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How to Set Up a Business in Europe: Why Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania & Poland Are Smart Starting Points

Expanding into Europe or launching a new venture inside the EU offers huge advantages for global entrepreneurs. From market size to regulatory protections, establishing a European business can unlock long-term growth and investment opportunities.

However, choosing where and how to set up a business in Europe is a critical first step. With 27 countries to consider, factors like tax rates, digital infrastructure, and registration timelines vary widely. For founders seeking speed, flexibility, and low bureaucracy, the Baltics — Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania — along with Poland, stand out as some of the most business-friendly entry points.

In this guide, we explain how to set up a business in Europe, why these four countries are ideal starting points, and how Complium supports founders through every step of the process.

Why Set Up a Business in Europe?

Starting a company in the European Union provides access to one of the world’s largest and most stable economic regions. Benefits include:

  • A unified internal market of over 450 million people
  • Access to European banking, licensing, and payment systems
  • Strong legal frameworks and investor protections
  • Opportunities for cross-border sales, hiring, and funding

But starting a business in Europe also means navigating different national procedures. Some countries offer digital-first company formation, while others require notary involvement, local representatives, or in-person steps.

Where to Start: Best Countries to Register a Company in Europe

If you’re considering how to set up a business in Europe, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland offer a combination of speed, digital infrastructure, and favorable regulations.

🇪🇪 Estonia: Digital Government & 0% Reinvested Tax

Estonia is one of the most efficient countries in Europe for business formation. It’s well known for its e-Residency program, which enables global entrepreneurs to set up and manage a company remotely.

Why Estonia works for business formation:

  • Company setup in as little as one day
  • Remote management via e-Residency
  • 0% tax on retained and reinvested profits
  • 99% of public services are available online
  • Popular for tech, consulting, SaaS, and digital businesses

For entrepreneurs seeking a fast and fully digital setup, Estonia remains one of the best choices in the EU.

🇱🇻 Latvia: Fast Setup and Tax Flexibility

Latvia combines ease of entry with a favorable tax regime, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. Registration is quick, and the government offers VAT exemptions below certain revenue thresholds.

Benefits of setting up in Latvia:

  • Company formation in 1–3 business days
  • 0% corporate tax on undistributed profits
  • VAT threshold of €40,000 before registration is required
  • Clear incorporation procedures and affordable maintenance
  • Strategic access to EU and CIS markets

Latvia is ideal for those who want a low-cost entry to the EU with minimal paperwork.

🇱🇹 Lithuania: Startup-Oriented with Low Tax for Small Companies

Lithuania is one of Europe’s growing startup and fintech hubs. With one of the lowest corporate tax rates for small businesses in the EU, it’s an excellent jurisdiction for entrepreneurs planning to grow or apply for licenses later.

Why Lithuania is business-friendly:

  • Company setup in 1–3 business days
  • Corporate income tax of 15%, or 5% for micro-enterprises
  • Strong fintech and regulatory ecosystem
  • Easy access to EU markets and supportive government policies
  • Simplified VAT rules and digital filing

If your goal is to scale or enter regulated sectors like fintech or payments, Lithuania provides a clear and cost-effective starting point.

🇵🇱 Poland: Large Market and Strong Business Infrastructure

Poland is one of the EU’s largest economies and offers a more structured but high-potential environment for new businesses. While company registration is slightly less automated than in the Baltics, its large domestic market, reliable administration, and skilled workforce make it attractive for long-term growth.

Advantages of setting up a company in Poland:

  • Access to 38+ million consumers and a strong local economy
  • Corporate income tax of 19% or 9% for small companies
  • Online company registration available via S24 system
  • 99% of public services now offered digitally
  • Government support for businesses in Special Economic Zones
  • Clear labor laws and local employment flexibility

For companies in fintech, SaaS, e-commerce or regulated services, Poland offers both scale and legal clarity.

What’s Required to Register a Company

Although procedures vary slightly by country, the core steps to set up a company in Europe typically include:

  • A valid passport or ID
  • A chosen company name and legal address (please note that Complium also offers address service)
  • Information about shareholders and directors
  • Local representative or registered address (required in some jurisdictions)
  • Digital signature or notary process
  • Paid-in share capital (may be symbolic)

Countries like Estonia and Latvia allow most of this to be completed online. In Poland, some steps require national ID or notarial involvement — but Complium can assist with all local procedures.

How Complium Helps You Set Up in Europe

At Complium, we specialize in helping businesses set up and operate in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Our team handles the full formation process — from document preparation and remote filing to post-incorporation support like accounting, tax, and local compliance.

We work with:

  • EU and non-EU founders
  • Startups, holding companies, and regulated entities
  • Crypto and fintech firms seeking licensing or AML compliance
  • Entrepreneurs needing fast, digital-friendly entry into the EU

Whether you’re seeking full remote setup, VAT optimization, or long-term presence in Europe, we’ll guide you through every stage.

Ready to Start Your Business in Europe?

Whether you’re launching a digital startup or expanding into the EU, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland offer streamlined and cost-effective options for business formation.

Want expert help choosing the right jurisdiction?
Visit our Company Formation page or book a free consultation to get started today.

OFFICE DETAILSOffice

Poland office: +48 537 983 725
Estonian office: +372 5874 6380
office@complium.eu

COMPANY DETAILSComplium Poland Sp. Z.o.o

Registry code:  0001089880
VAT number: 5252993463
Office: Solipska 3/5, 02-482 Warszawa

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