The Easiest Countries to Expand Your Business Into

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While the UK has a thriving industry of successful businesses, ranging from eco-friendly shops to new casino sites updated daily, many companies set their sights on international growth. Expanding internationally gives your business new market opportunities, diversification, new talent, and increased revenue. But, with almost 200 different countries in the world, it can be hard to decide where to grow beyond the UK. To help you narrow the search of potential markets to break into, here is a list of ten of the easiest countries to move into.

1. Ireland

Ireland offers international businesses a host of benefits, so much so that industry giants like Google, Apple, Microsoft, PayPal, Facebook, LinkedIn and Airbnb have set up European headquarters there. The country has seen a considerable jump in its GDP in recent years. It was one of the only European countries to see growth over the pandemic, indicating a stable and reliable economy. When it comes to taxes, Ireland is recognised for having one of the lower rates (12.5%) in Europe.

2. Germany

To help incentivise international businesses to set up operations in their country, Germany offers businesses expanding into their market numerous tax breaks and grants. These are considerable assets to international companies operating there, considering Germany has one of the highest corporate income tax rates in Europe at a rate of nearly 30%. Aside from the economic impacts of Brexit in 2019 and the pandemic in 2020, the country has seen a relatively stable GDP rate. The German economy is also one of the largest in the world, making it an enticing country to expand into.

3. Switzerland

Switzerland is a wealthy country with a high per capita GDP, which makes it stand out as a potential place to expand business. It boasts a low corporate tax rate compared to Germany, which is 19.6%, making it an appealing place to set up operations, particularly within the European market. In addition to this, Switzerland has a reputation for having a highly skilled and educated workforce, a stable economy, and being a supportive place for business.

4. United States

Widely recognised as a good environment for business, the United States holds a great deal of potential for international expansion in the largest economy in the world. The country has a relatively average corporate tax rate of 21% and offers tax breaks or even reduced rates for certain foreign business operations. The US also gives businesses a vast talent pool and well-educated workforce, adding to the numerous enticing reasons for expanding here.

5. Canada

One of the United States’ neighbouring countries, Canada also offers a place rich in potential and opportunity for international expansion, with the closeness to the US being just one advantage[1]. Beyond the benefit of having the US as its neighbouring country, Canada offers a stable economic market that’s also one of the largest in the world. It boasts a stable government, a skilled and educated workforce (a considerable percentage of the population has post-secondary education), and a 15% corporate tax rate.

6. Mexico

Mexico is another country neighbouring the US that offers much potential for business growth. Most notable are the benefits of the country’s various trade agreements with different countries around the world, creating more opportunities for growth and advancement. Mexico’s corporate tax rate is high at 30%, but the low labour costs and costs for setting up business help offset this. In addition to these beneficial qualities, the country has developed a stable economy with a GDP exceeding 1.2 trillion USD in recent years.

7. Singapore

Known for being business-friendly, Singapore is a country that’s easy to expand into. Its tax laws are friendly for international business, and its corporate income tax is a moderate rate at 17%, making it a tempting country to start operating in. In addition to the benefits around taxes, Singapore’s proximity to other Asian markets adds more potential for growth down the line. The workforce is known for being educated and skilled.

8. China

China is one of the largest economies in the world, and this alone makes it appealing for a new branch in a company’s operations, but it also offers other benefits that make it appealing and easy to start expanding business there. China is known for having low operating and manufacturing costs for businesses, which help offset the slightly higher-than-average corporate tax rate of 25%. The country has recently started shifting its regulations to make it easier for foreign businesses to operate there.

9. Japan

When it comes to business, Japan is a country well-known for having a skilled and well-educated workforce, being at the forefront of technology advancements, and having a polished business climate. The country also offers businesses looking to expand a stable economy (one of the largest in the world) and a government that supports business growth and expansion.

10. New Zealand

New Zealand offers many benefits that make it an easy country to do business in. The country has a stable economy, and while it has a high tax rate of 28%, it’s still known as being a business-friendly place. New Zealand is also a huge proponent of social and environmental responsibility, and this is reflected in its business laws and regulations, an asset for businesses built around these values.

There’s No Shortage of International Business Opportunities

Regardless of whether you’re looking to expand your business’s footprint into the European, North American, or Asian market, these are ten countries that stand out for their ease of doing business, stable economies, and skilled workforces. These countries’ laws and regulations support starting a business within their borders; some regulations even exist to incentivise new businesses to come to them. They represent the seemingly endless opportunities waiting to be seized by businesses ready to expand their efforts internationally.