Doing Business in Indonesia VS Finland – A Comparison
Entrepreneurs and investors often face a tough decision when choosing where to establish or expand their businesses. Indonesia and Finland, two vastly different yet strategically appealing countries, are frequently compared as potential business destinations. Each offers unique advantages, making the decision both exciting and challenging.
Indonesia is praised for its competitive business landscape, high quality of life, and lower costs for setting up smaller businesses. On the other hand, Finland is renowned for its advanced infrastructure, innovation-driven economy, and strong governance. This article explores the key factors that differentiate these two countries to help entrepreneurs and investors make an informed decision.
Key Comparison Points
Business Environment
- Indonesia: Indonesia offers a politically stable environment with growing government support for foreign investment, although some bureaucratic hurdles remain.
- Finland: Finland boasts a transparent legal framework and strong governance, making it one of the most politically stable countries in the world.
Taxation
- Indonesia: Corporate tax rates in Indonesia are competitive at 22%, with various tax incentives available for investors in specific industries and regions.
- Finland: Finland’s corporate tax rate is 20%, and while it is slightly lower, the country has fewer tax incentives compared to Indonesia.
Ease of Company Incorporation
- Indonesia: The incorporation process in Indonesia has been streamlined in recent years, but navigating regulatory requirements can still be challenging for foreign investors.
- Finland: Finland offers a straightforward and fully digitalized company incorporation process, making it one of the easiest countries in Europe to start a business.
Cost of Living and Business Operations
- Indonesia: Indonesia is known for its low operational costs, affordable office spaces, and relatively low living expenses, making it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Finland: Finland has higher operational and living costs, which can be a barrier for smaller businesses but is justified by its high standard of living and advanced infrastructure.
Access to Markets
- Indonesia: Indonesia’s strategic location in Southeast Asia provides excellent access to fast-growing regional markets and benefits from ASEAN trade agreements.
- Finland: Finland’s location in Northern Europe offers strong connectivity to EU markets and access to advanced trade networks.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences for easy reference:
Factors |
Indonesia |
Finland |
Business Environment |
Politically stable with growing government support for foreign investments. |
Highly transparent and politically stable with strong governance. |
Corporate Tax Rate |
22% |
20% |
Capital Gains Tax |
Taxed as part of corporate income. |
Taxed at a flat rate of 30% for most cases. |
Ease of Incorporation |
Streamlined but still involves some regulatory hurdles. |
Fully digitalized and straightforward process. |
Business Costs |
Low operational and living costs. |
High operational and living costs. |
Market Access |
Strategic location in Southeast Asia with access to ASEAN markets. |
Strong connectivity to EU markets and advanced trade networks. |

Benefits of Choosing 3E Accounting
Whether you’re looking to register a company in Indonesia or start a business in Indonesia, 3E Accounting offers unparalleled expertise and support. From seamless incorporation to comprehensive business solutions, our team ensures a hassle-free experience for entrepreneurs and investors.
Explore our Indonesia company incorporation services package to understand how we can assist you. For more guidance, check out our guide on registering a company in Indonesia. Ready to take the next step? 3E Accounting is here to help. Contact us today to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Finland allows full digital incorporation, while Indonesia’s process has improved but still includes some regulatory steps. This company registration guide explains the process in Indonesia.
Indonesia is expanding its digital infrastructure and offering investment opportunities in sectors like technology and e-commerce.
Indonesia is far more cost-effective, especially for small and medium-sized businesses. You can refer to this guide to setup Indonesia business for practical insights.
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.