What is EU Inc.? The Complete Guide to Europe's New 28th Regime

The European business landscape is about to change forever. On January 20, 2026, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced EU Inc. at the World Economic Forum in Davos—a revolutionary new company structure that promises to transform how businesses operate across Europe.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about EU Inc., from its core features to the expected timeline and how you can prepare your business today.

What Exactly is EU Inc.?#

EU Inc., officially known as "Societas Europaea Unificata" (S.EU) or the "28th regime," is a new pan-European company structure that allows entrepreneurs to register a single legal entity that operates seamlessly across all 27 EU member states.

Unlike existing European company structures that require navigating different national laws in each country, EU Inc. creates a unified framework governed by EU-level regulations. This means one set of rules, one registration, and one entity—regardless of where you operate in Europe.

Why '28th Regime'?

The name refers to the fact that EU Inc. creates a single, unified corporate framework alongside the existing 27 national legal systems. Rather than replacing national laws, it provides an optional alternative.

Key Features of EU Inc.#

48-Hour Digital Registration#

One of the most revolutionary aspects of EU Inc. is its registration process. Unlike traditional European company formations that can take weeks or months, EU Inc. can be registered entirely online in just 48 hours.

No physical presence required. No notary appointments. No in-person meetings. Everything is handled digitally through a central EU-level registry.

€1 Minimum Capital#

EU Inc. has the lowest capital requirement of any European company structure—just €1. Compare this to:

| Company Type | Minimum Capital | |-------------|-----------------| | EU Inc. (S.EU) | €1 | | German GmbH | €25,000 | | French SAS | €1 | | Dutch BV | €0.01 | | Societas Europaea (SE) | €120,000 |

This minimal requirement makes EU Inc. incredibly accessible for startups and early-stage businesses.

One Entity, 27 Countries#

Perhaps the most significant advantage of EU Inc. is the ability to operate across all EU member states with a single legal entity. Currently, businesses expanding across Europe often need to set up subsidiaries or branch offices in each country, each with its own:

Local registration requirements
National compliance obligations
Separate accounting needs
Different governance rules

With EU Inc., all of this complexity disappears. One company, one set of rules, complete access to the entire European single market.

No Notary Required#

Traditional European company formations typically require notarial involvement—often multiple appointments and significant costs. EU Inc. eliminates this requirement entirely, enabling a fully digital, paperless formation process.

English as Standard Language#

All EU Inc. registration and documentation is conducted in English at the EU level. This removes the need for translations and navigating local language requirements that vary by member state.

The Supporting Frameworks: EU-FAST and EU-ESOP#

EU Inc. isn't just about the company structure itself. It comes with two additional frameworks designed to solve major pain points for European startups.

EU-FAST (Founders' Agreement Standard Terms)#

EU-FAST provides standardized investment documentation that works across all EU member states. This solves a significant problem: currently, startups raising money from pan-European investors often need to adapt documents for each jurisdiction, increasing legal costs and slowing down deals.

With EU-FAST, founders get:

Standardized term sheets
Consistent investment agreements
Lower legal costs
Faster fundraising processes

EU-ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan)#

One of the biggest challenges for European startups is offering competitive equity compensation to employees across different countries. Each EU nation has different rules for stock options, leading to:

Complex administration
Inconsistent tax treatment
Difficulty attracting cross-border talent

EU-ESOP creates a harmonized stock option framework, making it possible to offer consistent equity packages to employees regardless of where they're located in the EU.

Be First in Line for EU Inc.

Join our waitlist to get notified when EU Inc. registration opens in 2027.

Who is EU Inc. For?#

EU Inc. is designed primarily for:

Startups and Scale-ups#

Companies looking to grow across Europe without the complexity of multiple national entities will benefit enormously. EU Inc. provides the flexibility and simplicity that high-growth companies need.

Non-EU Entrepreneurs#

One of the key design principles of EU Inc. is accessibility. Entrepreneurs from anywhere in the world—whether the United States, Asia, or elsewhere—can form an EU Inc. entirely online without traveling to Europe.

SMEs with Pan-European Ambitions#

Small and medium-sized businesses that want to sell across the EU but have been deterred by the complexity of multi-country operations now have a straightforward path forward.

Digital Businesses#

Companies with distributed teams, remote workforces, and digital business models are perfect candidates for EU Inc.'s fully digital registration and operation.

How is EU Inc. Different from Existing Structures?#

vs. Societas Europaea (SE)#

The existing Societas Europaea (SE) has been available since 2004 but has seen limited adoption (only about 3,000 registrations in almost 20 years). That's because SE is designed for large public companies with:

€120,000+ capital requirements
Complex formation processes
Heavy administrative burdens

EU Inc. is specifically designed for startups and SMEs with minimal requirements and digital-first processes.

vs. National Company Structures#

National structures like the German GmbH or Dutch BV are well-established but limited to their home country. Operating across borders requires:

Setting up subsidiaries in each country
Complying with multiple regulatory regimes
Managing multiple accounting systems
Navigating different corporate governance rules

EU Inc. eliminates all of these complications with a single, unified structure.

The EU Inc. Timeline#

Here's what we know about the expected timeline:

January 2026: Announcement (Completed)#

EU Commission President von der Leyen announced EU Inc. at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Q1 2026: Legislative Proposal#

The European Commission is expected to release the detailed legislative proposal, including specific rules and requirements.

2026: Parliament and Council Review#

The European Parliament and Council of 27 member states will negotiate and refine the implementation details.

Q1 2027: Expected Launch#

The first EU Inc. registrations are expected to be available, subject to the legislative process completing on schedule.

What Stays the Same: Tax and Employment Law#

It's important to understand what EU Inc. does NOT change:

Taxation#

EU Inc. is a corporate structure, not a tax regime. Companies will still pay taxes according to national laws where they have tax residence or permanent establishments. If your EU Inc. has operations in Germany, you'll pay German taxes on those activities.

Employment Law#

Hiring employees still follows the labor laws of the country where each employee works. If you hire someone in France, French employment law applies to that relationship.

Important Clarification

EU Inc. simplifies corporate structure and governance, but taxes and employment remain governed by national laws. Always consult with tax and legal professionals for your specific situation.

How to Prepare for EU Inc.#

While EU Inc. isn't available yet, there are steps you can take today to be ready when it launches:

1. Join a Waitlist#

Services like Clemta will offer EU Inc. formation as soon as it becomes available. Joining a waitlist ensures you get early access and potentially preferential pricing.

2. Understand Your European Strategy#

Think about where you want to operate in Europe, who your customers will be, and how you'll structure your team.

3. Get Your Documents Ready#

While exact requirements aren't finalized, having standard identity documents (passports) and business plans ready will help speed up the process.

4. Follow the Legislative Process#

Stay informed about developments in the European Parliament and Council. Understanding the final rules will help you make informed decisions.

5. Connect with Professional Services#

Work with accountants, lawyers, and formation services that understand pan-European business operations.

Frequently Asked Questions#

Can I convert my existing company to EU Inc.?#

The legislative proposal is expected to include pathways for existing companies to adopt the EU Inc. structure, but details are still being finalized.

Will EU Inc. work for regulated industries?#

EU Inc. is designed for most business types. Regulated industries (banking, insurance, etc.) may have additional requirements under EU or national law.

Do I need to be an EU citizen?#

No. EU Inc. is designed to be accessible to entrepreneurs worldwide, regardless of citizenship or residency.

Where will my EU Inc. be "registered"?#

EU Inc. uses a central EU-level registry, not a specific member state's national registry.

The Bigger Picture: Why EU Inc. Matters#

EU Inc. represents more than just a new company structure. It's a statement about Europe's commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and competing on the global stage.

For decades, European startups have faced a fragmented market that made scaling difficult. American companies could expand seamlessly from California to New York, while European counterparts navigated 27 different regulatory regimes.

EU Inc. aims to level that playing field, creating a unified market that matches the simplicity of operating in the United States while providing access to 450 million European consumers.

Conclusion#

EU Inc. is set to revolutionize European business formation and operation. With 48-hour digital registration, €1 minimum capital, and seamless operation across all 27 EU member states, it removes the barriers that have long held European entrepreneurs back.

While the final legislation is still being developed, the direction is clear: Europe is creating the infrastructure for a new generation of pan-European companies.

The question isn't whether EU Inc. will change the game—it's whether you'll be ready to take advantage of it when it launches in 2027.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to your situation.