Expanding your business in the EU: how can a point of single contact help?

Planning to expand into another EU country? A point of single contact helps you understand local requirements and complete formalities. It is an online portal established by an EU country — every member state has one.

Information and applications in one place

Through the portal, you can:

• obtain information and complete formalities for starting or expanding your business;
• apply for licences, permits and necessary approvals;
• learn about local business rules and compliance obligations.

Points also provide information on business registration, taxes and occupational health and safety rules, among other things.

What should you bear in mind?

Points primarily support service businesses, although other businesses can also use them. Each EU country sets its own rules, so required permits and licences may differ depending on the type of business or sector.

Many points offer fully digital administrative procedures. However, this does not mean you can complete every formality online at every point.

Find a point of single contact using the Your Europe search tool.