Starting a business abroad is an exciting opportunity but success often depends on choosing the right country. Location affects your tax obligations, ease of company setup, ability to own the business as a foreigner, access to funding, talent pool, and even whether you can apply for residency or a startup visa.
In 2025, the best countries to start a business are those that combine low corporate tax rates, fast incorporation processes, strong legal protection, and favorable foreign ownership laws, with a stable economy and highly innovative business environment. Many of these countries also offer investor residency permits, startup visas, or digital company formation options, making it easier for entrepreneurs to both operate and relocate.
Using factors from the Global Passport Index Investment methodology, along with considerations such as regulatory efficiency, digital infrastructure, market access, and startup ecosystem strength, this article explores the 10 best countries to start a business in 2025, based on true economic potential.
Key Factors That Make a Country Business-Friendly
Choosing between the best countries for entrepreneurship involves more than finding the best country to start a business for tax purposes or one with a fast incorporation process. A truly business-friendly country balances regulatory efficiency, economic strength, talent availability, access to funding, and long-term sustainability.
To assess that, entrepreneurs can look at recognized global benchmarks such as the Ease of Doing Business Index, the Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index (GPI) (Investment Pillar), the Global Entrepreneurship Index, and the Global Competitiveness Index.
Below are the key business-friendly criteria, supported by these global indexes, that help determine the best countries for entrepreneurs:
1. Business regulation and setup environment (Ease of Doing Business Index)
A business-friendly country offers clear, fast, and low-cost procedures for company formation and operation. This includes how easy it is to register a business, pay taxes, get credit, protect investors, enforce contracts, and trade across borders.
Why it matters: Fewer bureaucratic hurdles mean faster setup, lower compliance costs, smoother operations, and easier scaling, especially for foreign entrepreneurs.
2. Investment climate and economic strength (GPI Investment Methodology)
The Global Passport Index Investment Pillar evaluates a country’s long-term economic appeal for entrepreneurs. It looks at market competitiveness, financial stability, access to capital, tax efficiency, and purchasing power.
Why it matters: It helps identify countries where startups can grow, profit, and expand internationally. It’s not just about registering a business easily.
3. Foreign ownership and legal protection
For international entrepreneurs, full or majority foreign ownership, legal transparency, and strong intellectual property protection, contracts, and shareholder rights are essential.
Why it matters: Strong legal protections reduce risk and encourage foreign investment.
4. Access to capital and funding networks
Thriving business hubs provide access to venture capital, angel investors, startup incubators, banking, and government grants, along with favorable double taxation treaties and global banking access.
Why it matters: Businesses need both early-stage support and long-term financing to scale.
5. Infrastructure and digital readiness
Countries with modern digital systems, reliable internet, fintech services, e-government, efficient logistics, and special economic or trade zones offer easier business operations.
Why it matters: Digital and logistical infrastructure is critical for online companies, exporters, and globally connected businesses.
6. Skilled workforce and labor market conditions
A strong talent pool with affordable hiring costs, reliable education systems, and balanced labor laws supports business innovation and growth.
Why it matters: Talent availability directly impacts innovation, operational efficiency, and scalability.
7. Mobility, residency and expat-friendly business environment
Countries that offer entrepreneur visas, startup residency permits, family relocation, and strong global mobility appeal to founders building international teams.
Why it matters: Business-friendly residency options make it easier to live, operate, and scale globally from one location.
8. Market access and expansion potential
Countries positioned near major trade corridors or part of economic blocs (EU, GCC, ASEAN, USMCA) offer businesses access to large consumer markets and cross-border opportunities.
Why it matters: Ideal for companies planning global expansion, export services, or international trade.
10 Best Countries to Start a Business
01/ Singapore
- GPI Investment Ranking: 1
- Corporate tax rate: 17% (with startup tax exemption on first SGD 100,000)
- Incorporation time: 1 – 2 days (fully online via BizFile)
- Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
- GDP per capita: USD $102,741
Singapore consistently ranks among the best countries in the world to start a business, thanks to its strategic location in Asia, world-class financial system, and highly digitized business registration process.
Startups can register a private limited company remotely in under 48 hours without needing physical presence. Singapore offers extensive tax incentives, R&D grants, and government-funded initiatives like Startup SG and Tech@SG.
Business-friendly sectors include fintech, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and digital trade. Entrepreneurs can access venture capital networks, accelerators, and one of the world’s strongest IP protection systems (it ranked 4th in Asia for IP rights protection on the 2025 International Property Rights Index).
Visa options: Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass), Global Investor Program (GIP), and Tech.Pass
02/ Switzerland
- GPI Investment Ranking: 2
- Corporate tax rate: 11.9 – 21% (canton dependent)
- Incorporation time: 2 – 4 weeks
- Foreign ownership: Permitted (some sector restrictions)
- GDP per capita: USD $89,537
Switzerland is a preferred destination for businesses requiring financial stability, privacy, advanced banking, and strong intellectual property protection. With strategically located hubs in Zurich, Geneva, and Zug (“Crypto Valley”), Switzerland excels in fintech, pharmaceuticals, robotics, AI, and precision manufacturing.
Its business environment is backed by low corruption, strong asset protection laws, advanced research facilities, and high-skilled workforce.
Visa options: Switzerland Startup Visa, Investor Permit (Lump-Sum Taxation), Swiss Entrepreneur Permit, Swiss Residence Permit
03/ Monaco
- GPI Investment Ranking: 3rd
- Corporate tax rate: 0% corporate tax (unless >25% revenue abroad)
- Incorporation time: 2 – 3 weeks
- Foreign ownership: Allowed (license approval required)
- GDP per capita: USD $75,000+
Monaco is a premier base for high-net-worth entrepreneurs due to its 0% corporate tax, wealth protection benefits, and high financial privacy standards. While business incorporation requires government approval, the process is smooth for consultancy, finance, real estate, and wealth management sectors.
Monaco’s sophisticated banking services, investor protections, and luxury business market make it ideal for asset management, e-commerce, international trade, and holding structures.
Visa options: Monaco Residency Permit (Investing/Property-Based), Business Investor Visa.
04/ United States
- GPI Investment Ranking: 4
- Corporate tax rate: 21% federal (+state variations)
- Incorporation time: 3 – 15 days
- Foreign ownership: 100% allowed (except restricted sectors)
- GDP per capita: USD $85,373
The United States is one of the world’s largest and most innovative business environments, offering unparalleled access to venture capital, startup incubators, advanced tech ecosystems, and global consumer markets.
State-specific advantages include Wyoming and Delaware for low fees, strong privacy, and asset protection; and California, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts for tech, biotech, finance, and energy sectors.
Visa options: E2 Visa, L-1 Entrepreneur Visa, EB5 Investor Visa, H-1B Startup Sponsorship.
Build your company while unlocking access to the US market, banking, and education opportunities
with the EB5 Visa
05/ Hong Kong
- GPI Investment Ranking: 5
- Corporate tax rate: 8.25% (first HKD 2M), 16.5% thereafter
- Incorporation time: 3 – 5 days
- Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
- GDP per capita: USD $65,164
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most competitive business hubs, offering a territorial tax system (no tax on foreign income), free capital movement, and strong legal protections.
The region benefits from strategic business access to both China and international markets. Banking systems are highly developed, with easy access to global payment networks.
Visa options: Investment Residency (CIES), Top Talent Visa, Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS).
06/ United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- GPI Investment Ranking: 6
- Corporate tax rate: 0 – 9% (Free Zones/Mainland)
- Incorporation time: 3 – 7 days
- Foreign ownership: 100% in Free Zones
- GDP per capita: USD $90,975
Business setup in the UAE has been made easy, turning the country into a global hub. The country has so-called Free Zones (such as Dubai Media City and Jebel Ali Free Zone) that are designated areas offering special economic and regulatory privileges to attract foreign investment. The UAE has zero corporate tax (in most Free Zones), 100% foreign ownership, strategic location between Europe, Africa, and Asia, and a strong digital infrastructure.
Free Zone companies operate with simplified compliance, no currency restrictions, and easy repatriation of profits. The country offers strong logistics connectivity (Jebel Ali Port, global airports), and industry clusters in fintech, e-commerce, AI, renewable energy, healthtech, and cybersecurity.
Visa options: UAE Golden Visa (10-year), Startup Visa, Freelance and Business Visas.
07/ Andorra
- GPI Investment Ranking: 7th
- Corporate tax rate: 10% flat (one of Europe’s lowest)
- Incorporation time: 10 – 20 days
- Foreign ownership: 100% allowed (after acquiring a business license)
- GDP per capita: USD $37,432
Andorra offers a low-tax, EU-accessible, politically stable location for entrepreneurs, especially those in consulting, digital services, e-commerce, and finance.
It is one of the countries with no capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and strong asset protection laws. While small, Andorra offers attractive residency by business formation, making it popular with entrepreneurs who want to operate remotely or set up holding structures.
Visa options: Andorra Active Residency for Entrepreneurs, Business Investor Residence.
08/ Macao (SAR China)
- GPI Investment Ranking: 8th
- Corporate tax rate: 12% standard (with tax incentives)
- Incorporation time: 7 – 14 days
- Foreign ownership: 100% allowed
- GDP per capita: USD $72,260
Macao offers attractive corporate tax incentives, free capital movement, and Asia-facing trade benefits. Although known for tourism and gaming, Macao is actively diversifying into finance, real estate, hospitality, digital commerce, and high-end services.
Its proximity to Hong Kong and integration into the Greater Bay Area make it ideal for cross-border trade, Chinese market entry, and holding companies.
Visa options: Business-Based Temporary Residence (not passive investment)
09/ Sweden
- GPI Investment Ranking: 9th
- Corporate tax rate: 20.6%
- Incorporation time: 7 – 14 days
- Foreign ownership: Allowed (except sensitive sectors)
- GDP per capita: USD $61,090
Sweden is one of the best European countries to start a business in because it’s known worldwide for being an innovation powerhouse. This is visible in the fact that it’s home to global tech giants including Spotify, Klarna, Ericsson, and Volvo.
The country offers strong IP protection (ranked 4th on the International Property Rights Index in 2025), private equity access, and one of Europe’s most advanced digital and fintech ecosystems. Government-backed startup incentives, such as Vinnova and Almi, and R&D funding significantly support innovation-based businesses.
Visa options: Sweden Startup Visa, Self-Employed Residence Permit, EU Long-Term Residence.
10/ Estonia
- GPI Investment Ranking: 10
- Corporate tax rate: 0% on retained profits; 20% on distributed profits
- Incorporation time: 1 – 3 days (e-Residency portal)
- Foreign ownership: 100% permitted
- GDP per capita: USD $43,338
If you’re looking for one of the best EU countries to start a business in, Estonia should be at the top of your list. The country pioneered the digital-first business ecosystem through its e-Residency program, which allows foreign entrepreneurs to establish and manage an EU-based company 100% online.
The country is known for its strong cybersecurity infrastructure, transparent tax laws, and vibrant tech startup ecosystem. Estonia is home to multiple unicorns (companies valued at over $1 billion) like Skype, Bolt, and Wise, thanks to its digital-friendly public services, government-funded accelerators, and thriving VC environment.
Visa options: Estonian Startup Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and EU-based business residency.
Quick Comparison: 10 Best Countries to Start a Business
| Country | Corporate Tax Rate | Company Setup Time | 100% Foreign Ownership | GDP Per Capita | Startup/Investor Visa Available? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 17% (startup exemptions) | 1 – 2 days | Yes | USD $102,450 | EntrePass / GIP / Tech.Pass |
| Switzerland | 11.9% – 21% | 2 – 4 weeks | Yes (some restrictions) | USD $75,860 | Investor & Entrepreneur Visa |
| Monaco | 0% (conditions apply) | 2 – 3 weeks | Yes (license required) | USD $75,000+ | Residence Permit / Business Visa |
| United States | 21% federal (+ state) | 3 – 15 days | Yes (some limits) | USD $70,480 | E-2 / EB-5 / L-1 / O-1 |
| Hong Kong | 8.25% / 16.5% | 3 – 5 days | Yes | USD $70,700 | QMAS / Investment Visa |
| United Arab Emirates | 0 – 9% (Free Zones) | 3 – 7 days | Yes (Free Zones) | USD $66,680 | Golden Visa / Business Visa |
| Andorra | 10% flat | 10 – 20 days | Yes | USD $37,432 | Active Residency for Entrepreneurs |
| Macao | 12% (after allowances) | 7 – 14 days | Yes | USD $72,260 | Business Investment Residency |
| Sweden | 20.6% | 7 – 14 days | Yes | USD $61,090 | Startup Permit / Self-Employment Visa |
| Estonia | 0% retained / 20% distribution | 1 – 3 days | Yes | USD $41,570 | Startup Visa / e-Residency |
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
