Ireland, Thailand, Spain, Malta: Tax Rates & Remote Work Compared

Side-by-side breakdown of tax rates, remote work, residency pathways, and 6 more dimensions for founders choosing where to incorporate in 2026.

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4 selectedClear all
🇪🇸Spain
69
Worldwide
🇮🇪Ireland
62
Remittance-Based
🇲🇹Malta
72
Remittance-Based
🇹🇭Thailand
57
Worldwide

Dimension Profile

Shape = jurisdiction fingerprint. Gap = your decision.

Tax Regime Comparison3
🇪🇸SpainWorldwide47%
🇮🇪IrelandRemittance-Based40%
🇲🇹MaltaRemittance-Based35%
🇹🇭ThailandWorldwide35%
Exit tax applies in one jurisdictionCritical

Spain and Ireland have an exit tax. If you establish residency and later wish to leave, you may owe tax on unrealized gains or assets at departure. The other countries in this comparison do not have an exit tax.

12pp personal tax rate spreadNote

Both countries tax worldwide income, but the top personal income tax rates differ materially. Spain: 47% vs Malta: 35%. Both apply to all global earnings once you establish residency.

CFC rules apply in one jurisdictionReview

Spain and Ireland have Controlled Foreign Corporation (CFC) rules. Owning a foreign company as a resident may trigger local tax on undistributed profits - even if the company pays no dividends. The other countries in this comparison do not have CFC rules.

Not tax advice. Tax laws change frequently. Verify with a qualified professional before making residency decisions.

Field-by-Field Breakdown

Green = best value per row
Metric
🇪🇸Spain69
🇮🇪Ireland62
🇲🇹Malta72
🇹🇭Thailand57
Dimension Scores
Corporate Tax
32
83
25
43
Funding
100
100
85
70
Visa
90
80
90
90
Residency
43
75
83
58
Tax Res.
45
60
70
60
Practical
96
86
86
58
Remote Work
64
39
84
72
Family
95
80
100
80
Ecosystem
60
75
50
60
Corporate Tax Details
Corporate Tax Rate25%12.5%35%20%
Capital Gains Tax28%33%0%0%
Tax Treaties96767761
Territorial SystemNoNoNoNo
Funding Details
Active VCs100651820
Government GrantsYesYesYesYes
EU Funding EligibleYesYesYesNo
Visa Details
Has Startup VisaYesYesYesYes
Processing Time45906060
Min Investment-$55K$27K-
E-ResidencyNoNoNoNo
Digital Nomad VisaYesNoYesYes
Residency Details
Visa Programs Available2332
Citizenship Timeline105512
Dual CitizenshipNoYesYesNo
Immigration Score7576
Tax Res. Details
Tax Residency Days183183183180
Personal Tax Top Rate47403535
Territorial TaxationNoNoNoNo
Special Tax RegimeYesYesYesNo
Exit TaxYesYesNoNo
Practical Details
Banking Difficultyeasymoderatemoderatemoderate
100% Foreign OwnershipYesYesYesNo
Company Formation75714
Virtual Office OKYesYesYesYes
Remote Work Details
Nomad VisaYesNoYesYes
Tourist Workgray_areagray_areatoleratedgray_area
Tourist Visa Days90909030
PE Risk Levelmoderatehighlowlow
Days Before Tax Res.183183183180
Internet Speed2209065200
Coworking/mo$250$300$200$150
Family Details
Safety Index72627262
Int'l SchoolsYesYesYesYes
Homeschoolinglegal_with_restrictionslegallegal_with_restrictionslegal_with_restrictions
Healthcare Quality82757472
Cost of Living55957240
Ecosystem Details
Unicorns51203
English Business EnvNoYesYesNo
Talent Pool Quality70605555

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