How to Choose a Jurisdiction for International Business in 2025

Nikita Veremeev

25.07.2025 | 6 min read

Updated: 25.07.2025

In 2024, over 70% of international companies experienced delays in opening accounts and executing cross-border payments due to tightened compliance procedures and new transparency requirements for corporate structures. At the same time, according to the latest World Bank reports, more than 60% of entrepreneurs believe that the choice of jurisdiction for international business affects access to investments, financing costs, and resilience to regulatory changes.

Why do some companies successfully scale in Europe and Asia, while others spend months agreeing on documents and face account blockages? How to ensure the legalization of income in international business, reduce tax risks, and protect assets abroad without landing on the EU and FATF blacklists? These questions become critical for anyone planning to register a company abroad or start a business in Europe, Asia, or offshore jurisdictions.

In this article, I will discuss how the COREDO team helps clients choose the optimal country for business registration in 2025, which criteria really matter, and how to avoid key mistakes when comparing business jurisdictions. If you want a practical guide to international legal support, learn about the latest trends in corporate taxation, AML compliance, and integration with international banks, I recommend reading to the end. Here, you’ll find not only analysis but also real steps verified by COREDO’s practice.

Criteria for Selecting a Jurisdiction for International Business in 2025

Illustration for the section "Criteria for Selecting a Jurisdiction for International Business in 2025" in the article "How to Choose a Jurisdiction for International Business in 2025"
Choosing a jurisdiction for international business: a strategic decision that affects not only the tax burden but also the company’s reputation, access to international settlements, and resilience to regulatory changes. At COREDO, we always start with a comprehensive analysis of the following criteria:

Corporate taxation: tax levels, availability of Double Tax Treaties, tax residency requirements, and CFC rules.
Substance requirements: need for actual presence, economic presence, influence of new EU and Asia standards.
AML compliance and KYC: current compliance procedures, risks of being blacklisted by the EU and FATF, automatic exchange of tax information (CRS).
Jurisdiction reputation: prestigious business ratings (Doing Business), reputational risks, integration with international payment systems and banks.

These parameters form the basis of COREDO’s internal due diligence methodologies for jurisdictions and risk assessments when registering companies in the EU, Asia, and offshore zones.

Corporate Taxation and Tax Risks

In 2025, corporate taxation in different countries is becoming less predictable due to global initiatives for minimum corporate tax and automatic exchange of tax information. For example, when structuring holding companies in the EU, the COREDO team considers not only nominal rates but also the presence of Double Tax Treaties, tax residency requirements, and CFC rules.

In one of COREDO’s cases for an IT company with European and Asian clients, a multi-level corporate structure was implemented using a holding in the Netherlands and operating companies in Estonia and Singapore. This approach reduced the tax burden, ensured income legalization in international business, and minimized tax risks in cross-border payments.

Substance Requirements and Real Presence

Since 2024, substance and economic presence requirements have been tightened in almost all European jurisdictions. To register a company abroad in the EU, a nominal address is no longer sufficient; an actual office, local staff, reporting, and confirmation of economic activity are required.

COREDO’s practice confirms: when choosing a jurisdiction for international business in 2025, it is important to assess in advance whether you can meet the substance requirements to avoid claims from tax authorities and banking sanctions. This is especially relevant for offshore jurisdictions, where substance becomes a key factor for opening accounts and accessing international settlements.

AML Compliance and KYC: New Standards and Risks

AML compliance and KYC remain crucial for international legal support. In 2025, banks and payment systems require not only complete disclosure of beneficial ownership but also transparency of capital sources, automatic exchange of tax information (CRS), and adherence to all compliance procedures.

The COREDO team has implemented projects where the key to success was the preliminary internal due diligence of the client and the preparation of a complete package of documents for banks and regulators. This approach minimizes the risk of account opening refusals and reduces the likelihood of blockages due to suspected AML violations.

Jurisdiction Reputation and Prestigious Rankings

The reputation of a jurisdiction is one of the main factors for attracting investments, partners, and access to international markets. Countries with high positions in Doing Business rankings, stable banking systems, and transparent compliance procedures not only protect assets abroad but also facilitate integration with international payment systems.

COREDO’s experience shows: when choosing a country for business registration, it is important to consider not only tax and legal aspects but also reputational risks associated with being listed on EU, FATF, and other regulators’ blacklists.

Comparison of Popular Jurisdictions for Company Registration in the EU, Asia, and Africa

Illustration for the section "Comparison of Popular Jurisdictions for Company Registration in the EU, Asia, and Africa" in the article "How to Choose a Jurisdiction for International Business in 2025"
Selecting the optimal country for business registration in 2025 requires a deep analysis not only of tax rates but also of substance requirements, AML compliance, banking capabilities, and reputation. In COREDO’s practice, we analyze jurisdictions in the following areas:

Best European Countries for Business Registration in 2025

For technology and IT-focused companies, Estonia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, and Poland remain relevant in 2025. Estonia offers a unique e-Residency program, allowing remote company management and integration with international payment systems. Poland and the Czech Republic attract incentives for IT and R&D, while Cyprus offers possibilities for structuring holding companies and family offices with minimal tax burdens.

Solutions developed by COREDO for European clients often include holding structures considering substance requirements and licensing requirements (e.g., for fintech and payment services).

Asian Jurisdictions: Advantages and Limitations

Singapore and Hong Kong remain key destinations for accessing Asian markets due to stable legal systems, favorable corporate taxation, and high integration with international banks. However, from 2025, requirements for real presence (local director, office, substance) and beneficiary disclosure have tightened.

COREDO’s experience shows: to open a company in Asia with minimal risks, it is important to prepare a document package for banks in advance, ensure transparency of the structure, and consider the specifics of registering companies with foreign participation.

Offshore Zones and Africa: When They Are Relevant

Offshore jurisdictions (e.g., Seychelles, Belize) lose appeal in 2025 due to enhanced AML compliance, EU blacklisting, and difficulties with opening accounts. However, for tasks of asset protection abroad, business ownership confidentiality, and family office structuring, such solutions may be justified given compliance with all substance and beneficial ownership requirements.

In Africa, Mauritius and South Africa present opportunities, offering flexible regimes for international investments, but require thorough due diligence and assessment of reputational risks.

Comparison Table of Key Jurisdictions by Main Criteria

Jurisdiction	Taxation	Substance Requirements	AML/Compliance	Reputation	Account Opening	Features
Estonia	0% on reinvest	Minimal	High	High	Moderate	e-Residency
UAE	0-9%	Required	Medium	Medium	Easy	Free zones
Seychelles	0% (IBC)	Minimal	Enhanced	Low	Difficult	EU blacklisted
Poland	9-19%	Required	High	High	Easy	IT incentives

Practical Aspects of Registering a Company Abroad

Illustration for the section "Practical Aspects of Registering a Company Abroad" in the article "How to Choose a Jurisdiction for International Business in 2025"

COREDO’s extensive experience confirms that the success of registering a company abroad depends on a clear step-by-step strategy, sound corporate structure planning, and adherence to all licensing requirements.

Step-by-Step Guide to Registering a Holding Company in the EU

Analyze business goals and structure: Define objectives (asset management, intellectual property protection, family office).
Select the optimal country considering substance requirements and tax treaties.
Conduct due diligence: Check founders, capital sources, beneficial ownership.
Prepare incorporation documents and register the company.
Open a bank account and integrate with international payment systems.
Establish corporate administration and financial monitoring systems.

In one of its recent cases, COREDO implemented a phased company registration for a holding structure in Estonia and Cyprus, followed by activity licensing and connection to European banks.

Opening a Bank Account and International Settlements

In 2025, banks in the EU and Asia require new companies to fully disclose their structure, confirm substance, and provide transparency of fund sources. COREDO’s practice shows: for successful account opening, it is important to prepare a compliance package in advance, including a business plan, due diligence documents, and confirmation of economic presence.

For international settlements and currency operations, we recommend choosing jurisdictions highly integrated into SWIFT, SEPA, and other payment systems, with resilience to banking sanctions.

Adhering to AML and KYC When Registering a Business

Adhering to AML requirements when opening a company abroad: a key factor for long-term success. COREDO solutions include developing internal compliance procedures, implementing automatic tax information exchange (CRS), and regular financial monitoring.

Remote Registration and Servicing of Companies

Digital services, such as Estonian e-Residency, allow for fully remote business registration and administration, which is especially relevant for e-commerce and IT companies. The COREDO team supports clients at all stages of remote registration, ensuring full compliance with substance and corporate administration requirements.

How to Minimize Risks and Increase the Resilience of International Business

Illustration for the section "How to Minimize Risks and Increase the Resilience of International Business" in the article "How to Choose a Jurisdiction for International Business in 2025"

In the context of ongoing regulatory changes and increased transparency demands, resilience of international business requires a comprehensive approach to asset protection, tax risk management, and adherence to all compliance standards.

How to Avoid Double Taxation and Sanctions

Utilizing international tax agreements (Double Tax Treaties) and proper structuring of the corporate structure can minimize the risks of double taxation.

COREDO’s experience shows: regular audits of tax residency and structure transparency help avoid sanctions and account blockages.

Current Requirements for Transparency and Beneficial Ownership

From 2025, almost all jurisdictions require disclosure of beneficiary information, automatic exchange of tax information (CRS), and implementation of financial monitoring. COREDO solutions include building transparent corporate structures that meet the expectations of foreign investors and regulatory requirements.

The Impact of EU and FATF Blacklists on Jurisdiction Selection

A jurisdiction’s inclusion on EU or FATF blacklists leads to restrictions on international settlements, complicates account openings, and increases reputational risks. In practice, COREDO recommends avoiding company registration in countries with low reputation, even if they offer attractive tax rates.

Key Conclusions and Practical Recommendations for Choosing a Jurisdiction in 2025

Illustration for the section "Key Conclusions and Practical Recommendations for Choosing a Jurisdiction in 2025" in the article "How to Choose a Jurisdiction for International Business in 2025"
Main Selection Criteria:

Level of corporate taxation and presence of Double Tax Treaties
Substance and economic presence requirements
AML compliance and KYC standards
Jurisdiction reputation and business rankings
Opportunities for account opening and integration with international payment systems

Practical Tips:

Conduct comprehensive due diligence for jurisdictions using professional risk analysis and country comparison services.
Structure your business considering substance requirements and beneficial ownership transparency.
Regularly audit the corporate structure and comply with new regulatory requirements.
Utilize digital tools for remote registration and corporate administration.
Assess ROI not just by tax rates, but also by banking access, reputation, and resilience to regulatory changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Choosing a Jurisdiction for International Business

1. What criteria should be considered when choosing a jurisdiction for international business in 2025?
Key parameters: corporate taxation, substance requirements, AML compliance standards, jurisdiction reputation, opportunities for account opening, and integration with international payment systems.

2. How have substance and real presence requirements changed in the EU and Asia?
In most EU and Asian countries, from 2024, economic presence requirements have tightened: an actual office, local staff, confirmation of business activity are required.

3. Which jurisdictions offer the best conditions for asset protection and risk management in 2025?
Estonia, Cyprus, UAE, and Singapore: optimal for structuring holdings, family offices, and asset protection subject to all compliance requirements.

4. How to choose a country for company registration to simplify international settlements and bank access?
Focus on jurisdictions with high integration in SWIFT, SEPA, stable banking systems, and absence from EU and FATF blacklists.

5. What are the risks associated with registering a company in an offshore zone, and how can they be minimized?
Main risks – difficulties with account opening, increased substance requirements, reputational limitations. Risks can be minimized through transparent structure, compliance with all AML standards, and regular audits.

6. How do new AML and KYC standards affect the choice of jurisdiction for international business?
Tightening AML and KYC standards require full structure transparency, disclosure of beneficiaries, and source of funds, affecting the choice of country and corporate structure design.

7. What tools and services help analyze and compare jurisdictions for business registration?
Use professional platforms for due diligence, Doing Business rankings, FATF reports, and specialized tax and compliance risk analysis services.

Choosing a jurisdiction for international business: not just a formality but a strategic step that determines your company’s resilience, transparency, and effectiveness in the global market. COREDO’s experience shows that only a comprehensive approach, deep analysis, and professional support can achieve long-term success and minimize risks in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.