Top Countries for Wealthy Women Entrepreneurs to Live, Work and Invest in 2025

Women entrepreneurs aren’t just gaining ground – they’re dominating it.

In the United States, women-owned businesses are growing at more than twice the rate of others, generating nearly US$3 trillion and powering over 23 million jobs.

These aren’t just side hustles – they’re economic engines.

From Zhang Xin, known as ‘the woman who built Beijing’, to Janice Bryant Howroyd of ActOne and Arianna Huffington of HuffPost, women are reshaping global business – and redefining success on their own terms.

But while talent is everywhere, the environment for success isn’t. Some countries fuel ambition, while others stifle it with high taxes, red tape and an outdated mindset.

So, 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. After all, the right country can help build, protect and scale wealth.

Thankfully, you can choose where to live, do business and invest, and to help you go where you’re treated best, the Nomad Capitalist team has put together this in-depth exploration of the best locations for women entrepreneurs.

Finding the Best Countries for Women

These places offer scope for business ownership and investment, a high standard of living, and the opportunity to implement tax savings strategies.

Aside from tax-friendly policies, female entrepreneurs seek a thriving business environment to launch or expand a business. A jurisdiction where you can invest in real estate or stocks with minimal government limitations is massively appealing to ambitious investors and businesswomen.

The below list includes jurisdictions offering residence and citizenship programs that provide a route for qualifying individuals to live and invest there.

For example, Golden Visas – specific investment residency programs primarily offered in Europe – allow individuals to gain residency through investment, with benefits like travel within the Schengen Area and potential citizenship.

There are also opportunities for citizenship by investment, citizenship by naturalisation and citizenship by descent.

Best Countries for Women Entrepreneurs 2025

The Economist’s Glass-Ceiling Index for 2025 ranks the best countries for working women and it found that the USA falls below the OECD average in key measures.

In contrast, European and Nordic countries like Sweden top the list and excel in areas such as women’s employment in managerial positions and government.

The below list considers factors like equality and safety for women as well as investment and asset management opportunities. 

Portugal

Portugal ranks among the top ten countries for women entrepreneurs who appreciate its supportive environment regardless of gender.

The country is already a popular choice for many due to its low taxes, straightforward residency requirements and high quality of life.

With glorious weather, widely spoken English, and a lot of cultural and lifestyle appeal, it’s no surprise that expats flock to Portugal’s shores.

Portugal’s straightforward residency option via its Golden Visa can lead to EU citizenship in five years with minimal stay requirements.

There is also the D7 Visa, which is ideal for those with passive income. Additionally, Portugal has favourable tax rates for foreign residents.

Ireland

Ireland has emerged as one of Europe’s top venture capital and start-up hubs, thanks to its strong economy, pro-business environment, and global outlook.

With tax treaties in place with 72 countries and a competitive corporate tax rate of 12.5% (15% for certain large multinationals), the Emerald Isle is attracting a new generation of entrepreneurs.

Now, female founders are stepping into the spotlight, leveraging Ireland’s support systems to drive innovation across fintech, medtech, AI and other disruptive sectors.

Government-backed initiatives like the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EII) and the Start-up Entrepreneur Programme (STEP) offer both tax relief and immigration opportunities, making it easier for women entrepreneurs to launch their ideas and scale globally.

To qualify, applicants must present a high-potential start-up business plan and meet the required funding thresholds.

Singapore

Singapore ranks among the safest, most efficient and business-friendly destinations in the world – especially for women entrepreneurs.

This thriving city-state combines world-class infrastructure, a cutting-edge banking system and a transparent legal environment. Entrepreneurs here enjoy no capital gains tax, no tax on dividends, and no wealth tax – a rare combination that continues to attract global talent and capital.

Female founders are leveraging government-backed programs, strong investor networks and Singapore’s strategic location as a gateway to the Asia-Pacific region.

With easy company setup, business-friendly immigration pathways like the EntrePass and a culture that supports innovation, Singapore offers more than a business base – it’s a global launchpad for ambitious women entrepreneurs.

Switzerland

Switzerland offers a robust banking sector, high living standards and a thriving business scene.

Its lump sum tax system imposes a certain amount of tax on locally sourced income but not on income earned overseas. This system is based on estimated living expenses, which must be at least CHF 500,000 (around US$567,000) annually to comply. 

Switzerland offers top-tier healthcare and schools, and despite a high cost of living, this can be offset by tax savings.

These are just a few of the many options available for wealthy investors and those on an entrepreneurial journey looking for places to live, work and do business. 

See our article on the Best Countries to Live in: 2025 for more options, each offering something unique.

Wealthy Women Entrepreneurs: FAQs

Go Where You’re Treated Best

While individual needs vary, factors like political stability, safety and investment opportunities are crucial for women entrepreneurs when selecting countries to live, work and invest in. 

While the choice can seem overwhelming, our team can help you evaluate all the factors that define the best offshore strategy for you.

We’ve helped 2,000+ high-net-worth individuals to ‘go where they’re treated best’, whether that’s by moving their business offshore, relocating to a tax-friendly country, or even pursuing a second citizenship.

Our clients are paired with experts in tax, investment strategy, asset protection and immigration to create and execute a holistic plan as unique as their goals. To learn more about how we can help you, get in touch.