OCTIS vs Ireland vs Netherlands vs Estonia: where to register an EU company
Government rates and rules for a private limited company. Use it to shortlist, then ask a tax adviser.
Last checked · 7 sources
Otty's short answer
Estonia is the easiest to run remotely and taxes only distributed profit, at 22%. Ireland has the lowest headline rate, 12.5% on trading income, but needs an EEA-resident director or a bond. The Netherlands charges 19% up to €200,000 then 25.8%, and uses a notary. Where you are managed from can still decide where you pay tax.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Ireland (CRO) | Netherlands (KVK) | Estonia (e-Residency) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Main company tax | 8.25% on the first HK$2 million, 16.5% above; only Hong Kong-sourced profits taxed, per IRD source rules | 12.5% trading, 25% passive | 19% to €200k, then 25.8% | 0% retained, 22% on payout |
| Government registration fee | Included in the incorporation package | €50 online (A1) | About €85, agent-reported | €265 |
| Company type | Hong Kong company | Private Ltd (LTD) | BV | OÜ |
| Local director needed | No: director can live anywhere | EEA-resident, or a bond | No | No |
| Local address needed | Hong Kong registered office address and company secretary | Irish registered office | Dutch address, agent-reported | Contact person, €200 to €400 a year |
| Notary required | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | No | Yes, civil-law notary | No |
| Fully online setup | Filed online with the Companies Registry | Yes, via CORE | Usually by power of attorney | Yes, with e-Residency card |
| Name reservation | Not needed for the Hong Kong company; local rules apply if you trade there | €25, credited to fee | Not published | Not published |
| Innovation incentive | Not an OCTIS product | Not covered here | 9% innovation box | None listed |
| Time to get e-Resident card | Not applicable | Not applicable | Not applicable | Up to 30 days check, 2 to 5 weeks delivery |
If you have staff, premises or local sales in this country, its own registration and tax rules still apply. OCTIS can help you arrange them.
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if you sell in several countries and want a Hong Kong company with no minimum capital and no local director rule, run from anywhere.
Ireland (CRO)
Choose Ireland if you have real operations, staff or a director in the EEA and want the 12.5% trading rate.
Netherlands (KVK)
Choose the Netherlands if you want a respected BV, can sign through a notary and may qualify for the innovation box.
Estonia (e-Residency)
Choose Estonia if you run alone or in a small team from abroad, reinvest profit and want a fully online process.
What the table does not show
Ireland
Revenue states two corporation tax rates: 12.5% on trading income and 25% on excepted trades and non-trading income such as rent and investment income. The Companies Registration Office charges €50 to file the A1 online. The Companies Act 2014 requires at least one director resident in an EEA state, or a bond, and the CRO says an EEA-resident alternate director does not count. Bond amounts quoted by providers vary, so confirm the current figure before you rely on it.
Netherlands
For 2026 the Dutch government sets corporate income tax at 19% on taxable profit up to €200,000, and €38,000 plus 25.8% of the amount above that. Profit from qualifying innovative activities can be taxed at 9%. A BV is formed through a civil-law notary. Agents report that a foreign director does not need to live in the Netherlands and can sign by power of attorney, and that KVK registration costs about €85. Confirm both on kvk.nl.
Estonia
Estonia charges 22% corporate income tax on distributed profit, such as dividends, and the e-Residency site says profit kept in the company is not taxed until it is paid out. Registration costs €265 and can be done online with an e-Residency card. You need an Estonian address through a contact person service. E-Residency does not make you tax resident in Estonia, and the site warns about permanent establishment and dual tax residency. One e-Residency post mentions an extra 2% tax on profits from 2026, which we could not confirm on the official tax page. Check with EMTA.
Where OCTIS fits
OCTIS does not form EU companies. If you run a Hong Kong or Malaysian company and are weighing an EU entity, the home company stays your base for bookkeeping, company secretary work and audit coordination with an independent licensed auditor. OCTIS handles that side, and moving your accounting and secretarial work to us can take 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
Which EU country is easiest to start a company in as a non-resident?
Estonia is the easiest to complete online. With an e-Residency card you register in under an hour for €265. Ireland is also online but needs an EEA-resident director or a bond. The Netherlands uses a notary, usually with a power of attorney.
Is Ireland's 12.5% rate available to any company?
No. The 12.5% rate applies to trading income. Income from excepted trades and non-trading income, such as rent and investment income, is taxed at 25%. Large groups can face other rules, so ask a tax adviser.
Do I still pay tax at home if my company is in the EU?
Possibly. A company run from Hong Kong or Malaysia can create tax duties at home. Estonia's e-Residency site says e-Residency does not affect personal tax residency and warns about permanent establishment. Get local advice first.
Can an EU company open a bank account easily?
Not always. Banks check directors, owners and the business activity, and many ask for some local link. See our banking comparisons for Europe and the UK. This guide does not cover bank approval.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.