Best EU Countries for Doing Business in 2025: Where to Establish a Company?

Best EU Countries for Doing Business in 2025: Where to Establish a Company?

Europe attracts entrepreneurs from many countries due to its stable economic environment, open borders, business prestige, access to financial services, and favorable tax systems.

The European Union concentrates numerous low-tax jurisdictions that actively attract foreign investment and create favorable conditions for various types of businesses.

Registering a company in the EU is not just about prestige but also about the opportunity to scale a business internationally. The domestic market of a single country may be limited, but European legislation allows businesses to operate without barriers across the entire union.

However, the choice of jurisdiction must be well-reasoned and carefully considered. Not every country is suitable for all types of businesses – it is important to evaluate tax policies, regulations, access to financial tools, and the country’s reputation. Some states offer minimal tax burdens and simplified licensing, while others require strict compliance with rules and ensure a high level of trust in companies.

In this article, we will review the best countries for registering companies in the cryptocurrency, forex, gambling, fintech, IT, and advertising sectors, highlighting the key advantages and disadvantages of each jurisdiction.

1) Cryptocurrency Business

The year 2025 has been pivotal for the cryptocurrency business in Europe due to the implementation of MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation). This means that crypto companies wishing to operate within the EU must comply with the new requirements.

Estonia: Stability, Digitalization, and Tax Benefits

Estonia has long-standing ties with the cryptocurrency sector and was one of the first EU countries to issue licenses for crypto companies. As early as 2017, Estonia developed a clear system for licensing crypto businesses, making it one of the most attractive jurisdictions for blockchain startups.

✅ Advantages:

• One of the first EU countries to issue crypto licenses, ensuring a high level of trust from financial institutions.
• The license complies with MiCA, facilitating entry into the European market.
• Corporate tax – 0% if profits are not distributed, and 20% on dividends.
• e-Residency allows businesses to be managed remotely.
• High trust from banks and payment service providers.

❌ Disadvantage:

• Significantly more complex licensing procedure in 2023-2025: companies must undergo thorough financial regulatory scrutiny, and the approval process may take longer than in some other EU countries.

Netherlands: Extensive Licensing Practice Under MiCA

✅ Advantages:

• One of the first EU countries to adapt legislation to MiCA, with a broad precedent base and licensing practice. Unlike many other countries that have not yet adopted the relevant legislation, the Netherlands is already actively issuing licenses to crypto companies.
• Licensing by De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) provides high trust in businesses.
• A large financial sector with access to reliable banking services.

❌ Disadvantage:

• High corporate tax: 19% on profits up to €200,000 and 25.8% on higher amounts.

2) Forex Business

Forex brokerage remains one of the most tightly regulated industries in Europe. A well-chosen jurisdiction allows brokers to legally offer services across the EU under a single license.

Cyprus – The Leading Hub for Forex Brokers

Cyprus remains the primary hub for forex brokerage businesses in the EU, offering a well-regulated environment, competitive tax rates, and access to European financial markets.

✅ Advantages:

• A Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) license allows brokers to operate across the EU under MiFID II regulations.
• Low corporate tax – 12.5%, one of the most attractive in Europe.
• Relatively low capital requirements compared to stricter jurisdictions like Germany or France.
• Developed financial and forex infrastructure, including access to liquidity providers and payment processors.

❌ Disadvantage:

• Increased scrutiny from CySEC following past regulatory concerns, which has led to stricter oversight and compliance requirements.

3) Gambling Business

The online gambling industry is thriving in Europe, but only a few jurisdictions offer a clear regulatory framework and international recognition. Choosing the right country is essential for ensuring a strong reputation and smooth banking relationships.

Malta – The European Gaming Hub

Malta has long been the leading European hub for online gambling. The country’s Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) license is recognized worldwide and allows operators to serve clients across the EU.

✅ Advantages:

• The most reputable gambling license in Europe, recognized by financial institutions and payment providers.
• Clear and structured regulation under the MGA.
• Competitive tax rates for gambling companies.

❌ Disadvantage:

• Strict compliance and due diligence requirements, which may increase operational costs.

4) Fintech

Fintech companies are shaping the future of financial services. Choosing the right jurisdiction is crucial for accessing banking services, obtaining the necessary licensing, and operating under a favorable tax regime.

Lithuania – The Fastest Licensing Process in the EU

Lithuania has become a European fintech hub, offering a relatively simple and fast procedure for obtaining an Electronic Money Institution (EMI) license.

✅ Advantages:

• Fastest licensing process in the EU – on average, 6-12 months.
• Corporate tax – 15%.
• Access to SEPA and integration with the European banking system.

❌ Disadvantage:

• Banks are cautious about new fintech companies, which may complicate account opening.

Germany: A Prestigious Jurisdiction for Large Fintech Companies

Germany is more suitable for large financial companies seeking maximum trust from clients and banks.

✅ Advantages:

• BaFin license – the “gold standard” in the financial sector.
• High level of trust in financial companies.

❌ Disadvantage:

• High corporate tax – up to 30%.

5) IT Business

IT companies choose jurisdictions based on low taxation, access to venture capital, and a convenient digital infrastructure.

Ireland: Ideal for Tech Giants

✅ Advantages:

• The lowest corporate tax in Europe – 12.5%.
• Headquarters of Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook are located here.
• Access to venture capital and major investors.

❌ Disadvantage:

• High cost of living and office rent in Dublin.

Poland: A Rapidly Growing IT Market

✅ Advantages:

• Competitive business costs and access to a large pool of IT specialists.
• Corporate tax – 9% for small companies and 19% for large ones.
• Government support programs for startups and IT companies.

❌ Disadvantage:

• Frequent changes in tax legislation, making long-term planning challenging.

6) Advertising Business

The digital marketing sector in Europe is rapidly evolving. Businesses in this field benefit from operating in countries with strong digital infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and access to global markets.

Sweden – A Leader in Digital Marketing

Sweden is one of the leading centers for the advertising industry in Europe, thanks to a developed digital infrastructure and innovative marketing solutions.

✅ Advantages:

• Strong support for digital companies and marketing technologies.
• Corporate tax – 20.6%, which is below the European average.
• Access to international advertising markets and partnerships with global brands.

❌ Disadvantage:

• High cost of doing business, especially in Stockholm.

Conclusion

Europe remains one of the best regions for doing business, but choosing the right jurisdiction requires an analysis of tax burdens, licensing complexity, and financial stability.

Legal consultation before opening a company will help:

• Select the jurisdiction with the most favorable conditions.
• Avoid tax risks.
• Ensure that the company complies with regulatory requirements.

If you need to register a company, obtain a license, or open a bank account in the EU, FINANCEIQ HUB LTD can help you find the best solution.

We offer a full range of services:

1. Business analysis and jurisdiction selection.
2. Drafting business plans, statutory documents, and company registration.
3. Obtaining the necessary license.
4. Opening bank accounts and integrating financial tools (acquiring, card issuance, virtual IBANs, liquidity providers).
5. Establishing AML procedures if required.
6. Legal support for companies, communication with banks, reporting.

We also optimize business operations for existing companies.

📩 Contact us now to get the most information about your opportunities!