Starting your own business is never an easy feat, especially if you try to build from the ground up. If you want to form a startup in Europe, you need to find the ideal environment to thrive.

Starting a Business in Europe—Which Country Is Best?

Take a look below at the best European countries to start your business.

Denmark

Denmark is one of Europe’s best for starting a business due to its strong economy, central location, and easy process for establishing a company online.

This country, which lies north of Germany and just below Sweden and Norway, is known to have little corruption. This makes it safer to begin your startup and exchange your investments.

Additionally, the overall location is perfect for conducting business across country lines. Denmark is a peninsula, so travel is fast, easy, and convenient.

The economy of Denmark is another reason company startups flock to this location. It has a high GDP per capita and a low unemployment rate. Additionally, it is a part of the EU, making things a lot easier as a company in Europe.

Ireland

Despite Ireland’s poor well-being during the financial crisis, it has since improved and now stands as one of the best countries for startup companies. In fact, Ireland sits on this list because of the government’s efforts to bounce back after the financial crisis.

Ireland usually ranks in the top European countries for ease of paying tax. The corporation tax is only around 12.5 percent—one of the lowest in the entire continent. Additionally, it has ranked within the top five for ease of getting credit.

Ireland has also struck a chord with large tech corporations like Facebook and Google. They have established EMEA headquarters in Dublin, which has since sparked a thriving tech scene.

Sweden

Sweden has ranked 12th worldwide as being one of the best countries for doing business. This is perhaps due to its largely middle-class consumer base and high standard of living.

Since the financial crisis, Sweden has slowly but surely strengthened its economy for doing business.

The central Nordic country is also known for have easy processes for starting a business. It does not take too long (around two weeks), and there are no obstacles for enterprises owned by foreign shareholders.

One of the downsides about Sweden is the high taxes, but that should not be so much of a burden with a thriving economy.

The UK

The United Kingdom’s infrastructure is one of its strong points and the reason it stands on this list. While there are many high-level universities, the UK also has centers like ‘Silicon Roundabout’ in London that promote thriving businesses.

There have been some uncertainties about the future of business in the UK because of Brexit, but for now, it is a great place to start a company.

Norway

Norway is a great country to start a company in. The low unemployment and inflation rates demonstrate the strength of the economy.

Additionally, the population is mostly high-income people, so it is great for startups that cater to that section of the population.

The path to starting a business in Norway is also relatively easy. It does not cost too much, and the infrastructure can support businesses of all sizes.

One downside is that Norway is not a part of the EU. It is, though, a member of the European Economic Area.

Switzerland

Switzerland is an excellent place for business, as the government and the economy are very stable. The Swedish government is usually very reliable.

Plus, the infrastructure is ideal for startups because it is very developed, and the prime location of the country certainly poses an advantage.

Starting Your Company in Switzerland

If you are a foreigner in Switzerland, there are three routes you can go to legally establish a business. The first is to obtain the C permit, be married to someone with a C permit, or be married to a Swiss citizen.

Choosing Your Company Structure 

Before establishing your business, you must choose the structure of the company. The first is an AG company, which is a public limited company.

This means shares are offered to the general public and can be traded on a public stock exchange. A GmbH company is a privately held company and is often compared to a limited liability business.