Thailand, Malta, Indonesia, Spain: Business Setup & Residency Pathways Compared

Side-by-side breakdown of business setup, residency pathways, startup funding, and 6 more dimensions for founders choosing where to incorporate in 2026.

Select Countries

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4 selectedClear all
🇮🇩Indonesia
61
Worldwide
🇪🇸Spain
69
Worldwide
🇲🇹Malta
72
Remittance-Based
🇹🇭Thailand
57
Worldwide

Dimension Profile

Shape = jurisdiction fingerprint. Gap = your decision.

Tax Regime Comparison3
🇮🇩IndonesiaWorldwide35%
🇪🇸SpainWorldwide47%
🇲🇹MaltaRemittance-Based35%
🇹🇭ThailandWorldwide35%
Exit tax applies in one jurisdictionCritical

Spain has 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.

12pp personal tax rate spreadNote

Both countries tax worldwide income, but the top personal income tax rates differ materially. Spain: 47% vs Indonesia: 35%. Both apply to all global earnings once you establish residency.

CFC rules apply in one jurisdictionReview

Spain has 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
🇮🇩Indonesia61
🇪🇸Spain69
🇲🇹Malta72
🇹🇭Thailand57
Dimension Scores
Corporate Tax
37
32
25
43
Funding
80
100
85
70
Visa
90
90
90
90
Residency
43
43
83
58
Tax Res.
55
45
70
60
Practical
45
96
86
58
Remote Work
67
64
84
72
Family
75
95
100
80
Ecosystem
70
60
50
60
Corporate Tax Details
Corporate Tax Rate22%25%35%20%
Capital Gains Tax-28%0%0%
Tax Treaties71967761
Territorial SystemNoNoNoNo
Funding Details
Active VCs301001820
Government GrantsYesYesYesYes
EU Funding EligibleNoYesYesNo
Visa Details
Has Startup VisaYesYesYesYes
Processing Time60456060
Min Investment--$27K-
E-ResidencyNoNoNoNo
Digital Nomad VisaYesYesYesYes
Residency Details
Visa Programs Available2232
Citizenship Timeline1010512
Dual CitizenshipNoNoYesNo
Immigration Score5776
Tax Res. Details
Tax Residency Days183183183180
Personal Tax Top Rate35473535
Territorial TaxationNoNoNoNo
Special Tax RegimeNoYesYesNo
Exit TaxNoYesNoNo
Practical Details
Banking Difficultydifficulteasymoderatemoderate
100% Foreign OwnershipNoYesYesNo
Company Formation307714
Virtual Office OKNoYesYesYes
Remote Work Details
Nomad VisaYesYesYesYes
Tourist Workgray_areagray_areatoleratedgray_area
Tourist Visa Days30909030
PE Risk Levellowmoderatelowlow
Days Before Tax Res.183183183180
Internet Speed2522065200
Coworking/mo$100$250$200$150
Family Details
Safety Index55727262
Int'l SchoolsYesYesYesYes
Homeschoolinglegallegal_with_restrictionslegal_with_restrictionslegal_with_restrictions
Healthcare Quality55827472
Cost of Living32557240
Ecosystem Details
Unicorns8503
English Business EnvNoNoYesNo
Talent Pool Quality50705555

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