Doing Business in Indonesia VS Spain – A Comparison
Entrepreneurs and investors often face a tough dilemma when deciding where to establish or expand their businesses. Indonesia and Spain, both strategic locations in their respective regions, offer unique opportunities and challenges, making the decision far from straightforward. While Indonesia is praised for its competitive business landscape, high quality of life, and lower costs for setting up smaller businesses, Spain stands out as a gateway to European markets with a well-established infrastructure and strong economic ties. This article explores the key factors that distinguish these two business destinations to help you make an informed decision.
Key Comparison Points
Business Environment
- Indonesia: Indonesia boasts a stable political environment and a growing economy, supported by government initiatives aimed at boosting foreign investments.
- Spain: Spain offers a well-established legal framework and strong government support for businesses, particularly in sectors like tourism, renewable energy, and technology.
Taxation
- Indonesia: Indonesia has a corporate tax rate of 22% with various tax incentives for foreign investors, especially in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
- Spain: Spain also has a corporate tax rate of 25%, with attractive tax benefits for startups and companies involved in research and development (R&D).
Ease of Company Incorporation
- Indonesia: The incorporation process in Indonesia has been streamlined with digital infrastructure improvements, making it easier for foreign investors to navigate the regulatory environment.
- Spain: Spain offers a straightforward incorporation process with a strong emphasis on digital services, but it can involve additional bureaucracy compared to Indonesia.
Cost of Living and Business Operations
- Indonesia: Indonesia is known for its affordable operational costs, including office space and living expenses, making it ideal for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
- Spain: Spain has higher operational costs, particularly in major cities like Madrid and Barcelona, but offers a high quality of life and access to skilled labor.
Access to Markets
- Indonesia: Strategically located in Southeast Asia, Indonesia provides excellent connectivity to Asian markets and benefits from regional trade agreements like ASEAN.
- Spain: As a member of the European Union, Spain offers seamless access to the entire European market and strong trade agreements with Latin America.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences for easy reference:
Factor |
Indonesia |
Spain |
Business Environment |
Stable political environment with growing government support for foreign investments. |
Well-established legal framework and strong government support in key sectors. |
Corporate Tax Rate |
22% |
25% |
Capital Gains Tax |
Varies based on the type of income and investment. |
Flat rate of 19%-23% depending on the gains. |
Ease of Incorporation |
Streamlined process with improved digital infrastructure. |
Straightforward but involves additional bureaucracy compared to Indonesia. |
Business Costs |
Lower operational costs, ideal for SMEs. |
Higher operational costs, especially in major cities. |
Market Access |
Excellent connectivity to Asian markets and benefits from ASEAN trade agreements. |
Seamless access to the European market and strong ties with Latin America. |

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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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.