Did you know that global venture capital funding surged to over USD 450 billion in 2024, making it a record-breaking year for startups worldwide? With entrepreneurs increasingly looking beyond their home turf, this article explores the top destinations—from Portugal and Malta in Europe to emerging powerhouses in Asia, the Americas, and Oceania. Whether you’re chasing low taxes, robust visa programmes, or cutting-edge innovation, we’ll run through the best countries for entrepreneurs to relocate to.
Portugal: Tech Hub and Golden Visa
Portugal has become a thriving tech center, creating favorable conditions for entrepreneurs through its Startup Visa. Designed for those developing innovative projects, it enables visa holders to live in Portugal and travel across the Schengen Area. Applications go to IAPMEI, and successful applicants must collaborate with a Portuguese incubator to form a startup.
The visa offers a residence permit valid for two years, renewable for three, and includes family reunification. Applicants need at least USD 10,872 for yearly living expenses; no fixed investment amount is required. After living in Portugal for 183 days each year, you can gain tax residency and potentially benefit from the Non-Habitual Resident status, which offers a 10-year tax break on foreign income if it is taxed in another country with a double tax agreement. After five years, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship, which Portugal allows you to hold alongside another nationality.
Malta: Incentives and Reduced Bureaucracy
Malta attracts entrepreneurs through its Golden Visa, offering residency to non-EU applicants who invest in property meeting certain location-based values. This grants the right to live in Malta and the potential to pursue citizenship, plus visa-free access across the Schengen Area.
The Malta Enterprise Act provides an array of benefits for inbound investors, particularly those engaged in high-value-added activities. These include tax incentives for qualifying enterprises and schemes like the Seed Investment Scheme (tax relief for startups). Reduced bureaucracy also makes Malta appealing to those wanting a quick start for their new enterprise.
Switzerland: Innovation and Stability
Renowned for innovation and economic stability, Switzerland is a top spot for entrepreneurs looking for reliable governance and a skilled workforce. Technology and research receive strong backing, encouraging a culture of invention and progress.
The Swiss government offers incentives, such as tax breaks and research support, to attract foreign founders. Thanks to its well-connected location in the heart of Europe, Switzerland allows easy access to European markets, further strengthening its position as a business-friendly environment.
Lithuania: Baltic Business Gateway
Lithuania ranked 11th in the Ease of Doing Business Index, serves as a gateway to the Baltic region. There is no minimum investment requirement for launching a company, although sectors like biotech and IT are especially welcome. This openness, along with a supportive government, has encouraged foreign entrepreneurs to set up shop.
Various incentives, including tax breaks and innovation funding, support incoming businesses. Lithuania’s location offers straightforward access to both European and Eastern markets. With strong digital development and a positive attitude towards new ideas, it is an excellent launchpad for ventures targeting the Baltic area.
Asian Powerhouses for Business
Singapore: Global Financial Centre
Singapore is a popular choice for those looking to start a company and secure residency. Its residency by investment route requires a minimum of SGD 2.5 million (roughly USD 1.8 million) directed toward business ventures, real estate, or government funds. This leads to permanent residency and, over time, the option to apply for citizenship.
Foreign-sourced income is tax-exempt in Singapore, while local income is taxed at progressive rates of up to 22%. The corporate tax rate sits at 17%, with special exemptions for startups. This combination of financial stability and a straightforward tax environment has made Singapore an international magnet for entrepreneurs.
United Arab Emirates: Tax-Free Zones
With zero personal income tax and minimal residency requirements, the UAE is an attractive option for setting up a business. You can secure temporary residency via property purchase or an investment. For a larger investment (about USD 545,000), longer-term residency is also possible.
The corporate tax rate is 9%, though some free zone companies receive even more advantageous terms. Coupled with modern infrastructure and a well-placed location between Europe and Asia, the UAE stands out as a strong Middle Eastern base.
Georgia: Low-Tax Haven
Georgia has been drawing attention for its low tax framework, which makes it appealing for cost-effective business setups. Both personal and corporate taxes are relatively low, enhancing their appeal to entrepreneurs worldwide.
Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia provides straightforward access to multiple regional markets. Streamlined company formation processes add to its reputation as a convenient base for emerging ventures.
Indonesia: Emerging Market Opportunities
Indonesia’s expanding economy has drawn entrepreneurs to its residency by investment program. Options begin at about USD 1 million for investments in real estate or local businesses, granting residency and exposure to a burgeoning consumer market.
Located in Southeast Asia and home to a large, young population, Indonesia holds significant potential for those seeking high-growth possibilities in an evolving economic landscape.
Americas and Caribbean Options
United States: Startup Ecosystem
The United States, with the world’s largest economy, provides fertile ground for founding and scaling companies. Its deep pool of venture capital firms, angel investors, and developed financial markets helps turn fresh ideas into flourishing enterprises.
A highly educated workforce and government-backed support—like loans and mentoring from the Small Business Administration—make the US especially welcoming to new businesses. The 21% corporate tax rate, along with a regulatory environment that aims to cut red tape, further increases its draw for entrepreneurs.
Panama: Favourable Location and Incentives
Panama presents a favorable setting for those seeking residency through investment, often called the Panama golden visa. This program offers several paths, including real estate and fixed-term deposits. In return, you and your family can live, work, and study in Panama, benefiting from a business-friendly tax framework.
Citizenship can be pursued after five years of residency for those who qualify. Citizens of certain Latin American nations and Spain can apply even sooner. Panama’s service-based economy and visa-free travel to numerous countries add to its appeal.
Colombia: Growing Tech Scene
Colombia is quickly becoming a center for tech entrepreneurship, especially in software and IT, which account for a notable slice of its GDP. Ranking third in software and IT sales in Latin America, it trails only Brazil and Mexico.
Policies such as free trade zones, tax breaks, and government-backed funding encourage startups. Efforts to boost digital infrastructure and train a million new tech professionals make Colombia an increasingly attractive location for innovative ventures. Internet access is widespread, and mobile connectivity is high, providing a strong platform for digital businesses.
Caribbean Islands: Citizenship by Investment
Several Caribbean nations run citizenship-by-investment initiatives, letting individuals acquire citizenship through real estate investments or contributions to national funds. These programs grant visa-free travel to many countries and the right to establish a home in a tropical environment.
Each island has unique requirements and incentives, but collectively they offer lower tax obligations and access to new business markets. This makes the Caribbean a noteworthy option for those wanting both a change of scenery and new commercial avenues.
Oceania’s Entrepreneur-Friendly Nations
New Zealand: Ease of Doing Business
New Zealand is consistently rated highly for startup friendliness, thanks to streamlined regulations and a welcoming culture. The Entrepreneur Resident Visa is available if you have been self-employed for at least six months—or have managed your own company for two years on a different visa—and invested at least USD 282,575. You must also create three new jobs if applying before reaching two years of self-employment.
This visa can lead to residency, offering a balance of business opportunities and a high standard of living.
Australia: Innovation and Trade Freedom
Australia holds a strong position in Oceania for entrepreneurs, aided by policies promoting innovation and open trade. The government offers tax incentives to early-stage investors, including a 20% non-refundable offset on investments in qualifying Early-Stage Innovation Companies (ESICs), capped at USD 200,000 per investor per year.
Investors also benefit from a 10-year exemption on capital gains tax if they hold shares in an ESIC for at least 12 months (with ownership capped at 30%). These measures create a supportive climate for both startups and investors, encouraging further growth.
Vanuatu: Tax Haven and Citizenship Programme
Vanuatu stands out for its zero tax on global income, appealing to those looking to register a business free from heavy levies. Its Citizenship by Investment Programme grants passports within 60 to 90 days without requiring residency. A family of four would pay around USD 155,500, which includes a redeemable USD 50,000 investment in a government-approved fund.
Aside from no corporate or inheritance tax, Vanuatu provides a lengthy exemption from any local taxes, and its passport allows visa-free access to 113 countries. This combination of financial advantages and easy global travel underpins its draw.
Choosing Your Entrepreneurial Destination
Assessing Business Climate
Look at the ease of company formation and the local support available. Colombia and Chile, for instance, both facilitate new ventures with low investment thresholds and rapid registration processes. In Europe, Belgium’s business visa is known for its favorable eventual citizenship route, and Portugal’s D2 visa does not enforce an official minimum investment, granting flexibility.
Evaluating Tax Benefits
Tax regimes can heavily influence profitability. Hungary has one of Europe’s lowest corporate tax rates (9%), while Singapore’s is capped at 17% and excludes foreign-sourced income. In Belgium, entrepreneurs often structure business operations so that only Belgian income is taxed. Different schemes suit different needs, so weigh your business model against a given country’s tax laws.
Comparing Residency Requirements
Every nation sets its own conditions regarding how often you must be present to maintain residency. Belgium’s in-country requirement is only a few months per year, and its visa leads to dual citizenship. Colombia’s rules are similarly relaxed, requiring a visit every six months. Others, like Panama, demand a bigger commitment—initial investments of at least USD 160,000 and the creation of full-time local jobs.
Considering Quality of Life Factors
Lifestyle matters for long-term satisfaction. Portugal offers a pleasant climate and cultural richness, supported by the D2 Visa that can lead to citizenship after five years. Canada provides permanent residence with its startup visa, along with social benefits and a diverse society. These personal elements are just as important as the business environment when choosing your new home.
Making the Right Choice for Your Endeavour
The decision of where to establish your venture and potentially secure residency or citizenship can be transformative. Singapore and the UAE feature appealing tax setups, while Europe boasts standout opportunities in Portugal and Malta.
Those looking for high-growth settings might consider Indonesia. Stable markets like New Zealand combine a strong startup environment with a great lifestyle. The Caribbean Islands also promise sunny living alongside business incentives.
Balance your commercial aims with the residency rules, tax policies, and living standards offered by each country. By weighing all these aspects, you can find a location that suits your ambitions and personal aspirations, setting the stage for a successful entrepreneurial future.