Doing Business in Singapore VS North Macedonia – A Comparison
When entrepreneurs and investors consider establishing or expanding their businesses in Asia, the choice of location is critical. Singapore and North Macedonia are two countries that offer unique advantages, making the decision challenging. Both nations boast strategic advantages that appeal to businesses, but their differences create a dilemma for investors seeking the best fit for their goals.
Singapore is renowned for its competitive business landscape, high quality of life, and lower costs for setting up smaller businesses. Meanwhile, North Macedonia offers a growing economy with attractive tax incentives and access to the European market. This article compares the two destinations to help you make an informed decision.
Singapore: Known for its political stability, robust legal framework, and extensive government support for businesses, Singapore provides a secure and efficient business environment.
North Macedonia: With a stable political climate and ongoing reforms to its legal framework, North Macedonia offers a supportive environment for foreign investors, particularly in manufacturing and technology sectors.
Taxation
Singapore: Boasts a low corporate tax rate of 17%, numerous tax incentives, and no capital gains tax, making it a tax-friendly destination for businesses.
North Macedonia: Offers one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe at 10%, along with favorable tax incentives for foreign investors and no capital gains tax.
Ease of Company Incorporation
Singapore: Features a streamlined and fully digital incorporation process, supported by a strong regulatory environment and advanced digital infrastructure.
North Macedonia: Provides a relatively straightforward incorporation process, with ongoing improvements in digital infrastructure and regulatory procedures to attract foreign businesses.
Cost of Living and Business Operations
Singapore: While operational costs and living expenses are higher, Singapore offers world-class infrastructure and a high quality of life that justifies the investment.
North Macedonia: Offers significantly lower operational costs, affordable office spaces, and a lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious businesses.
Access to Markets
Singapore: As a global hub with excellent connectivity and numerous trade agreements, Singapore provides seamless access to Asian and global markets.
North Macedonia: Strategically located in Southeast Europe, North Macedonia offers access to the European market through its trade agreements and proximity to key regions.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences for easy reference:
Factor
Singapore
North Macedonia
Business Environment
Stable, robust legal framework, and strong government support
Stable, with reforms to support foreign investors
Corporate Tax Rate
17%
10%
Capital Gains Tax
None
None
Ease of Incorporation
Streamlined, fully digital, and efficient
Straightforward, with improving digital infrastructure
Business Costs
Higher operational and living costs
Lower operational and living costs
Market Access
Global connectivity with numerous trade agreements
Access to European markets through trade agreements
Singapore offers political stability, a robust legal framework, and strong government support, making it ideal for starting a business in Singapore.
Singapore has a corporate tax rate of 17%, while North Macedonia offers a lower corporate tax rate of 10%, and both countries do not impose capital gains tax.
The company registration process in Singapore is fully digital and highly efficient, whereas North Macedonia’s process is straightforward but still developing in terms of digital infrastructure.
North Macedonia offers significantly lower operational and living costs compared to Singapore, although Singapore provides a more developed infrastructure.
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.
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