Expanding your Indian company into Europe
The European Union is a single market of 27 countries and about 450 million people, and the EU–India trade agreement will open almost all of it to Indian goods. For Indian companies, the question is no longer whether to look at Europe, but where to start and how.
Why Europe, why now
- One market, many doors. A company established in one EU country can sell across the single market under common product rules.
- Trade agreement. Under the EU–India trade agreement, concluded in January 2026, the EU will remove tariffs on more than 90% of its tariff lines and open 99.3% of its imports from India once the agreement is in force.
- Customers looking to diversify. European buyers want reliable suppliers outside their traditional sources.
- Indian success stories. Indian IT services, pharmaceutical, automotive, steel and consumer companies already run major European operations.
Decide these first
- What exactly will you sell, and to whom? Start with two or three countries where your product fits demand and regulation.
- How will you enter? Exporting through distributors, an agent, a sales office, a subsidiary, a joint venture or an acquisition.
- Where will your base be? See choosing a European country.
- What rules apply to your product or service? See EU product rules.
- Who will run it? A local hire, an Indian manager on transfer, or both.
Entry models compared
| Model | Speed | Control | Commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Distributor or agent | Fast | Low | Low |
| Representative or sales office | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Subsidiary | Medium | High | High |
| Joint venture | Medium | Shared | Medium–high |
| Acquisition | Fast once done | High | Very high |
Many companies start with a distributor in one market, then set up a subsidiary once sales justify it.
People and permits
Indian staff moving to run European operations usually go through intra-company transfer permits, the EU Blue Card or national highly skilled schemes. Plan permits early; they are often on the critical path.
Where to set up
- Setting up in FranceRegistration is online now. Banking and hiring take more planning.
- Setting up in BelgiumNo minimum capital for a BV/SRL, a notary deed and a financial plan. Brussels puts you next to the EU institutions.
- Setting up in GermanyA GmbH, a notary and a commercial register. Predictable if you're prepared.
- Setting up in the NetherlandsEnglish-friendly and strong in logistics. Apply for sponsor status early.
- Setting up in SpainAn SL can start with €1 of capital. Getting your tax numbers sorted is the real work.
- Choosing a European countryGermany, France, Spain, the Netherlands or somewhere else? Depends on your customers.
How we support Indian companies
From Paris and Brussels, the Europe-India Chamber of Commerce & Industry helps Indian companies, founders and investors enter the European market:
- Market entry support: market review, fit assessment and the choice of country and entry model
- Business introductions: distributors, buyers, advisers and companies that have made the same move
- Growth consulting: turning first European interest into repeat business
- Cross-cultural guidance: how European buyers decide, negotiate and follow up
- Business dialogues: meetings in Paris and Brussels with European companies and decision makers
Send your sector, product and target countries to contact@euicci.com.
Quick answers
How can an Indian company enter the European market?
Most start by exporting through a distributor or agent in one or two EU countries, then open a sales office or subsidiary once sales justify it. A company established in one EU country can sell across the single market under common product rules.
Which EU country is best for an Indian company?
There is no single best country. Germany suits industrial buyers, France offers a large market with strong India ties, the Netherlands and Belgium are logistics gateways, and Spain, Portugal and Poland offer lower costs. The right choice depends on where your customers are.
What does the EU–India trade agreement change for Indian exporters?
Once in force, the EU will remove tariffs on more than 90% of its tariff lines, covering 91% of imports from India by value, with overall liberalisation of 99.3%. EU product, safety and food rules still apply in full.
