national entrepreneurs, the regulations being the same. Preliminary activities before registering a compa ...

One way of investing in Lithuania is through establishment of a company branch. A Lithuanian branch is not considered a separate legal entity from the parent foreign company. The liability of the branch is attributed to the parent company which is responsible for the branch's debts and obligations. ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Lithuanian Private Limited Liability Company? The most common company form of Lithuania is the Private Limited Liability Company. It has a simpler structure and a less complex incorporation process. The starting capital requested by the Lithuanian Law is 10. ...

 1. What is the corporate tax in Lithuania? The standard corporate tax rate that a company registered in Lithuania has to pay in 2011 is 15%. Companies with less than 10 employees and less than 500,000 LTL (144,800 EUR) as an yearly income may pay only a 5% corporate tax rate. 2. What is the VA ...

Luxembourg enjoys economic prosperity, representing a fertile territory for investments. It is known as an excellent banking center and its jurisdiction is also popular for establishing holding and investment companies. Foreign entrepreneurs find a secure and favorable environment for setting up a c ...

Establishing a company in Luxembourg could prove to be quite profitable, as entrepreneurs can benefit from the tax advantages of the country, the well organized business structure and prosperous economy. Another advantage consists of the recognized well treatment for foreign investors. Preliminary ...

The institution in charge with company registration is the Registre de Commerce et des Societes. The institution handles registration of legal entities, planning to engage in business activities and all related activities. Its main purpose is to maintain a good communication between public and organ ...

Many entrepreneurs choose to do business by investing in Luxembourg. There are a lot of advantages, starting with a stable economical environment and qualified workforce. Investors usually choose to set up companies or branches of foreign companies. A company branch established in Luxembourg has no ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a SARL in Luxembourg (Limited Liability Company)? Prior to setting up a Limited Liability Company in Luxembourg, the founders must take into consideration that the minimum capital provided cannot be less then 12.400 EUR and the maximum number of shareholders i ...

Luxembourg is one prosperous state, having a high quality of life and a welcoming environment for foreign investment. Many investors seek to start a business here, due to the relatively low taxes and rather simple procedures. Starting a business can be done by establishing a brand new company from s ...

 1. What is the corporate tax in Luxembourg? In Luxembourg, the corporate tax rate varies according to the income and a 5% increase is applied as an unemployment fund contribution. Therefore, a company with an income below 15,000 EUR is subject for 21% corporate tax, while a company with an inc ...

When deciding to establish a company in Luxembourg, one has to take into consideration the rules stated in the Law concerning commercial companies 1915. The initial law was first introduced on the 10th August 1915 and it has been evaluated and consolidated several times since then.  In the text ...

  Country profile Luxembourg is a constitutional monarchy, that has gained its independence from Netherlands in 1839. Its capital is set in Luxembourg city, where 90,000 people live.  The population of the entire country is 511,840, who are living on 2,586 kilometers square of land, border ...

General overview The Luxembourg government encourages foreign investment. There are more than 9,000 foreign holding companies in Luxembourg. Despite the current economic crisis, Luxembourg has the highest rate of foreign investment in Europe. More than three-fourths of the foreign capital received b ...

Luxembourg offers a favorable climate to foreign investment, remaining the most promising location for business investment in Europe. Investment opportunities are high in biotechnology and health technology, e-commerce or telecommunications, not to mention banking and insurance activities. Many inte ...

A Limited Liability Company in Luxembourg is known under the name of Societe a Responsabilite Limitee or SARL. This type of firm is regulated by the Commercial Companies Law 1915 and it is the ideal form of business for those foreign investors who want to keep their business structure and their admi ...

A Joint Stock Company in Luxembourg is known as a Societe Anonyme and abbreviated SA. This form of business is regulated by the Commercial Companies Law 1915 and it is one of the most used types of companies in Luxembourg, together with the Limited Liability Company. Capital The minimum initial capi ...

Luxembourg is an important point on the map of international legislation, since it is home of the European Court of Justice for more than fifty years. Besides, there are also national courts that that care of the juridical system in Luxembourg.  According to statistics, there are more than 1,00 ...

A notary in Luxembourg is defined as a public officer who provides advice in several matters and also has legal attributions. Activities performed by public notaries in Luxembourg are delegated by the state and require independence, impartiality and high qualifications. There are 36 notaries in Luxe ...

A power of attorney in Luxembourg empowers a person to sign different documents on behalf of the donor who could not be present at the place of the meeting. By this document, one may choose a trusted person or organization to deal with financial or legal aspects concerning the grantor. Usually, a po ...

1. What is the minimum share capital? When it comes to setting up a limited liability company in Luxembourg, the founders have to provide a minimum share capital of 12,400 EUR, while the incorporation of a joint stock company requires a minimum share capital of about 31,000 EUR. 2. What are the Comp ...

The state of Macedonia has an uprising economy which welcomes investors of all nationalities, offering great incentives and equal treatment. Foreign and Macedonian entrepreneurs may choose from various business forms, each suited for different needs. Incorporating a company in Macedonia does not req ...

The government of Macedonia encourages foreign entrepreneurs to invest in any business sectors, bringing their contribution to an economy in need. There are plenty of incentives and opportunities for entrepreneurs to engage in business. One of the most common investment types implies setting up a co ...

The Central Registry of the Republic of Macedonia handles registration of companies and other entities, in charge with keeping an actualized database. The institution is a reliable source of information for the public. Anyone can make an inquiry at the Macedonian Registry accessing extracts, or comp ...

There are plenty of ways to invest in Macedonia including setting up companies or opening branches of already incorporated companies in foreign countries. Macedonia offers encouragement in many business areas. Some foreign entrepreneurs prefer setting up Macedonian branches which are as easy to inco ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Limited Liability Company in Macedonia? Limited Liability Companies are the most common form of business organization in Macedonia due to their simple structure perfect for small to medium sized businesses and no capital requirement. However the Macedonian L ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Macedonia? A company registered in Macedonia is subject to a flat corporate tax rate of 10%, one of the lowest rates in Europe. 2. What is the VAT in Macedonia? In Macedonia, the VAT rate is 18%. 3. How can the VAT be refunded in Macedonia? Usually, the procedure for ...

Maltese legislation is very encouraging for foreign investors. Malta offers many incentives for foreign investments, being a country open for economical and cultural development. The incorporation process of company in Malta is rather simple, and does not require many complicated procedures. Registe ...

Companies and commercial partnerships in Malta are regulated by the Companies Act in 1995, being in line with the requirements of the European Union Company Law. It defines the types of corporate entities or partnerships that may be established in Malta. The most common Maltese company organization ...

The Registry of Companies of Malta is regulated and forms part of Malta Financial Services Authority. The institution handles company and partnership registration, irrespective of what activity type they will carry out. The Registry of Companies of Malta is a public institution ensuring access to in ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Private Limited Company in Malta ? The Private Limited Company is designated for small to medium sized businesses therefore the minimum required capital is as low as 1.200 EUR. 2. What is the minimum share capital for a Public Limited Company in Malta ? Mal ...

 1. What is the corporate tax in Malta? Companies that are registered in Malta are subject to a corporate tax rate of 35%. This percentage applies to the worldwide income. 2. What is the VAT in Malta? When it comes to the VAT rate, Malta is subject to 18%, with certain exceptions. There is a 7% ...

Malta attracts an impressive number of foreign investors every year from healthcare, electronics and logistics-based services. Some of the main investors in Malta are from UK, Germany, Italy, France and Spain. Malta was ranked 27th most networked economy in the world by the World Economic Forum and ...

Moldavia offers plenty of incentives and opportunities, having an open policy for international business. In general, there are no relevant restrictions for foreign investors, as they benefit from non-discriminatory treatment. The process of incorporating a Moldavian company may appear as complex, a ...

The liberal legislation on setting up new companies in Moldavia and the privatization of companies owned by the state have encouraged the development of the private businesses. Even though, as a small state, it does not have one of the most powerful economies, there are plenty incentives for foreign ...

1.    What is the minimum share capital for a limited liability company in Moldova? Those who want to establish a Limited Liability Company in Moldova must provide a minumum share capital of 5.400 MDL (the equivalent of approximately 325 EUR). Before registration, a minimum of 40% of ...

 1. What is the corporate tax in Moldova? The corporate tax rate in Moldova at present moment is 0%, but it is expected to be changed to a 10-12% in 2012. 2. What is the VAT in Moldova? The Moldavian standard VAT rate is 20%, with reduced rates for food and other goods or services. For instance ...

Any company in Montenegro which will be engaged in commercial activities must be registered with the Company Register. The procedures are simple, and well structured, and every entrepreneur must comply with them. The economical environment is benefic for foreign investment, the Law on Companies Act ...

Even though the state of Montenegro is a small country, it offers great opportunities for investment. According to the Act of Companies any legal entity or individual is free to set up international enterprises in the free trade zone of Montenegro. In order to establish a company in Montenegro there ...

There are various forms of engaging in business in Montenegro, including setting up companies and branches of foreign companies. A Montenegrin branch is a not considered a separate legal entity from its parent company, which is liable for the debts and obligations of the branch. The incorporation pr ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Montenegrin Limited Liability Company? The Limited Liability Company in Montenegro is the most common business form as it is easy to establish and it is designated for small to medium-sized businesses. The minimum capital is only 1 EUR. 2. What is the minim ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Montenegro? The flat corporate tax rate for a company that is registered in Montenegro is 9%, one of the lowest rates in Europe. 2. What is the VAT in Montenegro? The standard VAT rate in Montenegro is 17%, with a reduced rate of 7% on several goods and services, such ...

The Netherlands is a member of the European Union, a big advantage for residents of EU states. The jurisdiction of Netherlands fully supports foreign ownership with company formation. Economically speaking, Netherlands is very competitive, having a rapid and prosperous development. An entrepreneur m ...

The Netherlands is known for a prosperous and open economy having a jurisdiction that allows and more over encourages foreign investments. Incorporating a company in Netherlands has a lot of advantages, including law taxes and governmental support. The procedure is fairly simple and does not require ...

The Trade Register of Netherlands is managed by the Chamber of Commerce, and its goal is to ensure a good relation between entrepreneur and law, and also to provide quality information on other business enterprises. The Dutch Trade Register records the activities of a company, being a useful source ...

The state of Netherlands offers plenty of incentives for foreign investors and many advantages make Netherlands a good choice, starting from a stable economical environment to capable and well instructed workforce. Setting up a Dutch company is an easy and straightforward process. Entrepreneurs who ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Dutch BV (Limited Liability Company)? The most common business form in Netherlands is the Limited Liability Company, or the BV, which can be set up with a minimum capital of 18.000 EUR. The capital is divided into non-transferable registered shares. 2. What ...

A joint stock corporation or a public limited liability company is known in Holland as a Naamloze Vennootschap (NV). This type of business is rarely chosen for new companies in the Netherlands, although it is designed for all company sizes and considered to be more flexible than private limited liab ...

Netherlands is one of the most desired countries for foreign investors, due to the welcoming and profitable business environment. Setting up companies in Netherlands is one way to invest and obtain profit. There are various types of company structures, including shelf companies. These are already fo ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Netherlands? In Netherlands the corporate tax applies at a rate of 20% for a profit of below 200.000 Euros. Profit exceeding 200,000 Euros is taxed at a rate of 25%. 2. What is the VAT in Netherlands? Value Added Tax in Netherlands applies to all goods and services b ...

Country profile Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy, with the capital city set in Amsterdam. However, the Parliament and Government are located in Hague. The Netherlands belongs to the Western Europe, bordering Belgium to the South, Germany to the East and North and the North Sea along its west ...

If you have decided to set up a company in Netherlands, you should consult the Dutch Corporate Law, as it is stipulated in the article 2:175 of the Dutch Civil Code (BurgerlijkWetboek). According to the provisions stipulated in the Dutch Company Law, you must firstly decide what type of business is ...

Netherlands has a stable economy that provides an attractive environment for foreign businesses. There are plenty of opportunities for investment and the Dutch government also offers numerous incentives, turning the country into a genuine option for entrepreneurs that are willing to set up a company ...

General overview There are over 6,000 foreign companies at the moment in the Netherlands, providing 30% of the total volume of business in Holland. Foreign companies develop activities in many fields, from high-technology electronics and electrical equipment to chemicals, metals, textiles and food, ...

A Besloten vennootschap or BV is actually a Limited Liability Company established in the Netherlands. A Dutch BV is a legal entity with an authorized capital divided into shares, which are privately registered and not freely transferable. Capital There is a minimum share capital requirement of 18,00 ...

A joint stock corporation or a public limited liability company is known in Holland as a Naamloze Vennootschap (NV). This type of business is rarely chosen for new companies in the Netherlands, although it is designed for all company sizes and considered to be more flexible than private limited liab ...

All lawyers in the Netherlands must register with the Netherlands Bar Association (Nederlandse Orde van Advocaten) before he starts practising this profession.  Besides supervising and regulating the professional behavior of lawyers in Holland, the Netherlands Order of Advocates or Bar Associat ...

  A public notary in the Netherlands is a legal advisor paid for offering advice in legal matters and sometimes acts as a mediator. Dutch public notaries are independent, objective and they ensure professional confidentiality, with the right to withhold information in court. A public notary in ...

A power of attorney in the Netherlands allows a person to empower another individual to act for them. A Dutch power of attorney can be given expressly of tacitly, according to the Civil Code in the Netherlands. A general power of attorney in Holland does not extend to acts of disposition, unless it ...

1. What is the minimum share capital? A Dutch limited liability company requires a paid share capital of 18,000 EUR in order to be incorporated, while a joint stock company in The Netherlands requires at least 45,000 EUR as an initial share capital. 2. What are the Company Registration fees?  T ...

Entrepreneurs who choose to establish a company in Norway find a welcoming environment, with a stable economy and efficient organization. The main company types are the private and the public limited company. Forming a Public Limited Company (Allmennaksjeselskaper - ASA) in Norway This company type ...

Norway is a highly developed country with a stable and evolving economy which presents a series of opportunities for business investors, both foreign and national. There are few requirements to establish a Norwegian company and the taxes that have to be paid are fairly low. The incorporation procedu ...

The institution responsible with company registration and administering legislation on businesses in Norway is the Brønnøysund Register Centre. It is a government body and functions under the Ministry of Trade and Industry. The institution contributes towards a better organized busines ...

Setting up a business in Norway can be a profitable activity, mostly due to the state's stable economy and encouraging treatment towards foreign investment. Establishing a business in Norway can be done through incorporating a new company subject to taxation and registration. However an already exis ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Norwegian AS (Private Limited Liability Company)? The Private Limited Liability Company is the most common business type used in Norway, founded by one or more shareholders who must provide at least 100.000 NOK or approximately 12.800 EUR. 2. What is the mi ...

There are various ways in which a foreign entrepreneur can engage in business in Norway, and obtain profit. Commencing commercial activities can be done by company establishment. There are two ways an investor can set up a company. The first implies the traditional from scratch company establishment ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Norway? Resident companies in Norway are subject to taxation of the corporate tax for worldwide profits and gains, while non-resident companies are subject to corporate tax for the gains and profits made in Norway. The general rate of the corporate tax is 28%. 2. What ...

Polish law allows many forms of doing business on its territory. In conformity with The Code of Commercial Companies, published in The Official Gazette of Poland No. 94, pos. 1037, the main categories of enterprises are as following: a) Polish Sole proprietorship (Dzia?alno?? gospodarcza) It is t ...

Polish law permits doing business on its territory, both by natural persons and legal entities. The same rules apply both to polish business entities as foreign entities. An entrepreneur may chose from various corporate forms, when interested in founding a company in Poland, depending on the country ...

Next to the Polish Limited Liability, the Joint Stock Company is one the main type of legal entities in Poland. It can be established by one or more individuals or corporate entities, with a single limitation: a Limited Liability Company with a sole shareholder cannot set up a Joint Stock Company. ...

A Polish shelf company or a readymade company could be preferred over the creation of a newly formed corporate entity for a number of reasons, such as providing clients with additional confidence or a quicker method to start doing business in Poland. Nevertheless the foreign investor must note that ...

The Polish National Court Register (NCR) or the Trade Register in Poland was founded according to the Act adopted on 20th August 1997 on the National Court Register. It is developed and organized by the Polish Ministry of Justice. Since 2001 it constitutes an electronic base of data containing infor ...

There are plenty of company types available in Poland, and entrepreneurs may choose from the best suited form for their business. Enterprises managed by a natural person are subject to registration, depending on the type of activities they will conduct. Partnerships are regulated by the Polish Civil ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Polish sp. z.o.o. (Limited Liability Company)? The most common form of business entity in Poland is the Limited Liability Company. The incorporation process requires the founders to provide a minimum capital of 5.000 PLN, or 1.240 EUR, paid in cash or non-mo ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Poland? The Polish corporate tax rate is 19%, being among the most inexpensive tax rates in Europe.  2. What is the VAT in Poland? The VAT rate in Poland is 23% since 2011. However, there are still exceptions applied for several goods and services. The VAT rate i ...

Country profile Poland is a republic in the Central Europe with 31.8 million citizens. Most of the people are Polish in a 98% rate, while the rest of the inhabitants are German, Ukrainian, Belarusian or Lithuanian. The country’s surface of 312,683 kilometers square is bordered by the Czech Rep ...

The Company law in Poland is based on several Acts, including Act 1982 Cooperative law, Act 2000 Code of Commercial Partnerships and Companies or Act 2008 on Public-Private Partnerships.  Although there are very few differences in comparison to German or French company law, it is recommended th ...

General overview Before 1989, foreign companies did not operate in Poland. However, the development of the Polish economy at the beginning of the 1990s attracted an increasing number of foreign investors. In 2008, the Polish Statistical Office registered in Poland 21,092 companies with foreign capit ...

Poland is regarded as a proper destination for business expansion and foreign investment, being considered the eighth European state in terms of attractiveness. Besides, Poland has competitive labour costs, considerable size of the market, industrial diversity and possibilities for the development o ...

The Polish Limited Liability Company is the most popular form of business that foreign investors choose when coming to set up a company in Poland, since it is much more simple to perform activities under the Polish corporate law with a Spolka z ograniczona odpowiedzialnoscia (Polish LLC or Sp.z.o.o. ...

A lawyer in Poland is different from a legal adviser. Lawyers in Poland are called Adwocat and Legal Advisers in Poland are known as Radca Prawny. There are fewer lawyers in Poland than legal advisers. The first category can also deal with criminal issues. The profession of legal advisers in Poland ...

Public notaries in Poland are persons of trust, who prepare official documents and offer their clients the guarantee of an authenticated document. Public notaries in Poland are a leading legal category with numerous responsibilities, such as informing, creating documents or making de ...

A power of attorney in Poland is defined as an agreement completed in a written form with notarised signatures. The Polish law mentions that an original power of attorney in Poland must be signed by the applicant or if the grantor is a company, by an authorised representative. A power of attorney in ...

  In order to set up a business in Poland, a proper evaluation of the costs is required, so that an entrepreneur can start the incorporation with a well-defined plan. 1. What is the minimum share capital? A Polish limited liability company requires a minimum share capital of approximately 1,240 ...

There are many company types that are available in the legal system of Portugal. The most common ones are the public company and the private limited company. Forming a Public Company (Sociedade Anónima SA) in Portugal This company type is designated for a medium to large business having a mi ...

Portugal is an open country towards foreign investment, having a stable and moreover growing economy. It is a profitable choice for setting up a business on its territory. Establishing a company in Portugal has recently been simplified, and it is finished in a very short period of time. Preliminar ...

While there are many countries in which an entrepreneur may invest, the state of Portugal offers one of the best conditions for companies to be successful. The stable economy as well as the qualified workforce offer great premises for investors wishing to start a business here. There are many possib ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Portuguese LDA (Private Limited Liability Company)? In Portugal the Limited Liability Company is one of the most common forms of business as the process of incorporation is not very complex, and the necessary capital is lower, 5.000EUR. 2. What is the minim ...

There are many ways to invest in Portugal, being a country full of potential for foreign entrepreneurs. Setting up a brand new business can be profitable as the business environment is welcoming and the workforce is skilled and productive. Therefore entrepreneurs have interest in commencing business ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Portugal? A company registered in Portugal is subject to a standard corporate tax rate of 25% if the income is over 12,500 EUR and 12.5% for less. For an income that exceeds 2 million euros, the corporate tax rate is higher with 2.5%. 2. What is the VAT in Portugal? T ...

Companies incorporated in Portugal are regulated by the Portuguese Commercial Code, Decree Law 262/86 of 2nd September 1986. Any company with its head office in Portugal, no matter that the activity is located in the country or abroad, is subject to the regulations of the Portuguese Company Law. If ...

Country profile Portugal is a republic situated in the South-Western Europe, on the Iberian Peninsula, west of Spain, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean. Its surface is extended in 92,142 kilometers square, including the Azores and Madeira Islands. Portugal has a population of 10.5 million, the majo ...

Portugal is a great option for foreign investors who want to reach the limit of the European continent and have easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. It also represents an excellent entry point for a foreign business looking to get into the European Union. The structure of the Portuguese economy, toget ...

General overview At present, foreign companies represent an important source of employment and exports in Portugal. A total of 35 billion EUR was invested in Portugal from foreign sources in 2010, a sum with 9.6% higher than the previous year. In the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitivene ...

Joint stock corporations are usually set up in Portugal under the name of Sociedade Anonima or SA. This is the form chosen by entrepreneurs who run larger businesses, with a more complex structure than the Limited Liability Companies. Capital The formation of a SA in Portugal requires a minimum sha ...

Portuguese Private Limited Liability Companies are also known as “quota” companies, from the Portuguese name of Sociedadepor quotas de responsabilida delimitada or LDA. This type is the most popular choice for entrepreneurs who want to set up a small or medium business in Portugal. Capi ...

A lawyer in Portugal has the role of advisor in all legal matters. As far as setting up a business in Portugal is concerned, an attorney can help prevent problems and help protect business from risk. A Portuguese lawyer offers advice about the clients’ rights and obligations and defends them i ...

Public notaries in Portugal are public servants, representing the state. The profession of public notary in Portugal is regulated by the public administration and falls under the authority of the Minister of Justice, who also appoints public notaries in Portugal for life. The activities of a public ...

A power of attorney in Portugal grants someone the power to act on another person’s behalf. A power of attorney in Portugal can be completed at a public notary’s office and it is known as “procuracao”. A power of attorney in Portugal is needed in different situations, such as ...

Starting a company in Portugal implies certain costs. This is why an entrepreneur must make his own calculations before starting the procedure of establishing a business in Portugal. 1. What is the minimum share capital? Before setting up a business, one must decide upon the type of company, since t ...

Russian company law dictates the structure of and rules governing corporate entities in the Russian Federation. The Civil Code of the Russian Federation mentions the legal entities and their characteristics. a) Russian General Partnership The general partnership is an unincorporated business with ...

Russian Limited Liability and Joint Stock companies have to be registered in Russia to function, and the procedures are similar for both of them. The major difference resides in the obligation of Joint Stock companies to register the issuance of share certificates, unnecessary for the Limited Liabil ...

The state of Russia offers plenty incentives in many business sectors, and the economy is stable and oriented towards foreign investment. Therefore many entrepreneurs wish to establish companies, and companies establish branches or representative offices on the territory of Russia. A Russian branch ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Russian Limited Liability Company? In Russia the minimum share capital of a Limited Liability Company is 10,000 rubles (approx. 350 Euros). 2. What is the minimum share capital for a Russian Joint Stock Company? The minimum capital of the Russian Joint Stoc ...

Being one of the largest and economically strongest countries in Europe, many entrepreneurs find the country of Russia as a fertile territory to start business. Foreign investment is generally regarded as beneficial, and the government offers plenty incentives. One way to invest is by setting up a c ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Russia? In Russia corporations are subject to a corporate tax of 20%. The tax has been reduced from 24% since 2008. 2% of the amount is paid to the central government as federal tax and the rest of 18% is payable to the regional government. 2. What is the VAT in Russi ...

Company Law in Russia is based on the Companies Act 1995 and Companies Act 1998. Recent changes have been made to the law that regulates limited liability companies, in 2008-2009 and also to the law for joint stock companies. However, these two types of companies are not the only choices that a fore ...

Country profile The Russian Federation is extended on more than 17 million kilometers square, representing one-eighth of the Earth's inhabited land area, and it has a population of approx. 140 million inhabitants. Its citizens descend from more than 100 ethnic groups, 81.5% being Russians. The natio ...

General overview In 2008, the World Bank estimated in the Russian Economic Report that the foreign investments have reached a total of 18.9 billion EUR. Russia was Europe’s third most valuable trading partner in 2008 and an essential energy supplier. In 2009, Ernst&Young reported a number ...

Russia had its ups and downs in terms of investments through the years, but now it is situated in a favorable position. Ernst & Young's European Attractiveness Survey ranked Russia by 21% rating in 2008, which meant nine points above the registered score in 2007. Although it has never been a top ...

  Limited Liability Companies (OOO) in Russia are a popular form of business for foreign investors, especially when it comes to establishing wholly-owned businesses in Russia. LLCs are open to any form of commercial activity, provided that it does not violate the Russian legislation. However, l ...

A Joint Stock Company is one of the most popular types of business in Russia. Russian JSCs can be either open (OJSC) or closed (CJSC). The difference between the two types of Joint stock companies is that the shares of an open JSC can be transferred freely, while in a closed JSC, share transfers are ...

In order to become a lawyer in Russia, there is no need to complete education in law schools or to pass a bar examination. However, some restrictions apply to those who want to appear in court in criminal matters, since they need to join the Federal Chamber of Advocates. Foreign lawyers in Russia ca ...

The Russian public notary plays an important role in the legal system. The history of public notaries in Russia states that at first there were clerks who used to help people make contracts. Later, the notaries in Russia began to be named like that. A Russian law adopted in February 1993 regulates t ...

The rules of authorization of the power of attorney in Russia are stipulated in the Russian Civil Code. A power of attorney in Russia is defined as an authorization issued by one person for another individual so that the latter has the legal power to represent the donor in front of third parties. Th ...

Starting up a company in Russia requires both time and money. An entrepreneur should analyze well the market and its requirements before proceeding with the registration. 1. What is the minimum share capital? The minimum share capital for establishing a Russian limited liability company is 10,000 ru ...

According to Serbian law the same regulations for company establishment apply to foreign and Serbian entrepreneurs. One can chose between the four main types of companies, Joint Stock Company (a.d.), Limited Liability Company (d.o.o.), Limited Partnership (k.d.), and General Partnership (o.d.), havi ...

In Serbia the most efficient form of business is the limited liability company, due to a rather simple formation process, followed by the Serbian joint stock company, which has the same formation process, but is designated for undertaking business at a larger scale, therefore the needed documentatio ...

Entrepreneurs who wish to expand their business in Serbia may do so by setting up a branch. The process of opening a branch in Serbia does not differ much from setting up a regular company. However the entity itself is not considered a separate legal entity, being a representative of the foreign par ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Serbian Limited Liability Company (d.o.o.) ? The minimum capital requirement for a Serbian Limited Liability Company is 500 EUR. Stakes can be pecuniary contributions and any other kind, including work and services. 2. What is the minimum share capital for ...

1. What is the corporate tax rate in Serbia? The corporate tax rate in Serbia is among the lowest rates in Europe, with only 10%. 2. What is the VAT in Serbia? In Serbia, the standard VAT rate is 18%, but there are several goods and services that benefit from a reduced VAT rate of 8%, such as food, ...

As in most European countries the most common type of company in Slovakia is the limited liability, followed by general and limited partnerships and the Slovakian joint stock. a) Slovakian Limited Liability Company (LLC) The Limited Liability company is the most common type of business in Slovakia, ...

The most common forms of Slovakian company types are the limited liability company and the joint stock company, and most of the incorporation regulations, set out in the Commercial Code, apply the same way to Slovakian entrepreneurs and foreign entrepreneurs. Preliminary activities before register ...

The state of Slovakia offers incentives for different business sectors, and there is more than one way to invest in this country. Setting up a company may be a profitable activity, especially due to the positive attitude of the government towards foreign investment. However some entrepreneurs choose ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Limited Liability Company in Slovakia ? In Slovakia most entrepreneurs incorporate limited liability companies due to their simple structure, short incorporation period and minimum capital requirements of 200.000 SKK. 2. What is the minimum share capital fo ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Slovakia? A company that is registered in Slovakia has to pay a 19% corporate tax rate. 2. What is the VAT in Slovakia? In 2011, the VAT rate in Slovakia increased from 19% to 20%. A reduced VAT rate of 10% applies for medical and pharmaceutical products. Services suc ...

The Slovene civil law system is similar to the German civil law, and for this reason the business entities have resemblances with the corresponding German entities. Slovenian law makes a clear distinction between personal and capital-driven entities. Limited, general partnerships and partnership lim ...

Covering the vast majority of business choices among Slovenian entrepreneurs, the Slovenian limited liability company has a lot of advantages to offer. Its formation is rather simple, without to many bureaucratic entanglements, and it has clear construction steps. The LLC is followed in frequency by ...

Investing in Slovenia can be done either by setting up a company, or incorporating a branch of an already existing foreign company on the territory of Slovenia. Even though the economic situation of Slovenia is not one of the best, there are plenty incentives and entrepreneurs may invest in many sec ...

1. What is the minimum share capital for a Limited Liability Company in Slovenia? A Limited Liability Company or D.O.O. in Slovenia needs a minimum capital share of 7,500 EUR in order to be set up. If there are several shareholders, each of them has to pay at least 50 EUR. At least 25% of each cont ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Slovenia? A company registered in Slovenia has to pay a corporate income tax of 20%. There are also cases when investment funds, pension funds and insurance undertakings for pension plans are exempt from the corporate tax. 2. What is the VAT in Slovenia? The standard ...

Entrepreneurs in Spain find a welcoming environment with non-discriminatory treatment towards foreign investors. Due to EU membership, foreign investors form EU member states find the process of incorporating a Spanish company much easier. Preliminary activities prior to registering public and pri ...

Spain represents a viable opportunity for investors, as it has one of the most robust economies in the EU due to a strong inward investment. Also plenty of sectors are welcoming foreign investors, and the state of Spain guarantees equal and non-discriminatory treatment. Even though bureaucratic requ ...

Even though many foreign entrepreneurs choose to set up limited liability or joint stock companies, this is not always the case. Some foreign investors, who wish to expand their business in other countries, choose to incorporate a branch. The state of Spain encourages foreign investment, guaranteein ...

1. What is the minimum share capital for a Spanish S.L. (Limited Liability Company)? In Spain, as in many other countries the most common form of business is the Limited Liability Company, or the SL(Sociedad Limitada). It requires less documentation as a Joint Stock Company, the incorporation proced ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Spain? The standard Spanish corporate tax levied on companies activating on the country's territory is 35%. However companies with yearly sales of less then 8 million euros benefit from certain deductions and 10% tax credit can be obtained for investments and expenses ...

The Commercial Code, the Corporations Law, the Limited Liability Companies Law and the Mercantile Register Regulations are the main sources for company law in Spain. Spanish corporate law was firstly modified by Law 19/1989, in order to introduce the relevant EU Directives. This legislation is refer ...

Country profile Spain is a parliamentary monarchy, divided into towns, provinces and autonomous communities. There are 17 autonomous communities. The Kingdom of Spain has a surface of 505,990 kilometers square. The Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands in the Atlantic and the Nor ...

General overview Spain is the world’s ninth largest economy and the seventh largest recipient in terms of foreign investments. There are more than 10,300 foreign companies that are located in Spain at the moment, developing activities in all business sectors. The Spanish government’s com ...

Spain provides a proper business environment, which is why it has managed to become an important recipient of foreign investments during the last years. The increase in sums and percentage of investments are due to several factors, including the stability of the Spanish economy, the friendly legisla ...

Setting up a Limited Liability Company in Spain or a Sociedad Limitada (SL) is the best choice for those who are looking for flexibility, since the shareholders can define their own internal rules. Besides, it is ideal for small or medium-sized businesses. A legal advisor is usually recommended in t ...

 A joint stock company is Spain is also known as a public limited liability company or Sociedad Anonima (SA). This kind of Spanish business is an autonomous legal entity, with its stock capable of listing at the Spanish stock exchange. Capital In order to set up a joint stock company in Spain, ...

A lawyer in Spain is known as an “abogado”, who practises law based on the Civil Law. There are approximately 118,000 attorneys in Spain registered with local bar associations. There are 83 local Bar Associations in Spain, represented by a central institution called “Consejo Genera ...

Spanish notaries are public officials who witness, register and guarantee the legality of a document, as well as verify signatures and authenticate many types of agreements. In other words, a public notary in Spain is both an independent professional and a civil servant. The fees required for the s ...

A power of attorney in Spain can only be granted by a person with legal authority and it is compulsory that the grantor is present before a public notary. The recipient does not have to come to the public notary. The grantor of the power of attorney in Spain must also prove that he has the right to ...

In order to start a company in Spain, an entrepreneur needs a proper evaluation of the costs required, so that he can start the procedure with a well-defined plan. 1.    What is the minimum share capital? The minimum share capital required for a Limited Liability Company in Spain is ...

The Swedish corporate environment is highly competitive, as small businesses quickly evolve into mid-sized companies. The most common type of company is the Swedish limited liability company, even though Sweden jurisdiction offers other types, suitable for different purposes. Open a Private limited ...

The Trade Register of Sweden is a self-financing institution that does not rely on the budget of Sweden and therefore charges for the services provided. It examines data, registers entities and provides information for an efficient process and ensures easy and correct entrepreneurial activities. Th ...

Investing in Sweden is a popular option throughout foreign investors looking for new territorial markets, as the economy is stable and strongly oriented towards foreign trade. Entrepreneurs usually choose to establish foreign-owned companies; however setting up a branch office may be more convenient ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Swedish Private AB (Private Limited Liability Company)? The Limited Liability Company is the most often type of business used by foreign entrepreneurs when setting business in Sweden. The incorporation procedure is straightforward and the minimum capital req ...

Setting up business in a country like Sweden enables entrepreneurs to benefit from the welcoming environment of the country, the incentives available and the real possibility of profit. There are various company types, for different needs and capitals and the incorporation process can be quite compl ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Sweden? Companies and individual entrepreneurs in Sweden pay a corporate tax based on their annual income of 28%. However there is the possibility to defer taxation of profit by allocation of 25% of the profit to tax allocation reserves. 2. What is the VAT in Sweden? ...

Companies incorporated in Sweden find themselves under the Swedish Companies Act 2005. Partnerships, on the other hand, are stipulated in the Partnership and Non-registered Partnership Act 1980. There are also several European Directives in the field of company law that Sweden applies too. Neverthel ...

Country profile Sweden is a constitutional monarchy, situated in the Northern Europe, on the Scandinavian Peninsula. The 450,000 kilometers square of land are bordered by Norway and Finland, but it also has maritime borders with other countries. Sweden has a population of 9,428,054 inhabitants, with ...

Investing in Sweden means being part of a well-developed society in a dynamic environment. Sweden encourages foreign investments by providing a secure and welcoming business environment. The government of Sweden also offers some incentives in order to attract entrepreneurs from abroad. There are gra ...

General overview Sweden contributes to the total European share by 2%. In 2010, foreign investments in Sweden were higher with 33% compared to the previous year. Sweden offers access to new products and technologies, skills and innovations, together with access to the Scandinavian market. The World ...

The decision to set up a limited liability company in Sweden can be made by foreign investors who want to establish a business in this country. A Limited Liability Company can be either private or public. The private type of corporation is known as Aktiebolag (AB) and it is the most common structure ...

The Joint Stock Corporation in Sweden is actually a Public Limited Liability Company (Publikt Aktiebolag). As opposed to the Private LLC in Sweden, a Public AB is able to turn to the stock market. Capital At least 500,000 SEK are necessary as a share capital in order to establish a Public AB in ...

Lawyers in Sweden are in private practice, since there are no more public law offices in Sweden. Activities in the field of law are regulated by the Code of Judicial Procedure, Chapter 8. Besides legislation, the Government issues a charter of the Bar Association, giving the Association the statute ...

  Public notaries in Sweden are appointed by the local County Administrative Board. There are approx. 250 public notaries in Sweden, but there is no register of all Swedish public notaries. The Swedish legal system does not operate with the concept of authentic acts or instruments. However, the ...

Swedish law allows a company to authorise by a written power of attorney in Sweden a legal representative in all matters concerning operations that involve the company. The power of attorney in Sweden can also permit the representative to assist and represent the company in negotiations, as well as ...

For starting a company in Sweden, an entrepreneur needs a proper evaluation of the costs required in order to have a well-defined plan before making a decision. 1. What is the minimum share capital? For those who want to set up a private limited liability company in Sweden, the minimum share capital ...

Switzerland offers an ideal combination of political and economical stability as well as a welcoming environment for foreign entrepreneurs. Corporate taxes are relatively low and there are opportunities for every need. These advantages make Switzerland a perfect choice for starting a new business. U ...

There are various reasons for which entrepreneurs choose to invest in Switzerland, from qualified workforce, great incentives and a stable economic environment. Most of them choose to establish a company or set up a branch of their company in Switzerland. A Swiss branch is not considered a separate ...

Due to the urgent need of business commencement, or the need of an easier incorporation process, entrepreneurs often choose to purchase shelf, or readymade companies inSwitzerland, rather then to start the process of establishment of a brand new company.There are various shelf companies, suited for ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Switzerland? Swedish corporations are taxed with both a federal tax and cantonal or communal tax. The federal income tax is levied at 8,5%. Cantonal corporate income tax varies, but on average its rate is around 13%. 2. What is the VAT in Switzerland? It is a known ...

 1. What is the minimum share capital for a Limited Liability Company (GmbH) in Switzerland? In order to set up a Limited Liability Company (GmbH) in Switzerland, a minimum share capital of 20.000 CHF is required, which is about 16 500 EUR which must be paid up in a closed account at a Swiss ba ...

  Country profile Situated in the Western Europe, the official name of Switzerland is the Helvetic Confederation. The state is a federal parliamentary republic, divided in 26 cantons. The surface of the country extends on 41,300 kilometers square, with boundaries of Austria, France, Italy, Lich ...

The Swiss Code of Obligations, integrated in the Civil Code, regulates the incorporation of companies as a federal law, which was inspired by the French Code Napoleon. As a civil law jurisdiction, it is a bit more bureaucratic. There is a separate Commercial Register in every Swiss canton and each r ...

General overview Switzerland is primarily a service economy. The main service sector industries are insurance, banking, trade and commerce, and tourism. Swiss banking system is among the strongest in the world, this feature offering an advantage in front of other options for foreign investments.&nbs ...

Switzerland is an open gateway to European, African and Middle-Eastern markets, due to its strategic location. Switzerland offers well-developed infrastructures, as well as a competitive business environment. The Swiss market is a good testing ground for the introduction of new high technology and s ...

Limited Liability Companies are established in Switzerland for trade of goods or any other commercial activities that do not violate the Swiss corporate law. This type of business is known in Switzerland as Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung (GmbH) or Société à Responsib ...

Joint stock companies, abbreviated as AG from Aktiengesellschaft or SA from Societe Anonyme, are the most popular type of businesses in Switzerland among foreign investors for both large corporations or small and medium-sized companies. The Swiss AG is a legal entity with limited liability to compan ...

Lawyers in Switzerland are not obligated to register with the Cantonal Bar Association in the region where they practise. All Cantonal Bar Associations are submitted to the Swiss Bar Association. Many lawyers join however the Swiss Bar Association for its benefits. The profession of lawyer in Switze ...

Public notaries in Switzerland can choose to work in any of the 26 Swiss cantons they prefer. The regulations and requirements in each canton are slightly different, though. The profession of public notary in Switzerland is supervised by the Swiss Notaries Association. As a matter of fact, each cant ...

A Swiss Power of Attorney grants a person to represent the donor and dispose over assets and income. The attorney’s responsibility is to complete business transactions or any other actions specified in the power of attorney in Switzerland. A power of attorney is known in Switzerland as a &ldqu ...

1. What is the minimum share capital? When deciding to set up a company in Switzerland, one must choose between two most popular types of company. For establishing a limited liability company (GmbH) in Switzerland, one must provide a minimum share capital of 20,000 CHF, the equivalent of around 16,5 ...

Depending on the object of activity and size of the Turkish company, there are a lot of incentives which encourage investment. In Turkey entrepreneurs prefer to establish limited liability companies, or joint stock companies. Create a Limited Liability Company in Turkey - Ltd. ?ti. (Limitet ?irket) ...

Turkey is a country with a stable economy, welcoming foreign investors to set up business here. There are many incentives and entrepreneurs are welcomed to invest in any business domain. The procedure of incorporating a Turkish company is simple, having a straightforward procedure. A Turkish company ...

There are many ways in which a foreign entrepreneur can do business in Turkey. Setting up a company, usually Limited Liability Company may turn out to be a profitable activity, as the economic environment is stable and the workforce qualified. However already existing foreign companies may establish ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Turkish Limited Liability Company? The most common form of business in Turkey is the Limited Liability Company established by two or more shareholders who must provide at least 2.400 EUR as minimum capital. 2. What is the minimum share capital for a Turkish ...

Turkey is a country in which foreign investment thrives. Therefore plenty investors choose to set up companies, as the environment is welcoming, and the chance of success is real. Some entrepreneurs choose to invest in Turkey by setting up companies from scratch, or acquire shelf, or readymade compa ...

1. What is the corporate tax in Turkey? The state of Turkey has a progressive tax system, meaning the higher the income of a company, the higher the tax. However there are limits for the corporate income tax in Turkey. The corporate tax rates vary between 15% and 35%, whereas the standard tax rate i ...

The State Registrar of Ukraine functions through a state institution, an agency for registration. The institution was established in 1998 and has the purpose to store and provide information on various commercial or other companies and legal entities. The main activities of the agency include creat ...

There are many ways to invest in Ukraine including setting up a company, or a branch of a foreign company. There is no good or bad solution for a company type, but mostly there are better suited companies for different needs. A Ukrainian branch may represent a perfect solution for entrepreneurs wish ...

1. What is the minimum share capital of a Ukrainian TOB (Limited Liability Company)? In Ukraine the Limited Liability Company is the most common business form used, mostly due to the low incorporation fees and straight-forward procedures. The minimum capital required for such a company has been redu ...

 1. What is the corporate tax in Ukraine? In 2011, the standard corporate tax rate in Ukraine is 23%, but it will be reduced during the next three years. This way, the corporate tax is announced to be 21% in 2012, 19% in 2013 and 16% in 2014. 2. What is the VAT in Ukraine? The standard VAT rate ...

The UK is one of the most economically powerful states in the world; representing a great opportunity for foreign investors to start their business. Setting up a company in UK is a fairly rapid process and due to highly developed technology, does not require complicated procedures. Most of the steps ...

UK, composed of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as Britain is one of the most economically developed states. It has a powerful economy, a dynamic development and offers great incentives to foreign investors. In fact, it is one of the most invested on states o ...

Foreign investment in UK is very popular, as many investors wish to extend their business on the state's territory, or benefit from an economically developed environment. Setting up a company is a popular procedure, as limited liability companies are easy to establish. However setting up a company b ...

Being one of the most powerful countries in Europe, economically speaking, the United Kingdom has one strong flux of investors wishing to commence their business venture here. On the territory of the United Kingdom companies are established daily. However one important and time-saving opportunity th ...

  1.  What is the minimum share capital for a Limited Liability Company in UK ? A limited liability company in UK or a private company limited by shares does not have to pay an initial capital before registration, therefore there is no minimum sum. 2. What is the minimum share capital for ...

1. What is the corporate tax in UK? The standard corporate tax rate for companies registered in the United Kingdom is 26%. Oil rights and extractions are not subject to corporate tax. There is also a different rate for small companies with less than 300,000 GBP per year. These have to pay a 20% corp ...