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Choosing the right country to start a business as a foreigner is a fundamental decision that essentially determines one’s entire future. In any market cycle, there is a constant variable: great opportunities remain available for ambitious entrepreneurs willing to act; equally important during the start, however, is not only to come up with the right business model but also with the optimal structure behind it.
Factors such as corporate and personal taxation, access to essential banking services, residency options, and the official business language a jurisdiction maintains can all play an important role in whether a business sustains in the long term. At the same time, many countries today actively compete to attract more entrepreneurs by offering favorable tax treatment, streamlined company formation processes, and business- and founder-friendly relocation rules.
Nonetheless, these conditions vary depending on the industry, the company’s growth strategy, and geographic focus, which makes selecting the right jurisdiction for starting a business as a foreigner a task worth careful consideration.
This article showcases 5 of the most attractive countries to open a business as a foreigner right now, each being selected based on its regulatory environment, openness to foreign ownership (with the possibility to do business remotely), taxation, and other factors deemed relevant for modern entrepreneurs today.
| | Setup time | Corporate Tax | Visa and Residency | Language or Legal Barriers | Remote Doing Business |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE | 1-2 weeks on average | 9% for income above AED 375,000 | Remote without a Visa / Investor Visa | No | Yes, depending on the setup |
| Cyprus | 2-4 weeks | 15% | Remote without Visa / Digital Nomad Visa | No; based on English common law | Yes |
| Estonia | 1-2 weeks | 22% (on distribution) | Remote without Visa / E-Residency | Legal documentation available in English; some official processes still run in Estonian | Yes |
| Bulgaria | from a few days to 2 weeks | 10% | Digital Nomad Visa | Some documents remain Bulgarian-only | Yes, with power of attorney |
| Malta | up to 2 weeks | 35% (achievable 5%) | Remote without Visa / Nomad Residence Permit | English is an official language and is widely used | Yes, although opening traditional bank accounts may require physical presence |
Top 5 Destinations for Setting Up a Business as a Foreign Entrepreneur
1. United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Source: Unsplash
For a long time, the UAE has kept the leading position as one of the most attractive destinations for foreign entrepreneurs seeking a stable, efficient, and the largest international networking center for their business. Over the past few years, company formation in the UAE has been attractive for entrepreneurs and investors due to the region’s progressive regulation, world-class infrastructure, and highly beneficial overall environment.
One of the UAE’s greatest benefits for foreign founders is the opportunity to retain 100% ownership of their companies. This applies to over 1000 commercial and industrial economic activities for foreign investment (excluding economic activities with strategic impact) and was introduced in 2021. Since then, 100% foreign ownership has been made possible across the mainland and the Free Zones, regulated in accordance with Federal Law No. 2 of 2015 on Commercial Companies and Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020.
Furthermore, entrepreneurs can register a company in UAE (Dubai) without holding a residence in the region, while being eligible to obtain one almost immediately after an innovative economic project creation if they wish to relocate or manage operations locally. Alternatively, there is a chance to simply get an investor residence visa. Those relocating will be able to benefit from the country’s high quality of living, with the UAE ranking 23rd globally (4th in Asia and 3rd in Western Asia).
From a tax perspective, the UAE offers exceptionally competitive rates. For standard taxable entities, there is a 0% rate applied to the portion of taxable income up to AED 375,000 (~USD 100,000), while any taxable income exceeding AED 375,000 is subject to a 9% tax rate. For entities operating as Free Zone Persons, the tax treatment differs based on income type. Qualifying income is taxed at 0%, while general taxable income is subject to a standard 9% rate. Additionally, certain free zone transactions (such as crypto) are VAT-exempt, further enhancing the cost-efficiency of operating from the UAE.
English is the de facto one of the “official” business languages in the UAE, making the country especially accessible for entrepreneurs and investors from abroad. While Arabic holds an official status, English is widely used in commercial interactions.
Coupled with streamlined incorporation processes, modern infrastructure, political stability, progressive regulatory policies, and minimal bureaucracy, UAE company registration is nothing but a wise choice.
2. Cyprus
Source: Pixabay
The island has firmly established itself as one of Europe’s best locations for foreign entrepreneurs. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, the country functions as a strategic hub for multiple businesses across different sectors.
Given Cyprus’s combination of a business-friendly, English-speaking environment, the legal framework based on common English law principles, a transparent regulatory framework, and EU market access, 87.8% of new companies on the island “survive” beyond their first year, highlighting relatively stable market conditions and a supportive ecosystem for starting a business as a foreigner in the region.
Cyprus’s tax regime has plenty of advantages, even though its corporate tax has increased from 12.5% to 15% for all companies, aligning with OECD global minimum tax standards. The country has an extensive network of 71 double tax treaties, preventing individuals and companies from being taxed on the same income in two different countries. Beyond this, the island also offers a favorable regime for intellectual property through its special IP Box regime with a 2.5–3% effective tax rate, alongside the absence of inheritance and wealth taxes.
The country has a high ease of business registration and operation. The Cyprus company registration process takes 2 to 4 weeks with no minimum capital requirement; the process is efficient, transparent, and well-suited to both physical and fully remote businesses. Many entrepreneurs are able to manage the entire process fully remotely (through the Power of Attorney), while those who establish a local presence benefit from a consistently high standard of living. At the same time, the costs of company formation in Cyprus remain relatively affordable, especially when compared to other Western and Northern European countries.
According to research by William Russell, the country has a 6.77 out of 10 score in Best European Countries to Start a Business as an Expat, placing it 5th across the entire Europe with 12.79 businesses per 1,000 working people (one of the highest figures EU-wide). For foreign entrepreneurs seeking to register a company in Cyprus, the island offers an EU-level credibility, tax efficiency, and a supportive and business-friendly environment.
3. Estonia
Source: Pixabay
Estonia is the most digitally advanced country on this list, being an exceptional choice for expats seeking efficiency, transparency, and EU market access. Estonia company incorporation allows 100% foreign ownership with no local director requirement, removing one of the most common barriers faced by expats looking to open a business in Europe.
The country’s innovation-fostering ecosystem is yet another flagship advantage. Estonia has long been known as a global “startup hub,” now ranking the highest in Europe by the number of startups per capita. Government-backed grants – such as Development Grant of up to EUR 35,000, Innovation Grants of EUR 7,500, and Enterprise Development Programme grant of up to EUR 500,000 for companies with international growth potential – and other programs encouraging research and development (R&D) create an environment where even the boldest ideas can turn into life.
With its digital-first administration, Estonia truly stands out from other, often highly conservative and bureaucratic, European countries. Most public and private services can be completed online, with no bureaucracy and low administrative delays; almost 4 out of 5 (79%) of Estonian citizens believe this level of digitalization makes their lives much easier.
What makes the difference for expat entrepreneurs as they register a company in Estonia is the legal documentation, which is commonly available in English, and a tax reporting process designed for the utmost seamlessness and transparency. While certain procedures may still require Estonian language knowledge, the overall company formation in Estonia is efficient enough for both residents and foreign entrepreneurs.
Estonia’s taxation system also deserves special attention. Corporate income is taxed at 22%; yet, the tax is only levied when profits are distributed, meaning the part reinvested back in business remains tax-free. Coupled with double taxation agreements with more than 69 countries and the country’s numerous standalone tax incentives, Estonia has ranked 1st in the Tax Foundation’s International Tax Competitiveness Index for 12 years in a row, outperforming all other developed countries in tax simplicity and business-friendliness.
When considering the banking access aspect, Estonian companies are reportedly not required to have a merchant account with a local bank. Instead, foreigners can use any business account of a bank from the European Economic Area (EEA). E-residents can choose from several business banking options, including selected fintech solutions, though traditional Estonian bank accounts can prove challenging for e-residents without strong Estonian ties.
As an EU member, Estonia also offers expat entrepreneurs direct access to European markets, allowing for the free movement of goods and services while also boasting a high quality of life and great infrastructure – ideal for foreign entrepreneurs looking to start a business at a growth-oriented EU headquarters.
4. Bulgaria
Source: Unsplash
Bulgaria is the EU country that most closely mirrors the Estonian digitalization. The process of company formation in Bulgaria is cost-efficient and can be done fully remotely through the Power of Attorney, with no requirement for permanent residency in the EU to incorporate or operate a Bulgarian company. This alone makes Bulgaria especially attractive for starting a business as a foreigner this year.
Various grants and support programs aimed at stimulating innovation and business expansion further strengthen Bulgaria’s appeal among expat entrepreneurs. Among the most notable initiatives is the “Operational Program for Business Development,” financed with EUR 690 million from the Recovery and Resilience Facility. Companies can apply for between BGN 100,000 (~USD 60,000) and BGN 1,500,000 (~USD 893,000) in grant aid for developing and promoting digital and green solutions through partnerships between business and science.
The fiscal part is also a standout. The corporate tax rate in Bulgaria is 10%, among the two lowest in the EU, while dividends and liquidation quotas are subject to a modest 5% withholding tax for both residents and non-residents. Preventing double taxation with agreements with more than 70 countries, Bulgaria offers an attractive tax climate for businesses of any size.
As an EU member, Bulgaria also provides access to the European market while also having a vibrant business environment in place, making it an ideal launchpad for startups, holding companies, or tech operations. The overall business climate is considered relatively stable, fostering a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Notably, Bulgarian startups often achieve more with less investment than their American counterparts, underscoring the country’s healthy climate for entrepreneurship.
Where relocation remains a priority, Bulgaria company incorporation entails relatively low costs of living compared to most EU countries.
Altogether, Bulgaria represents a compelling option for foreign entrepreneurs looking to start a business in a reliable EU hub without significant investment made upfront. Yet, for opening a bank account, some banks may require at least one in-person meeting, though this policy may vary between financial institutions.
5. Malta
Source: Unsplash
Malta finishes our list of the top 5 countries to open a business as a foreigner, given 79% of investors view the destination as attractive for starting a business. The available corporate structures are highly flexible, allowing to tailor the legal foundation to different needs. Importantly, Malta’s legal framework welcomes 100% foreign ownership with no local shareholder or director mandates. Importantly, permanent residence is not required to register a business in Malta, making it particularly attractive for digital nomads.
Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English, where the latter is widely used in all legal, business, and administrative processes. This significantly reduces friction for expats looking to register a company in Malta or operate across multiple jurisdictions.
Moreover, company formation in Malta is widely recognized as attractive due to the region’s corporate tax framework. While the headline corporate income tax stands at 35%, Malta has introduced a shareholder refund system, allowing to reduce the effective tax rate to approximately 5% (subject to proper structuring).
In addition, the country’s government actively fosters innovation through numerous R&D incentives, including tax credits and deductions for qualifying expenditure. The Malta Patent Box Regime, for instance, allows up to a 95% deduction on qualifying IP income, resulting in an effective corporate tax rate as low as 1.75%. The regime applies to patents, software, plant varieties, and other qualifying IP assets with legal protection. Malta R&D tax credits allow for up to 45% on qualifying R&D costs for small enterprises, 35% for medium enterprises, and 25% for large enterprises through the 2023-2027 scheme. Support is provided as tax credits or cash grants and cannot exceed 80% of eligible costs.
The process of Malta company registration is efficient and relatively fast, often completed within up to 2 weeks. This is further complemented by a clear, transparent, and business-friendly regulatory framework offering predictability and legal certainty so sought after by foreign entrepreneurs.
Beyond the already mentioned, Malta has a stable and resilient economy that can even withstand periods of global financial crises with minimal losses. Notably, during the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, Malta maintained a solid credit rating at A or A+ despite severe economic impact, underscoring the authorities’ confidence in its economy.
Subsequently, Malta is another compelling choice for expats seeking a reliable and accessible destination to start a business.
How to Choose the Right Country to Start a Business
When starting a business abroad, it’s essential to carefully consider a wide range of factors that make a location a good fit for registering a company. Before selecting a jurisdiction for setting up a business as a foreigner, entrepreneurs should ensure they can confidently address the following key questions:
- Can a business be managed completely remotely (where relocation is not part of the plan)?
- Is there a requirement to get a visa to start a business in the first place?
- What tax implications do businesses face in the selected country?
- Is there adequate support for startups and small businesses (either with R&D incentives or otherwise)?
- Does the country’s legal system have any hidden pitfalls (e.g., potential language barriers)?
Each jurisdiction has its own strengths, so the right choice for the most effective setup is the one that aligns a specific country’s framework best with the company’s business model, financials, and long-term ambitions. Selecting the right country is the dream of every foreign entrepreneur seeking to ensure their business will be legally compliant, tax-efficient, and best positioned for sustainable, long-term growth.
At Inteliumlaw, our lawyers can assist expats during each stage of the process, finding the best place for your specific project to set up.
Ready to talk through the options? Contact Inteliumlaw for professional assistance in setting up a business in the most advantageous jurisdiction.
