Procedures
What to actually do, in order
Each procedure sets out who may file, the deadline that ends your right to act, every document you must produce, the realistic timeline and cost, and the specific pitfalls that cause cases to fail on technicalities.
- LiechtensteinBusinessadvanced
Establish a private foundation (Stiftung) in Liechtenstein
Set up a Liechtenstein private foundation under the Law on Persons and Companies (PGR), a distinctive vehicle for holding and passing on assets. It requires a founder, a dedicated endowment, and a clear statement of purpose and beneficiaries.
6 steps A few weeks, depending on due diligence and structuring Minimum endowment of CHF 30,000, plus notarial, trustee and registration fees - GermanyCompany formationintermediate
Incorporate a GmbH in Germany
Form Germany's standard limited liability company. The process runs through a notary and completes on entry in the commercial register.
8 steps 3-6 weeks €25,000 share capital (half paid in), €800-€2,500 notary and register fees - IrelandBusinessintermediate
Incorporate a private company limited by shares (LTD) in Ireland
Register an LTD with the Companies Registration Office under the Companies Act 2014. There is no minimum share capital, and most incorporations are filed online through CORE.
6 steps About 5-10 working days online CRO filing fee (lower online); no minimum capital - IndiaCompany formationintermediate
Incorporate a private limited company in India
Register through the MCA's integrated SPICe+ form, which combines name reservation, incorporation, PAN, TAN and EPFO registration.
8 steps 7-15 working days ₹5,000-₹15,000 in government and professional fees - SingaporeCompany formationbeginner
Incorporate a private limited company in Singapore
One of the fastest incorporations in the world. ACRA's BizFile+ portal can approve a company within a single working day.
7 steps 1-3 working days S$15 name application, S$300 incorporation fee - MonacoBusinessadvanced
Obtain a business authorisation and form a company in Monaco
Start a business in Monaco, where any commercial activity needs prior government authorisation on top of forming a company. The common vehicles are the SARL (EUR 15,000 capital) and the SAM (EUR 150,000 capital), and both must open a Monaco bank account.
6 steps Typically 2-4 months, driven by the authorisation review Share capital (EUR 15,000 SARL / EUR 150,000 SAM) plus notary, registration and administrative fees - LuxembourgBusinessintermediate
Register a SARL with the Luxembourg Trade and Companies Register
Form a Luxembourg private limited company (SARL), the standard vehicle for trading and holding activity. It requires EUR 12,000 of fully subscribed capital, a notarial deed and registration with the Trade and Companies Register (RCS).
6 steps Around 1-3 weeks once capital and documents are ready EUR 12,000 share capital (retained by the company), plus notary and RCS fees - LatviaBusinessintermediate
Register a limited liability company (SIA) in Latvia
Form a SIA and register it with the Register of Enterprises. A standard SIA needs EUR 2,800 in capital, while a reduced-capital SIA allows less subject to conditions.
6 steps About 1-3 working days once documents are filed State and publication fees; EUR 2,800 capital (less for a reduced-capital SIA) - SwedenBusinessintermediate
Register a private limited company (AB) in Sweden
Form an AB and register it with Bolagsverket. The company needs SEK 25,000 in share capital, and registration can be filed online through verksamt.se.
5 steps Typically 1-3 weeks SEK 25,000 minimum capital plus a registration fee - NorwayBusinessintermediate
Register a private limited company (AS) in Norway
Form an AS and register it with the Brønnøysund Register Centre through the Altinn portal. The company needs NOK 30,000 in share capital.
5 steps Typically 1-3 weeks NOK 30,000 minimum capital plus a registration fee - DenmarkBusinessintermediate
Register a private limited company (ApS) in Denmark
Form an ApS entirely online through Virk.dk. Registration is fast once you have DKK 20,000 in share capital and a Danish digital identity (MitID) or an authorised agent.
6 steps Often same-day once documents and capital are ready DKK 20,000 minimum capital plus a modest registration fee - FinlandBusinessintermediate
Register a private limited company (Oy) in Finland
Establish an Oy through the Business Information System (BIS/YTJ). Since 2019 no minimum share capital is required, so the main steps are drafting the deed and registering with the Patent and Registration Office.
6 steps A few days to a couple of weeks Registration fee (lower online); no minimum capital required - EstoniaBusinessbeginner
Register a private limited company (OÜ) online in Estonia
Form an OÜ fully online through the e-Business Register, including as an e-resident. Share capital can be paid in over time, making Estonia one of the fastest places to incorporate.
6 steps Often same-day online State fee for online registration; capital contribution can be deferred - LithuaniaBusinessintermediate
Register a private limited company (UAB) in Lithuania
Form a UAB and register it with the Centre of Registers. The company needs EUR 1,000 in authorised capital, and electronic incorporation is available to holders of a qualified e-signature.
6 steps About 3-5 working days (faster electronically) Registration fee plus EUR 1,000 minimum capital - IcelandBusinessintermediate
Register a private limited company (ehf) in Iceland
Form an ehf and register it with the Register of Enterprises at Iceland Revenue and Customs (Skatturinn). The company needs ISK 500,000 in share capital.
5 steps Typically 1-2 weeks ISK 500,000 minimum capital plus a registration fee - SwitzerlandBusinessintermediate
Set up a GmbH (limited liability company) in Switzerland
Form a Swiss GmbH/Sàrl, the most common vehicle for small and medium businesses. It requires CHF 20,000 of fully paid capital, a public deed before a notary and entry in the cantonal commercial register, and at least one representative resident in Switzerland.
6 steps Roughly 2-4 weeks once the capital account and documents are ready CHF 20,000 share capital (retained by the company), plus notary and commercial-register fees