21st April 2026
EU Inc: A New Era for Doing Business in Europe
On 18 March 2026, the European Commission — including Ireland’s EU Commissioner Michael McGrath — announced a landmark proposal that could fundamentally change how you start and grow a business across Europe. The new structure, known as EU Inc (or the “28th Regime”), is designed to remove barriers to cross-border expansion and create a simpler, more efficient way for companies to operate across all 27 EU Member States.
If your business has ambitions beyond Ireland, this is a development worth paying close attention to.
At present, expanding into other EU countries often means dealing with multiple legal systems, setting up local entities, and managing ongoing compliance in each jurisdiction. This can be time-consuming and costly. The proposed framework aims to change that by allowing you to operate across the EU under one unified structure, reducing administrative burden and helping you scale more efficiently.
EU Incorporation is a new optional EU-wide company type that will sit alongside existing structures like the Irish LTD. In practical terms, it means you could incorporate once and operate across the EU without needing to establish separate subsidiaries in each country. While it is particularly attractive for startups and high-growth companies, it is expected to be available to businesses of all sizes.
Key Benefits for Your Business
The proposal introduces several features designed with business owners in mind:
- Fast and low-cost setup: Incorporate fully online within 48 hours, with costs under €100 and no minimum share capital.
- One rulebook: Operate under a single, harmonised EU framework instead of navigating multiple national systems.
- Digital-first approach: Manage your company lifecycle online — from incorporation to filings, share transfers, and even closure.
- Easier expansion: Operate across the EU without setting up local subsidiaries or branches.
- Startup-friendly environment: Simplified insolvency procedures may allow faster recovery and reduced risk if things don’t go as planned.
The proposal was published in March 2026 and is currently under review by EU institutions. The European Commission is aiming for agreement by the end of 2026. If approved, you could see the first companies under “28th Regime” being registered as early as 2027, with further rollout continuing through to 2030.
While the framework is not yet in force, it is a good time to start thinking about your future expansion plans. If you are considering entering new EU markets or scaling your operations, this structure could offer a more streamlined pathway in the near future.
The introduction of EU Inc has the potential to significantly reduce complexity and cost for businesses operating across Europe. For Irish companies in particular, it could open up faster and more efficient access to EU markets while maintaining Ireland’s strong position as a base for international growth.
We are closely monitoring the progress of this novation and will keep you informed as new developments emerge. If you would like to learn more about how this significant upcoming change could benefit your business, please get in touch with our team.
