Spain, Netherlands, Malta, Greece: Startup Ecosystem & Remote Work Compared

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

Select Countries

SingaporeCyprusEstoniaUruguayPanamaPortugalCosta RicaBelizeSwitzerlandMaltaUnited KingdomCanadaGreeceItalyParaguaySpainGeorgiaUnited Arab EmiratesGermanyIrelandIndonesiaColombiaNetherlandsArgentinaMexicoThailandSao Tome and Principe
4 selectedClear all
🇪🇸Spain
69
Worldwide
🇲🇹Malta
72
Remittance-Based
🇳🇱Netherlands
59
Worldwide
🇬🇷Greece
70
Worldwide

Dimension Profile

Shape = jurisdiction fingerprint. Gap = your decision.

Tax Regime Comparison3
🇪🇸SpainWorldwide47%
🇲🇹MaltaRemittance-Based35%
🇳🇱NetherlandsWorldwide49.5%
🇬🇷GreeceWorldwide44%
Exit tax applies in one jurisdictionCritical

Spain and Netherlands and Greece 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.

14.5pp personal tax rate spreadNote

Both countries tax worldwide income, but the top personal income tax rates differ materially. Netherlands: 49.5% vs Malta: 35%. Both apply to all global earnings once you establish residency.

CFC rules apply in one jurisdictionReview

Spain and Netherlands and Greece 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
🇲🇹Malta72
🇳🇱Netherlands59
🇬🇷Greece70
Dimension Scores
Corporate Tax
32
25
39
52
Funding
100
85
100
85
Visa
90
90
75
85
Residency
43
83
73
60
Tax Res.
45
70
45
45
Practical
96
86
100
83
Remote Work
64
84
39
79
Family
95
100
90
85
Ecosystem
60
50
100
65
Corporate Tax Details
Corporate Tax Rate25%35%25.8%22%
Capital Gains Tax28%0%36%22%
Tax Treaties967710057
Territorial SystemNoNoNoNo
Funding Details
Active VCs1001820016
Government GrantsYesYesYesYes
EU Funding EligibleYesYesYesYes
Visa Details
Has Startup VisaYesYesYesYes
Processing Time456030120
Min Investment-$27K-$272K
E-ResidencyNoNoNoNo
Digital Nomad VisaYesYesNoYes
Residency Details
Visa Programs Available2336
Citizenship Timeline10557
Dual CitizenshipNoYesNoYes
Immigration Score7786
Tax Res. Details
Tax Residency Days183183183183
Personal Tax Top Rate47355044
Territorial TaxationNoNoNoNo
Special Tax RegimeYesYesYesYes
Exit TaxYesNoYesYes
Practical Details
Banking Difficultyeasymoderateeasymoderate
100% Foreign OwnershipYesYesYesYes
Company Formation77510
Virtual Office OKYesYesYesYes
Remote Work Details
Nomad VisaYesYesNoYes
Tourist Workgray_areatoleratedgray_areaillegal
Tourist Visa Days90909090
PE Risk Levelmoderatelowhighmoderate
Days Before Tax Res.183183183183
Internet Speed2206530093
Coworking/mo$250$200$300$175
Family Details
Safety Index72727854
Int'l SchoolsYesYesYesYes
Homeschoolinglegal_with_restrictionslegal_with_restrictionsillegallegal_with_restrictions
Healthcare Quality82748559
Cost of Living55728040
Ecosystem Details
Unicorns50122
English Business EnvNoYesYesYes
Talent Pool Quality70558268

Next steps

Ready to take action?

Ready to incorporate in Spain?

Recommended services used by founders targeting this jurisdiction.

Affiliate links - we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Open a business bank account

Best options for founders incorporated in or targeting Spain.

Affiliate links - we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Discussion (0)

A community of sovereign individuals - founders, families, and remote operators. Share what you know, ask what you don't.

No comments yet - be the first to share what you know about this page.

BEYOND SCORES

Track entities, compliance, and residency days

NomadSignal is more than country scores. Manage your multi-jurisdiction business with pathway playbooks, presence tracking, compliance alerts, and an AI advisor that knows your data.

See the platformPricing