EU Inc.: Brussels making progress on new company legal structure with 48-hour registration

Since early 2026, the European Commission has been spearheading a new EU-wide company legal structure with digital registration, with no minimum share capital and common rules for shares and employee stock options.

The initiative is progressing through the EU legislative system, with new milestones achieved in September 2026.

EU Inc. would offer entrepreneurs an alternative to national legal company structures. Under EU Inc, companies using the EU’s standard articles of association could register online within 48 hours, for a maximum fee of €100 and with no minimum share capital. Using their own articles would allow registration within five working days.

For founders, the proposal could lower some barriers to starting and expanding a business. No minimum share capital would reduce the capital needed to incorporate, while the €100 fee cap and digital registration would cut time and costs. The optional EU form would also give entrepreneurs another legal framework to use in the Single Market.

The Commission initially presented its proposal on 18 March 2026.

On 10 September, the Council’s Working Party on Company Law examined a second Presidency compromise text. On 24 September, ministers were briefed on the proposal at the Competitiveness Council. The Commission aims for an agreement between Parliament and Council by the end of 2026. Even with a deal, EU Inc. would not be available until 12 months after the regulation enters into force.

The legal basis is Article 114 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Issues under discussion include insolvency, taxation, forum shopping, co-determination and additional safeguards.

The Council of Notariats of the European Union has raised concerns about shareholder identification, fraud and money laundering. The European Trade Union Confederation has called for stronger safeguards on worker participation. The Commission says EU Inc. would not change national employment or social security rules.