Best Countries to Start a Business: The 2025 Foreign Entrepreneur’s Guide

In 2025, entrepreneurs choose countries as strategically as business models. The right country to start can lower taxes, simplify compliance, and open global markets — while the wrong one adds friction and cost. Today, digital platforms allow founders to register a company and manage operations fully online via secure systems, making borders less relevant than ever.

This guide outlines the best countries to start a business as a foreign founder — comparing regulation, taxation, and access to talent for founders who want stability, scalability, and long-term success.

Key Takeaways

Insight	Summary
Globalization redefines entrepreneurship	Founders from the US increasingly open ventures abroad to access talent, lower tax rates, and streamlined digital ecosystems.
Business-friendly governments lead 2025 rankings	Singapore, UAE, Hong Kong, Switzerland, and New Zealand remain leaders in efficiency, legal security, and remote ownership support.
Visa and residency options matter as much as tax rates	Most top jurisdictions link company registration to relocation options and entrepreneur visas.
Digital formation is now standard	Incorporation and ongoing maintenance in several countries are handled fully online via secure portals.
Strategic choice reduces risk	Understanding corporate taxation, ownership and residency rules, and ongoing costs helps founders who want sustainable growth.

Top 10 Countries for Business at a Glance

What Makes a Country “Best” for Business? A Framework for Founders

Choosing the best country to start a business requires a multi-factor approach. The framework below summarizes how consultants evaluate jurisdictions for foreign entrepreneurs and startups considering incorporation abroad.

Economic & Political Stability

Strong macroeconomic indicators and predictable policy environments make a country attractive to foreign ownership. Stable currencies, low inflation, and transparent governance reduce long-term risk. For founders who want to protect capital, these factors are as critical as tax rates or startup support. Singapore and Switzerland excel here thanks to their strong legal systems and consistent public services.

• Switzerland consistently tops the Global Innovation Index for governance and transparency, with political stability rated at over 95 % by the World Bank’s Worldwide Governance Indicators — a signal investors interpret as near-zero sovereign risk.

Ease of Doing Business & Regulatory Environment

The World Bank and OECD data consistently show that countries with clear rules for company registration and licensing attract foreign founders faster. Fully online systems minimize bureaucracy and support remote incorporation for digital entrepreneurs. New Zealand and Estonia allow a company to be registered in a matter of hours. Such jurisdictions typically don’t require a local resident director unless explicitly stated.

• In Estonia, over 98 % of government services, including business filings, are conducted digitally. The country’s e-Residency program has already issued more than 100,000 digital IDs, enabling entrepreneurs from 170+ countries to operate companies remotely.

Tax Structure & Incentives

Corporate taxation remains a core factor in ranking the best countries. Low or territorial tax regimes, combined with free zones and clear rules for ownership and residency, provide predictable planning. However, the cheapest option is not always the best for a long-term strategy. UAE and Hong Kong offer foreign ownership allowed structures with minimal ongoing costs and no audit required in certain cases. In contrast, Canada and the UK rely on tax incentives for innovation, offsetting higher corporate tax rates.

• In the United Arab Emirates, more than 40 designated free zones allow foreign ownership and offer 0 % corporate income tax for qualifying activities — a model increasingly adopted by startups seeking low-cost international bases.

Access to Talent and Capital

Skilled workforce availability defines the sustainability of a startup. Cities like London, Singapore, and Toronto benefit from universities, accelerators, and venture capital. Strong IP laws and business-friendly banking access also influence founders who want to set up globally. Remote ownership and international teams are now widely used in cross-border structures, enabling global talent integration.

• London and Singapore consistently rank among the top five global startup hubs, according to Startup Genome’s 2024 report, with venture funding exceeding $30 billion annually across fintech, AI, and digital services.

Visa and Residency Pathways

Visa and relocation rules determine how quickly an entrepreneur can move operations. Countries with transparent programs (such as Singapore’s EntrePass, Canada’s Start-Up Visa, and UAE’s Investor Visa) are consistently ranked among the best for founders seeking business banking access and residency. Each jurisdiction defines the documents needed to incorporate and the address and required information for a registered office.

• In the United Arab Emirates, the Golden Visa program allows investors and entrepreneurs to secure 10-year residency tied to business activity, with relocation options extending to family members and key staff.

Quality of Life

Finally, public services, infrastructure, and safety play a strategic role for founders who plan long-term residency. Low pollution, education access, and healthcare rank as key sectors in decision-making. The best countries balance tax benefits with social stability, offering a supportive environment for both work and family life.

• According to the OECD Better Life Index, Switzerland and New Zealand rank among the world’s highest for safety, healthcare, and environmental quality — factors that directly influence founders’ long-term relocation choices.

The Top 10 Best Countries to Start a Business as a Foreigner

The following ranking draws on data from the World Bank’s “Ease of Doing Business,” the IMD World Competitiveness Report. These ten jurisdictions consistently combine stable economies, predictable taxation, and startup support ecosystems that make incorporation abroad viable for foreign entrepreneurs. While other destinations such as Portugal or the Netherlands also perform well, the selected countries demonstrate the most balanced conditions for business formation, remote ownership, and long-term scalability in 2025.

1. Singapore

At a Glance:

A consistent global leader with a strong legal environment, predictable corporate taxation, and seamless digital procedures. Company registration is fully online via the ACRA portal, and foreign ownership allowed up to 100 %.

Pros:

• Incorporation and ongoing maintenance completed fully online via secure platforms.
• Access to skilled workforce and venture capital.
• Strong IP protection and transparent regulatory system.

Cons:

• Office address required in Singapore even for remote founders.
• Relatively high living costs for long-term relocation.

Best for: Fintech, logistics, holding companies.

Founders who want business banking access and stability choose Singapore for its strong legal foundation and efficient governance.

2. The United Arab Emirates (UAE)

At a Glance:

The UAE remains one of the easiest countries for starting a business. Free zones permit structures with foreign ownership and offer zero corporate tax in most sectors. Incorporation and ongoing processes are now fully online via government portals.

Pros:

• No corporate income tax for companies in many free zones.
• Visa and relocation programs directly tied to investment.
• Business-friendly legislation and startup support in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Cons:

• Audit required in some zones.
• Local resident director may be needed outside designated free zones.

Best for: E-commerce, trading, consulting.

Its strong legal system and public services attract founders seeking low ongoing costs and full operational control.

3. Hong Kong

At a Glance:

Hong Kong is widely used in business across Asia for its predictable corporate tax regime and efficient company registration system. Foreign ownership is allowed, and remote ownership is supported through digital KYC verification.

Pros:

• Corporate tax rate at 16.5 % on local profits only.
• Fully online company registration process.
• Strong IP laws and banking access.

Cons:

• Audit required annually.
• Limited free zones, though low taxation compensates.

Best for: Financial services, consulting, tech startups.

Its strategic location and skilled workforce make Hong Kong one of the best environments for founders who want cross-border flexibility.

4. Switzerland

At a Glance:

A stable economy with long-term predictability, strong IP protection, and professional public services.

Corporate tax varies by canton but averages 15 – 18 %.

Pros:

• Excellent infrastructure and strong legal environment.
• Transparent banking and business banking access.
• Skilled workforce in finance and biotech.

Cons:

• Higher setup costs and stricter compliance.
• Visa needed for non-EU founders.

Best for: Fintech, luxury manufacturing, green tech.

Switzerland suits founders who want a trusted jurisdiction for holding and asset management.

5. New Zealand

At a Glance:

Known for transparency, New Zealand enables founders to register a company fully online via the NZ Companies Office.

Foreign ownership is allowed without restriction, and incorporation costs remain moderate.

Pros:

• Strong legal and business-friendly system.
• Entrepreneur work visa and relocation options.
• Clear tax structure with straightforward reporting.

Cons:

• Distance from major markets.
• Local registered office required.

Best for: Green tech, SaaS, early-stage startups.

Its corporate taxation framework encourages innovation and fair competition.

6. Canada

At a Glance:

Canada ranks among the most supportive ecosystems for startups. Incorporation and ongoing compliance are handled provincially, and foreign ownership is allowed at the federal level.

Pros:

• Startup support programs and strong IP protection.
• Skilled workforce and transparent corporate taxation.
• Start-Up Visa and relocation options linked to innovation.

Cons:

• Higher corporate tax rate compared with Asia.
• Visa and residency paperwork can be complex.

Best for: AI, biotech, professional services.

Its combination of legal predictability and startup support makes Canada ideal for founders who want to build global operations.

7. The United Kingdom

At a Glance:

One of the world’s most business-friendly environments. Company registration is fully online via Companies House. Foreign ownership is allowed, and no local director is required for private entities.

Pros:

• Fast incorporation and ongoing digital reporting.
• Access to venture capital and skilled workforce.
• Strong legal tradition and startup support initiatives.

Cons:

• Corporate tax rate increased to 25 %.
• Visa needed for non-residents.

Best for: Fintech, consulting, creative sectors.

The UK remains a long-term hub for founders who want to access European and US markets simultaneously.

8. Estonia

At a Glance:

A pioneer in digital governance, Estonia offers the unique e-Residency program allowing remote ownership and online company registration.

Pros:

• Incorporation and ongoing filings managed fully online via state systems.
• Transparent corporate taxation on distributed profits only.
• Visa and relocation routes for digital entrepreneurs.

Cons:

• Physical presence sometimes needed for banking access.
• Smaller domestic market.

Best for: Remote founders, SaaS, digital services.

Estonia exemplifies how a small country can support global business through strong IP protection and startup support.

9. Ireland

At a Glance:

Ireland combines a low corporate tax rate of 12.5 % with a strong legal structure aligned to EU regulations. Foreign ownership allowed and business banking access remains robust.

Pros:

• Skilled workforce and tech ecosystem.
• Straightforward company registration process.
• Extensive double-tax treaty network.

Cons:

• Audit required for larger entities.
• Higher cost of living for long-term founders.

Best for: SaaS, pharma, fintech. Ireland’s tax regime and relocation options position it as one of the easiest countries for establishing European operations.

10. United States

At a Glance: Despite regulatory complexity, the US remains one of the best countries for global founders due to market size and startup support. Foreign ownership is allowed through LLC structures, and incorporation is handled at the state level.

Pros:

• Wide access to investors and skilled workforce.
• Strong legal and IP systems.
• Startup ecosystem unmatched globally.

Cons:

• Corporate tax and reporting vary by state.
• Visa needed to operate or reside (E-2, L-1).

Best for: Technology, SaaS, manufacturing. The US remains the benchmark for founders who want scalability and visibility in global markets.

Niche Champions: Best Countries for Specific Business Types

Not every jurisdiction fits all founders. The following profiles focus on sectoral advantages, aligning incorporation and ongoing priorities with real-world needs of international founders.

For Tech Startups & SaaS

• Ireland offers corporate taxation incentives for early-stage R&D. Its skilled workforce and access to the EU market attract founders who want to build scalable products.
• Estonia supports remote ownership and business banking access fully online via its e-Residency system.
• The United States remains the global innovation magnet, with public services and private venture capital aligned toward growth.

For E-commerce & Dropshipping

• Hong Kong and Singapore are widely used in business due to their strong legal frameworks and predictable corporate tax rates. Both provide fully online company registration and foreign ownership allowed structures.
• The US is the best market for digital logistics and brand scaling, supported by strong IP laws and competitive tax regimes.

For Fintech Companies

• Singapore and Switzerland represent stability, trusted banking access, and strong legal infrastructure.
• The UK combines regulatory sophistication with startup support and transparent licensing, making it easier to set up payment or advisory businesses.

For Digital Nomads & Freelancers

• UAE offers visa and relocation programs allowing full remote ownership.
• Estonia’s digital government and e-Residency platform enable incorporation and ongoing management from anywhere, minimizing costs and audit requirements.

Choosing the Right Jurisdiction for Your Business

Each of these countries offers unique advantages — from Singapore’s regulatory precision to Estonia’s digital freedom and the UAE’s tax efficiency. 

Yet no single destination fits every founder. The best results come from aligning your company’s model, funding stage, and relocation goals with the jurisdiction’s specific framework for ownership and residency, corporate taxation, and business banking access.

Our team helps founders who want to expand globally evaluate every factor — from incorporation and ongoing compliance to visa and relocation planning. We provide tailored guidance to identify where your company will operate most efficiently, ensuring the setup is legally sound, tax-optimized, and fully scalable for the long term.

If you’re planning to set up or register a company abroad, reach out for a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction comparison and a clear action plan designed around your business priorities.

Startup Visas and Business Immigration: What You Need to Know

Visa and residency options determine how foreign ownership is allowed in practice. Understanding the differences between short-term and long-term programs is essential for founders who want a sustainable presence abroad.

Understanding Entrepreneur & Startup Visas

Many countries link company registration to visa and relocation eligibility. For instance, Singapore’s EntrePass, Canada’s Start-Up Visa, and New Zealand’s Entrepreneur Work Visa directly connect incorporation and ongoing operations with residency rights. Each jurisdiction specifies the documents needed to incorporate and the address required for compliance.

Countries with the Most Accessible Visa Programs

Country	Visa Type	Typical Duration	Notes
Singapore	EntrePass	1–2 years	Extendable; supports business banking access.
UAE	Investor Visa	2–3 years	Direct link between capital invested and visa needed.
Canada	Start-Up Visa	5 years	Pathway to permanent residency for founders who want to settle long-term.
Estonia	Digital Nomad Visa	1 year	Ideal for remote ownership and online operations.

Visa documentation and local resident director requirements differ by jurisdiction, but all top-tier destinations maintain clear legal frameworks and predictable renewal procedures.

Conclusion

The best countries to start a business share a few defining qualities: stability, transparent corporate taxation, reliable public services, and systems that support remote ownership. Whether through free zones, startup support programs, or digital e-Residency initiatives, 2025’s top jurisdictions continue to simplify incorporation and ongoing maintenance for international founders.

Entrepreneurs who analyze factor details, from corporate tax rates to skilled workforce availability, will make decisions that outlast economic cycles. Strong legal systems, business-friendly governments, and clear ownership and residency rules are not short-term advantages; they are the foundation for sustainable, long-term success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)