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start comparing: estonia vs...

Estonia's low running costs, EU market access, and e-⁠Residency program give you everything you need to start and grow a successful business. Find out where is the best country to start a business & how Estonia compares with other markets.

Person behind a laptop with e-Residency card connected
Portrait of Georg Klausner

"E-Residency is the best option to set up a company for multiple founders without bureaucracy: our business was up and running cheaply within days."

Georg Klausner
Mansiontech OÜ, Austria
Portrait of Olena Iosifova

“E-Residency makes it much easier for all of us to run our startup across borders as all the necessary people have signature rights and digital access.”

Olena Iosifova
Ender Turing
Portrait of Soumya Kanti Datta

“Many European countries have a lot of administrative red tape, whereas the Estonian experience was really amazing. Company registration, registered address, taxes and everything is done online."

Soumya Kanti Datta
Digitouch
Portrait of Diana Derval

“In Estonia everything is transparent by definition, and allows us to have a stable company structure, while working globally.”

Diana Derval
DervalResearch
Portrait of Cristian Larrosa

“Our company is based in Estonia because it just makes everything easier.”

Cristian Larrosa
Larrosa Music Group

Where is the best country to register a business?

Are you considering starting a company and wondering where to begin? With detailed information on factors such as costs, time to open a business and taxations, our comparisons provide insight into which country is the best fit for your business needs. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or freelancer, our page offers an extensive overview to help you navigate the world of business and choose the best location to start your company. Where does Estonia stand in the world of business? Find out how it compares with other top global economies, by viewing side-by-side the most important factors to consider when starting a business in another country:

  • How much it costs to register a business
  • Time taken to open a business
  • Annual cost of maintaining company
  • Corporate Income Tax Rate
  • Whether there are any stock transfer taxes
  • Is it possible to start and run the business online
  • Any special conditions for foreign founders

Fee to register business

Time to register business

First year running costs

Digital ID card

ESTONIA (E-RESIDENCY)

€265

2 hours on average

€200

Yes*

IRELAND

€150

3-7 business days

Around €2,000

No

US (DELAWARE)

from $89

5-15 business days

from $2,500

No

UNITED KINGDOM

£12

24 hours

from £600

No

Fee to register business

ESTONIA (E-RESIDENCY)

€265

IRELAND

€150

US (DELAWARE)

from $89

UNITED KINGDOM

£12

Time to register business

ESTONIA (E-RESIDENCY)

2 hours on average

IRELAND

3-7 business days

US (DELAWARE)

5-15 business days

UNITED KINGDOM

24 hours

First year running costs

ESTONIA (E-RESIDENCY)

€200

IRELAND

Around €2,000

US (DELAWARE)

from $2,500

UNITED KINGDOM

from £600

Digital ID card

ESTONIA (E-RESIDENCY)

Yes*

IRELAND

No

US (DELAWARE)

No

UNITED KINGDOM

No

* All Estonian e-residents receive a government-issued personal digital ID card, with which they can access Estonia’s online business environment securely, remotely and 24/7.

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Comparisons: Best country for starting a company

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Where is the best country to grow your business?

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Which of these countries is the best to start a company?

Starting a company in the UK vs USA (Delaware) vs Ireland vs Portugal vs Singapore vs Estonia: comparing cost, speed and digital company formation for foreigners

Andy Stofferis • 11 min read
Jul 2023
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Register a company: Singapore vs Estonia

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May 2023