10 best countries to start a business in 2025

In today’s globalised world, the allure of starting a business in a different country is stronger than ever. From vibrant tech hubs to tranquil environments that foster creativity, entrepreneurs are seeking out destinations that not only support their visions but also offer favourable conditions for growth.

We’ve ranked 10 countries by factors such as ease of setup, tax advantages, startup ecosystem strength, and remote-work support, so you can match your priorities to the right destination.

What to evaluate when deciding where to start a business

For this guide, we’ve compared the 10 best countries to start a business, based on the following factors:

• Incorporation speed – how quickly you can register and launch.
• Tax efficiency – corporation tax rates, exemptions, and founder incentives.
• Ecosystem access – funding, government support, and investor networks.
• Digital infrastructure – cloud access, remote working, and international compatibility.
• Residency requirements – if you can operate remotely or need a local presence.

Whether you’re an early-stage founder looking to enter new markets or a cost-conscious entrepreneur, this guide shows you where conditions are most favourable for what you’re seeking.

Comparing the 10 best countries to start a small business

The table below outlines the top 10 countries along with their incorporation times, corporation tax rates, residency requirements, startup ecosystem strength, and English language skills.

Country	Incorporation time	Corporation tax rate in 2025	Residency required?	Startup ecosystem strength	English language skills
Estonia	24–48 hours	0%	e-Residency required	Strong digital, EU access	Advanced
UAE (Dubai)	3–7 days	0% in “free zones”	Sometimes (varies by licence)	Booming tech hub	Advanced
Singapore	1–3 days	17%	Resident director required, can have 100% foreign ownership	Global finance hub	Advanced
UK	24 hours	25%	Not required	Mature, investor-rich	Native
Ireland	3–5 days	12.5%	Yes	EU access, strong foreign investment	Native
Netherlands	3–7 days	19–25.8%	Yes	Excellent logistics, EU base	Advanced
Georgia	1–2 days	0%	Not required	Small but growing	Advanced
US	3–7 days (depends on state)	21%	Not required	World’s most prominent venture capital (VC) market	Native
Canada	2–5 days	15%	Yes	Startup visa, talent hub	Native
Portugal	3–7 days	21%	Yes	Nomad-friendly, Lisbon tech scene	Advanced

1. Estonia – Europe’s digital playbook for remote founders

With 100% online incorporation, a 0% tax rate on reinvested profits, and full access to the EU single market, Estonia is ideal for remote-first startups and cost-conscious entrepreneurs. Estonia was ranked 22nd in the EF English Proficiency Index (EF EPI), demonstrating an advanced level of English in the country.

• What economic challenges are UK small businesses facing?
• Grow a small business: From solopreneur to building a team
• 10 businesses you can start from home

Renowned for its e-Residency programme, Estonia lets foreign founders start and manage EU-based companies online. It’s also ideal for remote-first entrepreneurs seeking fast and reliable internet connectivity, with widespread fibre optic broadband and 5G networks.

Pros

• 100% online incorporation through e-Residency – a fast, low-cost service
• Access to the EU single market for payments, trade, and hiring
• Strong digital infrastructure, including advanced e-governance
• 0% tax on reinvested profits, supporting growth-focused startups
• High English proficiency and international outlook

Cons

• Must use licensed local service providers, which can add to costs
• Limited local consumer market for scaling B2C businesses
• Dividend distributions taxed at 20%
• Small workforce pool compared to larger EU countries
• Requires ongoing compliance with Estonian legal and accounting rules

Estonia factsheet

• Time to incorporate: 24–48 hours
• Corporation tax: 0% reinvested profit, 20% distributed
• Residency: Not required

Estonia could be your best bet if you’re a remote-first founder looking for a straightforward residency process along with EU access. Its digital systems and e-Residency process make it one of the easiest ways to run a global business from anywhere.

2. United Arab Emirates (Dubai) – The Middle East’s booming hub

Dubai is a global startup magnet, combining tax-friendly free zones with world-class infrastructure. Dubai’s main pull is its favourable tax rules for entrepreneurs – some zones offer 0% corporation and income tax, making it an attractive place for businesses and skilled workers. In addition, its location offers proximity to European, Asian, and African markets, which represent a wide-ranging customer base.

Numerous schemes, grants, initiatives, and modern governance structures support business owners in Dubai. For example, the Golden Visa scheme is a quick and easy way for foreign businesspeople to get residency in the UAE.

Pros

• 0% corporate and income tax in many free zones
• Incorporation in as little as 3–7 days
• Strategic location in the Middle East
• Modern infrastructure and transport links
• Strong expat community with widespread English use

Cons

• Residency and licence rules vary by sector and zone
• Mainland businesses face 9% corporation tax from 2023
• Cost of living and office space is high
• Certain industries remain restricted to foreign ownership
• Compliance requirements can differ sharply between free zones

UAE factsheet

• Time to incorporate: 3–7 days
• Corporation tax: 0% in free zones (9% mainland from 2023)
• Residency: Often linked to visa sponsorship

Choose Dubai if your priorities are tax advantages and extensive market reach from the Middle East. The city’s free zones and global connectivity make it especially appealing to founders who want a fast track to international trade.

3. Singapore – Asia’s financial powerhouse

Singapore is fast becoming an attractive business destination, thanks to its fast incorporation times, stable legal system, and government support for early-stage startups.

The city-state has exceptional connectivity for trade and logistics, which is crucial for cross-border business activity. It shares a southern maritime boundary with Indonesia across the Singapore Strait and a northern land connection to Malaysia via the Johor–Singapore Causeway.

According to a 2024 report, Singapore is quickly overtaking Hong Kong as the premier business hub in Southeast Asia. In 2023, around 4,200 multinational companies set up operations there, outpacing the 1,336 set up in Hong Kong.

Pros

• Fast incorporation (1–3 days)
• Stable, transparent legal and financial system
• Excellent geographic access to Southeast Asia and beyond
• Strong government support for startups
• Widely spoken English simplifies business operations

Cons

• High cost of living and wages
• At least one local resident director is required
• Limited domestic consumer market size
• Office space and rental costs are steep
• Competitive environment with many global players

Singapore factsheet

• Time to incorporate: 1–3 days
• Corporation tax: 17% (exemptions available)
• Residency: One local director required

Founders looking to expand into Southeast Asia will find Singapore’s mix of stability and access hard to beat. Its strong government support and reliable infrastructure help you scale confidently in a competitive region.

4. United Kingdom – Established, trusted, and globally connected

Along with a quick registration process and good access to foreign markets, the UK offers a booming business hub for early-stage businesses.

Its incorporation time is quick, with business registration taking as little as 24 hours to complete. However, since Brexit, it has been more challenging to hire EU workers, with many now requiring sponsorship to live and work in the UK.

A well-established legal and regulatory framework offers numerous protections to business owners. For example, you can benefit from the FSCS scheme that offers a payment up to £85,000 if your bank goes out of business.

London is also a big pull factor as one of the biggest business hubs in the world, providing access to finance in the City and extensive trade links worldwide. In fact, in 2025’s Global Startup Ecosystem Report, London was ranked as the 3rd best city in the world for startups. If you’re setting up a new limited company, consider choosing a company registration package that includes our Registered Office Service. This means you’ll get a prime Covent Garden, London address as your registered office.

Pros

• Incorporation in as little as 24 hours
• Mature financial, legal, and banking systems
• No residency requirement for foreign founders
• Global time zone alignment between the US and Asia
• London offers one of the world’s largest investment ecosystems

Cons

• Higher corporation tax (25% main rate) from 2023
• Brexit limits direct EU single-market access
• Regulatory divergence may complicate compliance for EU-focused firms
• Rising costs in major cities like London
• Economic uncertainty may affect investor confidence

UK factsheet

• Time to incorporate: 24 hours
• Corporation tax: 19% small profits, 25% main rate
• Residency: Not required

If you want fast incorporation with deep investor networks, the UK still makes an excellent springboard despite Brexit. London’s global status ensures you can reach both capital and customers quickly. And if you’re not a UK resident but want to set up a UK limited company, we’ve got you covered with our non-residents package.

5. Ireland – EU access with low corporation tax

A speedy incorporation process and low corporation tax rate make Ireland an ideal place to start a business.

Ireland provides flexibility with a variety of company structures – from limited and unlimited companies, to public limited and designated activity companies – making it suitable for a wide range of business types.

The country also features a highly educated workforce and a well-established network of professional services, such as legal and auditing providers. With its English-speaking population, EU membership, and convenient time zone, Ireland offers businesses a highly attractive base for European operations and global expansion.

Pros

• 12.5% corporation tax on trading income
• English-speaking EU base
• Access to the eurozone and the European single market
• Flexible company structures for different business needs
• Strong inward FDI presence from tech and pharma giants

Cons

• High housing and living costs in major cities
• Wages and office space are relatively expensive
• Incorporation (3–5 days) is slower than in the UK
• Residency requirement for at least one director
• Domestic market size is relatively small

Ireland factsheet

• Time to incorporate: 3–5 days
• Corporation tax: 12.5% trading income
• Residency: A director must usually be resident

Ireland is a smart choice for founders who want EU market access combined with a low-tax English-speaking base. It’s especially suited to businesses planning long-term European operations with flexible structures.

6. Netherlands – Europe’s logistics and innovation hub

The Netherlands is featured on this list due to its business-friendly climate and international outlook – making it an ideal base for growth across European markets. The Netherlands ranked 10th on IMD’s 2025 World Digital Competitiveness Ranking, thanks to its strong economic performance, business efficiency, and infrastructure.

Rotterdam, Europe’s largest seaport, and Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport – a leading cargo hub and one of the world’s best-connected airports – enable excellent access to global trade. With extensive rail and road networks into the Schengen area, businesses benefit from multiple ways to access key European markets.

Pros

• Central location in Europe with access to 170 million consumers within 500km
• Rotterdam and Schiphol provide world-class trade and logistics
• Excellent digital infrastructure and global competitiveness
• High English proficiency in the workforce
• Strong ecosystem for tech and international companies

Cons

• Higher corporation tax rates than in Ireland or Estonia
• Legal setup and compliance can be complex
• Residency requirement for at least one director
• Costs of living and operations are relatively high
• Bureaucracy can be more burdensome than smaller hubs

Netherlands factsheet

• Time to incorporate: 3–7 days
• Corporation tax: 19% up to €200k; 25.8% above
• Residency: At least one local director

For growth-minded businesses eyeing long-term European expansion, the Netherlands offers a strong balance of logistics and talent. Its connectivity makes it a natural fit for founders with global supply chains in mind.

7. Georgia – Fast incorporation and tax simplicity

With fast setup, 0% tax on foreign income, and business-friendly industrial zones, Georgia is ideal for entrepreneurs seeking a digital-first base with global access. Situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia offers direct access to EU markets, the Middle East, and Central Asia. Its location gives it a modern logistics advantage, supported by Black Sea ports, well-developed road and rail links, and growing air cargo connections.

With its business-friendly tax system, Georgia’s geographic positioning enhances its role as a bridge between major global markets. Georgia’s Free Industrial Zones offer tax incentives for starting companies in some regions, with the aim of attracting foreign businesspeople.

With the correct planning and guidance, Georgia’s unique blend of location and business policies makes it a compelling destination for international entrepreneurs.

Pros

• Incorporation in 1–2 days
• No tax on non-Georgian income
• Affordable cost of living and labour
• Strategic location between Europe and Asia
• Free Industrial Zones for extra tax benefits

Cons

• Small domestic market limits local growth
• Startup ecosystem is still developing
• Access to capital is limited compared to the EU and the US
• Currency fluctuations may affect foreign founders
• Infrastructure, while improving, lags behind Western Europe

Georgia factsheet

• Time to incorporate: 1–2 days
• Corporation tax: 0% on foreign-sourced income
• Residency: Not required

If simplicity and minimal costs are your main drivers, Georgia is one of the easiest places to start up. The country’s straightforward rules and low taxes let you focus on growth rather than paperwork.

8. United States – Highest levels of VC funding

With a population of over 338 million, building a business in the US means benefiting from its strong economy and vibrant startup ecosystem in cities like San Francisco and New York.

The US boasts a highly skilled and diverse workforce, plus world-class universities driving research and innovation. Entrepreneurs can benefit from large amounts of VC and angel investors for raising funding. In fact, by the end of 2023, the US had 3,417 VC firms. In total, they closed a combined 13,608 VC deals worth $170.6 billion, highlighting the large amounts of funding available for new startups.

Pros

• Access to the world’s largest VC ecosystem
• Huge domestic consumer market of 338 million people
• Strong intellectual property protections
• Flexible corporate structures across states
• Global reputation boosts brand credibility

Cons

• Federal and state tax layers increase complexity
• Incorporation costs and requirements vary by state
• Healthcare and employee benefits are expensive
• Regulatory burden can be heavy in certain industries
• Immigration and visa processes can be restrictive

US factsheet

• Time to incorporate: 3–7 days (varies by state)
• Corporation tax: 21% federal + state taxes
• Residency: Not required

The US suits founders chasing scale and funding, but demands a higher tolerance for complexity and costs. If access to venture capital is your priority, this is where the biggest opportunities lie.

9. Canada – A startup visa and lifestyle appeal

As one of the world’s top ten economies, Canada is a strong choice for long-term global growth. Canada’s tax system integrates corporate and shareholder obligations to prevent double taxation and avoids repatriation taxes on foreign profits. This is a considerable advantage for entrepreneurs managing international operations.

Canada also offers excellent trade accessibility as the only G7 nation with agreements covering all other G7 countries. With a highly skilled workforce, supported by its global skills strategy for foreign workers, Canada offers a compelling, growth-oriented environment.

Pros

• Startup visa programme attracts global founders
• Federal tax rate of 15%, plus lower rates for SMEs
• Strong trade agreements across the G7
• Highly educated, diverse workforce
• High quality of life with world-class infrastructure

Cons

• Residency requirements for incorporation
• Higher tax rates compared to the US
• Longer incorporation times in some provinces
• Cold climate may deter some relocators
• Cost of living in major hubs like Toronto and Vancouver is high

Canada factsheet

• Time to incorporate: 2–5 days
• Corporation tax: 15% federal + provincial rates
• Residency: Required

Pick Canada if you value a diverse talent pool, strong global trade links, and a founder-friendly visa system. Its quality of life is also a major draw for entrepreneurs.

10. Portugal – Nomad-friendly and growing fast

Portugal’s location in southwest Europe provides convenient access to markets in Africa and the EU. Additionally, Portuguese is spoken in several South American countries, such as Brazil, allowing for greater global access.

Additionally, government schemes like Startup Portugal are designed to attract foreign talent, founders and investors by offering public funds for qualifying businesses.

Better still, Portugal enjoys EU membership and is an excellent destination for entrepreneurs seeking long-term expansion in Europe.

Pros

• Startup Visa and support schemes for entrepreneurs
• Growing ecosystems in Lisbon and Porto
• Affordable cost of living compared to northern Europe
• Strategic access to Africa, South America, and the EU
• Attractive lifestyle with strong healthcare and education

Cons

• Higher bureaucracy compared to other EU hubs
• Smaller domestic consumer market
• Slower incorporation than Georgia or Estonia
• Language barriers outside of major cities
• Access to funding is more limited than in the UK or the US

Portugal factsheet

• Time to incorporate: 3–7 days
• Corporation tax: 21% standard, reduced for SMEs
• Residency: Required

Portugal is a growing hub ideal for remote-friendly scaling, appealing to founders who value a high quality of life at an affordable price.

Get ready to start your business

Choosing the best country to start a business in 2025 depends on your goals. If you value speed and simplicity, Estonia and Georgia stand out. For investor access and established ecosystems, the US, UK, Singapore, and the Netherlands are the ones leading the way. If you’re seeking tax advantages, consider Ireland or Dubai. Or, if a balance between lifestyle and location is more suited to you, consider Portugal.

By comparing factors like incorporation speed, corporation tax rates, and market access, you can pick the ideal launchpad for your goals – whether that’s scaling quickly, enjoying a high quality of life while pursuing your venture, or expanding internationally.

Are you eyeing up the UK for your launch? Form your UK limited company with Rapid Formations and start building your business with expert support from our team.