Strategy

Setting up a company in Europe: what the service includes and what drives the cost (2026 guide)

Setting up a company in Europe has no single price: it depends on the country, the legal form and how much of the work you outsource. This guide covers what the service includes (analysis, tax and accounting), what drives the cost and how long each market takes.

Updated on 2026-08-17 · By the Filnet team2 min read

What the incorporation of your company includes

The incorporation service covers the entire legal and tax process in the country: name reservation, drafting of articles of association, commercial register, obtaining the tax number, VAT registration, opening a bank account and registered office.

It is handled by a local adviser who speaks your language, 100% online and without travelling. You only sign where required and the team takes care of the follow-up with the authorities.

What the monthly management includes

Once incorporated, your company needs up-to-date accounting and tax. The monthly fee covers the country's official accounting, corporate tax and VAT returns and representation before the tax authority.

If you hire employees, the payroll module is added: payslips, contracts and Social Security for each worker. It is tailored to your workforce.

What makes the cost differ between countries

On top of those official procedures comes the management service. The final cost is quoted on a tailored basis after analysing your case: activity, expected volume and whether you are going to hire.

Key points

  • Portugal — LDA or Unipessoal, no mandatory minimum capital, 4-8 weeks
  • France — SAS or SASU, no minimum capital, 3-6 weeks
  • Italy — SRL or SRLS, capital from €1, 4-10 weeks
  • Germany — GmbH, share capital of €25,000 (€12,500 paid up on incorporation), 6-14 weeks
  • Andorra — SL or SLU, capital of €3,000, 2-6 weeks
  • Dubai — Free Zone or Mainland, 1-3 weeks

Official costs you should know about

Beyond the service itself, there are costs that belong to the operation, not to the agency: the minimum share capital you deposit in the company account (it is yours), registration fees and, if you register a trademark, the official national or EUIPO fees.

Before hiring, confirm that your budget covers the full process: sworn translations, legalisations, legal notices, notarial signature and registered office. At Filnet all these items are included in the plan, with no surprises.

Why a tailored plan

Two companies opening in the same country may need very different things: a holding company, an operating subsidiary or a branch do not consume the same. That is why, after the analysis with our specialists, we design a tailored plan for your case, at a very good price and with no hidden costs.

The first step is a free call: in 30 minutes we set out the expansion strategy with you —target market, legal structure and taxation for your case— with no obligation.

Frequently asked questions

It depends on the country, the legal form and the scope of your plan. After the analysis with our specialists, we design a tailored plan for your case, at a very good price and with no hidden costs. Ask for your quote on the first free call.

Portugal starts from the lowest point thanks to its simplicity and proximity, followed by Italy and France. But the real cost depends on your case: a holding structure may fit better in Andorra or Dubai, even though the service is different. The prior analysis is free.

Name reservation, articles of association, commercial register, tax number, VAT registration, bank account opening and registered office. The entire legal and tax process in the country, managed by a local adviser, with no hidden costs.

Every operating company needs up-to-date accounting and tax compliance. The monthly fee is tailored to your activity and, if you hire staff, the payroll module per employee. No small print.

Book a free call with a specialist

In 30 minutes we outline your expansion strategy with you: target market, legal structure and taxation for your case. No commitment.

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