8 Best Countries To Start A Business (With Proven Statistics)

Not every country gives startups the tools they need to grow, but some are changing the game entirely. 

These places are not only business-friendly, but they offer a firm, existing building ecosystem where new ideas can scale fast. For example, the tax-free zones of the UAE, where profits stay in your pocket, or Estonia, where a few clicks online are all it takes to register your business. Then there’s the United States, home to the world’s biggest venture capital networks and tech giants that can turn small startups into global powerhouses.

And there are more. GemPages has collected the best countries to start a business with proven statistics and practical examples of those startup unicorns for more convincing. Let’s dive into these hotspots and more, from Europe’s innovation hubs to Asia’s rising tech centers. 

Stages In Building A Business

Stage 1: Business Entry – Setting Up Your Presence

Starting a business begins with making it official. The easier and faster you can handle the legal setup, the sooner you can focus on growth. Here’s what this stage involves:

• Setup Procedures: You’ll need to register your company, get a VAT number, set up a bank account, and take care of any legal formalities like appointing directors or registering employees. Some countries also require a physical or virtual office address.

• Visa & Residency Programs: Planning to operate abroad? Check if you need an entrepreneur visa or a residence-by-investment program. These requirements can impact how quickly you can start.

• Timeframe: Every day counts when starting out. We look at how many days it typically takes to complete all registration steps, which is also a big indicator of how efficient the process is.

• Cost: Registration fees can vary. To see if it’s affordable, we compare costs against the average income per person in each country.

• Minimum Capital: Some countries require a set amount of initial investment to register a company. This can be a hurdle for smaller startups, so knowing this upfront helps you plan.

• Facilities & Accommodation:

  • Office Space: Availability and price of quality workspaces matter for your first setup.

  • Industrial Facilities: If you need factories, labs, or other specialized spaces, their availability is crucial.

  • Housing: Affordable and quality housing for your team is another key factor.

You can refer to these steps in developing a business plan. Source: Wix

Stage 2: Business Operations – Running Smoothly from Day One

Once your business is set up, the next step is making sure it runs without unnecessary roadblocks. Your daily operations will depend on factors like taxes, regulations, infrastructure, and even digital tools. Here’s what to look at:

Taxation: Know What You Owe

Taxes can make or break your profit margins. And it is mandatory for business owners to understand and comply with the rules:

• Corporate Taxes: This is the percentage of your company’s profits paid to the government. Some countries offer better rates or tax breaks for startups and R&D.

• Loss Offset Rules: Can you deduct losses from future profits? It’s worth checking to reduce tax bills later.

• Ownership & Combined Taxes: Beyond corporate tax, you’ll need to consider other taxes on investors and business owners.

• Capital Cost Recovery & Incentives: Look for special benefits like R&D tax credits or patent boxes, which can help save money on innovation.

• Exit Taxation: If you sell your company, some countries tax that too — better to plan ahead.

• Individual Taxes:

• Personal income tax for you and your team.

• Dividend and capital gains taxes.

• Employee stock options and how they’re taxed.

• The complexity of the income tax process (some countries make it simple, others don’t).

Regulatory Environment: How Easy Is It to Do Business?

• Business Freedom: Does the government give businesses room to grow? This includes strong property rights, low corruption, and fewer unnecessary rules.

• Ease of Doing Business: How simple is it to handle things like permits, contracts, or dealing with disputes?

• Government Support: Countries with business-friendly policies can help you focus on growth instead of paperwork.

Physical Infrastructure & Logistics

Getting products to your customers quickly depends on good infrastructure.

• Transport: Reliable roads, ports, airports, and railways keep your supply chain running smoothly.

• Warehousing & Customs: The speed and cost of importing or exporting goods often depend on these services.

• Utilities: Affordable and reliable electricity, water, and telecoms are must-haves.

Digital Infrastructure & Innovation

In today’s world, a strong digital setup is just as important as physical infrastructure.

• Internet: Check the quality, speed, and affordability of internet services.

• Digital Tools: Things like online payments, eCommerce platforms, and government e-services make running your business simpler.

• Tech-Friendly Environment: Countries that embrace innovation often make it easier for startups to thrive.

A reference cycle to ideally build business operations. Source: Spur Reply

Stage 3: Growth & Expansion – Powering Up Your Business

For this phase, it’s time to think bigger: more customers, stronger teams, and new markets.

Growth doesn’t happen by accident; it needs the right mix of funding, talent, and opportunities. The key aspects of this phase are:

Financial Accessibility: Finding the Right Fuel for Growth

Scaling your business often means investing in marketing, technology, or operations. To do this, you need easy access to capital.

• Funding Sources: Look at options like bank loans, angel investors, or venture capital (VC) firms that back growing businesses.

• Interest Rates & Currency Stability: Low-interest loans and stable currencies make it easier to plan for the future without unexpected costs.

• Investment Environment: Countries with active early-stage investors and strong VC ecosystems give startups better chances to raise funds at every stage.

Talent & Human Capital: Building Your Dream Team

The right people can transform your business.

• Skills & Education: Access to skilled workers, especially in tech and eCommerce (STEM fields), is key.

• Labor Market Flexibility: Competitive wages, remote work options, and high employee productivity can help you attract and keep talent.

• International Talent: Programs like startup visas make it easier to bring in global experts when needed.

Market Access & International Trade: Expanding Your Reach

To grow, you need bigger markets and fewer barriers.

• Domestic Market Size: A large local customer base is a great start, but the ability to scale beyond borders matters even more.

• Trade Openness: Countries that support international trade (with fewer customs issues and lower costs) give businesses room to grow faster.

• Logistics & Trading Blocs: Membership in trade alliances can cut costs and simplify cross-border operations.

An expert share of 5 key business growth strategies. Source: The Strategy Institute

Stage 4: Business Exit – Planning Your Way Out

Every business journey needs an endgame. 

Think of it as your “what’s next” roadmap. It gives you a way to cash out when the time is right or cut losses when necessary. For successful businesses, it can mean a big financial reward. For investors (like venture capitalists), it’s how they get a return on their investment.

This phase is all about doing it in a way that protects your hard work, secures your profits, and limits losses if things don’t go as planned.

Ideally, you plan your exit from the start, even before you launch. Why? Because your chosen strategy can shape key business decisions, from growth goals to partnerships.

The right exit strategy depends on your goals, business size, and who’s involved:

• Initial Public Offering (IPO): Going public on a stock exchange, often the most lucrative and prestigious option.

• Strategic Acquisition: Selling your business to another company, usually for a strong payout, but it means giving up control.

• Management Buyout (MBO): Your employees or management team buy the business.

• Partner Buyout: For partnerships, selling your share to other partners can be a simple and smooth exit.

• Close and Cash Out: For small businesses, this could mean maximizing profits, selling off assets, and winding down.

• Bankruptcy: The last resort when things don’t work out. Not ideal, but still a formal exit path.

What should be included in a business exit strategy. Source: Consolid8

What Makes A Country Good For Businesses

When picking the best countries to start a business, the grơwing markets shouldn’t be your only focus. From stable governments to supportive infrastructure, it’s the right environment that makes all the difference.

In an interview with Yale Insights, Honeywell CEO David Cote shared how he evaluates countries for business readiness, while global data points to common factors that create a fertile ground for entrepreneurship.

For Cote, three questions always come first:

• Is the government stable?

• Are legal and financial institutions strong?

• How severe is corruption?

The World Bank’s Doing Business Report shows that countries with good regulations and transparent governance tend to perform better economically. On the flip side, corruption acts like a “tax on growth,” costing the global economy nearly 5% of GDP, according to the OECD.

Cote divides markets into three categories:

• High Risk: Countries where bribes and unstable policies are the norm. Honeywell avoids major investments here.

• Promising but Uncertain: Countries with current opportunities but unclear long-term prospects. Here, Honeywell maintains a sales presence, staying ready for better conditions.

• Stable and Committed: Countries with a long-term commitment to supporting business. These markets see Honeywell’s biggest investments, including acquisitions and local facilities.

“Capital is a coward. It doesn’t go in places where there’s a chance it’s going to get lost,” says Cote. For any business, this means focusing on countries that value transparency and economic stability.

Best Countries To Start A Business In 2025

1. Singapore

Singapore has steadily built a reputation as one of the best countries to start a business. It’s Asia's gateway with fast registration and low corporate taxes. Ranked fourth globally in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, Singapore has made remarkable progress, climbing 12 spots since 2020.

Singapore is the top 4th country to start a business, especially for FinTech. Source: Startup Blink

• Pro-business environment and government support

The Singapore government is known for its proactive role in nurturing startups. 

Through initiatives like Startup SG, first-time entrepreneurs can receive up to S$50,000 (US$37,745) to turn their ideas into reality. For deep tech ventures, the Startup SG Tech program offers up to S$500,000 (US$377,475) for proof-of-concept and commercialization. 

This strong funding ecosystem, paired with mentorship programs and networking opportunities, ensures that even early-stage startups have the resources to scale.

• Strategic gateway to Southeast Asia

Situated at the crossroads of Asia, Singapore provides unparalleled access to over 650 million consumers in Southeast Asia. 

• World-class infrastructure

Singapore’s infrastructure supports both digital and physical growth. High-speed broadband, advanced data centers, and nationwide 5G adoption provide the foundation for industries like AI, IoT, and FinTech. 

The government’s Smart Nation initiative also creates opportunities for startups to collaborate on cutting-edge projects in areas like energy efficiency and urban solutions. 

Beyond digital infrastructure, innovation hubs such as LaunchPad @ one-north, home to over 800 startups, incubators, and accelerators.

LaunchPad @ one-north, the home of startups in Singapore. Source: Vietcetera

• Favorable tax system

A flat corporate tax rate of 17%, among the lowest globally, allowing businesses to keep more of their profits for reinvestment. 

Add to this the Startup Tax Exemption (SUTE), which provides full tax exemptions on the first S$100,000 of income for three years, and the Partial Tax Exemption (PTE) for additional earnings, startups can reinvest more profits into their operations. 

The absence of capital gains tax and over 80 double tax treaties make Singapore even more appealing for businesses looking to operate globally.

2. Estonia

Estonia has quietly become a global startup powerhouse, ranking 11th worldwide and 7th in the EU in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index. 

For a country of just 1.3 million people, this is an impressive feat. Its success stems from a bold digital-first strategy, a strong entrepreneurial mindset, and policies designed to empower startups.

Estonia ranks the 11th position among top countries to start a business. Source: Startup Blink

• Unique tax advantages

Estonia’s corporate tax model is unlike most countries. 

Startups don’t pay taxes on retained or reinvested profits, where tax is only charged when profits are distributed as dividends. This means companies can reinvest 100% of their profits into growth, making Estonia incredibly appealing for early-stage ventures. 

Add to this the country’s simple, transparent tax system and digital tax filing, and it’s easy to see why Estonia is considered one of the best countries to start a business.

• Entrepreneurial culture and global success stories

Estonia’s startup culture thrives on innovation and risk-taking. 

As Martin Goroško, Head of Business Development at Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol (Estonia), highlights, the mindset is clear: “If you want to become a successful person, you need to become an entrepreneur.” 

This attitude, combined with early success stories like Skype, has fueled a new generation of startups such as Bolt, Wise, and Veriff, those companies that have become global unicorns and inspired the next wave of founders.

• Digital-first governance with e-Residency

Estonia is famous for its e-Residency program, which allows anyone in the world to register and run a business online, entirely from abroad. 

Entrepreneurs can open a company, sign documents digitally, and even access EU markets without setting foot in Estonia. This digital infrastructure makes the country one of the easiest places to establish and manage a business. 

It’s a huge advantage for small business owners and digital nomads who want a seamless, paperless setup.

Estonia e-Residency card. Source: Wikipedia

3. Ireland

Ireland’s thriving startup ecosystem, low corporate tax rates, and strategic position within the EU make it one of the best countries to start a business. 

Ranked 16th globally and 8th in the EU in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Index, Ireland is showing impressive momentum with a growth rate of over 33%, the highest among Europe’s top 10 countries.

Ireland is one of the best countries to start a business, especially for the Energy & Environment field. Source: Startup Blink

• Low corporate tax rates that attract global giants

Ireland’s 12.5% corporate tax rate is among the lowest in Europe, well below the OECD average of 21.7%. This tax advantage has drawn multinational companies such as Google, Facebook, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson to establish their European headquarters here. 

Additionally, Ireland offers a 25% R&D tax credit and tax treaties with key markets like the US, UK, Japan, and China, creating a highly favorable environment for both startups and large corporations.

• A highly skilled workforce

Ireland is globally recognized for its quality education system and tech talent. 

With 98% of 18-year-olds in education and universities like Trinity College (reported in 2019) partnering with major tech companies, Ireland produces top-tier professionals ready for the AI, IT, and biotech sectors.

Companies such as Intel, Microsoft, LinkedIn, and IBM continue to invest heavily in Ireland, with Intel alone committing €17 billion to its Kildare plant, creating 1,600 high-tech jobs.

• Brexit boosts Ireland’s appeal

Brexit has made Ireland the only English-speaking EU country (along with Malta), positioning Dublin as a top destination for financial firms relocating from London. 

Companies like Stripe, Barclays, JP Morgan, and Coinbase have moved operations to Ireland to maintain EU market access. Stripe, for example, doubled its workforce in Dublin and now uses the city as its European base.

• Easy access to the EU market

Expanding to Ireland means gaining direct access to the EU, one of the largest economic blocs globally. Companies benefit from easier trade, fewer barriers, and a ready consumer base of over 450 million people. 

In fact, 46% of global companies surveyed by the Economist Intelligence Unit cited EU access as Ireland’s top competitive advantage.

In the 2020 survey, Ireland's most favorable advantage when opening a business is its opportunity to access the EU market. Source: Nathan Trust

4. Switzerland

Switzerland is one of the best countries to start a business, thanks to its stable economy, world-class research institutions, and strong support for innovation. In 2025, Switzerland ranked 9th globally and 5th in Europe in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index. 

The country’s startup ecosystem grew by 31% among Europe’s top five countries, surpassing the Netherlands and proving its status as a global hub for entrepreneurs.

Switzerland positions itself as the 5th top country in Europe to start a business and 3rd globally in Healthcare. Source: Startup Blink

• A stable and innovative economy

Switzerland is known for being both stable and forward-thinking. It has topped the Global Innovation Index for 14 years in a row, showing how strongly it supports new ideas and technology. 

Its world-class banking system makes financing easier for startups, and the country’s political stability means founders can grow their businesses without worrying about sudden policy changes. 

• Strong IP protection and fair taxes

For entrepreneurs, protecting ideas and products is a top priority. Switzerland has some of the strongest intellectual property laws in the world, giving startups confidence that their innovations are secure. 

The country also offers moderate corporate tax rates, along with research and development (R&D) incentives and deductions. This makes it easier for companies to reinvest their earnings into growth while operating in a transparent and business-friendly tax environment.

• Skilled talent and research powerhouses

Switzerland is home to some of the world’s best universities, including ETH Zurich and EPFL, which are known for producing cutting-edge research and top talent. With a PhD density of over 3% (compared to 1.8% in the US), Switzerland has no shortage of highly skilled professionals in fields like AI, biotech, and quantum technology.

PhD rate in Switzerland is up to 3%. Source: World Population Review

5. United States

The United States remains the global leader when it comes to startup ecosystems, consistently ranking first worldwide in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index. 

While its growth rate among the top 10 countries is relatively lower at 18.2% (compared to the 27.6% average), the US still offers unparalleled advantages, including the largest market access, a deep venture capital ecosystem, and a thriving culture of innovation. 

These factors make it one of the best countries to start a business, especially for entrepreneurs aiming for global impact.

U.S. firmly stays at the 1st country to start a business. Source: Startup Blink

• Access to the largest funding network

The US has the biggest venture capital market in the world, hosting major VC firms like Sequoia Capital, Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), and General Catalyst, which collectively fund thousands of startups each year. In addition, the US has over 250,000 active angel investors, giving early-stage startups multiple pathways to raise capital.

• Market size and global reach

One of the US’s biggest strengths is its large domestic market of over 330 million consumers, combined with its ability to serve as a launchpad for global expansion. Startups founded in the US have direct access to one of the wealthiest and most tech-savvy markets in the world.

Cities like New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Austin are not only thriving startup hubs but also gateways to international markets, offering opportunities for companies to scale faster.

The U.S’s strongest market, electronics, is expected to grow exponentially in the next 5 years. Source: Grand View Research

6. United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has quickly become one of the best countries to start a business, known for its tax-free zones, strategic Middle East location, and a rapidly growing startup ecosystem. 

Ranked 21st globally in the 2025 StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index, the UAE has climbed steadily from 43rd in 2020. With a growth rate of over 30% in 2022, far above the global average, the UAE is positioning itself as a powerful hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

UAE is listed among the best countries to start a business due to its tax-free policy. Source: Startup Blink

• A rapidly growing startup ecosystem

Over the past six years, the UAE’s startup landscape has experienced exceptional growth, led by cities like Dubai (44th globally), which has climbed 95 spots since 2019. Abu Dhabi, the country’s fastest-growing ecosystem, rose 20 spots to 175th globally, while Sharjah jumped over 45% in 2025. 

• Government support and incentives for startups

The UAE government plays a key role in shaping the business landscape. Initiatives like Dubai Silicon Oasis, Hub71 in Abu Dhabi, and Dubai Future Accelerators offer mentorship, accelerator programs, and funding to support early-stage companies. The Golden Visa program grants long-term residency to investors, founders, and top talent, making the UAE a magnet for global entrepreneurs.

UAE golden visa grants opportunity for startups to open business in this country with up to 10 years' residency. Source: BlinkVisa

Additionally, free zones such as Dubai Internet City, ADGM, and Sharjah Research Technology Park offer 100% foreign ownership, tax exemptions, and full profit repatriation.

7. Netherlands

The Netherlands stands out as one of the best countries to start a business with its reputation as a European distribution hub, supportive policies, and innovative culture. 

Despite dropping one spot to 10th globally in the 2025 StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index, the Netherlands achieved its highest number of cities in the global top 1,000, with Amsterdam ranking 26th worldwide. 

The country’s ecosystem grew by 26% in 2025, showing steady progress despite competition from other European nations.

Netherlands ranks top 10th among the best countries for startups and is #5 for eCommerce & retail. Source: Startup Blink

• A strong and diverse startup ecosystem

Amsterdam dominates the Dutch startup landscape with a score five times higher than Eindhoven, excelling particularly in fintech, where it ranks 15th globally and 3rd in the EU. 

Other cities like Rotterdam and The Hague are also thriving, with Rotterdam’s ecosystem growing by over 50%, making it the fastest-growing city among the Dutch top 10. 

The country’s overall strength in ecommerce and retail (ranked 5th globally and 1st in the EU) highlights its position as a leader in consumer-focused industries.

• Government support and business-friendly policies

The Dutch government actively supports startups through initiatives like Techleap.nl and Netherlands Point of Entry, which help international entrepreneurs scale their businesses.

Programs such as Yes!Delft and HighTechXL support commercialization of research and collaboration with global companies. The Netherlands has also introduced startup visas for non-EU entrepreneurs and continues to invest in AI development, R&D, and public-private partnerships like AINEd Innovative Labs, aiming to become a "unicorn nation."

• Gateway to Europe and excellent connectivity

Strategically located, the Netherlands is often called the “Gateway to Europe” due to its world-class logistics infrastructure and trade connectivity. 

With high English proficiency and easy access to key European markets, the Netherlands offers an ideal base for companies looking to expand across the continent.

Netherlands’s location is highly ideal to reach large consumers across Europe. Source: Pwc.nl

8. Germany

Germany stands out as one of the best countries to start a business due to its position as Europe’s largest economy, strong innovation support, and a diverse, decentralized startup ecosystem.

Ranked 7th globally in the 2025 StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index, Germany has shown steady growth with a 28.4% population-adjusted growth rate, well above the global average of 14.5%. 

With 53 cities ranked in the global top 1,000 and 8 cities in the EU top 50, Germany offers a wide range of opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Germany positions itself 7th among the best countries to start a business, but with transportation as its largest market. Source: Startup Blink

• Europe’s largest economy and market access

Germany’s strong economy creates a massive local market for startups while providing a gateway to other EU markets. 

With its leadership position in the EU and advanced infrastructure, entrepreneurs in Germany have access to one of the world’s wealthiest and most stable consumer bases. Cities like Frankfurt, known as a global financial hub, offer excellent investment and cooperation opportunities for startups aiming to expand internationally.

• Government funding and support programs

The German government is heavily invested in fostering entrepreneurship. The federal Startup Strategy, launched in 2022, pledges €30 billion in funding for startups through 2030. Programs like EXIST grants and High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF) provide early-stage funding, while initiatives such as Gründung Innovativ help founders with development costs. 

These efforts are further complemented by regional programs like TechQuartier in Frankfurt and StartHub Hessen, which offer mentorship, networking, and resources.

Germany’s largest industries in 2023. Source: Make it in Germany

Best Countries To Start A Business: For Specific Fields

1. Fintech

FinTech startups combine finance and technology to create innovative solutions like mobile banking, online payments, and digital wallets. 

To grow and scale, they need a country that offers strong regulatory support, access to funding, a skilled workforce, and a tech-friendly infrastructure. Market size, financial hubs, and consumer adoption of digital payments also play a big role when deciding where to set up.

• United States: The US leads the fintech world, with more fintech startups than anywhere else and capturing about ⅓ of global funding, making it the go-to place for VCs and entrepreneurs..

• United Kingdom: London ranks just behind the US, home to powerhouse regulators, a global time‑zone advantage, mature talent, and high VC interest. It’s a natural fintech hub, even in a post‑Brexit world.

• Singapore: Singapore is a rising fintech star in APAC, known for its regulatory support, strong infrastructure, and the world’s largest fintech festival. It’s a gateway to Southeast Asia’s booming digital economy.

• India: India’s fintech scene is explosive: ranked 3rd in global fintech funding, with adoption rates as high as 87%. Programs like India Stack (digital IDs, UPI) have transformed access, which is great news for startups.

• Luxembourg: A prime European fintech crossroads, Luxembourg is home to PayPal, Amazon, and strong public funding. It offers a business-friendly and tax-wise environment.

Compare the top countries for FinTech businesses. Source: FinTech Weekly

2. eCommerce & Online Retail

eCommerce and online retail startups are all about speed, convenience, and trust. For this type of business, success depends on how smoothly customers can shop and how fast you can deliver.

Behind every thriving online store is a country with solid logistics, reliable internet, and business-friendly tax policies. The right location also makes cross-border trade easier and builds confidence among online shoppers.

• China: Home to the world’s largest eCommerce market, it generates over 52% of global eCommerce sales. With massive internet use and advanced logistics, it's a powerhouse for product-based startups.

• Japan: A leading eCommerce nation that earned 29% of global market growth in recent years. Deeply rooted in both B2C and B2B, Japan offers sophisticated consumers and strong tech support.

• Singapore: A streamlined, ultra-connected hub with excellent delivery systems and simple business regulations. It serves as a gateway to Southeast Asia's fast-growing online markets.

• South Korea: About 92% internet penetration makes South Korea one of the most digitally connected countries, ideal for launching high-tech, online retail platforms.

• United States: The world’s second-largest eCommerce market, driven by giants like Shopify, Amazon, and eBay. Low taxes and a business-friendly environment give startups room to invest in platforms and growth.

• Canada: A close relative of the US in terms of market habits, Canada offers strong consumer demand, favorable tax rules, and easy access to North American markets.

• United Kingdom: With high internet use and a mature retail system, the UK combines reliable delivery networks with simple eCommerce regulations.

• Switzerland: Known for its political stability and logistics efficiency, Switzerland also offers favorable tax policies, making it an appealing country to open a retail business.

• Germany: Europe’s eCommerce leader alongside the UK, with dense population centers and excellent delivery infrastructure. Berlin and other cities are prime startup spots.

Top 10 eCommerce markets worldwide. Source: MobiLoud

3. SaaS

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) startups are built for scalability and cost efficiency. Unlike traditional software, SaaS thrives on recurring revenue, cloud infrastructure, and the ability to serve customers across the globe from a single platform. 

To succeed, a SaaS company needs access to skilled tech talent, supportive digital policies, low tax burdens, and smooth global trade connections. Those ideal countries are:

• United States: The US is home to the largest SaaS market and some of the world’s biggest SaaS success stories like Salesforce and HubSpot. It has an unmatched venture capital ecosystem that makes it easier to secure funding and scale quickly. 

• India: India is a cost-effective powerhouse for SaaS startups. With companies like Zoho, Freshworks, and BrowserStack leading the way, India combines affordable engineering talent with a global-first mindset. 

• Estonia: Known for its e-Residency program and digital-first governance, Estonia allows founders to register and run a business remotely while enjoying easy access to the EU market. Its simplified tax system and cutting-edge digital infrastructure make it a favorite for lean, global-first SaaS operations.

• Netherlands: The Netherlands offers a business-friendly environment, excellent digital infrastructure, and high English proficiency, which makes it easy to operate globally. 

• Germany: Germany is perfect for deep tech and industrial SaaS solutions. With its engineering expertise, growing economy, and strong B2B focus, it provides a fertile ground for SaaS companies targeting enterprise clients.

• Ireland: Ireland is a European tech hub that attracts global SaaS giants thanks to its low corporate tax rates and strong international connections. Dublin’s growing tech ecosystem provides a supportive environment for SaaS companies looking to expand across Europe.

• Singapore: Singapore is a strategic Asian hub known for its low taxes and stable regulatory environment. It’s a global launchpad for SaaS startups targeting Asia-Pacific markets. 

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE is gaining traction as a SaaS-friendly hub with tax-free zones and strong international trade policies. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are particularly attractive for global-first SaaS companies seeking access to MENA markets with minimal tax obligations.

Leading countries to open SaaS businesses in 2024. Source: Redline Digital

4. Biotech

Biotech startups focus on innovating in life sciences, healthcare, and pharmaceuticals, often requiring heavy R&D investment and strong collaboration between academia and industry. Success in this sector depends on access to cutting-edge research facilities, a skilled scientific workforce, supportive regulatory frameworks, and significant funding opportunities. 

The right country for biotech startups should also offer public and private partnerships, strong intellectual property protection, and incentives for innovation.

• United States: The US dominates the biotech industry with Silicon Valley and Boston leading global innovation. It offers unmatched venture capital funding, strong collaboration between universities and companies, and a robust FDA regulatory system that supports biotech breakthroughs.

• Switzerland: Known as a biotech R&D leader, Switzerland’s strong pharmaceutical presence (home to Novartis and Roche), excellent research hubs in Basel and Zurich, and high IP protection make it a top location for biotech startups. In 2020, Swiss biotech investments reached $3.7 billion.

• Germany: Germany’s biotech sector is research-driven, with hubs like Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg leading innovation. It offers government-backed funding programs and is well-positioned in Europe for clinical trials and partnerships with hospitals and research centers.

• United Kingdom: The UK remains a biotech powerhouse, especially with Cambridge and Oxford serving as innovation clusters. It combines strong academic research, a well-developed VC ecosystem, and government grants supporting early-stage biotech startups.

• France: France has a fast-growing biotech ecosystem with Paris and Lyon as key hubs. Government initiatives, such as tax credits for R&D, and partnerships with European research networks boost its biotech potential.

• Netherlands: The Netherlands offers world-class laboratories, excellent logistics, and access to EU markets. Amsterdam Science Park and other research facilities foster a vibrant biotech community.

• Singapore: Singapore’s Biopolis and Fusionopolis hubs focus on life sciences innovation, supported by generous government grants and a strategic location in Asia. Its clear regulatory environment makes it ideal for startups aiming for regional expansion.

• Sweden: Sweden is known for its research-driven biotech companies, especially in Stockholm and Uppsala. With strong university partnerships and access to EU research programs, it’s a growing biotech hub.

Top countries that adopt biotech in 2021. Source: Labiotech.eu

Conclusion

The best countries to start a business aren’t just offering lower taxes or faster paperwork; they’re building ecosystems where innovation, funding, and global connections grow. 

From Singapore’s gateway to Asia, to Switzerland’s biotech excellence, and China’s eCommerce strength, each country has its own formula for turning startups into success stories.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right country is the one that aligns with your vision, your market, and your ambition. So, where will you take the initial step? The world’s most promising startup hubs are waiting for you to make your move.

Frequently Asked Questions