Below, you will find detailed information that will help you overcome the key obstacles you may encounter during the international expansion process, with a current regulatory perspective in Corpenza’s areas of expertise.
1. International Expansion: Strategic First Steps
What Should Be Considered When Opening Up to the Global Market?
In the process of establishing a company abroad, not only the commercial potential but also the legal infrastructure of the countries, local tax laws, labor market regime, and international agreements should be taken into account. A wrong start can lead to serious compliance obligations and financial risks in later stages.
- Business establishment procedures and costs in the target country
- Corporate tax and income tax rates
- Golden visa and citizenship by investment opportunities
- Local accounting standards and reporting obligations
Key Compliance Risks and Management Strategies
Companies and investors establishing international businesses must also be knowledgeable about issues such as the legal framework of privacy, data security, and employer-employee relations in the host country. It is necessary to create a roadmap with expert support at an early stage for transparency, branch models, transfer pricing, and tax optimization.
2. Residence Permit, Golden Visa, and Citizenship by Investment Programs
Basic Criteria for Permit and Visa Processes
In the era of global mobility, the processes of changing countries have moved beyond traditional barriers. Golden visa, permanent residence permits, employment-based work permits, and citizenship acquisition through direct investment are in demand across Europe and the world.
- Financial sufficiency and clean record criteria in residence permit applications
- Minimum investment amounts and sector preferences in golden visa programs
- Employment contract, business plan, and sectoral priority conditions for work permits
- Sustainable and qualified investment model in citizenship by investment
Current Developments and Opportunities
Many European countries have developed programs offering attractive opportunities to investors and professionals. In countries like Portugal and Greece, application conditions and investment amounts in golden visa programs have tightened. However, new centers like Albania, Malta, and Hungary stand out with flexible conditions and low minimum investment requirements. You can review the current regulations in citizenship by investment here.
3. Tax Optimization and Approach to International Accounting Compliance
How to Choose the Right Tax Structure?
One of the most critical issues for companies operating internationally is to optimize the tax burden. The corporate tax rates, VAT practices, the existence of double taxation treaties, and various incentive programs in the country where the company will operate should be analyzed in detail.
- Reduction in operational costs through legal tax planning
- Utilization of double taxation treaties
- Corporate tax exemptions and reduced rates
- Financial reporting in accordance with international standards
Accounting Standards and Tax Regime in Albania (2025 Developments)
Albania stands out with its low corporate tax rate (15%) and temporary zero tax application for micro enterprises. Financial reporting is conducted according to IFRS and national standards. In 2025, reduced rates of 5% will be applied in certain sectors such as software and agriculture. Personal income tax is either 13% or 23% depending on income brackets. You can find all the details in this official source.
4. Payroll Management, Personnel Leasing, and Compliance Processes
Payroll Management for Remote and Contract Workers
Employing cross-border workers, remote working models, and managing contracted personnel provide great flexibility to businesses but also require full compliance with the social security, income tax, and payroll obligations of the countries involved.
- Calculation of employee salaries, bonuses, and taxes in accordance with local legislation
- Employer’s social security and income tax obligations in the country of affiliation
- Personnel leasing (posted worker) as a solution for short or medium-term labor needs
- Management of payroll processes with specialized software and supervised outsourcing
Considerations for Posted Workers and Temporary Employment
In temporary personnel leasing or posted worker applications, simultaneous monitoring of labor legislation in both the sending and receiving countries is critically important. Ensuring that notifications, social security, and salary payments comply with the laws of both countries eliminates potential future penal risks.
5. Market Opportunities, Regulatory Updates, and Future Outlook
Growth Potential in New Markets
The business and investment environment in Europe is more open than ever to innovative solutions and digitized business models in the post-pandemic period. Albania, Bulgaria, and the Baltic countries stand out with low tax rates, fast company establishment procedures, and qualified labor force.
- Tax advantages in mobile technologies and software sector
- New incentives and infrastructure investments in energy and logistics
- Incentivized employment opportunities in the local labor market
- Increased investment security as regulatory alignment with the EU accelerates
Recent Changes and Trends in Regulations
As of 2025, the digitalization of financial statements in EU countries and surrounding markets, the transition of tax compliance processes to e-platforms, and strict measures against informal practices in employee mobility are in effect. Reducing double taxation risks for SMEs and transition programs to IFRS are also on the agenda.
For more current data and guidance, you can check the European Commission’s EuroTax page.
- Full compliance with regulations in every process from company establishment to payroll management
- Transparency and auditability in tax and accounting standards
- Access to specialized consulting for effective global management
If you aim to expand into international markets, you should create an integrated strategy and act with the support of expert consultants. In this environment where each country is rapidly changing traditional models with its own risks and opportunities, the key to success lies in sustainable compliance and access to accurate information.
