Spain, Netherlands, Sao Tome and Principe, Cyprus: 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.

Select Countries

SingaporeCyprusEstoniaUruguayPanamaPortugalCosta RicaBelizeSwitzerlandMaltaUnited KingdomCanadaGreeceItalyParaguaySpainGeorgiaUnited Arab EmiratesGermanyIrelandIndonesiaColombiaNetherlandsArgentinaMexicoThailandSao Tome and Principe
4 selectedClear all
🇪🇸Spain
69
Worldwide
🇨🇾Cyprus
81
Worldwide
🇳🇱Netherlands
59
Worldwide
🇸🇹Sao Tome and Principe
46
Worldwide

Dimension Profile

Shape = jurisdiction fingerprint. Gap = your decision.

Tax Regime Comparison3
🇪🇸SpainWorldwide47%
🇨🇾CyprusWorldwide35%
🇳🇱NetherlandsWorldwide49.5%
🇸🇹Sao Tome and PrincipeWorldwide25%
Exit tax applies in one jurisdictionCritical

Spain 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 countries in this comparison do 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 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 countries in this comparison do 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
🇨🇾Cyprus81
🇳🇱Netherlands59
🇸🇹Sao Tome and Principe46
Dimension Scores
Corporate Tax
32
83
39
17
Funding
100
85
100
40
Visa
90
90
75
50
Residency
43
65
73
56
Tax Res.
45
70
45
55
Practical
96
86
100
55
Remote Work
64
64
39
52
Family
95
100
90
70
Ecosystem
60
65
100
40
Corporate Tax Details
Corporate Tax Rate25%12.5%25.8%25%
Capital Gains Tax28%0%36%0%
Tax Treaties96651003
Territorial SystemNoNoNoNo
Funding Details
Active VCs100202000
Government GrantsYesYesYesNo
EU Funding EligibleYesYesYesNo
Visa Details
Has Startup VisaYesYesYesNo
Processing Time45603042
Min Investment-$30K-$90K
E-ResidencyNoNoNoNo
Digital Nomad VisaYesYesNoNo
Residency Details
Visa Programs Available2332
Citizenship Timeline1075-
Dual CitizenshipNoYesNoYes
Immigration Score7787
Tax Res. Details
Tax Residency Days183183183183
Personal Tax Top Rate47355025
Territorial TaxationNoNoNoNo
Special Tax RegimeYesYesYesNo
Exit TaxYesNoYesNo
Practical Details
Banking Difficultyeasymoderateeasyvery_difficult
100% Foreign OwnershipYesYesYesYes
Company Formation75530
Virtual Office OKYesYesYesNo
Remote Work Details
Nomad VisaYesYesNoNo
Tourist Workgray_areagray_areagray_areaillegal
Tourist Visa Days90909015
PE Risk Levelmoderatemoderatehighlow
Days Before Tax Res.18360183183
Internet Speed2206530010
Coworking/mo$250$180$300-
Family Details
Safety Index72807865
Int'l SchoolsYesYesYesNo
Homeschoolinglegal_with_restrictionslegal_with_restrictionsillegal-
Healthcare Quality82758530
Cost of Living55708028
Ecosystem Details
Unicorns51120
English Business EnvNoYesYesNo
Talent Pool Quality70608210

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