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

Side-by-side breakdown of tax rates, startup funding, business setup, 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
🇸🇹Sao Tome and Principe
46
Worldwide
🇮🇹Italy
70
Worldwide

Dimension Profile

Shape = jurisdiction fingerprint. Gap = your decision.

Tax Regime Comparison3
🇪🇸SpainWorldwide47%
🇮🇪IrelandRemittance-Based40%
🇸🇹Sao Tome and PrincipeWorldwide25%
🇮🇹ItalyWorldwide43%
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.

22pp personal tax rate spreadReview

Both countries tax worldwide income, but the top personal income tax rates differ materially. Spain: 47% 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 Italy 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
🇸🇹Sao Tome and Principe46
🇮🇹Italy70
Dimension Scores
Corporate Tax
32
83
17
32
Funding
100
100
40
100
Visa
90
80
50
90
Residency
43
75
56
68
Tax Res.
45
60
55
55
Practical
96
86
55
83
Remote Work
64
39
52
64
Family
95
80
70
85
Ecosystem
60
75
40
65
Corporate Tax Details
Corporate Tax Rate25%12.5%25%27.9%
Capital Gains Tax28%33%0%26%
Tax Treaties96763100
Territorial SystemNoNoNoNo
Funding Details
Active VCs10065080
Government GrantsYesYesNoYes
EU Funding EligibleYesYesNoYes
Visa Details
Has Startup VisaYesYesNoYes
Processing Time45904260
Min Investment-$55K$90K-
E-ResidencyNoNoNoNo
Digital Nomad VisaYesNoNoYes
Residency Details
Visa Programs Available2324
Citizenship Timeline105-10
Dual CitizenshipNoYesYesYes
Immigration Score7576
Tax Res. Details
Tax Residency Days183183183183
Personal Tax Top Rate47402543
Territorial TaxationNoNoNoNo
Special Tax RegimeYesYesNoYes
Exit TaxYesYesNoNo
Practical Details
Banking Difficultyeasymoderatevery_difficultmoderate
100% Foreign OwnershipYesYesYesYes
Company Formation753030
Virtual Office OKYesYesNoYes
Remote Work Details
Nomad VisaYesNoNoYes
Tourist Workgray_areagray_areaillegalgray_area
Tourist Visa Days90901590
PE Risk Levelmoderatehighlowmoderate
Days Before Tax Res.183183183183
Internet Speed2209010117
Coworking/mo$250$300-$275
Family Details
Safety Index72626565
Int'l SchoolsYesYesNoYes
Homeschoolinglegal_with_restrictionslegal-legal_with_restrictions
Healthcare Quality82753082
Cost of Living55952855
Ecosystem Details
Unicorns51209
English Business EnvNoYesNoNo
Talent Pool Quality70601065

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