Entity setup in Europe…

2021-07-26

Brexit has posed opportunities and challenges for various industries since the UK finally left the EU on January 1st, 2021. Some businesses will thrive under the new trade deal agreement, while others will reminisce about the old days of closer links to Europe. International expansion into new markets could be a realistic and lucrative option for the latter. Expanding or relocating your business will open up new trading deals, resources, consumer markets, and infrastructure opportunities. Regardless of your industry or product, there’s likely to be a European destination well suited to your commercial needs.

Knowing where to start can be a complex process. Factors such as time, finance, logistics, and justification must be considered. Fortunately, we have created this five-step checklist to ensure you’re on the right track with your post-Brexit business expansion.

Watch our webinar on Doing Business in a post-Brexit Europe.

Incentives For Global Business Expansion

One key consideration should be whether the international market you want to expand into has financial incentives. Some European countries have low start-up fees, generous tax reductions, and grants. This can make your global expansion process quicker and more cost-effective. 

Some countries have capitalised on Brexit and offered additional incentives, partly to attract UK businesses into their market. An example is France’s recent initiative that invests in startup tech companies with a Tech Visa. This states some countries may seem perfect for your business and services, but you’re coming up against much red tape. In the same way, be vigilant about deals that seem “too good to be true” and look out for long or expensive processes.

Use the following questions to narrow down your shortlist of countries for international expansion by evaluating what they can offer you before considering what you will do for them:

• What is the funding process in my chosen market?
• Which markets can offer me the best incentives?
• Are there any specific visas relevant to my industry?

Immigration

Immigration laws will be a crucial factor in expanding your business overseas. European countries have differing immigration laws, meaning you’ll have to research which market suits your needs extensively. Some countries allow you to set up remotely and oversee operations from your current location. This is particularly useful if you’re not looking to relocate your entire business, as you will save on personal travel and accommodation expenses throughout your setup.

You must research visa requirements if you want to move with your business. Some international markets allow easier entry for specific industries. Examples of this would be the EU Blue Card or a Tech Visa.

Use this immigration checklist before moving forward with your expansion journey:

• I understand the visa requirements for my chosen country
• I know whether or not I am entitled to some form of business visa
• I can set up my business remotely
• I know whether I need a country resident to be involved in the business setup.

Tax & Accounting

When expanding overseas, knowing where to begin with tax and accounting can be a minefield for business owners.

Businesses will use an end-of-year accountant to ensure the company’s books are in order and adhere to taxation laws. This task can be stressful, but it is entirely manageable with the right help.

There should be no assumption that tax laws operate similarly in alternate markets. Below is a list of things you should be aware of and checking throughout your new tax setup:

• If outsourcing, find a trusted accountant to work alongside you
• Develop a good relationship with your accountant through frequent communications and sharing business plans
• Devise a tax risk management plan for safety
• Have a cash repatriation infrastructure ready

Employment

You may be familiar with UK employment laws, but European requirements vary significantly depending on where you expand.

One notable example that varies from country to country is weekly working hours. Some governments enforce strict limits on hours that can be worked by anyone employed in a week. This should be a consideration when hiring your workforce, as a team of eight in the UK may need to be a team of ten elsewhere.

In addition, there are lots to consider when addressing factors such as payroll, annual leave, HR, and contract setup. 

Be sure to address these employment questions along your global expansion journey:

• Is a local payroll provider required?
• What will my employees be entitled to from me, the employer?
• Who/what is required to draw up an employment agreement?
• What are the options to terminate employment?
• What type of work permits are available for any non-local hires?
• What are the legal maximum working hours per week in my chosen country?

Community, Culture & Global Expansion

When expanding your business abroad, you aren’t just relocating assets. Very often, you will be moving with your business, so you should be confident of the area – the culture and social aspects of your new life. You will already know how to brand your business in a way that appeals to the new market’s culture. In the same way, if you prepare to give your business the best head start, you should do it for yourself and your family.

Familiarise yourself with local traditions and languages and try to integrate into the community. Below is a list of things you could do to make this transition period as enjoyable as possible from a personal standpoint:

• Partner with other local businesses or figures in the community
• Familiarise yourself with the language – app stores are full of fun tools for this
• Learn about the history of your new location
• Join a local not-for-profit, such as an improvement district

Putting it into practice

Our award-winning AI-powered platform allows you to track all of the above in one centralised process. The interactive platform details tax, immigration, market entry points, and HR for 170+ countries. Contactable and reliable experts are also available to help you ace your expansion.

The entire platform and its contents have been designed to have a simple sign-up process and easy-to-use features. There’s no risk or endless documentation to fill out—just a wealth of information and like-minded experts to help you throughout your international business expansion. Learn more here.