Global Incorporation Index · 2026 edition

The best countries to incorporate a company in 2026: 20 countries, with visible data, references and weights.

Compare incorporation, corporate tax and remote operation. Check each country’s references, explore different weights and download a citable edition. Data retains its research date; outstanding checks are shown in each country entry.

Isaac Cubero · Data: 13–14 August 2026 · Page reviewed: 7 September 2026

Transparency note

Cheq Capital forms US LLCs: that is our product. The United States comes first in this index and we won’t pretend to be surprised. What we do instead is show the full working: the entire weights and calculation are public, each entry shows references and limitations, and you can compare other weights here. Coverage measures availability in the model, not certified accuracy or your total tax burden.

The ranking

One published index. Other priorities to explore.

Search, filter and open each country to inspect data and sources. Scenarios recalculate the order using the same data. Published ranks below 75% model coverage are marked provisional.

How to read the table

Overall score: 0 to 100; higher is more favourable for the index profile. It is neither a tax percentage nor a probability of success.

Bureaucracy: low, medium, high or very high based on timing and remote procedures. It covers incorporation only, not annual running costs or obligations. Treaties shows the number of agreements, not points.

See criteria and limitations

Published index view. Ranks use the methodology weights.

2026 index: countries, scores and sources. Open each country for details.
RankCountry and details Overall score /100 Incorporation bureaucracyTax regimeTreaties in forceEU/FATF listsRemote operation
1
United StatesWyoming LLC

Published rank: 1 · 92.1/100

Data available for this score: 100%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Low
Reference timing
Immediate online
Regime
Pass-through
Corporate tax
0% at entity level (pass-through) + flat fees
Treaties in the snapshot
67
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

Tax burden shifts to the member; no US tax without ETBUS/ECI.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 90.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Modelled tax advantage 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Treaty network 76.7/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 88.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Link to this country
92.1/100 Low Pass-through 67 treaties Not listed Easier
2
MaltaPrivate Limited

Published rank: 2 · 85.7/100

Data available for this score: 71%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
No data
Reference timing
—
Regime
Classic full-imputation
Corporate tax
35% headline → ~5% effective w/ 6/7 refund (non-residents)
Treaties in the snapshot
—
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

Treaties with Spain (BOE 2006) and the US confirmed against official sources; the total treaty count is still pending verification at cfr.gov.mt.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation No data

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 0% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Modelled tax advantage 62.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

No reference link is documented for this dimension.

Treaty network 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 40% · 2026-08-14

The research records a partial or pending check.

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Link to this country
Provisional in the index 		85.7/100 No data Classic full-imputation No data Not listed Easier
3
United Arab EmiratesFree zone (Meydan ref.)

Published rank: 3 · 81.4/100

Data available for this score: 100%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Low
Reference timing
~1 day
Regime
Classic w/ free zone
Corporate tax
9% above AED 375k; 0% qualifying free zone
Treaties in the snapshot
137
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

Residence visa does require physical presence (biometrics).

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 90.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Modelled tax advantage 62.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Treaty network 85.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 85.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Link to this country
81.4/100 Low Classic w/ free zone 137 treaties Not listed Easier
4
Hong KongPrivate Limited

Published rank: 4 · 79.3/100

Data available for this score: 100%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Low
Reference timing
~1 h electronic
Regime
Territorial
Corporate tax
8.25% first bracket (HK$2M); territorial
Treaties in the snapshot
48
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

Only the secretary must be local, not the director. No US tax treaty.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 80.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Modelled tax advantage 77.5/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Treaty network 53.8/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 85.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Link to this country
79.3/100 Low Territorial 48 treaties Not listed Easier
5
EstoniaOÜ (e-Residency)

Published rank: 5 · 78.5/100

Data available for this score: 100%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Low
Reference timing
Minutes-1 day
Regime
Distribution-only
Corporate tax
0% on retained profit; 22/78 on distribution
Treaties in the snapshot
66
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

e-Residency card requires in-person pickup (embassy/consulate).

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 80.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Modelled tax advantage 56.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Treaty network 79.6/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 94.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Link to this country
78.5/100 Low Distribution-only 66 treaties Not listed Easier
6
GeorgiaLLC

Published rank: 6 · 78.0/100

Data available for this score: 100%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Low
Reference timing
1 day
Regime
Distribution-only
Corporate tax
0% retained / 15% on distribution (Estonian model)
Treaties in the snapshot
58
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

The famous "1%" applies to individual entrepreneurs only, not LLCs.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 80.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Modelled tax advantage 70.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Treaty network 59.8/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 85.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Link to this country
78.0/100 Low Distribution-only 58 treaties Not listed Easier
7
United KingdomLtd

Published rank: 7 · 73.9/100

Data available for this score: 91%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Low
Reference timing
~24 h
Regime
Classic
Corporate tax
25% w/ Marginal Relief (≈24% for the profile)
Treaties in the snapshot
—
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

HMRC publishes no official 2026 treaty count.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 90.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Modelled tax advantage 23.8/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Treaty network 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 40% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 94.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Link to this country
73.9/100 Low Classic No data Not listed Easier
8
SpainSL

Published rank: 8 · 71.9/100

Data available for this score: 100%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Medium
Reference timing
7 h-3 days
Regime
Classic
Corporate tax
19%/21% micro-company scale (≈20.5% for the profile)
Treaties in the snapshot
99
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

Mandatory notary appointment; micro scale drops to 17% in 2027.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 72.5/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Modelled tax advantage 31.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Treaty network 99.2/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 91.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Link to this country
71.9/100 Medium Classic 99 treaties Not listed Easier
9
CyprusPrivate Limited

Published rank: 9 · 71.8/100

Data available for this score: 80%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
No data
Reference timing
—
Regime
Classic
Corporate tax
15% from 2026 (was 12.5%)
Treaties in the snapshot
69
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

No local director or general substance requirement.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation No data

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 0% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Modelled tax advantage 42.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-14

Treaty network 81.4/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 88.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Link to this country
71.8/100 No data Classic 69 treaties Not listed Easier
10
PortugalLda

Published rank: 10 · 71.6/100

Data available for this score: 100%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Medium
Reference timing
Immediate-2 days
Regime
Classic
Corporate tax
19% general / 15% SME first €50k (≈17.9% blend)
Treaties in the snapshot
78
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

Empresa Online needs a Portuguese digital credential or a proxy.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 72.5/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Modelled tax advantage 36.2/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-14

Treaty network 86.8/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 91.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Link to this country
71.6/100 Medium Classic 78 treaties Not listed Easier
11
NetherlandsBV

Published rank: 11 · 68.7/100

Data available for this score: 84%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Medium
Reference timing
—
Regime
Classic
Corporate tax
19% up to €200,000 profit
Treaties in the snapshot
~99
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

Notarial deed; fully-online video route since 2024 (scope unconfirmed).

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 60.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 50% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Modelled tax advantage 34.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Treaty network 99.4/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 82.9/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 70% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Link to this country
68.7/100 MediumPartial data Classic ~99 treaties Not listed EasierPartial data
12
SingaporePte Ltd

Published rank: 12 · 68.2/100

Data available for this score: 94%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Low
Reference timing
Same day
Regime
Classic
Corporate tax
17% headline; ~10% effective w/ partial exemption
Treaties in the snapshot
98
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

Requires Singapore-resident director and secretary (primary law). No US tax treaty.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 80.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Modelled tax advantage 51.6/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Treaty network 83.8/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 45.7/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 70% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Link to this country
68.2/100 Low Classic 98 treaties Not listed More demandingPartial data
13
MexicoSAS

Published rank: 13 · 67.9/100

Data available for this score: 85%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Low
Reference timing
24 h
Regime
Classic
Corporate tax
30% (no reduced rate; RESICO does not lower it)
Treaties in the snapshot
—
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

SAS caps at MXN 5M/year and only admits individual shareholders.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 80.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Modelled tax advantage 12.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Treaty network 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 40% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 91.4/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 70% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Link to this country
67.9/100 Low Classic No data Not listed EasierPartial data
14
ParaguaySimplified corp. (EAS)

Published rank: 14 · 67.0/100

Data available for this score: 80%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Medium
Reference timing
72 business hours
Regime
Territorial w/ caveat
Corporate tax
10% (IRE); note: exported digital services count as Paraguay-source
Treaties in the snapshot
6
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

Legal representative needs a Paraguayan ID; D5 unverified.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 72.5/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Modelled tax advantage 66.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Treaty network 28.6/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation No data

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 0% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

No reference link is documented for this dimension.

Link to this country
67.0/100 Medium Territorial w/ caveat 6 treaties Not listed No data
15
IrelandLTD

Published rank: 15 · 65.4/100

Data available for this score: 94%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
High
Reference timing
~14 days (CRO queue)
Regime
Classic
Corporate tax
12.5% on trading income
Treaties in the snapshot
75
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

EEA-resident director required, or a €25,000 bond as escape.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 55.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Modelled tax advantage 47.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Treaty network 85.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 62.9/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 70% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Link to this country
65.4/100 High Classic 75 treaties Not listed IntermediatePartial data
16
BulgariaOOD

Published rank: 16 · 63.7/100

Data available for this score: 90%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Medium
Reference timing
—
Regime
Classic
Corporate tax
10% flat (lowest in the EU)
Treaties in the snapshot
72
Lists assessed in the snapshot
FATF grey list

Under FATF increased monitoring (Jun 2026).

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 60.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 50% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Modelled tax advantage 52.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Treaty network 83.2/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 40.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 88.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Link to this country
63.7/100 MediumPartial data Classic 72 treaties FATF grey list Easier
17
SwitzerlandGmbH (Zug ref.)

Published rank: 17 · 61.5/100

Data available for this score: 90%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Very high
Reference timing
—
Regime
Classic
Corporate tax
≈11.7% effective in Zug; varies by canton
Treaties in the snapshot
~97
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

Swiss-domiciled signing officer + in-person notary.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 30.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 50% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Modelled tax advantage 48.6/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Treaty network 98.2/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 56.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Link to this country
61.5/100 Very highPartial data Classic ~97 treaties Not listed More demanding
18
Costa RicaS.A.

Published rank: 18 · 57.9/100

Data available for this score: 72%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
No data
Reference timing
—
Regime
Territorial
Corporate tax
5-30% scale on GROSS revenue; typical profile → 30%
Treaties in the snapshot
4
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

Provisional rank: timing and remote incorporation data are missing from the research.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation No data

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 0% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

No reference link is documented for this dimension.

Modelled tax advantage 34.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Treaty network 27.4/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 85.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 60% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Link to this country
Provisional in the index 		57.9/100 No data Territorial 4 treaties Not listed EasierPartial data
19
UruguayS.A. (Empresa en el Día)

Published rank: 19 · 57.2/100

Data available for this score: 90%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Very high
Reference timing
—
Regime
Territorial
Corporate tax
25% (IRAE), territorial
Treaties in the snapshot
25
Lists assessed in the snapshot
Clean

The process includes one in-person step. No US tax treaty.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 30.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 50% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Modelled tax advantage 44.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Treaty network 40.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 100.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 85.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Link to this country
57.2/100 Very highPartial data Territorial 25 treaties Not listed Easier
20
PanamaCorporation (S.A.)

Published rank: 20 · 49.0/100

Data available for this score: 100%. Measures how much of the model can be calculated, not legal reliability.

Incorporation bureaucracy
Medium
Reference timing
5-10 business days
Regime
Territorial
Corporate tax
25% on Panama-source income only
Treaties in the snapshot
17
Lists assessed in the snapshot
EU Annex I (non-cooperative list)

EU Annex I in the August 2026 snapshot. Check the current list before making a decision.

References from the August 2026 research. Secondary sources and incomplete checks are flagged; a link alone does not substantiate every value in a dimension.

Ease of incorporation 60.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Modelled tax advantage 44.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Treaty network 35.2/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

EU/FATF status 10.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

Links added: 2026-09-07

Ease of remote operation 85.0/100

Model points: higher = more favourable. This is not a tax rate or a cost.

Calculation coverage: 100% · 2026-08-13

The research records a partial or pending check.

Link to this country
49.0/100 Medium Territorial 17 treaties EU Annex I (non-cooperative list) Easier

Overall score out of 100. Dimension scores appear in country details. “No data” or “-” means a missing value: it is excluded and the weighting renormalised, never estimated.

Methodology

Five dimensions, declared weights, zero black boxes.

30%
Corporate tax burden

Effective rate for the reference profile (SME, ~$200k profit) plus regime: territorial, distribution-only or classic

20%
Ease of incorporation

Processing time and remote procedures. Less bureaucracy earns more points; registry fees are excluded

20%
Substance & remote operation

Local-director requirements in primary law, substance rules, and whether the company runs remotely

15%
Treaty network

Tax treaties in force per each country’s official source, with extra weight on the Spain treaty

15%
EU & FATF lists

EU Council Annex I/II and FATF lists, each at its latest published revision

Profile: reference small company with approximately USD 200,000 annual profit. Corporate taxation is assessed, not the member’s tax bill. Entity type, regime and country assumptions matter.

Calculation: sum of dimension score × weight, divided by available weights. The overall score runs from 0 to 100: higher is more favourable for the profile. Calculations use unrounded values and display one decimal; subscores appear in each country entry. Coverage weights the proportion of available subscores, rather than simply counting links.

Missing data: excluded with weights renormalised within each dimension. If an entire dimension is missing, its weight is redistributed. This can favour countries with incomplete information. “Not applicable” is excluded from both scoring and coverage.

References: the research combines institutional documentation, secondary references and partial checks. Documented references appear by dimension with their original date. We do not claim complete official verification for every data point.

Limits: registry fees and annual running costs are not assessed. Regime conditions and reference jurisdictions apply. The existence of a treaty does not establish an entity’s or member’s eligibility for its benefits.

See subweights and calculation rules
  • D1: timing 50%, remote incorporation 50%. Registry fees excluded. The table translates ease into bureaucracy: low ≥80 points; medium ≥60 and <80; high ≥40 and <60; very high <40. Partial data is flagged and missing data displays as “No data”.
  • D2: profile corporate rate 60%, regime 40%. Rates use a linear scale from 0% to 30%; conditions and personal tax are outside that number.
  • D3: treaty count 60% (capped at 100), Spain treaty 25%, US treaty 15%. These are profile-specific weights, not universal ones.
  • D4: outside assessed lists 100; EU Annex II 70; FATF grey list 40; EU Annex I 10; FATF black list 0.
  • D5: local officer 40%, substance 30%, remote operation 30%. The table shows easier operation ≥80 points; intermediate ≥60 and <80; more demanding ≥40 and <60; very demanding <40. These are editorial model bands, not a guarantee of remote operation.
Download subscores and reproduce the ranking

What the ranking won’t tell you by itself

Six things to understand before citing the index.

Tax weighting changes the interpretation

Corporate tax accounts for 30% of the published score. Try equal weights to see how much the result depends on that editorial choice.

Coverage is not certainty

A country can rank highly with checks outstanding. Open its entry to see calculation coverage and reference limitations.

Missing data can favour a rank

When a dimension is missing, its weight is redistributed across the available dimensions. A high score does not mean all requirements are known.

Incorporation is not annual maintenance

Incorporation bureaucracy is assessed using timing and remote procedures. It does not measure annual accounting, audits, filings or running costs.

The entity matters

The US entry represents a Wyoming LLC; Switzerland uses Zug and the UAE a reference free zone. These are not country-wide averages.

A ranking does not decide for you

Member tax residency and bank access are outside the calculation. Use the index to narrow options, then assess your own situation.

Frequently asked questions

What people ask about the methodology.

Which is the best country to incorporate a company in 2026?

With the published weights, the United States (a Wyoming LLC) ranks first among the 20 countries, driven by remote incorporation, no local-director requirement and a transparent tax treatment for non-resident owners. Change the weights and the order changes: the index is a tool for narrowing options, not a verdict.

How is the score calculated?

Five dimensions, each with a declared weight: corporate tax burden 30%, ease of incorporation 20%, substance and remote operation 20%, treaty network 15%, EU and FATF lists 15%. Each dimension is scored from 0 to 100 and the overall score is the weighted sum divided by the weights that have data. The subweights and the calculation file are public.

Why is the United States first if Cheq Capital forms US LLCs?

Because that is what the data gives with these weights, and we do not hide the conflict of interest. Every input, weight and source is on the page, and you can recalculate with equal weights or with tax at zero. The US does not win under every scenario.

What does coverage mean and why are some ranks provisional?

Coverage is the share of the model that has data for that country. When a value is missing it is excluded and the remaining weights are renormalised, which can favour countries with less information. Ranks below 75% coverage are marked provisional so that nobody cites them as if they were complete.

Does the index include personal tax or bank account access?

No. It scores the company: corporate rate and regime, bureaucracy, substance rules, treaties and lists. The owner's tax residency and bankability are outside the score on purpose, because they depend on the person, not the country of registration. Those live in the structure assessment.

Can I reuse the data and how do I cite it?

Yes. The dataset is published under CC BY 4.0 as CSV and JSON, with an embeddable ranking and a citation line in the download section. Cite the edition and the research date, because values keep the date they were checked and a later edition may differ.

Cite and reuse

The data, the sources and the calculation. All downloadable.

No registration. Publish the chart, reuse the data or reproduce the calculation. Cite the edition and data date; if you change the weights, identify the result as an adaptation.

Top 10 chart with published weights, edition 2026.2. Detailed data in the table above. Download chart · SVG

Open data

Data and chart licensed under CC BY 4.0. Third-party documentation retains its own rights.

Suggested citation

Cubero, Isaac. Global Incorporation Index 2026. Cheq Capital. Edition 2026.2. Data: 2026-08-13 / 2026-08-14. https://cheqcapital.com/en/global-incorporation-index/ CC BY 4.0.

Embed the ranking on another website

The iframe displays the published version. Keep the attribution link so readers can check methodology and date. The downloadable chart identifies its edition.

<iframe src="https://cheqcapital.com/en/global-incorporation-index/embed/" width="100%" height="620" loading="lazy" title="Global Incorporation Index 2026"></iframe>
<p>Source: <a href="https://cheqcapital.com/en/global-incorporation-index/">Global Incorporation Index 2026 · Cheq Capital</a></p>

Edition and maintenance

What changed and which date you are citing.

2026-09-07 · Edition 2026.2: methodology change
Country references, weight scenarios, country links, downloads and presentation corrections. D1 excludes registry fees and now weights timing and remote incorporation at 50% each. Scores, ranks and coverage are recalculated; categories describe bureaucracy, not annual maintenance. This is not a new comprehensive verification of all 20 countries.
2026-08-13 / 14 · Edition 2026.1 data
Initial research and documented follow-up checks on 14 August, including Malta treaties. Dates and references are retained in each country entry. There is no earlier annual series for trend comparisons.
Download previous edition 2026.1 · JSON

Review policy: annual review and checks when new EU/FATF lists are published. Data changes should explain their effect on the ranking; the page date does not replace a source consultation date.

And banking?

Outside the score, on purpose.

A country scoring well doesn’t mean a bank will open your account. Bankability depends on your residency, your activity and your history, not on the registry’s flag. That is why it isn’t in the index: it lives in the assessment, which works with your actual case.

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