As the global landscape for entrepreneurship continues to evolve, choosing the optimal jurisdiction for your non-resident business has never been more crucial. Estonia has become a popular destination for freelancers and solo entrepreneurs seeking to establish their businesses in a tech-savvy, innovative and supportive environment. Since the launch of Estonia’s pioneering e-Residency scheme in 2014, many other nations have followed with their own non-resident company formation programmes.
That can be a lot of info.
So today we compare Estonian e-Residency with other countries and what they’re offering, highlighting some strengths and weaknesses of each location, and providing insights on the factors that make Estonia an ideal choice for e-Residency (non-resident) solo company formation.
This article unpicks a range of factors, including the ease of doing business, potential B2B market size, remote company incorporation for non-residents, minimum share capital, incorporation government fees, providers' costs, incorporation speed, corporate taxation, e-government services development, and the process of remote incorporation for non-residents.
In 2025, several countries have emerged as standout choices, each offering unique advantages to freelancers, solopreneurs, digital nomads, and international entrepreneurs. Here's a current overview of the most attractive jurisdictions:
Estonia remains a top choice thanks to its innovative e-Residency program. Entrepreneurs can set up and manage a fully operational EU-based business entirely online, typically within two days. The country maintains its attractive 0% corporate tax rate on reinvested profits, coupled with a transparent digital governance system and robust startup ecosystem.
The UAE, particularly Dubai's free zones such as DMCC and DIFC, continues to attract global entrepreneurs. With a low 9% corporate tax rate applicable only to profits exceeding AED 375,000 annually, and zero personal income tax, Dubai provides an ideal balance of regulatory flexibility, business-friendly environment, and lifestyle perks. DIFC alone reported a 32% increase in new registrations in the first half of 2025, reflecting its growing appeal.
Singapore is a standout choice for entrepreneurs targeting Asian markets. Offering rapid incorporation (typically within 1-3 days), a competitive corporate tax rate of 17% (with exemptions for startups), and streamlined visa processes such as the Entrepreneur Pass, Singapore is ideal for those seeking an efficient, business-friendly gateway to Asia-Pacific.
Hong Kong remains attractive for its simple incorporation process, which can be completed fully online, and favorable tax regime, notably a 0% tax rate on foreign-sourced income. Its strong legal framework, strategic position, and ease of doing business make it a compelling choice for entrepreneurs targeting both Asian and global markets.
The UK continues to offer an appealing environment for non-resident entrepreneurs due to its simplicity, affordability, and international credibility. With incorporation taking approximately 24 hours and costing as little as £12 via Companies House, along with no requirement for a local director, the UK provides an accessible and globally respected base of operations.
In 2025, countries such as Canada, New Zealand, and Switzerland have gained traction due to their stable regulatory environments, access to innovation grants, business-friendly policies, and attractive tax structures. Each jurisdiction provides unique benefits depending on business objectives, market focus, and operational requirements.
| Country | Incorporation Govt. Fees | Corporate Tax | Share Capital Requirement | Speed of Incorporation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estonia | €265–€300 | 0% (on reinvested profits) | €2,500 (no initial deposit) | 1–2 business days |
| UAE | AED 10,000–20,000 | 9% (profits over AED 375k) | AED 50,000 minimum | 1–7 business days |
| Singapore | SGD $300–$600 | 17% (startup exemptions) | SGD $1 (minimum) | 1–3 business days |
| Hong Kong | HKD $1,720–$2,000 | 8.25%–16.5% (0% foreign) | HKD $1 (minimum) | 1–3 business days |
| United Kingdom | £12–£40 | 19%–25% | £1 (minimum) | 24 hours |
| Canada | CAD $200–$400 | 15%–26% | No minimum | 1–5 business days |
| New Zealand | NZD $100–$200 | 28% | No minimum | 1–3 business days |
| Switzerland | CHF 500–2,000 | 11.9%–21.6% | CHF 20,000 (min. deposit) | 1–4 weeks |
Managing a global business doesn't have to be complicated. Xolo Leap makes operating your non-resident company straightforward and stress-free, especially tailored for digital entrepreneurs and freelancers. With Xolo Leap, you can effortlessly handle business registration, accounting, compliance, and invoicing entirely online, giving you the freedom to focus on growth. Partnering with Xolo means having a reliable, experienced partner to navigate international business complexities efficiently and confidently.
Selecting the optimal jurisdiction depends on your business model, target markets, taxation priorities, regulatory ease, and lifestyle preferences. Whether prioritizing tax efficiency, simplicity of operations, access to specific regional markets, or lifestyle advantages, entrepreneurs in 2025 have a diverse range of attractive options to launch and manage their global business remotely.
Aspiring to own your e-Residency business? Many entrepreneurs are using Xolo’s Leap today to launch their business from anywhere on the planet.