Registration of an Investment Company in the EU: Steps and Requirements

Nikita Veremeev

29.11.2025 | 6 min read

Updated: 29.11.2025

In conditions where the European capital market is becoming increasingly competitive and regulated, the cost of a mistake — lost months, hundreds of thousands of euros, and reputational risks — is difficult to remediate.

Are you sure you’re ready to go down this path without a strategic partner?

In this article I, Nikita Veremeev, CEO COREDO, share the systematic experience of our team: how to register an investment company in the EU, obtain an investment activity license, comply with AML requirements, and open an account with an international bank.

If you’re looking not just for an overview but for a practical guide that can save months and minimize risks, I recommend reading to the end: you’ll receive not only answers to common questions but also strategic insights that we at COREDO developed through dozens of real-world cases.

Investment company in the EU — what is it and why is it needed?

Illustration for the section «Investment company in the EU - what is it and why is it needed?» in the article «Registration of an investment company in the EU»

An EU investment company is a legal entity created to manage assets, raise capital, organize collective investment schemes (CIS), launch investment funds, and provide professional investment management services. The most in-demand formats include Management companies (AIFM), UCITS funds, licensed brokers, payment and forex companies.

Registering an investment company in the EU opens access to the single European market, opportunities for passporting an investment license (passporting), as well as to the infrastructure of international banks and investment platforms.
COREDO clients, when entering the European market, gain not only prestige but also legal access to qualified investors, institutional partners, and secure funding channels.

Who can open an investment firm in Europe? EU legislation does not limit this process to residents only – registration of an investment company for non-residents and obtaining an investment license for non-EU residents are possible provided certain conditions are met.

COREDO’s practice shows: with proper document preparation and compliance with AML/KYC requirements, a non-resident can obtain a license and open an account in an international bank on the same terms as residents.

How do I register an investment company in the EU?

Illustration for the section “How to register an investment company in the EU?” in the article “Registration of an investment company in the EU”
For successful registration of an investment company in the EU, it is necessary to meet a number of key requirements that govern both the incorporation process itself and subsequent activities. One of the fundamental conditions is compliance with the established requirements for own capital, which guarantee the company’s financial stability and reliability.

Own capital: requirements

Minimum capital for registering an investment company in the EU: €125,000 if it concerns an AIFM or UCITS management company, or a brokerage license. For some types of activities (for example, investment funds with limited risk) this threshold may be higher: up to €730,000.

Confirmation of payment of the share capital: a mandatory step: funds must be deposited into a temporary account in a European bank, and the deposit statement is attached to the registration package.

A real COREDO case: when registering an investment company in Lithuania with the minimum capital, we provided the client not only with confirmation of payment but also with support in the bank’s KYC process, which significantly sped up account opening and registration in the EU commercial register.

Requirements for directors and shareholders
The director of an investment company can be either an EU resident or a non-resident, but some countries (for example, Germany or Ireland) require at least one director who is a resident.
A crucial stage is the verification of business reputation: directors, shareholders and beneficiaries must undergo KYC procedures, confirm the absence of criminal records, provide references and disclose the ownership structure.

The COREDO team carried out a project to register an investment company in Estonia without the director being a resident: thanks to the detailed preparation of the KYC dossier and cooperation with the regulator, the client received approval without having to change the management structure.

Requirements for the business plan and reporting
The business plan is the key document for registering an investment company and for IES/DA reporting.
European regulators expect from the applicant not only a description of the strategy but also a financial model, forecasts for attracting investors, a description of risk management procedures, AML policies and IT infrastructure.
Reporting for an investment company in the EU (including IES/DA) must be transparent, comply with IFRS standards and be regularly submitted to supervisory authorities.

Requirements for AML audit and KYC procedures
AML requirements for investment companies in the EU are among the strictest in the world.

Registering an investment company with an AML audit includes developing internal procedures, appointing an AML officer (MLRO), implementing systems for verifying sources of capital and automating KYC processes.

The solution developed at COREDO allows integrating online KYC and automated verification of sources of funds already at the document submission stage, which minimizes the risk of rejection at the licensing stage.

registration requirements in registries and taxation
For full operation of an investment company in the EU, registration in the EU commercial register, tax registration with the tax authority and, if necessary, registration with the social security fund are required.
Procedures can differ between countries: for example, registering an investment company in Germany requires notarization of the founding documents, while in Lithuania and Estonia online submission via government portals is allowed.

Legal address and office: requirements

Proof of the office address is a mandatory condition for registering an investment company with a lease agreement for the legal address.

At COREDO we assist clients in choosing a location, provide advice on leasing and ensure preparation of all necessary supporting documents.

Requirements for online submission and notarization of documents
Modern EU jurisdictions (Lithuania, Estonia, Portugal) allow registration of an investment company via online document submission through government systems.

Nevertheless, for a number of countries (Germany, Austria) notarization of the founding documents and in-person presence at the signing stage are still required.

COREDO’s experience confirms: competent preparation of the electronic document package and the correct choice of jurisdiction make it possible to complete the investment company registration process online without delays and additional costs.

How to obtain a license for investment activity in the EU

Illustration for the section 'How to obtain a license for investment activity in the EU' in the article 'Registration of an investment company in the EU'

obtaining a license for investment activity in the EU: this is the first step to entering the single European financial market and legally providing investment services within the territory of the Union countries. A key stage in this process is determining the appropriate type of license that fully corresponds to the directions and scale of your investment activities.

Types of licenses for investment activity in the EU
There are two main categories of licenses in the EU:

AIFM (Alternative Investment Fund Manager), for management companies of alternative investment funds.
UCITS (Undertakings for Collective Investment in Transferable Securities) – for collective investment schemes aimed at retail investors.

Also in demand are fund management licenses, licenses for non-residents of the EU, and specialized licenses for investment companies with a collective investment scheme (CIS).

Obtaining a license
the process of obtaining a license for investment activity in the EU includes several stages:

Submitting an application with a complete set of documents, including a business plan, AML policy, proof of capital, and KYC information about beneficiaries.
Review of the application by the regulator (usually 2–6 months).
Obtaining the license and registration in the relevant registers.
Passporting of the investment license: after obtaining a license in one EU country, a company can legally provide services in other EU countries without the need for re-licensing.

The COREDO team supported the UCITS license passporting process for a client from Portugal: thanks to correct preparation of the documentation and engagement with regulators at the EU level, the company obtained the right to provide services in all Member States.

Registration of an investment company in EU countries

Illustration for the section «Registration of an investment company in EU countries» in the article «Registration of an investment company in the EU»

Registering an investment company in popular EU countries is a strategic step that allows a business to enter the largest European market, take advantage of a stable banking system and transparent regulation. At the same time, each EU country imposes its own requirements for registration conditions, licensing and reporting, which is important to consider when choosing a jurisdiction.

Registration of an investment company in Lithuania

Lithuania, one of the most dynamic jurisdictions for registering an investment company with a minimum capital (125 000 euros).

Online submission of documents is allowed here, residency requirements for directors are lenient, and quick integration with payment systems is possible.

Our experience at COREDO has shown: with well-prepared business plans and IES/DA reporting, as well as the correct choice of bank to confirm capital, registration takes 2–4 weeks.

Company registration in Estonia
Estonia – a leader in digitalization: registering an investment company in Estonia with online document submission is possible through e-Residency and the government portal.
Minimum capital – 125 000 euros, director requirements are flexible, and the absence of a resident among management is permitted.

COREDO accompanied the registration of an investment company for non-EU residents, integrating KYC and AML procedures into the digital submission process.

How to register an investment firm in Portugal?

Portugal is attractive because of the possibility to passport a license and a flexible tax regime.
A detailed business plan, proof of capital sources and a lease agreement for a legal address are required.

A COREDO case: the client received an investment license with a collective investment scheme (CIS) and successfully passed an AML audit thanks to the implementation of automated investor verification procedures.

Registration of an investment company in Ireland
Ireland is a hub for large investment funds and management companies.
Registering an investment company in Ireland with a business plan requires detailed development of the financial model, the presence of a qualified director and a transparent shareholder structure.

COREDO provided client support during the preparation of IES/DA reporting and coordination with the EU tax authority.

company registration in Germany
In Germany the procedure is more formalized: notarization of the founding documents is required, the presence of at least one director-resident and confirmation of the business reputation of all participants.

A completed COREDO project: registration of an investment fund’s management company with a fund management license and completion of a comprehensive AML audit.

Registration of an investment company for non-residents

Illustration for the section «Registration of an investment company for non-residents» in the article «Registration of an investment company in the EU»

The registration of an investment company for non-residents involves special requirements and nuances that distinguish this process from the standard procedure for residents. To successfully start a business, a non-resident must take into account the specifics of document preparation, legal restrictions, and the conditions for the participation of foreign individuals in the company’s capital and management.

Registration for non-residents
The registration of an investment company for non-residents of the EU requires special attention to matters such as a business visa, a bank recommendation letter, and proof of sources of capital.

COREDO supports clients at every stage: from preparing documents for a business visa to organizing meetings with banks and preparing recommendation letters.

Opening a corporate account for an investment company in the EU

Opening a corporate account for an investment company in the EU requires compliance with a number of strict banking and regulatory rules. Before starting the procedure, it is important to consider that European legislation imposes specific requirements on investment companies: from minimum share capital to transparency of the governance structure and the presence of necessary licenses. Below we will examine the key requirements banks impose on such companies when opening an account.

What requirements do banks place on investment firms?
International banks impose strict requirements on investment companies:

A detailed business plan and growth strategy.
KYC documents for all beneficial owners and directors.
Evidence of business reputation.
Transparency of sources of funds.

COREDO provides comprehensive preparation of the document package, allowing clients to open accounts in leading international banks without delays.

How to choose an international bank?
selection criteria, not only reliability, but also experience working with investment companies, availability of infrastructure for collective investment schemes and support for online banking.

COREDO’s experience confirms: an optimal choice of bank at the registration stage helps avoid difficulties with capital verification and speeds up the licensing process.

Registration of an investment fund in the EU

registration of an investment fund in the EU – it is a strictly regulated process that requires selecting an appropriate jurisdiction and complying with comprehensive requirements. Depending on the objectives and investors, various types of funds are available in Europe, each of which has its own features and registration rules.

Types of EU investment funds
In the EU, various formats of investment funds are available: collective investment scheme (CIS), funds for qualified investors (QIF), UCITS, AIF.
Registering an investment company with a collective investment scheme (CIS) and for qualified investors enables attracting capital from both private and institutional investors.

Investment fund registration
The process includes submitting an application, review by the regulator, and obtaining a license for the investment fund’s management company.

COREDO supports clients at every stage, ensuring compliance with AML standards and preparing all necessary reporting.

Practical steps and recommendations

Technical and organizational preparation is the foundation of a successful registration of an investment company in the EU, which requires strict compliance with the procedures of each jurisdiction. Practical steps, from choosing a country to opening a bank account, must be carried out sequentially and taking into account the specific legal requirements. Below are recommendations for implementing each stage of registration that will help minimize mistakes and speed up the process of establishing your company.

Step-by-step registration of an investment company in the EU

Preparation of the complete document package (business plan, proof of capital, KYC).
Submitting the application via an online system or notarization (depending on the country).
Obtaining an EU investment activity license (AIFM, UCITS).
Opening an account with an international bank.
Registration in the EU commercial register, tax authority, and EU social security fund.

Tips for reducing risks

Prepare KYC/AML documentation thoroughly: it is the key to successful registration of an investment company, including AML audits and verification of capital sources.
Use the experience of professional consultants: COREDO’s practice shows that support at all stages reduces the likelihood of refusal and accelerates the licensing process.
Don’t skimp on preparing the business plan and reporting: transparency and structured documentation are the main arguments for the regulator.

Key takeaways

Registration of an investment company in the EU: it is not merely a legal formality, but a comprehensive strategy for entering the international capital market.

Capital requirements (from €125,000), transparency of structure, compliance with AML/KYC standards, proper preparation of the business plan and reporting, as well as the right choice of jurisdiction and bank — these are the main success factors.

COREDO’s experience shows that only a systematic approach and a deep understanding of the regulatory framework make it possible not only to register an EU investment company but also to build a long-term, sustainable business with international prospects.

Requirements for registering an investment company in the EU by country

Country	Minimum capital	Online submission	Notarization	Passporting	Business plan	AML audit	International bank
Lithuania	€125,000	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Estonia	€125,000	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Portugal	€125,000	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Ireland	€125,000	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Germany	€125,000	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes