Mexico, Spain, Thailand, United Kingdom: Business Setup & Visa Options Compared

Side-by-side breakdown of business setup, visa options, startup ecosystem, and 6 more dimensions for founders choosing where to incorporate in 2026.

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4 selectedClear all
🇪🇸Spain
69
Worldwide
🇲🇽Mexico
58
Worldwide
🇬🇧United Kingdom
71
Worldwide
🇹🇭Thailand
57
Worldwide

Dimension Profile

Shape = jurisdiction fingerprint. Gap = your decision.

Tax Regime Comparison3
🇪🇸SpainWorldwide47%
🇲🇽MexicoWorldwide35%
🇬🇧United KingdomWorldwide45%
🇹🇭ThailandWorldwide35%
Exit tax applies in one jurisdictionCritical

Spain and Mexico 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 Mexico: 35%. Both apply to all global earnings once you establish residency.

CFC rules apply in one jurisdictionReview

Spain and Mexico and United Kingdom 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 country in this comparison does 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
🇲🇽Mexico58
🇬🇧United Kingdom71
🇹🇭Thailand57
Dimension Scores
Corporate Tax
32
15
42
43
Funding
100
85
85
70
Visa
90
50
80
90
Residency
43
65
65
58
Tax Res.
45
40
45
60
Practical
96
73
100
58
Remote Work
64
56
43
72
Family
95
80
80
80
Ecosystem
60
70
100
60
Corporate Tax Details
Corporate Tax Rate25%30%25%20%
Capital Gains Tax28%30%24%0%
Tax Treaties966513061
Territorial SystemNoNoNoNo
Funding Details
Active VCs1008265020
Government GrantsYesYesYesYes
EU Funding EligibleYesNoNoNo
Visa Details
Has Startup VisaYesNoYesYes
Processing Time45305660
Min Investment-$40K$0-
E-ResidencyNoNoNoNo
Digital Nomad VisaYesNoNoYes
Residency Details
Visa Programs Available2332
Citizenship Timeline105612
Dual CitizenshipNoYesYesNo
Immigration Score7776
Tax Res. Details
Tax Residency Days183183183180
Personal Tax Top Rate47354535
Territorial TaxationNoNoNoNo
Special Tax RegimeYesNoNoNo
Exit TaxYesYesNoNo
Practical Details
Banking Difficultyeasymoderateeasymoderate
100% Foreign OwnershipYesYesYesNo
Company Formation710114
Virtual Office OKYesYesYesYes
Remote Work Details
Nomad VisaYesNoNoYes
Tourist Workgray_areatoleratedillegalgray_area
Tourist Visa Days9018018030
PE Risk Levelmoderatemoderatevery_highlow
Days Before Tax Res.183183183180
Internet Speed2205585200
Coworking/mo$250$150$400$150
Family Details
Safety Index72416562
Int'l SchoolsYesYesYesYes
Homeschoolinglegal_with_restrictionslegallegallegal_with_restrictions
Healthcare Quality82657872
Cost of Living554810540
Ecosystem Details
Unicorns518753
English Business EnvNoNoYesNo
Talent Pool Quality70689055

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