Hong Kong Excels in Business Simplicity
Hong Kong has been recognized as one of the easiest places in the world to conduct business, ranking fourth on the Global Business Complexity Index 2026 by TMF Group. This index examines 81 jurisdictions globally, assessing them on various metrics related to business regulations and processes.
The city placed 78th out of 81, indicating that it has one of the least complex business environments. Only the Cayman Islands, Denmark, and Jersey ranked higher for simplicity. In contrast, countries like the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the Czech Republic ranked lower on the complexity scale.
TMF Group attributes Hong Kong’s favorable position to its stable regulatory framework and strong digital infrastructure, which together create a smoother experience for businesses. Alongside Hong Kong, New Zealand also stands out for its low complexity, thanks to similar regulatory advantages.
The report evaluates business complexity based on factors such as accounting, tax regulations, legal entity management, and employment laws. It highlights that the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is generally considered of medium complexity, with a noticeable divide between simpler jurisdictions like Hong Kong and more challenging markets like India and China.
China ranked 17th on the complexity scale, climbing seven positions since last year, thanks to improved clarity in legislation and advancements in tax administration. India, meanwhile, came in at 13th, with its complex federal structure where regulations from both the central and state levels often intersect. While current reforms may add some complexity, they could also open doors for foreign businesses in the long run.
Other APAC countries have also shown medium to low complexity, with Singapore at 47th, Taiwan at 50th, and Japan at 54th.
On the global stage, Greece maintained its position as the most complex jurisdiction for the third year in a row, followed by Mexico, Brazil, France, and Turkey.
