When we talk about expatriation, most people think of corporate transfers, international students, or professionals hired abroad. But there’s another important group often overlooked: expat entrepreneurs. Starting a business while living abroad offers exciting opportunities but also comes with challenges that require careful planning. If you’re ready to launch your venture from another country, choosing the right location is essential.
To help you find the best destination, we’ve drawn insights from the Best Countries report, which evaluates affordability, bureaucracy, global connectivity, and ease of access, and the World Bank’s Doing Business ranking, which measures the full life cycle of a business across 190 economies. Below, we present the best countries for starting a business as an expat.
Singapore
Singapore consistently ranks as one of the best countries to start a business, especially for expats. It offers an attractive business environment with low corporate tax rates, minimal bureaucracy, and strong protection of intellectual property. Its strategic location in Asia, advanced infrastructure, and openness to international trade make it a global hub for entrepreneurs in sectors such as fintech, logistics, and biotech.
For expats looking to start a business, Singapore offers advantages such as low production costs, low tax rates, minimal bureaucracy to overcome and limited risk of corruption in business and government (5th in the latest Corruption Perception Index 2022).Its political stability, skilled workforce, and strong economy also make it a safe long-term base for business operations.
New Zealand
New Zealand is one of the easiest places in the world to start a business. Known for its transparent governance and business-friendly policies, the country allows for fast online company registration, usually completed within a single day. Expats benefit from a fair legal system, clear tax structures, and low corruption levels. Its economy is driven by agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, and tech sectors that offer ample space for innovation. The cost of living and doing business is generally reasonable compared to many Western economies, and the country offers a welcoming environment for foreign entrepreneurs with long-term business ambitions.
Denmark
Denmark is often overlooked by entrepreneurs, but it’s one of Europe’s most efficient places to register a company. It offers easy access to the EU market and has a highly digitalized government system that simplifies paperwork and permits. Expats appreciate the flexibility in labor laws, transparent institutions, and solid infrastructure. English proficiency is extremely high, making it easier to build professional relationships and run operations without needing fluent Danish. From clean energy to e-commerce, Denmark offers a stable and innovative platform for business growth.
Indonesia
Indonesia is Southeast Asia’s largest economy and presents a dynamic opportunity for entrepreneurs. With a population of over 270 million, the domestic market alone is highly attractive. Expats starting a business here benefit from its strategic location, growing middle class, and strong consumer demand across tourism, agriculture, tech, and education sectors. Company registration can be more complex than in Western countries, but the government has introduced reforms to ease investment, including new digital platforms and tax incentives.
For those seeking to tap into emerging markets with high potential, Indonesia is a strong contender. According to your type of activity and the amount to be invested, 3 types of companies can be considered: the PT PMDN, the PT PMA and or the local representative office.
Hong Kong
Despite political tensions in recent years, Hong Kong remains one of the most business-friendly environments in the world. The city’s tax system is highly attractive, with a territorial regime that taxes only locally sourced income and offers one of the lowest corporate tax rates globally. Company registration is fast and efficient, with no requirement for local directors. Hong Kong’s world-class financial sector, legal protections, and excellent connectivity make it a prime destination for international entrepreneurs, particularly in trade, finance, e-commerce, and professional services.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE, especially Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has become a top destination for foreign entrepreneurs. The country is known for its free trade zones, which allow full foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and simplified regulations. From June 2023, a 9 percent corporate tax has been introduced for profits exceeding a certain threshold, but the overall tax regime remains competitive. With a strong expat community, modern infrastructure, and excellent access to global markets, the UAE offers a unique business ecosystem for startups in sectors like real estate, tourism, logistics, and digital services. English is widely spoken, and the government actively supports innovation and foreign investment.
Portugal
Portugal is gaining popularity among expats and digital entrepreneurs thanks to its startup-friendly environment and attractive visa options. The country offers relatively low costs for living and business operations, access to the European market, and a good quality of life. Lisbon and Porto, in particular, have emerged as vibrant hubs for tech and creative industries. Government initiatives such as Startup Portugal and simplified residency permits for business owners make it easier for foreigners to settle and work. Coupled with a pleasant climate and strong digital infrastructure, Portugal is a rising star for business-minded expats.
Canada
Canada’s economy is open, diverse, and well-regulated, offering expat entrepreneurs a secure base to grow a business. Company registration is straightforward, and the country offers multiple pathways to business immigration, including the Start-up Visa program. Sectors like green energy, AI, healthcare, and food tech are thriving. English and French are both official languages, and multiculturalism is deeply rooted in Canadian society, making integration easier. The country also boasts a highly educated workforce and strong international trade agreements, positioning it as a gateway to both the U.S. and global markets.
Spain
Spain offers a relaxed lifestyle combined with growing support for entrepreneurs, especially in cities like Barcelona and Madrid. The Spanish government has introduced several startup laws to attract foreign business talent, including favorable tax incentives and simplified processes for company registration. The cost of living is lower than in many Western European capitals, and the country benefits from a large domestic market and access to the EU. With a highly skilled workforce, modern infrastructure, and increasing digital connectivity, Spain is becoming an attractive base for startups in tech, sustainability, and creative industries.
United States
The U.S. remains a top destination for global entrepreneurs thanks to its massive consumer market, innovation hubs, and access to funding. Starting a company is relatively easy depending on the state, and there are numerous legal structures such as LLCs that are particularly attractive for small businesses. Cities like Austin, Miami, and Denver are becoming new magnets for international entrepreneurs due to lower costs and vibrant startup ecosystems. While navigating the visa and immigration system can be complex, the long-term rewards for successful ventures in the U.S. are considerable.
What to consider when starting a company abroad
Launching a business abroad requires more than just a good idea. To succeed, expats need to carefully evaluate the economic, legal, and cultural landscape of their destination.
- Business climate: Look at ease of doing business, tax policies, government support, and access to funding
- Legal system: Consider contract enforcement, company registration requirements, and rules around foreign ownership
- Infrastructure: Check logistics, office availability, internet reliability, and transport networks
- Workforce: Understand the availability, cost, and skill levels of local employees
- Cultural fit: Consider how well your product or service fits with local habits and preferences
Foyer Global Health supports entrepreneurs abroad
At Foyer Global Health, we support expat entrepreneurs with flexible, international health insurance plans that grow with you. Whether you’re launching your first startup in Singapore or scaling your business in Portugal, we make sure your health is covered so you can focus on building your vision abroad.
