Investing in the EU

Companies and individuals invest abroad in order to locate their production in cost-efficient and high-skill locations, to source components and raw materials, and to get closer to their customers. For the host country, inward investment plays an important role and contributing to technological development, job creation and economic growth.

The EU has one of the most open and transparent regimes for inward foreign direct investment (FDI) in the world, making it one of the most important destinations in the world. As a result, FDI stocks held by non-EU investors amount to some €9.300 billion. Investing in the EU means access to a highly integrated single market made up of almost 500 million consumers and investment opportunities.

EU legislation and the single market support investment by guaranteeing the freedom to establish a company, to invest in companies and to move capital across borders. They also ensure equal and non-discriminatory treatment of investors in all Member States.

Investing in an EU member state

If you are interested in investing in the EU, please find below links to the websites of the EU Member States’ investment promotion agencies, which provide information on investment opportunities, the steps to be taken and the rules that apply.

Supporting investors in the EU

There are a number of platforms that provide guidance and assistance to companies and investors established or seeking to establish themselves in the EU single market, including the protection of their rights.

Businesses and investors can consult:

Quick links

  1. News
  2. Useful links

Frequently asked questions

  1. When the tariff refers to weight, is it gross weight or net weight?
  2. How can I find the import duty that applies to my product?
  3. If I want to sell my product in several EU countries, are there import duties to pay each time my product enters a different country?
  4. Can I get a list of products charged at 0% import duty?
  5. Are excise duties applied at EU or at national level?
  6. How is VAT charged in the EU?
  7. How can I get approval to export fish to the EU?
  8. Does food exported to the EU have to come from an EU-authorised establishment?
  9. Do I have to pay to use My Trade Assistant for Services and Investment?
  10. In which languages in My Trade Assistant for Services and Investment available?