Digital / Service Business
Software, SaaS, AI and professional services abroad
Definition
Providing software, platforms or professional services online, possibly without a local entity, but subject to digital tax, data and sector rules.
Suited for
- SaaS and software companies
- AI applications
- Consulting and technical services
Common legal structures
- Offshore contracting entity
- Local subsidiary where service or data residency requires
Preparation
- Check cross-border data transfer and localisation rules
- Check VAT/GST registration for foreign digital services
- Privacy policy and terms
Limitations
- Financial, health and telecom services may need local licences
- Payment and collection constraints
Tax notes
- VAT/GST registration for non-resident digital suppliers
- Digital services taxes and PE determination
Key risks
- Data protection enforcement
- Content and platform liability
- Export controls (encryption, AI models)
Steps
- 1Define customers and delivery
- 2Data and privacy assessment
- 3Tax registration
- 4Contracts and terms
- 5Payments
- 6Launch and monitor