The best countries to start a business in 2026 include Singapore, Switzerland, Monaco, and the United States. These countries rank in the top spots in our Investment Index that evaluates nations based on their ease and quality of investment for foreign nationals.
Our guide describes the 10 best countries to start a business in the world and provides vital information like GNI per capita, tax rates, and the industries that each nation is known for. With this information and more, investors can make an informed decision about the ideal country for their business.
Best Countries to Start a Business: Key Takeaways
Factors That Make a Country Business-Friendly
The factors that determine the best countries to start a business include the nation’s ranking on our Investment Index, ease of doing business, corporate tax rate, speciality sectors, foreign investment friendliness, and market access. Combined, these factors demonstrate what the business environment in a country is like for foreign nationals.
The Investment Index is a global ranking of countries based on a nation’s long-term appeal for entrepreneurs. It considers the ease of cross-border trade, credit access, business registration times, and other practicalities to determine which nations are most suitable for investment by expats.
10 Best Countries to Start a Business
01/ Singapore
- Investment Index Ranking: 1st
- Corporate Tax Rate: 17% (with startup tax exemption on first SGD 100,000)
- Incorporation Time: 1 – 2 days (fully online via BizFile)
- GNI per Capita: $102,450
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 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.
Common sectors include fintech, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, and digital trade. Entrepreneurs can access venture capital networks, accelerators, and strong IP protection systems. Foreign ownership is permitted without restrictions. Additionally, the Global Investor Program (GIP) allows foreign nationals to acquire residency in the country through investment in business.
02/ Switzerland
- Investment Index Ranking: 2nd
- Corporate Tax Rate: 11.9 – 21% (canton dependent)
- Incorporation Time: 2 – 4 weeks
- GNI per Capita: $75,860
Switzerland is a preferred destination for businesses requiring financial stability, privacy, advanced banking, and strong intellectual property protection. Switzerland excels in fintech, pharmaceuticals, robotics, AI, and precision manufacturing.
The business environment is backed by low corruption, strong asset protection laws, advanced research facilities, and a highly-skilled workforce. Foreign ownership is permitted although there are some sector restrictions.
03/ Monaco
- Investment Index Ranking: 3rd
- Corporate Tax Rate: 0% corporate tax (unless >25% revenue abroad)
- Incorporation time: 2 – 3 weeks
- GNI per Capita: $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. Business incorporation requires government approval and the process is smooth. Sectors like consultancy, finance, real estate, and wealth management perform well in Monaco.
The country’s sophisticated banking services, investor protections, and luxury market make it ideal for international entrepreneurs. Foreign ownership is allowed but license approval is required. The Monaco Residence Permit is an ideal visa option as it allows for work, and can lead to citizenship after 10 years.
04/ United States
- Investment Index Ranking: 4th
- Corporate Tax Rate: 21% federal (and state variations)
- Incorporation Time: 3 – 15 days
- GNI per Capita: $70,480
The United States is the world’s largest economy and one of the 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 taxes and fees, strong privacy, and asset protection, as well as California, New York, Texas, and Massachusetts for tech, biotech, finance, and energy sectors.
Foreign ownership is allowed except in certain important land parcels in some states. Visa options for the US include the E2 Visa and the EB5 Investor Visa which both allow foreign nationals to create businesses and live in the country.
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05/ Hong Kong
- Investment Index Ranking: 5th
- Corporate Tax Rate: 8.25% (first HKD 2 million), 16.5% thereafter
- Incorporation Time: 3 – 5 days
- GNI per Capita: $70,700
Hong Kong is one of the world’s most competitive business hubs, offering a territorial tax system which means that there is no tax on foreign income. Additionally, free capital movement and strong legal protections reinforce Hong Kong as a global business leader.
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. Foreign ownership is completely permitted without restrictions.
06/ United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- Investment Index Ranking: 6th
- Corporate Tax Rate: 0 – 9% (Free Zones/Mainland)
- Incorporation Time: 3 – 7 days
- GNI per Capita: $66,680
Business setup in the UAE has been simplified thanks to an exceptionally commercial environment, 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 allowance, strategic location between Europe, Africa, and Asia, and strong digital infrastructure.
Free Zone companies operate with simplified compliance, no currency restrictions, and easy repatriation of profits. Additionally, the UAE Golden Visa allows foreign nationals to obtain residency by investment which allows them to conduct business in the nation as well.
07/ Andorra
- Investment Index Ranking: 7th
- Corporate Tax Rate: 10% (one of Europe’s lowest)
- Incorporation Time: 10 – 20 days
- GNI per Capita: $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.
Andorra offers attractive residency by business formation options, making it popular with entrepreneurs who want to operate remotely or set up holding structures. Foreign ownership is 100% allowed after acquiring a business license.
08/ Macao (SAR China)
- Investment Index Ranking: 8th
- Corporate Tax Rate: 12% standard, with tax incentives
- Incorporation Time: 7 – 14 days
- GNI per Capita: $72,260
Macao offers attractive corporate tax incentives, free capital movement, and Asian trade benefits. Known for tourism and gaming, Macao is actively diversifying into finance, real estate, 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. Foreign ownership is 100% allowed with no additional restrictions.
09/ Sweden
- Investment Index Ranking: 9th
- Corporate Tax Rate: 20.6%
- Incorporation Time: 7 – 14 days
- GNI per Capita: $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 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. Foreign ownership is allowed except for sensitive sectors like defense.
10/ Estonia
- Investment Index Ranking: 10th
- Corporate Tax Rate: 0% on retained profits; 20% on distributed profits
- Incorporation Time: 1 – 3 days (e-Residency portal)
- GNI per Capita: $41,570
Estonia is one of the best EU countries to start a business as it pioneered the digital-first business ecosystem through its e-Residency program. This program allows foreign entrepreneurs to establish and manage an EU-based company 100% online.
The country is known for its strong cyber-security infrastructure, transparent tax laws, and vibrant tech startup ecosystem. Estonia is home to multiple unicorns, companies valued at over $1 billion, like Bolt and Wise thanks to its digital-friendly public services, government-funded accelerators, and thriving VC environment. Additionally, foreign ownership is permitted with no restrictions.
Quick Comparison: 10 Best Countries to Start a Business
| Country | Corporate Tax Rate | Company Setup Time | 100% Foreign Ownership | GNI per Capita | Visas Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 17% (startup exemptions) | 1 – 2 days | Yes | $102,450 | EntrePass / GIP / Tech.Pass |
| Switzerland | 11.9% – 21% | 2 – 4 weeks | Yes (some restrictions) | $75,860 | Investor & Entrepreneur Visa |
| Monaco | 0% (conditions apply) | 2 – 3 weeks | Yes (license required) | $75,000 | Residence Permit / Business Visa |
| United States | 21% federal (+ state) | 3 – 15 days | Yes (some limits) | $70,480 | E-2 / EB-5 / L-1 / O-1 |
| Hong Kong | 8.25% / 16.5% | 3 – 5 days | Yes | $70,700 | QMAS / Investment Visa |
| United Arab Emirates | 0 – 9% (Free Zones) | 3 – 7 days | Yes (Free Zones) | $66,680 | Golden Visa / Business Visa |
| Andorra | 10% flat | 10 – 20 days | Yes | $37,432 | Active Residency for Entrepreneurs |
| Macao | 12% (after allowances) | 7 – 14 days | Yes | $72,260 | Business Investment Residency |
| Sweden | 20.6% | 7 – 14 days | Yes | $61,090 | Startup Permit / Self-Employment Visa |
| Estonia | 0% retained / 20% distribution | 1 – 3 days | Yes | $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.
