Business Setup Abroad
Starting a company in a new country is rarely about the paperwork alone. It is about picking the right legal structure, understanding which visa actually permits you to trade, opening a business bank account as a newcomer, and knowing what the tax authority expects in your first filing year. This hub collects our practical business guides for the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Italy and Portugal.
Each country guide is written and reviewed manually by the LifeWestWay editorial team, with the official registry, immigration and tax sources cited inside the article. We focus on what a founder must decide first — entity type, residency and work rights, registration costs, accounting duties and the ongoing compliance calendar — rather than generic startup advice you can find anywhere.
How to Start a Business in the USA as a Foreigner (2026)
How a foreigner can legally form and own a US LLC or C-Corporation in 2026 — entity choice, EIN without an SSN, real costs, and the compliance traps that catch foreign founders.
How to Start a Business in the UK as a Foreigner (2026)
How a foreigner can register and run a UK limited company in 2026 — Companies House setup, registered office, Corporation Tax, banking, and the Innovator Founder visa.
How to Start a Business in Australia as a Foreigner (2026)
How a foreigner can register a business in Australia in 2026 — ABN, ASIC company setup, GST, visa work-condition checks, FIRB, and choosing the right structure.
How to Start a Business in Canada as a Foreigner (2026)
How a foreigner can start a business in Canada in 2026 — owning a corporation, director residency rules, the Start-up Visa PR path, provincial nominee streams, BN and GST/HST.
How to Start a Business in Italy as a Foreigner (2026)
How a foreigner can start a business in Italy in 2026 — EU vs non-EU paths, self-employment visa, Decreto Flussi quota, Startup Visa, Partita IVA, SRL and regime forfettario.
How to Start a Business in Portugal as a Foreigner (2026)
How a foreigner can start a business in Portugal in 2026 — EU vs non-EU paths, D2 entrepreneur visa, Empresa na Hora, NIF, structures, and the simplified tax regime.
What every founder decides first
Legal structure
Sole trader, LLC, Ltd, Pty Ltd, SRL or Lda — the label changes by country but the trade-off is the same: personal liability and simple accounting on one side, limited liability with heavier filing duties on the other. Choose before you register; converting later costs money.
Immigration status
Registering a company and being allowed to work in it are two different permissions. Several countries let non-residents own shares but not draw a salary or act as a working director without the right visa. Confirm your work rights before you sign a lease or hire staff.
Running costs people underestimate
Accounting and filings
Annual accounts, VAT/GST returns, payroll registration and social contributions usually cost more per year than the incorporation itself. Budget for a local accountant from month one.
Business banking
Newcomer founders are frequently declined by traditional banks until they hold a local address and tax number. Regulated fintech business accounts often bridge the first months, but check whether your registry or tax office accepts them for capital deposits.