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Re:Do you start a company, just to try out a business idea? by softwaredoug on Wednesday April 21, 2021 @11:05PM (#26898279)
I’m curious how European economies justify the high cost of starting a business?

Maybe I don’t fully appreciate the situation. I have known some German freelancers be stuck, unable to afford to start a business. However without a business the freelancers clients will be seen as participating in disguised employment. Same goes for issues the OP cites like personal liability, etc. In the US, business licenses are relatively easily obtained to protect individuals. It would seem to benefit society to encourage new ventures. Though this is perhaps my American biases. I’m sure I’m misunderstanding something.

Re:Do you start a company, just to try out a business idea? by sbacic on Thursday April 22, 2021 @01:28AM (#26899073)
> I’m curious how European economies justify the high cost of starting a business?

Short answer: they don't.

Longer answer: countries in Europe don't want some guy opening a business out of his garage. They want somebody with fat stacks of cash who will be able to afford to pay high fees and taxes right from the start and then pay some more when/if his business actually makes revenue/profit.

Things are slowly changing, especially in the smaller economies, but change is slow.

Re:Do you start a company, just to try out a business idea? by brtkdotse on Thursday April 22, 2021 @08:32AM (#26901991)
SOME countries, perhaps. Many - no.

At least in the Nordics starting up an LLC equivalent costs around 100$ in registration fees and takes about an hour (plus a week or so waiting time). Of course, you’ll need the initial capital. In Sweden it’s SEK25000/$2500.

Re:Do you start a company, just to try out a business idea? by sbacic on Thursday April 22, 2021 @01:39PM (#26905522)
> Of course, you’ll need the initial capital.

Which is quite reasonable compared to say Germany or Switzerland (or hell, even Croatia) but still not $0 like in the USA.

Re:Do you start a company, just to try out a business idea? by blackcats on Thursday April 22, 2021 @06:27PM (#26908913)
In the Netherlands there’s a lot of freelancers operating as a sole proprietorship. If you make a 100.000$ or more you can consider a business license.
Re:Do you start a company, just to try out a business idea? by chefkoch on Thursday April 22, 2021 @04:26AM (#26900250)
In Germany starting a GmbH starts at 500€, and to be a freelancer you don't need one. You just need insurance to limit you liability.