Spain, Netherlands, Thailand: Business Setup & Startup Ecosystem Compared

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

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3 selectedClear all
🇪🇸Spain
69
Worldwide
🇹🇭Thailand
57
Worldwide
🇳🇱Netherlands
59
Worldwide

Dimension Profile

Shape = jurisdiction fingerprint. Gap = your decision.

Tax Regime Comparison3
🇪🇸SpainWorldwide47%
🇹🇭ThailandWorldwide35%
🇳🇱NetherlandsWorldwide49.5%
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 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 Thailand: 35%. 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 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
🇹🇭Thailand57
🇳🇱Netherlands59
Dimension Scores
Corporate Tax
32
43
39
Funding
100
70
100
Visa
90
90
75
Residency
43
58
73
Tax Res.
45
60
45
Practical
96
58
100
Remote Work
64
72
39
Family
95
80
90
Ecosystem
60
60
100
Corporate Tax Details
Corporate Tax Rate25%20%25.8%
Capital Gains Tax28%0%36%
Tax Treaties9661100
Territorial SystemNoNoNo
Funding Details
Active VCs10020200
Government GrantsYesYesYes
EU Funding EligibleYesNoYes
Visa Details
Has Startup VisaYesYesYes
Processing Time456030
Min Investment---
E-ResidencyNoNoNo
Digital Nomad VisaYesYesNo
Residency Details
Visa Programs Available223
Citizenship Timeline10125
Dual CitizenshipNoNoNo
Immigration Score768
Tax Res. Details
Tax Residency Days183180183
Personal Tax Top Rate473550
Territorial TaxationNoNoNo
Special Tax RegimeYesNoYes
Exit TaxYesNoYes
Practical Details
Banking Difficultyeasymoderateeasy
100% Foreign OwnershipYesNoYes
Company Formation7145
Virtual Office OKYesYesYes
Remote Work Details
Nomad VisaYesYesNo
Tourist Workgray_areagray_areagray_area
Tourist Visa Days903090
PE Risk Levelmoderatelowhigh
Days Before Tax Res.183180183
Internet Speed220200300
Coworking/mo$250$150$300
Family Details
Safety Index726278
Int'l SchoolsYesYesYes
Homeschoolinglegal_with_restrictionslegal_with_restrictionsillegal
Healthcare Quality827285
Cost of Living554080
Ecosystem Details
Unicorns5312
English Business EnvNoNoYes
Talent Pool Quality705582

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