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Starting a business from abroad has become a much more attainable goal than in the past for entrepreneurs who want to access larger markets, earn foreign currency income and build an international brand. Thanks to digitalization, no matter where you are in the world, processes such as setting up a company in another country, opening an online store, accessing global payment systems and doing cross-border trade can be completed in just a few days.
The first question many entrepreneurs ask is usually this: “Do I need to be physically in the country to set up a company abroad?”
For most countries, the answer is no. In other words, someone living in Turkey can establish a company in the USA, the UK, Estonia or Dubai and manage their global business without physically going there.
In recent years, setting up a foreign-based business has grown significantly, especially among those working in e-commerce, consulting, software, digital marketing, content creation, SaaS and freelancing. Many people think this change is just a “trend,” but the core reasons are actually quite logical and sustainable.
While Turkey offers a market of around 80 million people, when you start a business abroad you can reach billions of customers from the U.S. to Europe. This allows you to sell your products or services at much higher scales.
Earning income in foreign currency helps you stand stronger against exchange rate fluctuations. This is a major advantage, especially for those producing digital services.
Having a global company address both increases customer trust and makes business partnerships easier. For example:
“US LLC”
“UK LTD”
“Estonian OÜ”
as a company label creates a professional perception in international markets.
Systems such as Stripe, Mercury and Revolut Business, which are not accessible from Turkey, can be used with a foreign company. Without these systems, entering many platforms is impossible.
In some countries, business taxes are lower or more flexible. For example:
In Estonia, there is no tax on undistributed profits.
In the UK, VAT processes are more straightforward for digital businesses.
In the USA, the tax structure of LLCs is quite flexible.
All these reasons make starting a business from abroad one of the most pragmatic entrepreneurial models of our time.
You may not need a foreign company for every business model, but for some, it is almost essential. You can create different strategies depending on what you sell or what service you provide.
For those who want to sell on platforms like Amazon FBA, Etsy, Shopify or eBay, a foreign company is the most suitable solution, because most of these platforms require direct verification of a legal entity.
SaaS models, online courses, digital files and design products are among the fastest-growing categories globally.
Frequently Asked Question: “Is a foreign company mandatory to sell digital products?”
It is not strictly required, but it provides significant advantages in terms of payment systems and global reach.
Services such as consulting, social media management, software development and graphic design can be offered in a much more professional framework with a foreign company.
Moreover, most foreign clients prefer freelancers who operate through a company.
Businesses engaged in physical production must first establish a company in Europe or the USA in order to open a warehouse there. This structure makes logistics processes easier.
The countries most preferred by those who want to set up a company abroad stand out due to their level of digitalization, ease of access to bank accounts and low costs. Each country offers a different advantage.
A U.S. LLC is one of the most preferred company structures in the world.
Advantages:
Instant compatibility with global payment systems (Stripe, PayPal, Payoneer, etc.)
Simple and fast formation
It can be established as a single-member company
Low operating costs
Ideal for Amazon FBA and Shopify
Frequently Asked Question: “If I set up a company in the U.S., will I pay tax in the U.S.?”
For LLCs, this depends entirely on the business model. The tax burden is determined by the country of residence of the individual.
A UK LTD is still one of the most prestigious company structures in the world, despite the UK leaving the European Union.
Advantages:
Remote formation
Full compatibility with Stripe and Revolut Business
Reasonable annual costs
Ideal prestige for European customers
Easy account verification processes
It is a strong choice especially in the service sector and e-commerce.
The Estonian OÜ is known for the world’s first digital state program, e-Residency.
Advantages:
Fully online company formation
Digital banking options
Zero tax on undistributed profits
Validity across the European Union
Excellent structure for software and SaaS
The Dutch BV is preferred especially by businesses working in B2B.
Advantages:
International prestige
Strong banking network
Ideal location for European logistics
Setting up a company in Dubai has become very popular in recent years.
Advantages:
Zero corporate tax (in certain zones)
International company image
Easy bank access
Compatibility with global payment systems
It is preferred by businesses with high trade volumes.
When choosing the right company structure, you need to consider your business model, target country and future plans.
A brief guide:
Digital businesses → Estonian OÜ or U.S. LLC
Amazon FBA → U.S. LLC
Entering the European market → UK LTD or Dutch BV
Consulting services → UK LTD or Estonian OÜ
Large-scale ambitions → C-Corp or BV
Frequently Asked Question: “Is it difficult to set up a foreign company?”
No. Since many countries have gone digital, the procedures can be completed online within a few days.
The tax situation varies by country, but the basic principle is this:
Tax liability is determined more by the country where the person is a tax resident than by the country where the company is established.
So, an entrepreneur living in Turkey:
Can have a foreign company,
But still must declare income in Turkey based on the earnings obtained.
For this reason, tax planning is one of the most critical phases of the process. Getting expert support is always an advantage.
To run a global business, access to international payment systems is essential.
The most commonly used systems:
Stripe
PayPal
Payoneer
Wise Business
Mercury
Revolut Business
A question many entrepreneurs ask is: “Can’t I use Stripe with my Turkish company?” Unfortunately, no. Stripe is not active in Turkey. Therefore, a foreign company is required.
The cost varies by country:
U.S. LLC → Medium budget
UK LTD → Budget-friendly
Estonian OÜ → Medium budget
Dutch BV → High budget
Dubai → High budget
However, a low formation cost does not always mean a good choice, because choosing the right structure for the target market is much more important.
After setting up a foreign company, managing the business proceeds with the following steps:
Integration of banking and payment systems
Accounting and reporting
Account verification on e-commerce platforms
Logistics planning (FBA, 3PL, dropshipping, etc.)
Brand building
Marketing and advertising processes
Most of these steps are carried out online. This means you can manage your own global company from anywhere in the world.
Starting a business from abroad is not as difficult as you might think; it simply requires conscious planning. With the right country, the right company structure and the right business model, you can start operating on a global scale in a short time and generate international income streams.
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