Spain, Ireland, Netherlands, Sao Tome and Principe: Tax Rates & Startup Funding Compared

Side-by-side breakdown of tax rates, startup funding, startup ecosystem, 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
🇳🇱Netherlands
59
Worldwide
🇸🇹Sao Tome and Principe
46
Worldwide

Dimension Profile

Shape = jurisdiction fingerprint. Gap = your decision.

Tax Regime Comparison3
🇪🇸SpainWorldwide47%
🇮🇪IrelandRemittance-Based40%
🇳🇱NetherlandsWorldwide49.5%
🇸🇹Sao Tome and PrincipeWorldwide25%
Exit tax applies in one jurisdictionCritical

Spain and Ireland and Netherlands 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 country in this comparison does not have an exit tax.

24.5pp personal tax rate spreadReview

Both countries tax worldwide income, but the top personal income tax rates differ materially. Netherlands: 49.5% vs Sao Tome and Principe: 25%. Both apply to all global earnings once you establish residency.

CFC rules apply in one jurisdictionReview

Spain and Ireland and Netherlands 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
🇮🇪Ireland62
🇳🇱Netherlands59
🇸🇹Sao Tome and Principe46
Dimension Scores
Corporate Tax
32
83
39
17
Funding
100
100
100
40
Visa
90
80
75
50
Residency
43
75
73
56
Tax Res.
45
60
45
55
Practical
96
86
100
55
Remote Work
64
39
39
52
Family
95
80
90
70
Ecosystem
60
75
100
40
Corporate Tax Details
Corporate Tax Rate25%12.5%25.8%25%
Capital Gains Tax28%33%36%0%
Tax Treaties96761003
Territorial SystemNoNoNoNo
Funding Details
Active VCs100652000
Government GrantsYesYesYesNo
EU Funding EligibleYesYesYesNo
Visa Details
Has Startup VisaYesYesYesNo
Processing Time45903042
Min Investment-$55K-$90K
E-ResidencyNoNoNoNo
Digital Nomad VisaYesNoNoNo
Residency Details
Visa Programs Available2332
Citizenship Timeline1055-
Dual CitizenshipNoYesNoYes
Immigration Score7587
Tax Res. Details
Tax Residency Days183183183183
Personal Tax Top Rate47405025
Territorial TaxationNoNoNoNo
Special Tax RegimeYesYesYesNo
Exit TaxYesYesYesNo
Practical Details
Banking Difficultyeasymoderateeasyvery_difficult
100% Foreign OwnershipYesYesYesYes
Company Formation75530
Virtual Office OKYesYesYesNo
Remote Work Details
Nomad VisaYesNoNoNo
Tourist Workgray_areagray_areagray_areaillegal
Tourist Visa Days90909015
PE Risk Levelmoderatehighhighlow
Days Before Tax Res.183183183183
Internet Speed2209030010
Coworking/mo$250$300$300-
Family Details
Safety Index72627865
Int'l SchoolsYesYesYesNo
Homeschoolinglegal_with_restrictionslegalillegal-
Healthcare Quality82758530
Cost of Living55958028
Ecosystem Details
Unicorns512120
English Business EnvNoYesYesNo
Talent Pool Quality70608210

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