Business, taxes, and legal matters: complete guide
Beatriz Martins · 2026-10-07
Table of contents
1. UK ltd, us LLC, or company in estonia
2. VAT in the european union
3. terms and return policy
4. paid ads management contract
5. trademark registration
6. importing products into europe
7. accounting in multiple countries
8. health claims
9. issuing electronic invoices
1. UK ltd, us LLC, or company in estonia
Comparison:
- LTD (United Kingdom):
- Tax on profits: 19% (2023).
- Registration: fast and online.
- Annual accounts requirements.
- LLC (us):
- Tax: ranges from 15% to 35%, depending on the state.
- Flexibility in profit distribution.
- Personal asset protection.
- Company in Estonia:
- Tax on profits: 20% (only when profits are distributed).
- Fully digital registration.
- E-commerce-friendly system.
Decision:
- If you want simplicity and low costs, choose Estonia.
- If you’re looking for asset protection and flexibility, go with an LLC.
- For a traditional presence in Europe, go with an LTD.
2. VAT in the european union
Rules and Threshold:
- Distance sales threshold: €10.000.
- Above that, you must register for VAT in each EU country where you sell.
OSS (One Stop Shop):
- Lets you register for VAT in one place for all sales in the EU.
- Avoids multiple registrations.
Common Mistake:
- Not registering for VAT after exceeding the threshold can result in fines of up to 10% of sales.
3. terms and return policy
What to include:
- Clear terms of use.
- 14-day return policy (as required by EU law).
- Information about refunds and exchanges.
Consequence:
- Pages without adequate information can be taken down or result in fines.
4. paid ads management contract
Important clauses:
- Definition of scope of work.
- Performance goals and reporting.
- Confidentiality clause.
- Termination terms.
Protection:
- Without clear clauses, paid ads management can be challenged.
5. trademark registration
When to register:
- As soon as you have a name or logo you want to protect.
Cost:
- Registration in the EU: €850 to €1.500.
- In the US: around $225 to $400 per class.
Why it matters:
- Protects your brand from copycats and increases the value of your business.
6. importing products into europe
Requirements:
- EORI (Economic Operators Registration and Identification number).
- CE certification for specific products.
- Proper labeling.
Customs:
- Products without the proper documentation may be held up.
7. accounting in multiple countries
Minimum setup:
- Work with an accountant experienced in international taxation.
- Register in each country where you operate.
Common Mistake:
- Failing to keep track of each country’s specific tax obligations can lead to fines and legal complications.
8. health claims
What’s allowed:
- Claims based on scientific evidence.
- Claims approved by EFSA (European Food Safety Authority).
What’s not allowed:
- Misleading or unsubstantiated claims can result in penalties.
9. issuing electronic invoices
Step by step:
- Register with an electronic invoicing system (NFe).
- Set up your business information.
- Issue the invoice with the customer’s details.
- Send it automatically to the customer and the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service.
- Store it digitally for 5 years.
Common Mistake:
- Data entry errors can lead to fines and issues with the tax authorities.
Final checklist
- Choose the right business structure (LTD, LLC, Estonia).
- Register for VAT if needed.
- Create clear terms and a return policy.
- Draw up a paid ads management contract with protective clauses.
- Register your trademark as soon as possible.
- Complete the documentation required for importing.
- Work with an accountant specializing in international taxation.
- Follow regulations for health claims.
- Keep your electronic invoicing up to date.
- Review all contracts and legal documents periodically.
What’s your experience with registering a business and paying taxes in other countries? Share numbers and results!