Do you want to explore new business opportunities or to expand your business in another EU country? Are you planning to set-up a new business at home? Then the “Points of Single Contact” (PSCs) are for you. PSCs are e-government portals for entrepreneurs active in the service sector.

PSCs are online e-government portals that allow you to:

• Find out about the rules, regulations and formalities that apply to service activities
• Complete the administrative procedures online (by submitting the necessary application forms and supporting documents etc. electronically)

You no longer have to go to the individual offices of different authorities in different countries, one by one. In each EU country, applications can now be dealt with online through one single access point, the PSC.

The PSCs are there to help you deal with a wide range of practical issues:

• Which licences, notifications or permits do I need to start a business in any EU country?
• What do I need to do when I want to offer my services abroad on a temporary basis?
• How do I apply for a licence? Which organisation is responsible for dealing with my application?
• How can I get my professional qualifications recognised?
• Do I have to pay a fee? If so, how much will it be? How long will it take to get my licence?
• What do I need to do to set up, for instance, a restaurant or a shop? Or to work as a tour operator in another country without actually setting up a permanent office in that country?
• Where can I go for further advice and information?

You can find Points of single contact here: http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/eu-go/index_en.htm

Source: European Commission