Top 20 countries for doing business in 2026 and what puts them ahead

The United States has been ranked the best country in the world for doing business in 2026, followed by Singapore and the United Kingdom, according to the Innovators Business Environment Index (IBEI) 2026 published by StartupBlink.

The index assesses 125 countries using more than 30 indicators covering regulation, access to capital, taxation, digital infrastructure, global mobility, governance and market perception.

The ranking shows that there is no single formula for creating a business-friendly environment. The United States benefits from its large market, access to capital and operating conditions, while Singapore stands out for systems that reduce barriers to businesses.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates also feature strongly, reflecting the role of business incentives and taxation, while European countries account for a significant share of the top 20.

Read also: How Ajegunle Business School is unlocking grassroots enterprise and changing community narratives

The findings indicate that low taxes alone are not enough to create a strong business environment. Access to finance, predictable regulations, digital infrastructure, functioning institutions and administrative efficiency also influence how easily companies can start, operate and scale.

For businesses considering international expansion, the ranking offers a basis for comparing markets, although sector requirements, labour conditions, customers, taxes and regulations remain important considerations.

Here are the 20 countries that lead the 2026 ranking and what stands out about their business environments.

1. United States

The United States takes the number one position, with the strongest overall score in the index.

Its position is linked to its performance in ease of operating a business and access to capital and financial infrastructure. The country also ranks highly for financial tools, resolving insolvency and market size.

The US ranking shows the importance of combining access to finance with a large market and systems that allow companies to establish and expand operations.

2. Singapore

Singapore ranks second globally and first in Asia.

The country is among the economies that have built their business environment around efficient administration, access to finance and digital infrastructure. Its position also reflects the ability of a smaller economy to compete by reducing barriers for businesses and maintaining systems that support international activity.

3. United Kingdom

Its presence near the top reflects the importance of financial infrastructure, international business links and institutional systems. The UK also remains one of the major markets for financial and professional services.

Read also: CTIH, GIZ train 300 women entrepreneurs on clean cooking, business opportunities

4. Switzerland

Switzerland ranks among the leading European business environments.

Its position highlights the role of financial systems, access to capital and institutional reliability in attracting businesses. The country also benefits from its position within European and international markets.

5. United Arab Emirates

The UAE takes fifth place and stands out for its business incentives.

It is one of the few countries in the Top 20 where taxation forms a significant part of its competitive position. The UAE’s ranking also reflects its financial infrastructure, international accessibility and efforts to attract businesses and investment.

6. Canada

Canada’s position reflects the combination of access to finance, institutional systems and market opportunities. The country also provides businesses with access to the wider North American market while maintaining links to international trade.

7. Netherlands

The Netherlands is supported by its business infrastructure, financial system and connections to European and global markets. The country’s presence in the Top 10 also adds to the strong representation of European economies in the ranking.

8. Japan

Japan’s business environment combines financial infrastructure with a large domestic market and established technology and industrial sectors. Its position shows that scale and economic infrastructure remain important factors for businesses.

9. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia ranks ninth and is the IBEI’s 2026 Country of the Year.

The country ranks first worldwide for the index’s Rewards and Penalties mechanism and fourth globally under the Business Incentives pillar. It also ranks second in the Gulf Cooperation Council for access to capital and financial infrastructure.

Its position puts Saudi Arabia ahead of every other Middle Eastern country except the UAE.

10. Norway

Norway position reflects the contribution of institutions, financial infrastructure and conditions for businesses to operate. The country also demonstrates that a smaller population does not prevent an economy from competing with larger markets when its business systems support investment and entrepreneurship.

11. New Zealand

New Zealand is among the smaller economies in the Top 20 and illustrates how business conditions can compensate for market size. The IBEI highlights New Zealand alongside Estonia and Luxembourg as examples of economies that compete by reducing structural barriers, supporting digital infrastructure and maintaining predictable taxation.

12. Sweden

Sweden ranking reflects the role of digital infrastructure, finance and institutions in supporting businesses. Its position also adds another Nordic economy to the upper part of the global list.

13. Luxembourg

Luxembourg country’s position demonstrates how a small economy can remain competitive through finance, international business links and systems that support cross-border activity.

The IBEI specifically identifies Luxembourg as one of the smaller economies using digital infrastructure, predictable taxation and reduced barriers to compete internationally.

14. Israel

Israel position reflects conditions that support innovation and entrepreneurship, including access to finance and digital infrastructure. The country is also one of the few non-European countries appearing in the upper half of the ranking.

15. Cyprus

Cyprus is one of the three countries in the Top 20, alongside the UAE and Saudi Arabia, where taxation is identified as a competitive factor.

Its position also reflects its links to European markets and its role in international business and financial services.

16. Australia

Australia’s position is supported by its financial system, institutions and international market links. The country also provides businesses with access to the Asia-Pacific region.

17. Ireland

Ireland has built a business environment that supports international companies and cross-border investment. Its presence in the Top 20 also reflects the strong representation of European Union economies in the ranking.

18. Estonia

Estonia stands out because of its digital approach to business and public services. The IBEI identifies Estonia as an example of a smaller economy that competes by reducing barriers, investing in digital infrastructure and maintaining predictable taxation.

19. Finland

Finland’s position adds another Nordic country to the list. Its business environment reflects the importance of digital infrastructure, institutions and access to financial services.

20. Denmark

Denmark reinforces the presence of Nordic economies in the ranking, with Sweden, Finland, Norway and Denmark all appearing among the leading 20 countries.