Panama, United Arab Emirates, Costa Rica, Sao Tome and Principe: Tax Rates & Startup Ecosystem Compared

Side-by-side breakdown of tax rates, startup ecosystem, startup funding, and 6 more dimensions for founders choosing where to incorporate in 2026.

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🇵🇦Panama
75
Territorial
🇦🇪United Arab Emirates
67
Territorial
🇨🇷Costa Rica
75
Territorial
🇸🇹Sao Tome and Principe
46
Worldwide

Dimension Profile

Shape = jurisdiction fingerprint. Gap = your decision.

Tax Regime Comparison1
🇵🇦PanamaTerritorial25%
🇦🇪United Arab EmiratesTerritorial0%
🇨🇷Costa RicaTerritorial25%
🇸🇹Sao Tome and PrincipeWorldwide25%
Tax system mismatchCritical

Sao Tome and Principe taxes all worldwide income once you become a tax resident (top rate: 25%). Panama and United Arab Emirates and Costa Rica do not - only locally-sourced income is taxed. This is a fundamental structural difference that affects your total effective tax burden.

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

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