Complete Business Abroad Guide 2026
Your comprehensive guide to starting, expanding, and running a business abroad - from investor visas to international growth.
Why Do Business Abroad?
Expanding your business internationally offers new markets, diversified revenue streams, tax advantages, access to talent, lower operational costs, and potential residency/citizenship through investor visas.
Best Countries for Starting Business
🇸🇬 Singapore
#1 ease of doing business. 17% corporate tax. Company setup in 1-3 days. Access to Asian markets.
Learn more →🇦🇪 UAE (Dubai)
0% corporate tax (free zones). 100% foreign ownership. Gateway to Middle East, Africa, Asia.
Learn more →🇪🇪 Estonia
E-residency program. Fully digital company setup. EU access. Popular for tech startups.
Learn more →🇺🇸 United States
Largest consumer market. Access to capital. E-2 investor visa. Delaware/Wyoming for incorporation.
Learn more →🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Financial capital of Europe. Innovator Founder visa. Strong legal system. Access to EU markets.
Learn more →🇨🇦 Canada
Start-up Visa program. Stable economy. Pathway to PR for entrepreneurs. NAFTA access.
Learn more →Popular Investor & Entrepreneur Visa Programs
| Country | Visa Program | Investment Required | PR/Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 USA | EB-5 Investor Visa | $800k-$1.05M | Green Card (PR) |
| 🇺🇸 USA | E-2 Treaty Investor | $100k-$200k+ | Renewable visa (No PR) |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | Start-up Visa | $75k CAD + funding | Direct PR path |
| 🇬🇧 UK | Innovator Founder | £50k ($63k) | PR after 3 years |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Business Innovation (188A) | AUD 1.5M+ turnover | PR pathway (888) |
| 🇵🇹 Portugal | Golden Visa | €280k-€500k | Citizenship in 5 yrs |
| 🇬🇷 Greece | Golden Visa | €250k-€800k real estate | PR (renewable) |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | EntrePass | SGD 50k ($37k) | Can apply PR later |
| 🇦🇪 UAE | Investor Visa | AED 2M ($545k) | 10-year residency |
Types of International Business Models
1. Export from Home Country
Sell products/services from your home country to international customers.
Best for: E-commerce, SaaS, digital products, consulting
2. Subsidiary/Branch Office
Open a subsidiary or branch of your existing company in a foreign country.
Best for: Established businesses expanding to new markets
3. Joint Venture/Partnership
Partner with local businesses for market access and shared resources.
Best for: Entering markets with restrictions on foreign ownership
4. Offshore Company
Register company in tax-friendly jurisdiction for international operations.
Best for: Online businesses, holding companies, IP management
5. Franchise/Licensing
License your business model or brand to local operators abroad.
Best for: Restaurants, retail, service businesses with proven model
How to Start a Business Abroad
Step 1: Market Research
Analyze demand, competition, local regulations, consumer behavior, pricing
Step 2: Choose Business Structure
LLC, Corporation, Sole Proprietorship, Partnership - varies by country
Step 3: Register Company
Business name registration, incorporation documents, company address
Step 4: Get Business Licenses
Industry-specific licenses, trade permits, health & safety certifications
Step 5: Open Business Bank Account
Required for business transactions, salary payments, tax compliance
Step 6: Understand Tax Obligations
Corporate tax, VAT/GST, payroll tax, transfer pricing rules
Step 7: Hire Employees (if needed)
Employment contracts, work permits for expats, payroll setup
Step 8: Apply for Investor/Business Visa
Submit business plan, proof of investment, company documents
Corporate Tax Rates Comparison
| Country | Corporate Tax Rate | VAT/GST | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇦🇪 UAE | 0%-9% | 5% | 0% in free zones |
| 🇭🇺 Hungary | 9% | 27% | Lowest in EU |
| 🇮🇪 Ireland | 12.5% | 23% | EU access, tech hub |
| 🇸🇬 Singapore | 17% | 9% | Exemptions for startups |
| 🇭🇰 Hong Kong | 8.25%-16.5% | 0% | No VAT/GST |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | 26.5% | 5%-15% | Federal + provincial |
| 🇬🇧 UK | 25% | 20% | 19% for < £50k profit |
| 🇺🇸 USA | 21% | 0%-10% | + state taxes |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | 25%-30% | 10% | 25% for < $50M turnover |
Estimated Business Setup Costs
🇸🇬 Singapore LLC
- Company registration: SGD 315 ($230)
- Registered address: SGD 100-300/mo
- Secretary service: SGD 500-1000/yr
- Accounting: SGD 200-500/mo
- Total first year: ~SGD 5,000 ($3,700)
🇦🇪 UAE Free Zone
- Company setup: AED 10,000 ($2,700)
- Office/flexi-desk: AED 15,000/yr
- Visa (2 pax): AED 10,000
- Licensing: AED 5,000
- Total first year: ~AED 40,000 ($11,000)
🇺🇸 USA LLC (Delaware)
- Formation fees: $90-$300
- Registered agent: $100-$300/yr
- Annual franchise tax: $300
- Accounting/legal: $1,000-$3,000/yr
- Total first year: ~$1,500-$4,000
🇪🇪 Estonia E-Residency
- E-residency: €100-€120
- Company setup: €190
- Virtual office: €30-€100/mo
- Accounting: €50-€200/mo
- Total first year: ~€1,500 ($1,600)
Key Resources for International Business
🏦 Banking
Wise Business, Payoneer, Mercury, Revolut Business for multi-currency accounts
💼 Company Formation
Stripe Atlas, Firstbase, Cleartax, local incorporation services
📊 Accounting
Xero, QuickBooks Online, local chartered accountants
⚖️ Legal
International business lawyers, contract templates, trademark registration
👥 Hiring
Deel, Remote.com for global hiring without local entity
💳 Payment Processing
Stripe, PayPal, local payment gateways for international customers
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