EU Inc: create companies online in 48 hours for under €100

The European Commission has presented the legislative proposal EU Inc, an innovative optional digital legal framework that would allow companies to be established in the European Union in just 48 hours, for under €100, without the need for minimum share capital and through a fully online process. Although this initiative represents a revolutionary step towards the digitalization of European entrepreneurship, it is important to note that EU Inc is not yet in force: it will need to be debated in 2026 by the European Parliament and the Council before being approved.

This proposal arises as a response to an evident problem: the current fragmentation of the European market. Today, entrepreneurs face 27 different corporate legislations and more than 60 legal forms, which increases costs, slows expansion, and complicates the scalability of any startup aiming for international growth.

A model designed to simplify and unify company formation in the EU

EU Inc is envisioned as an alternative and voluntary framework, not a replacement for national regulations. Its purpose is to provide a homogeneous corporate framework across the EU that coexists with member states’ legislations, allowing companies to freely choose whether to incorporate under this new digital model or via the traditional route.

The core of the system is the creation of a pan-European digital registry connected to national commercial registers. Through this unified platform, entrepreneurs could establish a company within a maximum of 48 hours, obtain their tax identification number, and manage corporate procedures without duplication or in-person processes.

Additionally, the proposal includes simplified digital processes for liquidation and insolvency, which would allow companies to close and restart more quickly, removing some of the friction that currently hinders innovation and business iteration.

 

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Expected benefits for startups and innovative companies

Although still in development, the EU Inc model aims to make life easier for European startups. Its design focuses on reducing time, costs, and administrative burdens, opening the door to:

• Faster incorporation: Dramatic reduction in initial deadlines and bureaucracy.
• Ease of cross-border expansion: A single legal framework would simplify operations across member states.
• Competitive legal environment: Positioning the EU as a more attractive ecosystem for innovation compared to other powers like the US or Asia.
• Full digitalization: Covering the entire company lifecycle, from creation to dissolution.

The expected impact is particularly relevant for tech businesses and R&D-based companies, which require speed, flexibility, and a global vision.

What does EU Inc mean today for entrepreneurs in Spain?

Despite the model’s appeal, the reality is that Spanish entrepreneurs must continue using current corporate law, as EU Inc is not yet available. This includes selecting the appropriate legal form, formalizing shareholder agreements, handling notary and registry procedures, and preparing the corporate structure with scalability in mind.

Our system already includes mechanisms for online company formation, mainly through the CIRCE (Information Center and Business Creation Network) and Entrepreneur Support Points (PAE).

It is useful to remember that one of the most common models in Spain is the Limited Liability Company (SL). For those considering starting now, it may be helpful to explore this legal form by reading Adlanter’s article on limited companies, a complete guide to understanding its advantages, requirements, and operation.

Until EU Inc comes into force, these formats will remain the proper way to establish companies in Spain.

How Adlanter helps you today… and prepares you for the future EU Inc

At Adlanter, we assist entrepreneurs, startups, and scale-ups in company formation and management in Spain, with comprehensive services adapted to the current framework and ready to evolve towards more digital environments like the one proposed by EU Inc.

If you wish to incorporate your company under current regulations, our specialists guide you in choosing the appropriate legal form and completing all legal procedures through our corporate advisory services, where you will find complete information and support within the company formation service.

Furthermore, if your project is a startup aiming to grow or attract investment, Adlanter offers specialized support through our startup solution, which includes shareholder agreements, equity models, stock options, corporate governance, and support in funding rounds.

At the same time, we help prepare your corporate structure for a future where EU Inc becomes available, designing adaptable, digitalized models ready to transition to the new European framework once approved.

Frequently Asked Questions about EU Inc

What is EU Inc?

EU Inc is a legislative proposal by the European Commission to allow companies to be created online in 48 hours, for under €100, and without minimum share capital.

Is EU Inc in force?

No. It is currently a proposal under legislative debate. Its approval and implementation are not expected before 2026, so it cannot yet be used.

Does EU Inc replace Spanish law?

No. It is proposed as an optional and voluntary framework. It will coexist with national legislation, offering entrepreneurs an alternative without replacing existing legal forms like the SL.

What are its main advantages?

48-hour company creation, cost under €100, fully digital procedures, unified European registry, and simplified liquidation processes.

Who will be able to use EU Inc?

New companies and existing companies over two years old that wish to voluntarily migrate to the new framework.

What should Spanish entrepreneurs do now?

Follow current regulations, incorporating companies under the legal forms currently in force in Spain.