In short: For a one-off fee of £1,600 we arrange the formation of a private limited company in Malta, Lithuania, Estonia or Latvia through local partner firms registered in that country. Requirements — such as local address, share capital, documents and whether you need to appear in person — differ between countries, so we confirm the details and full cost for your chosen country before any work starts. Timing depends on the country and on how quickly documents are ready.
What's included
- Initial consultation to help you choose the right country
- Written confirmation of the requirements and costs for your chosen country
- We check your proposed name against the Companies House register and the naming rules, and suggest alternatives if it's taken or needs approval.
- Preparation of the company's founding documents with our local partner
- Registration with the national business register
- The legally required checks on the people behind a company (UK Money Laundering Regulations). We complete them as part of your order.
- Guidance on local addresses, share capital and tax registration
- One point of contact throughout the process
Why form a company in the EU?
A UK company is a good choice for many businesses, but some founders need a company inside the European Union. Common reasons are:
- You live in, or plan to move to, an EU country.
- Your customers or partners prefer to work with an EU-registered company.
- You need an EU base for licences, contracts or public tenders.
We help with formation in four countries: Malta, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. Each has its own company law, business register and tax rules.
How it works
- Consultation. Tell us what the business will do, where the owners and directors live, and where the company will be managed from. We help you shortlist a country.
- Confirmation. We confirm in writing what the chosen country requires and what it will cost, including any local state, notary or address fees.
- Checks. Our partner firm carries out identity and anti-money-laundering checks, as required by EU law.
- Documents. The partner prepares the founding documents. Depending on the country, you may sign them electronically, in front of a notary, or by power of attorney.
- Registration. The company is registered with the national business register. Where required, share capital is paid in and the company is registered for tax.
- Handover. You receive the registration documents and a summary of the company's ongoing duties.
Requirements differ by country
The main points that vary are:
- Local address. Most countries require a registered address in that country, and some require a local contact person.
- Share capital. The minimum amount and when it must be paid differ.
- Signing documents. Some countries allow remote signing with an electronic ID; others require a notary, either in the country or abroad with legalised documents.
- Directors. Rules on local directors and on where the management board meets vary.
- Bank account. Some countries need a local bank account to pay in share capital. Banks make their own decisions and we cannot guarantee an account.
Because these rules change, we check the current position for your chosen country before you commit.
Tax and ongoing duties
Every EU company must keep accounts, file annual reports and pay tax under its local rules. Where a company pays tax also depends on where it is managed and controlled. If you live in a different country from the company, take advice from a tax adviser before you start. We do not give tax or legal advice.
What you will usually need to provide
- A valid passport or national ID card for each owner and director
- Proof of residential address
- A short description of the business and its expected activity
- The proposed company name, with one or two alternatives
- Information about the source of funds for the business
Your partner firm may ask for more, depending on the country and the type of business.
Anti-money-laundering and sanctions
We and our partners must check every client against sanctions lists. We cannot act for any person or company subject to UK or EU sanctions.
Not sure whether you need an EU or a UK company? A UK company can be formed from abroad with our Non-Resident Package, or see all our UK company formation options. Contact us and we will talk you through it.
Frequently asked questions
Which EU countries can you help with?
Malta, Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia. We work with local partner firms in each country.
Do I need to travel to the country to form the company?
It depends on the country. Some allow remote signing with an electronic ID or a power of attorney; others require a notary. We confirm this before we start.
Does the £1,600 include local fees?
We confirm the full cost for your chosen country in writing before any work starts, including any local state, notary or address fees and share capital.
Will forming a company in the EU give me residence in that country?
No. Forming a company does not by itself give you a residence permit or the right to live in that country. Immigration rules are separate.
Where will my EU company pay tax?
Usually in the country where it is registered, but tax residence also depends on where the company is managed and controlled. Speak to a tax adviser before you start.
Can you open a bank account for the company?
We and our partners can help you prepare for it, but banks make their own decisions and we cannot guarantee that an account will be opened.
Related services
Non-Resident Company Package
Form a UK limited company from abroad, with a UK address, remote ID checks by us and mail forwarding.
Apostilled Company Documents
Get UK company documents apostilled by the FCDO so they are accepted by banks and authorities abroad.
Notarised Company Documents
Have UK company documents certified by a notary public for banks, authorities and partners abroad.