Thailand, Sao Tome and Principe, Spain, United Kingdom: Startup Funding & Startup Ecosystem Compared

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

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4 selectedClear all
🇪🇸Spain
69
Worldwide
🇬🇧United Kingdom
71
Worldwide
🇹🇭Thailand
57
Worldwide
🇸🇹Sao Tome and Principe
46
Worldwide

Dimension Profile

Shape = jurisdiction fingerprint. Gap = your decision.

Tax Regime Comparison3
🇪🇸SpainWorldwide47%
🇬🇧United KingdomWorldwide45%
🇹🇭ThailandWorldwide35%
🇸🇹Sao Tome and PrincipeWorldwide25%
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.

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 United Kingdom 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
🇬🇧United Kingdom71
🇹🇭Thailand57
🇸🇹Sao Tome and Principe46
Dimension Scores
Corporate Tax
32
42
43
17
Funding
100
85
70
40
Visa
90
80
90
50
Residency
43
65
58
56
Tax Res.
45
45
60
55
Practical
96
100
58
55
Remote Work
64
43
72
52
Family
95
80
80
70
Ecosystem
60
100
60
40
Corporate Tax Details
Corporate Tax Rate25%25%20%25%
Capital Gains Tax28%24%0%0%
Tax Treaties96130613
Territorial SystemNoNoNoNo
Funding Details
Active VCs100650200
Government GrantsYesYesYesNo
EU Funding EligibleYesNoNoNo
Visa Details
Has Startup VisaYesYesYesNo
Processing Time45566042
Min Investment-$0-$90K
E-ResidencyNoNoNoNo
Digital Nomad VisaYesNoYesNo
Residency Details
Visa Programs Available2322
Citizenship Timeline10612-
Dual CitizenshipNoYesNoYes
Immigration Score7767
Tax Res. Details
Tax Residency Days183183180183
Personal Tax Top Rate47453525
Territorial TaxationNoNoNoNo
Special Tax RegimeYesNoNoNo
Exit TaxYesNoNoNo
Practical Details
Banking Difficultyeasyeasymoderatevery_difficult
100% Foreign OwnershipYesYesNoYes
Company Formation711430
Virtual Office OKYesYesYesNo
Remote Work Details
Nomad VisaYesNoYesNo
Tourist Workgray_areaillegalgray_areaillegal
Tourist Visa Days901803015
PE Risk Levelmoderatevery_highlowlow
Days Before Tax Res.183183180183
Internet Speed2208520010
Coworking/mo$250$400$150-
Family Details
Safety Index72656265
Int'l SchoolsYesYesYesNo
Homeschoolinglegal_with_restrictionslegallegal_with_restrictions-
Healthcare Quality82787230
Cost of Living551054028
Ecosystem Details
Unicorns57530
English Business EnvNoYesNoNo
Talent Pool Quality70905510

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