Doing Business in Indonesia VS Somalia – A Comparison
Entrepreneurs and investors often face the challenging decision of choosing the right country to establish or expand their businesses. When considering Indonesia and Somalia, both nations present unique opportunities and advantages that make the decision even more complex. Indonesia is known for its competitive business landscape, high quality of life, and relatively low costs for setting up smaller businesses. On the other hand, Somalia offers untapped potential for growth in a developing market with opportunities for high returns in specific industries.
Key Comparison Points
Business Environment
- Indonesia: Indonesia benefits from political stability and a well-established legal framework, with government initiatives supporting foreign investments.
- Somalia: Somalia is rebuilding its political and legal systems, offering opportunities in a developing market but facing challenges due to ongoing instability.
Taxation
- Indonesia: Indonesia has a corporate tax rate of 22% and offers tax incentives for specific industries and regions to attract foreign investors.
- Somalia: Somalia has a less structured taxation system, with approximately 30% (though rates can vary and are less predictable due to inconsistent regulations), making it less predictable for investors.
Ease of Company Incorporation
- Indonesia: Indonesia offers a streamlined incorporation process, supported by digital infrastructure and a favorable regulatory environment for foreign businesses.
- Somalia: Somalia’s incorporation process is less developed, with limited digital infrastructure and regulatory challenges for foreign investors.
Cost of Living and Business Operations
- Indonesia: Indonesia has relatively low operational costs, affordable office spaces, and a moderate cost of living, making it attractive for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Somalia: Somalia’s operational costs can vary significantly, with higher risks and challenges in securing reliable infrastructure and resources.
Access to Markets
- Indonesia: Indonesia enjoys strong global connectivity, being part of key trade agreements and located strategically in Southeast Asia.
- Somalia: Somalia has access to regional markets in East Africa, but global connectivity is limited due to underdeveloped trade infrastructure.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences for easy reference.
Factor |
Indonesia |
Somalia |
Business Environment |
Stable political and legal framework with government support for foreign investments. |
Developing market with opportunities but faces political and legal challenges. |
Corporate Tax Rate |
22% |
Approximately 30% (though rates can vary and are less predictable due to inconsistent regulations). |
Capital Gains Tax |
Structured and regulated. |
Unstructured and inconsistent. |
Ease of Incorporation |
Streamlined process with digital infrastructure. |
Challenging process with limited infrastructure. |
Business Costs |
Low operational and living costs. |
Varied costs with higher risks. |
Market Access |
Strong global connectivity and trade agreements. |
Limited global connectivity and underdeveloped trade infrastructure. |

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
Indonesia offers political stability, better legal infrastructure, and strong government incentives for foreign investors, while Somalia still faces regulatory and political challenges.
Indonesia has a corporate tax rate of 22%, with incentives for select sectors. Somalia’s rate is approximately 30% but can be inconsistent due to regulatory variations.
Yes, Indonesia has a more streamlined incorporation process supported by digital infrastructure, unlike Somalia which faces infrastructural and legal limitations. For details, check out the company registration in Indonesia guide.
Indonesia provides lower and more predictable operational costs. Somalia’s business costs can vary significantly and come with higher risks.
Indonesia enjoys strong global connectivity and regional trade agreements like ASEAN, giving it better market access than Somalia. Explore the guide to setup Indonesia business for more.
Somalia presents higher operational and political risks, an unstructured tax system, and limited market infrastructure, which may not be suitable for most foreign investors.
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.