# Sole trader or company? How to choose in Germany, France, Spain, Denmark and Greece

In most European countries the choice is the same as in the UK - start on your own name for the simplest, cheapest start, or form a company to protect your personal assets and look more established. The names change (Einzelunternehmen or GmbH in Germany, micro-entreprise or SASU in France, autonomo or SL in Spain, enkeltmandsvirksomhed or ApS in Denmark, sole trader or IKE in Greece) but the trade-off does not. Many founders start on their own name and form a company once the business is proven.

## FAQ
Q: What is the European equivalent of a sole trader?
A: Every country has one. In Germany it is an Einzelunternehmen, or freelance (Freiberufler) for many professions. In France it is the micro-entreprise or entreprise individuelle (EI). In Spain it is registering as an autonomo. In Denmark it is an enkeltmandsvirksomhed. In Greece it is a sole proprietorship (atomiki epicheirisi). In each case you trade in your own name, the paperwork is light, and you are personally responsible for the business's debts.

Q: What is the European equivalent of a UK limited company?
A: The GmbH (or the lower-capital UG) in Germany, the SASU or EURL in France, the SL in Spain, the ApS in Denmark and the IKE in Greece. All are private limited companies that protect your personal assets, can be owned by one person and file their own accounts and tax returns.

Q: How much capital do I need to start a company in Europe?
A: It varies a lot. A Spanish SL, a Greek IKE, a French SASU or EURL and a German UG can be formed with as little as €1, with rules that build reserves later. A German GmbH needs €25,000 of share capital, at least €12,500 paid in at registration. A Danish ApS needs DKK 40,000. Formation costs such as notary and registry fees come on top.

Q: Can I start as a sole trader and form a company later?
A: Yes, and it is the most common path. You start on your own name while you test whether people will pay, then form a company when profits grow, you need liability protection or a client or investor asks for one. An accountant should handle the move so contracts, assets and tax switch over cleanly.

Q: Can Corey register my business in Europe?
A: Corey explains the options in your country, prepares the details and the forms, and keeps the deadlines afterwards. You check and submit the registration yourself, and sign anything that needs a notary. Corey has researched rule books for Germany, France, Spain, Denmark and Greece, and the UK in most depth.

Corey does this for you. Corey is free for individuals: https://getcorey.ai/get-started