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A federation of seven emirates. Businesses may set up on the mainland or in one of many free zones; licensing, permitted activities and tax treatment differ between the two.

A city-state commonly used for regional headquarters and holding structures. Company incorporation is done online through ACRA's BizFile.

A Gulf state with several free zones and special economic zones. Foreign investment access is governed mainly by the Foreign Capital Investment Law and its restricted list.

A federation with a strong manufacturing base. Companies are registered with SSM; manufacturing incentives are administered mainly by MIDA.

The largest economy in the Gulf. Foreign investors generally register or license the investment with the Ministry of Investment (MISA) before commercial registration.

A popular destination for manufacturing and supply-chain relocation. Foreign investment projects usually obtain an Investment Registration Certificate (IRC) before the Enterprise Registration Certificate (ERC).

Gulf island state with a developed financial sector. Commercial registration is via the Ministry of Industry and Commerce's Sijilat system; VAT is administered by the National Bureau for Revenue.

An international finance, trade and shipping centre whose common law, free capital flows and simple low taxes make it a regional HQ, holding and financing platform for Chinese companies going global. The Companies Registry handles incorporation online with simultaneous business registration; profits tax 16.5% (two-tier), no VAT or dividend withholding.

The most populous country in Southeast Asia. Foreign-invested companies (PT PMA) obtain business licences through the OSS system.

One of Southeast Asia's manufacturing and automotive hubs. Companies register with the Department of Business Development; the Foreign Business Act restricts some activities, and BOI offers investment incentives.

The world's largest consumer market and technology hub. Companies are formed at state level; federal income tax is 21% with state income and sales taxes on top. Foreign investment touching national security is reviewed by CFIUS, and export-control and sanctions compliance is demanding.

The EU's largest economy and industrial powerhouse, with full automotive, machinery and chemicals supply chains — a base for the EU market and advanced technology. The usual vehicle is the GmbH, notarised and entered in the commercial register; corporate tax 15% plus solidarity surcharge and municipal trade tax, VAT 19%.

A nearshoring hub for North American supply chains and a USMCA (T-MEC) member with the US and Canada. Company names are authorised by the Ministry of Economy before registration in the Public Registry of Commerce; taxes are administered by SAT.

An ASEAN member and a base for garment and light manufacturing. Companies register online with the Ministry of Commerce; Qualified Investment Projects (QIPs) can apply to the Council for the Development of Cambodia for incentives.

Latin America's largest economy and consumer market, and a Mercosur member. Companies register with the state commercial registry and obtain a federal tax ID (CNPJ); foreign investment must be registered with the Central Bank. The tax system is complex and enters a VAT reform transition from 2026.

An EU member and a Central European hub for automotive and battery manufacturing. The Kft. is the common entity, registered electronically with the Court of Registration; corporate tax is among the lowest in the EU while the standard VAT rate is high.

A North African country close to Europe and a base for auto parts and near-Europe manufacturing, with free zones such as Tangier. Setup can be handled through Regional Investment Centres (CRI); trade agreements with the EU and US apply.

A populous Southeast Asian market with fast growth in consumption, e-commerce, outsourcing and manufacturing. Investors usually form a stock corporation with the SEC; foreign equity is limited by the Negative List. Corporate tax 25%, VAT 12%.

A Europe–Asia manufacturing and trade hub in a customs union with the EU, strong in autos, appliances and textiles, with reach into the Middle East, Central Asia and North Africa. LLCs or joint-stock companies register through MERSIS with the Trade Registry; corporate tax 25%, VAT 20%.

Central and Eastern Europe's largest economy and an EU member with relatively low logistics and manufacturing costs — a common choice for European capacity and distribution. The usual vehicle is the sp. z o.o., registered in the KRS; corporate tax 19% (9% for small companies), VAT 23%.

A Gulf energy power with demand in LNG, infrastructure and sport and tourism projects. Most sectors allow 100% foreign ownership with Ministry of Commerce approval; the QFC and free zones are alternatives. Corporate tax 10%; no VAT yet.

A populous African market; the Suez Canal Economic Zone links Europe, Asia and Africa, with activity in manufacturing, renewables and infrastructure. Companies are set up through GAFI; corporate tax 22.5%, VAT 14%. Watch FX and currency risk.

Central Asia's largest economy and a key China–Europe rail corridor, with cooperation in energy, minerals, logistics and agriculture. Investors usually form an LLP via eGov or a Public Service Centre; corporate tax 20%, VAT 16% from 2026.

Central Asia's most populous country, reforming quickly, with active investment in textiles, building materials, autos and renewables. Investors usually form an LLC, registrable online via the government portal; corporate tax 15%, VAT 12%.

One of Latin America's most open economies, notable for copper, lithium and renewables, with a free trade agreement with China. Investors usually form an SpA via the RES platform; corporate tax 27%, VAT 19%.

A South American mining and infrastructure economy; projects such as Chancay port strengthen sea links with Asia, and it has an FTA with China. Investors usually form an S.A. or S.A.C., notarised and registered with SUNARP; corporate tax 29.5%, IGV 18%.

A country in Africa. Foreign investors commonly use a private limited company, registered with Registrar of Companies (Business Registration Service); headline corporate tax is 30%, VAT 16%.

A country in Africa. Foreign investors commonly use a private company ((Pty) Ltd), registered with Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC); headline corporate tax is 27%, VAT 15%.

A country in Africa. Foreign investors commonly use a private limited company (Ltd), registered with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); headline corporate tax is 30%, VAT 7.5%.

A country in Africa. Foreign investors commonly use a limited liability company, registered with Business Registrations and Licensing Agency (BRELA); headline corporate tax is 30%, VAT standard rate 18%.

A country in Africa. Foreign investors commonly use a private limited company, registered with Ethiopian Investment Commission (EIC) one-stop service; headline corporate tax is 30%, VAT 15%.

A country in Latin America. Foreign investors commonly use a simplified stock company (S.A.S.), corporation or limited liability company, registered with Chamber of commerce in the company's city; headline corporate tax is 35%, VAT general rate 19%.

A country in South Asia. Foreign investors commonly use a private limited company, registered with Registrar of Joint Stock Companies & Firms (RJSC); headline corporate tax is 27.5% (general rate for unlisted companies), VAT standard rate 15%.

A country in Europe. Foreign investors commonly use a limited liability company (d.o.o.), registered with Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR); headline corporate tax is 15%, VAT standard rate 20%.

A country in Europe. Foreign investors commonly use a limited liability company (SRL), registered with National Trade Register Office (ONRC); headline corporate tax is 16%, VAT standard rate 21%.

A country in Europe. Foreign investors commonly use a private limited company (Ltd), registered with Companies House; headline corporate tax is 25%, VAT standard rate 20%.

A country in Europe. Foreign investors commonly use a simplified joint-stock company (SAS) or limited liability company (SARL), registered with One-stop business formalities portal (Guichet unique); headline corporate tax is 25%, VAT standard rate 20%.

Europe's logistics gateway: Rotterdam port and Schiphol airport connect to the EU market, making it a common European distribution centre and regional HQ. The usual vehicle is the BV, notarised and registered with the KVK; corporate tax 25.8% (19% on the first €200,000), VAT 21%.

A country in Europe. Foreign investors commonly use a limited liability company (S.r.l.), registered with Companies Register at the Chamber of Commerce; headline corporate tax is 24% (IRES), VAT standard rate 22%.

A country in Europe. Foreign investors commonly use a limited liability company (S.L.), registered with Commercial Registry (Registro Mercantil); headline corporate tax is 25%, VAT standard rate 21%.

A country in East Asia & Oceania. Foreign investors commonly use a kabushiki kaisha (KK) or godo kaisha (GK), registered with Legal Affairs Bureaus (Ministry of Justice); headline corporate tax is 23.2% (national corporate tax), consumption tax 10%.

A country in East Asia & Oceania. Foreign investors commonly use a stock company (chusik hoesa), registered with Court registry office; foreign investment notified via KOTRA; headline corporate tax is Progressive rates up to 24%, VAT 10%.

A country in North America. Foreign investors commonly use a corporation (federal or provincial), registered with Corporations Canada (federal) or provincial registries; headline corporate tax is 15% (federal general rate), federal GST 5%.

A country in East Asia & Oceania. Foreign investors commonly use a proprietary limited company (Pty Ltd), registered with Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC); headline corporate tax is 30%, GST 10%.

A country in East Asia & Oceania. Foreign investors commonly use a limited company (Ltd), registered with Companies Office (Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment); headline corporate tax is 28%, GST 15%.

High-risk specialist market: war, security, sanctions, FX or payment risks may dominate decisions. A country in Europe. Foreign investors commonly use a limited liability company (OOO), registered with Regional offices of the Federal Tax Service; headline corporate tax is 25%, VAT standard rate 22%.

High-risk specialist market: war, security, sanctions, FX or payment risks may dominate decisions. A country in the Middle East. Foreign investors commonly use a limited liability company or private joint-stock company, registered with Companies and Industrial Property Registration Office; headline corporate tax is 25%, VAT standard rate 9% (including 3% municipal share).

High-risk specialist market: war, security, sanctions, FX or payment risks may dominate decisions. A country in South Asia. Foreign investors commonly use a private limited company, registered with Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP); headline corporate tax is 29%, sales tax 18%.

High-risk specialist market: war, security, sanctions, FX or payment risks may dominate decisions. A country in Southeast Asia. Foreign investors commonly use a private company limited, registered with Directorate of Investment and Company Administration (DICA, MyCo online); headline corporate tax is 22%, commercial tax 5% (no VAT).

High-risk specialist market: war, security, sanctions, FX or payment risks may dominate decisions. A country in Latin America. Foreign investors commonly use a limited liability company (S.R.L.) or corporation (C.A.), registered with Registry and Notary Service (SAREN) and the Mercantile Registry; headline corporate tax is Progressive rates up to 34%, VAT (IVA) general rate 16%.

High-risk specialist market: war, security, sanctions, FX or payment risks may dominate decisions. A country in Europe. Foreign investors commonly use a limited liability company (TOV / LLC), registered with Ministry of Justice and local registrars (online registration available); headline corporate tax is 18%, VAT standard rate 20%.

A country in Southeast Asia. Foreign investors commonly use a limited company, registered with Enterprise Registration Office, Ministry of Industry and Commerce (and provincial departments); headline corporate tax is 20%, VAT 10%.

A country in the Middle East. Foreign investors commonly use a limited liability company (WLL), registered with Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority (KDIPA, investment licence) and Ministry of Commerce and Industry (trade licence); headline corporate tax is 15% (on profits attributable to foreign owners), no VAT yet.

A country in Latin America. Foreign investors commonly use a corporation (S.A.), simplified corporation (S.A.S.) or limited liability company (S.R.L.), registered with Inspección General de Justicia (IGJ, Buenos Aires); headline corporate tax is Progressive rates of 25%–35%, VAT (IVA) standard rate 21%.

A country in Central Asia. Foreign investors commonly use a limited liability company (OsOO / LLC), registered with Ministry of Justice (plus tax and social fund registration); headline corporate tax is 10%, VAT general rate 12%.

A country in South Asia. Foreign investors commonly use a private limited company (Pvt Ltd), registered with Registrar of Companies (Ministry of Corporate Affairs); headline corporate tax is 30% (base rate for domestic companies), GST base rates of 5% and 18%.

A country in South Asia. Foreign investors commonly use a private limited company, registered with Department of the Registrar of Companies; headline corporate tax is 30%, VAT general rate 18%.