Top 5 best countries for international business company formation

The world is getting smaller with the help of technological innovation and international relations. Nowadays, not only big corporations with billions of dollars in value can go multinational, but startups and SMEs are also having their shares of the global market.

When home country is no longer the only option, international business company formation is slowly becoming a new trend. Entrepreneurs all over the world are searching for overseas jurisdictions that bring the most benefits for their businesses.

Each country has its own policies and incentives offered for foreign businesses as a way to attract foreign investment. With that being said, there are some countries that are particularly welcoming, having what it takes to support a foreign business from the setup phase to the operation stage. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 best countries for international business company formation. Hope you can choose the best one that suits your business.

1. The United States

There is no better country to start off this list other than The United States. The United States has proven itself to be the largest market in the world now with limitless commercial potential, particularly for online and technology businesses. Just like its nickname, “The land of the free” offers its international companies a thriving environment that supports growth, access to a world-leading economy, and a plethora of extra services for businesses of all shapes and sizes.

However, the United States has 50 states, and each state has its own policies and regulations when it comes to international company formation. Particularly, if you set up a company in Delaware, you can benefit from the tax incentives which are exclusively for foregin investors in this state. Other than that, Delaware also offers many attractive benefits such as:

• Several tax breaks for LLCs
• No personal income tax for non-residents
• Low initial filing fee and tax filing fees

2. Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) is a perfect case of a modern economy that blends flexibility and transparency with a goal-oriented approach. Hong Kong makes a lot of efforts to support its business of all shapes and sizes, domestically and internationally.

Hong Kong is not only the doorway to the world's greatest economy, but it also has a relatively stable financial and political environment. According to the Index of Economic Freedom, Hong Kong has the freest economy in the world, and is ranked among the top 40 countries in terms of GDP. It's no surprise that Hong Kong is a very business-friendly jurisdiction with a strong international reputation.

The tax system is straightforward, with a low corporate tax rate of 16.5%, no capital gains tax, VAT and customs duties. Furthermore,the international business company formation process in Hong Kong is incredibly simple, taking as little as two days to complete remotely. The jurisdiction also has a strong banking system, backed by some of the world's most powerful banks (namely HSBC, Bank of China, Standard Chartered).

3. The United Kingdom

Ranked #1 in the list of Best Countries for Business by Forbes, the United Kingdom is among the best countries for international business company formation. Being the pioneer of the world’s industrial revolution, the UK has made great strides ever since. Up until now, the country still remains an attractive market which brings a lot of opportunities to foreign investors. What makes the UK a desirable market is its business policies, digitization, and a tax system which will support your business in the first few years of operations.

Despite Brexit, the UK GDP growth rate is still in the top of Europe, far exceeding the European and Eurozone averages. London remains the world-leading financial hub, serving as the UK's most prominent commercial and business center. The city is home to some of the world's most prestigious financial institutions, such as the Bank of England, the London Stock Exchange, Barclays, and HSBC. London's extensive array of financial services and position as an important financial center make it a top choice for international business company formation.

4. Singapore

As the leading financial center of Southeast Asia, Singapore is a gateway for Western businesses to the fastest-growing region in the world right now. International company formation in Singapore will bring several benefits to its investors. The country has a network of over 50 comprehensive Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements with many major markets in the world. Strict and comprehensive intellectual property laws also help new businesses better protect their intangible assets. The government has established several regulations in order to foster an ideal environment for new business to grow and prosper.

Singapore’s infrastructure also provides a solid foundation for businesses to develop. Singapore’s seaport is frequently ranked the best in Asia when it comes to infrastructure. It has the busiest container ports in the world, connecting Singapore and 123 other countries. The entire population is connected to high speed Internet making it easy for companies to reach their customers.

There are over 128 commercial banks, with many headquartered in Singapore. There are also 31 merchant banks and 604 capital markets services license holders. This provides top class banking and financial services for international company formation in Singapore.

5. Switzerland

Switzerland might not be the easiest country to start a business, but it surely brings a lot of benefits to your company. Constantly ranked 1st in Europe in terms of economic freedom, Switzerland can guarantee to provide the best environment for international company formation. A talented workforce, a stable political system, well-established infrastructure, liquid and sophisticated financial markets, low taxes, and a robust service sector all contribute to Switzerland's economy.

Banking and financial services of Switzerland are widely regarded as the most advanced in the world. Due to its financial stability and a long record of fiscal discipline, Swiss banking policies, expertise, and trustworthiness make it an appealing alternative for global businesses and individuals alike. It's no surprise that Swiss banks own the majority of the world's wealth.