Business Licences · Europe
Get the Business Licences You Need With the Right Lawyer By Your Side
Opening, expanding or trading across borders means securing the right permits and authorisations — and getting one wrong can delay your launch or stop your operation. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted lawyer who handles business licences and permits in your country and sector every day.
- 155+ legal services, 14 practice areas
- Lawyers across the EU & EEA
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
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Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
Business licences are the permits that let you open and trade
Business licences are the permits and authorisations a company must hold to carry on a particular activity or operate from particular premises — from hospitality, retail and food service to construction, transport, financial services and professional practice. The exact licences required, the conditions attached to them and the bodies that issue them vary significantly by country and by industry, and a business operating across borders may face several different regimes at once. Applications typically demand proof of company status, premises compliance, insurance, qualifications and good standing, all presented in prescribed formats. A missing licence can halt trading, attract penalties or invalidate contracts, while a refusal or revocation can close a business down. A licensing lawyer maps exactly what you need, secures it efficiently and protects it once held.
Why businesses get stuck
One missing permit can stop an entire operation.
And the rules are rarely obvious.
Different activities, premises and countries each carry their own licences and conditions — and a gap often comes to light only at the worst moment.
Not knowing what you need
The licences required depend on your activity, your premises and every country where you operate. Overlooking one — or discovering it late — can block a launch or expose you to penalties.
Multi-jurisdiction complexity
A business trading in several countries faces several licensing regimes at once, each with its own forms, documents and conditions. Coordinating them all correctly is a common source of delay.
Premises and condition compliance
Many licences are tied to premises — fire safety, planning use, accessibility, environmental conditions. Failing to satisfy them can stall approval or lead to suspension after you open.
What you get
A business licences lawyer who maps and secures your permits
We only match you with lawyers who handle business licensing and authorisations in your industry and country.
Licence mapping
Your lawyer identifies every permit and authorisation your business needs for its activity, premises and target markets, so nothing is discovered only after the fact.
Application management
Get each application prepared and filed correctly, complete with the right supporting documents, reducing the delays and refusals that so often come from incomplete files.
Cross-border coordination
For businesses trading in several countries, your lawyer coordinates the different regimes and timelines so your expansion is not held up by a missed permit.
Compliance & defence
Your licences are monitored for renewal and condition compliance, and your lawyer acts quickly to defend your business if a suspension or revocation is threatened.
Coverage
Business licences lawyers across Europe
Licensing regimes are national and industry-specific, so the right lawyer is one who works with your specific countries’ authorities and your sector’s rules. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Business licences — common questions
What business licences do I need?
The answer depends on your activity, your premises and every country where you operate. Common examples include trading, food, alcohol, hospitality, transport and regulated-sector licences. A lawyer can map the full set that applies to your specific business.
Do I need a licence to operate in another EU country?
Often yes, even if you already hold one at home. While the EU facilitates cross-border activity, many licences and permits remain national, and local conditions may apply. A lawyer can confirm what a new market actually requires.
What happens if I trade without a required licence?
The consequences vary by country and activity, and may include fines, orders to stop trading, or liability for contracts entered into without the required authorisation. Identifying and securing licences before you launch is the safest course.
How long does it take to obtain a business licence?
Timelines vary widely by country and licence type, typically from a few weeks to several months. Premises approvals and inspections can extend this. A complete, correct application is the most reliable way to avoid unnecessary delay.
Can a licence be attached to my premises?
Yes. Many licences are tied to specific premises and depend on factors such as planning use, fire safety and accessibility. A change of premises, or a problem with the premises, can affect the licence itself.
What if my business licence is refused or revoked?
A refusal or revocation can usually be challenged through a formal review or appeal, subject to a short deadline. A lawyer can assess the grounds, address the underlying issue and represent you in the process.
Free case review
Don’t let a missing permit stall your business
Tell us about your business and where you operate, and we’ll connect you with a licensing lawyer who handles business licences and permits in your sector and country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.