Countries Offering the Best Opportunities for Prosperous Female Entrepreneurs to Reside, Conduct Business, and Invest in 2025
In the dynamic world of business, some countries fuel ambition while others may stifle it with high taxes, red tape, and an outdated mindset. The Nomad Capitalist team has put together an in-depth exploration of the best locations for women entrepreneurs.
For women who are serious about building wealth, freedom, and impact, where they live and work is a strategic decision rather than just a lifestyle choice. The right country can help build, protect, and scale wealth.
Singapore, for instance, ranks among the safest, most efficient, and business-friendly destinations for women entrepreneurs. It offers no capital gains tax, no tax on dividends, and no wealth tax. Singaporean female founders leverage government-backed programs, strong investor networks, and Singapore's strategic location as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region. The city-state also boasts easy company setup and business-friendly immigration pathways like the EntrePass.
Switzerland, with its top-tier healthcare and schools, offers tax savings that can offset the high cost of living. The Swiss lump sum tax system imposes a certain amount of tax on locally sourced income but not on income earned overseas. Switzerland's robust banking sector, high living standards, and thriving business scene make it an attractive choice for entrepreneurs.
Portugal is another potential haven for women entrepreneurs. It offers low taxes, straightforward residency requirements, a high quality of life, and a Golden Visa that can lead to EU citizenship in five years with minimal stay requirements.
Ireland has emerged as one of Europe's top venture capital and start-up hubs, with a strong economy, pro-business environment, and global outlook. It offers tax relief and immigration opportunities through government-backed initiatives like the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EII) and the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP). To qualify, applicants must present a high-potential start-up business plan and meet the required funding thresholds.
The Nomad Capitalist team, known for assisting over 2,000 high-net-worth individuals to 'go where they're treated best', pairs clients with experts in tax, investment strategy, asset protection, and immigration to create and execute a holistic plan as unique as their goals.
Examples of successful women entrepreneurs include Zhang Xin, Janice Bryant Howroyd, and Arianna Huffington. These businesses are not just side hustles, but economic engines, generating nearly $3 trillion and powering over 23 million jobs in the United States alone.
In 2025, countries with the best conditions for women entrepreneurs tend to be those with strong startup ecosystems, supportive funding, mentoring networks, and gender equality policies. While countries like Germany are making progress, innovation hubs like Silicon Valley and Tel Aviv still offer earlier-stage financial support and industry partnerships for startups led by women. Flexible digital business models are also increasingly accessible to women, enabling entrepreneurship with low startup capital and location independence.
The Economist's Glass-Ceiling Index for 2025 ranks the best countries for working women, with European and Nordic countries like Sweden topping the list. However, alternatives like Portugal, Ireland, Switzerland, and Singapore provide attractive options for women entrepreneurs seeking a balance between business opportunities and quality of life.
Women are reshaping global business and redefining success on their own terms. The future is bright for women entrepreneurs, and the right location can help them reach new heights.
