Top Startup Business-Friendly Countries in 2024
As the global economy rapidly develops, startup-friendly nations offer entrepreneurs access to efficient regulations, financial systems, strong educational and infrastructure frameworks and intellectual property protections that contribute to startup business success.
The United States leads this ranking due to its expansive and diverse market, cutting-edge innovation, and extensive support networks for entrepreneurs.
United States
United States of America is widely considered to be one of the best countries for starting a business due to its vast market and access to funding sources. Furthermore, this country boasts highly educated workers as well as stringent intellectual property protection measures making it an excellent location to establish your startup business.
Nordic and Baltic nations continue to shine as hubs for innovation with supportive ecosystems, particularly The Netherlands with its competitive corporate tax rate and simplified regulatory procedures, while Estonia has set itself apart with an e-Residency program enabling startups to operate online fully.
Ireland provides access to Europe and access to the US market with its highly educated workforce and competitive corporation tax rate and various research incentives. Furthermore, its English-speaking environment makes a country ideal for startups through the entrepreneur visa program and boasts robust economies, stable infrastructures and reduced natural disaster risk.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom stands out amongst countries for startups due to its streamlined processes and friendly government policies, along with robust protections for intellectual property protection and an educated workforce.
China continues to fluctuate in ranking, but remains an attractive opportunity for business growth. Boasting massive consumer market opportunities complemented by an advanced industrial base, China remains a reliable place for expansion.
South Korea and Taiwan round out the top 20, both boasting vibrant tech ecosystems. Meanwhile, The Netherlands rises up the rankings to ninth position thanks to its central location and multilingual workforce.
Ireland and Lithuania switched places this year, underscoring Europe’s fierce competition among Europe’s top 10. Estonia with its advanced digital society and e-residency program has made a rapid ascent into Europe’s top 10, rising from 16th place last year to 12th this time around. Its flourishing startup ecosystem is drawing entrepreneurs seeking to launch global technology businesses; while its favorable corporate tax rates and immigration laws boost further its expansion.
Germany
Germany is home to an active start-up scene fueled by an excellent support system, generous funding opportunities, and an innovative culture. Germany focuses its economy around manufacturing, automotive, and IT industries – creating an environment which fosters business ideas at any stage of their development.
Central Europe’s Czech Republic is an ideal environment for entrepreneurs looking to launch a business. Offering low business rates and a swift four-day formation process (e-Residency program), this nation provides startups with an ideal place to establish themselves within the region.
The United Kingdom is an economic powerhouse, featuring an outstanding financial sector with excellent corporate governance standards and robust investor protections. Furthermore, its regulatory environment offers ample opportunity for new business ventures. Due to these qualities, Britain is an attractive choice for business owners and investors looking for new ventures; furthermore it features world-renowned universities that boast world-class workforces as well as being home to highly skilled workers, making it an excellent setting for startup enterprises.
Norway
The ideal countries for starting a business include those that boast strong international economies, robust infrastructure, an abundant pool of skilled workers, and favorable tax rates. Furthermore, such countries place emphasis on innovation while supporting entrepreneurialism.
Germany boasts an extensive infrastructure and network of incubators that make it an ideal location for startup businesses. Its competitive corporate tax rate makes Germany an excellent option for startup ventures operating across multiple sectors.
Munich saw seven large exits between 2018-2023, ranking fifth among European ecosystems for overall deals. Notable examples are Tana – an Oslo-based productivity software company which integrates Notion, Roam and Airtable features to facilitate idea flow and team collaboration – and Tings, a mobile app which helps people manage, recycle and sell their possessions online or at local events.
