Business Setup by Country
Starting a business in a new country involves understanding local entity types, registration processes, tax systems, and regulations. Here is a country-by-country guide to help entrepreneurs and business owners plan their setup.
Canada
Registration time: 1–5 business days (federal or provincial incorporation)
Entity Types
- • Sole Proprietorship
- • Partnership
- • Corporation (Inc./Ltd.)
- • Cooperative
Key Requirements
Business number from CRA, provincial registration, GST/HST registration (if revenue >$30K), business bank account.
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 15% federal + 8–16% provincial (combined 23–31%). Small business deduction: 9% federal on first $500K.
Tip
Federal incorporation gives nationwide protection of your business name. Start-Up Visa program lets entrepreneurs immigrate by launching a business with support from designated organizations.
USA
Registration time: 1–7 business days (varies by state)
Entity Types
- • LLC (Limited Liability Company)
- • C-Corporation
- • S-Corporation
- • Sole Proprietorship
- • Partnership
Key Requirements
EIN from IRS, state registration, registered agent, business bank account, operating agreement (LLC).
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 21% federal. State taxes: 0% (WY, NV, SD) to 11.5% (NJ). LLC can elect pass-through taxation.
Tip
Delaware and Wyoming are popular for incorporation due to business-friendly laws. E-2 Treaty Investor visa lets entrepreneurs from 80+ countries start businesses. LLC is the most flexible structure for small businesses.
UAE / Dubai
Registration time: 1–3 weeks
Entity Types
- • Free Zone Company (FZCO/FZE)
- • Mainland LLC
- • Offshore Company
- • Branch Office
- • Freelancer Permit
Key Requirements
Trade license, office space/flexi-desk, visa, Emirates ID, initial capital (varies by zone and activity).
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 9% on profits above AED 375,000 (introduced 2023). 0% in some free zones for qualifying income. No personal income tax.
Tip
Free zones allow 100% foreign ownership and easy setup. DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA are top free zones. Mainland companies can trade freely in UAE market. Freelancer permits available for solo professionals.
India
Registration time: 7–15 business days (online via MCA portal)
Entity Types
- • Private Limited Company (Pvt. Ltd.)
- • LLP (Limited Liability Partnership)
- • One Person Company
- • Sole Proprietorship
- • Partnership Firm
Key Requirements
DIN (Director Identification Number), DSC (Digital Signature Certificate), MCA registration, PAN, TAN, GST registration.
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 22% (domestic, new manufacturing: 15%). GST: 5–28% depending on goods/services. Startup India offers tax holidays.
Tip
Startup India provides 3-year tax holidays, self-certification compliance, and fast-track patents. FDI allowed in most sectors via automatic route. LLP is popular for professional services firms.
Israel
Registration time: 1–4 weeks
Entity Types
- • Ltd. (Chevra Ba'am / Private Company)
- • Self-Employed (Osek Murshe/Patur)
- • Partnership
- • Cooperative
Key Requirements
Companies Registrar registration, tax authority registration, VAT registration (if applicable), business bank account.
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 23%. VAT: 17%. Capital gains: 25–30%. R&D grants from Israel Innovation Authority can cover 20–50% of costs.
Tip
Israel is a global startup hub — 'Startup Nation.' Innovation Authority grants are available for tech companies. Olim entrepreneurs get tax benefits (10-year exemption on foreign income). Consider joining an accelerator.
Panama
Registration time: 2–4 weeks
Entity Types
- • S.A. (Sociedad Anónima / Corporation)
- • SRL (Limited Liability Company)
- • Branch Office
- • Foundation
Key Requirements
Public Registry inscription, registered agent (mandatory), nominee directors allowed, tax ID (RUC), municipal license.
Tax Overview
Territorial tax system — only Panama-sourced income taxed. Corporate rate: 25%. No tax on foreign-sourced income.
Tip
Panama's territorial tax system means foreign-sourced income is tax-free. S.A. is the most common structure. Panama is a regional hub for Latin American business. Free trade zones (Colón Free Zone) offer additional benefits.
United Kingdom
Registration time: 24 hours–5 days (Companies House online)
Entity Types
- • Ltd. (Private Limited Company)
- • LLP
- • Sole Trader
- • PLC (Public Limited Company)
- • CIC (Community Interest Company)
Key Requirements
Companies House registration, registered office address, HMRC registration, UTR number, business bank account.
Tax Overview
Corporation tax: 25% (profits >£250K), 19% (profits <£50K). VAT: 20% (registration threshold £85K). Capital gains: 10–20%.
Tip
UK Ltd. can be registered online in 24 hours for £12. Innovator Founder visa replaced Innovator visa. SEIS/EIS schemes offer tax relief to investors. R&D tax credits available for innovative companies.
France
Registration time: 1–4 weeks
Entity Types
- • SAS (Simplified Joint Stock)
- • SARL (Limited Liability)
- • Auto-entrepreneur (Micro-enterprise)
- • SA (Public Company)
- • SCI (Property Company)
Key Requirements
Registration at Guichet Unique (one-stop shop), Kbis extract, SIRET number, professional bank account, APC contribution.
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 25%. Social charges: 25–45% of salary. VAT: 20%. Auto-entrepreneur: simplified regime with turnover caps.
Tip
Auto-entrepreneur is the easiest way to start (no capital required, simplified accounting). SAS is preferred for startups seeking investors. French Tech Visa for startup founders. Social charges are high — factor them into planning.
Mexico
Registration time: 2–6 weeks
Entity Types
- • S.A. de C.V. (Corporation)
- • S. de R.L. de C.V. (LLC equivalent)
- • SAPI (Startup-friendly)
- • Persona Física con Actividad Empresarial (Sole Trader)
Key Requirements
RFC (tax ID), SAT registration, notary public for entity formation, REPSE registration (if outsourcing), IMSS (social security).
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 30%. VAT (IVA): 16%. Employee profit sharing (PTU): 10% of profits. IEPS on certain goods.
Tip
S. de R.L. de C.V. is popular for foreign-owned businesses. Mexico has extensive free trade agreements (USMCA, EU). Special Economic Zones offer tax incentives. Always engage a Mexican accountant and lawyer.
Portugal
Registration time: 1–3 days (Empresa na Hora — company in an hour program)
Entity Types
- • Lda. (Sociedade por Quotas / LLC)
- • S.A. (Public Company)
- • Unipessoal Lda. (Single-member LLC)
- • Empresário Individual (Sole Trader)
Key Requirements
NIF, Empresa na Hora registration, share capital (€1 minimum for Lda.), tax office registration, social security registration.
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 21% (reduced to 17% on first €25K for SMEs). VAT: 23%. NHR regime: 20% flat tax for qualifying professionals.
Tip
Portugal's Empresa na Hora lets you register a company in 1 hour for €360. Startup Visa available for tech entrepreneurs. Madeira free trade zone offers reduced 5% corporate tax. NHR regime benefits foreign professionals for 10 years.
Spain
Registration time: 2–4 weeks (or 48 hours via PAE / Punto de Atención al Emprendedor)
Entity Types
- • S.L. (Sociedad Limitada / LLC)
- • S.A. (Public Company)
- • Autónomo (Self-employed)
- • S.L.U. (Single-member LLC)
Key Requirements
NIE, Certificación Negativa de Denominación Social, notary deed, tax agency registration, social security.
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 25% (15% for first 2 years of new companies). VAT (IVA): 21%. Autónomo social security: €230–€400/month.
Tip
Autónomo is the simplest route for freelancers. S.L. requires €3,000 minimum capital. Spain's Digital Nomad Visa includes favorable 24% tax rate. Barcelona and Madrid have strong startup ecosystems.
Australia
Registration time: 1–3 days (ASIC online registration)
Entity Types
- • Pty Ltd (Proprietary Limited Company)
- • Sole Trader
- • Partnership
- • Trust
- • Public Company
Key Requirements
ABN (Australian Business Number), ASIC registration, TFN, GST registration (if turnover >$75K), business bank account.
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 25% (base rate for companies with <$50M turnover). GST: 10%. Capital gains: included in income tax.
Tip
Pty Ltd is the standard structure for small/medium businesses. ABN is free and can be obtained online. R&D Tax Incentive provides 43.5% refundable offset for eligible companies. Subclass 188 visa for business innovation.
Singapore
Registration time: 1–3 days (ACRA online)
Entity Types
- • Private Limited Company (Pte. Ltd.)
- • Sole Proprietorship
- • Partnership
- • LLP
- • Branch Office
Key Requirements
ACRA registration, registered office in Singapore, local resident director, company secretary, paid-up capital (S$1 minimum).
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 17% (effective 8.5% on first S$300K with exemptions). No capital gains tax. GST: 9%.
Tip
Singapore consistently ranks #1 for ease of doing business. EntrePass visa for foreign entrepreneurs. Startup SG provides grants and mentorship. Tax exemption scheme: 75% on first S$100K, 50% on next S$100K for first 3 years.
Thailand
Registration time: 2–6 weeks
Entity Types
- • Thai Limited Company
- • Foreign Business License (FBL)
- • BOI-promoted Company
- • Representative Office
- • Branch Office
Key Requirements
DBD registration, tax ID, VAT registration, work permit (for foreign directors), Social Security Fund.
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 20%. VAT: 7%. Withholding taxes on various payments. BOI-promoted companies get tax holidays (3–8 years).
Tip
Foreign Business Act restricts foreign majority ownership in many sectors. BOI promotion grants incentives including 100% foreign ownership, tax holidays, and work permit facilitation. Thai majority shareholders required for non-BOI companies.
Saudi Arabia
Registration time: 2–6 weeks
Entity Types
- • LLC (most common for foreign investors)
- • Joint Stock Company
- • Branch Office
- • Professional Company
Key Requirements
SAGIA (MISA) investment license, Commercial Registration, Chamber of Commerce membership, GOSI registration.
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 20% (on foreign-owned share of profits). Zakat: 2.5% (on Saudi/GCC-owned share). VAT: 15%. No personal income tax.
Tip
Vision 2030 is opening Saudi Arabia to foreign investment rapidly. MISA now offers 100% foreign ownership in most sectors. Regional headquarters program incentivizes companies to base HQ in Riyadh. NEOM and other mega-projects offer special incentives.
Mauritius
Registration time: 2–5 days (Registrar of Companies)
Entity Types
- • Private Company Ltd.
- • Global Business Company (GBC)
- • Authorized Company
- • Sole Trader
- • Partnership
Key Requirements
ROC registration, TAN from MRA, management and control in Mauritius (for GBC), registered agent.
Tax Overview
Corporate tax: 15% flat. No capital gains tax, no withholding tax on dividends. GBC companies get 80% partial exemption (effective 3% tax).
Tip
Mauritius is a major international financial center. Double taxation agreements with 45+ countries. GBC structure popular for holding companies and investment funds. Fintech and blockchain-friendly regulatory environment.
Business regulations, tax rates, and incorporation requirements change. Always verify current rules with a licensed accountant, lawyer, or business advisor in the destination country.
Speak With a Relocation AdvisorBusiness setup abroad — FAQs
Which country is easiest for foreigners to start a business in?
Singapore, the UK, and the UAE free zones are consistently among the easiest. Singapore and the UK allow online incorporation in 1–3 days, while UAE free zones permit 100% foreign ownership with straightforward licensing. The right choice depends on your market, tax goals, and visa needs.
Can I start a company abroad without living there?
Often yes. Many jurisdictions (UK Ltd., US LLC, UAE free zone, Mauritius GBC) allow non-resident ownership and remote registration, though some require a local registered agent, resident director, or registered office address. A physical presence or work visa may still be needed to operate or open certain bank accounts.
Do I need a local partner to open a business overseas?
It varies. UAE mainland and Thailand historically required local majority ownership in some sectors, but reforms now allow 100% foreign ownership in many activities (UAE) or via BOI promotion (Thailand). Most Western and many Asian jurisdictions allow full foreign ownership of private companies.
How long does company registration usually take?
It ranges from a few hours to several weeks. Portugal (Empresa na Hora) and the UK can register in 1 hour to 24 hours, Singapore and Australia in 1–3 days, while the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand can take 2–6 weeks depending on licensing and visa steps.
Should I incorporate before or after I move?
It depends on your visa pathway. Several countries offer entrepreneur or startup visas (US E-2, UK Innovator Founder, France French Tech, Singapore EntrePass) where the business plan supports the immigration application, so coordinate company formation, tax residency, and your relocation timeline with a licensed advisor.
Plan the rest of your move
- Country Relocation GuidesVisa, banking, tax and business setup details for 16 destinations.
- Legal & DocumentationApostilles, document legalisation and visa paperwork support.
- Banking AbroadOpen accounts and manage finances as a new resident or business owner.
- Tax & Compliance HelpTalk to an advisor about cross-border tax and incorporation.
- Moving & Shipping QuotePlan the physical move alongside your business setup.
- Service Provider DirectoryFind vetted accountants, lawyers and incorporation specialists.