= Doing Business reform making it easier to do business. 
= Doing Business reform making it more difficult to do business.
Afghanistan
DB 2010:
Business start-ups were simplified by taking company registration out of the commercial courts and establishing a new company registry that acts as a one-stop shop combining company registration, tax registration, and publication in the official gazette, and charges a flat registration fee
Albania
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by making registration electronic, enhancing the registry’s capacity, reducing the minimum capital requirement from ALL 100 000 to ALL 100, and eliminating the requirement to register at the Chamber of Commerce.
DB 2009:
Starting a business became easier with online publication, reduction of the registration cost, and the consolidation of tax, health insurance, and labor registration into a single application.
Angola
DB 2009:
The long and cumbersome process of starting a business was improved, thanks to its one-stop shop, the Guichet Unico da Empresa, reducing the time required by two months.
Argentina
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased with an expedited publication process.
Armenia
DB 2012:
Armenia made starting a business easier by establishing a one-stop shop that merged the procedures for name reservation, business registration and obtaining a tax identification number and by allowing for online company registration.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by removing the minimum capital requirement and the need to obtain an approval from the national police department to prepare the company seal, and by making registration forms available online.
Australia
DB 2008:
The registration fee was cut in half from 800 to 400 Australian Dollars, reducing cost, as measured by the Doing Business indicator.
Azerbaijan
DB 2009:
The country created a one-stop shop for company registration, cutting the number of procedures and reducing the time required to start a business.
DB 2008:
The requirement to obtain approval of the company seal design by the Ministry of Justice was abolished.
Bangladesh
DB 2011:
Bangladesh made business start-up easier by eliminating the requirement to buy adhesive stamps and further enhancing the online registration system.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by launching online business name clearance and registration, shortening start-up time by 29 days.
DB 2009:
Starting a business has become easier. Bangladesh made involving lawyers in company registration optional. That eliminated one procedure and reduced the cost by $100.
Banja Luka
DB 2012:
Eliminated the need to obtain a utilization permit from the Ministry of Trade.
Belarus
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by simplifying registration formalities, abolishing the minimum capital requirement, limiting the role of notaries, and removing the need for a company seal approval.
DB 2009:
Starting a business became easier: a unified registry database was created, a time limit was introduced for registration, and the minimum capital requirement was cut by half.
DB 2008:
A one-stop shop was implemented combining company registration, seal design approval, and registrations with tax, statistical and social security authorities. This, together with a new notary fee schedule, results in a reduction in the number of procedures, the time, and cost to start a business
Belgium
DB 2008:
An electronic registration and publication system was made available to all notaries. Introducing a single registration number, the new system makes publication in the State Gazette automatic. While the reform does not cover VAT and social security registrations, the new procedure cut registration time.
Benin
DB 2012:
Benin made starting a business easier by replacing the requirement for a copy of the founders’ criminal records with one for a sworn declaration at the time of the company’s
Bhutan
DB 2012:
Bhutan eased the process of starting a business by making its criminal records search electronic and making the rubber company stamps available on the local market.
DB 2008:
For entrepreneurs it was made easier to start limited liability trading companies by eliminating two procedures--name approval and location clearance--and increasing efficiency at the Registrar of Companies. The time to start operating a business in Thimphu decreased.
Bitola
DB 2012:
Name reservation can now be done online saving entrepreneurs a visit to the Central Registry office. Employee registration for social contributions and personal income tax has been integrated with business registration saving entrepreneurs valuable time.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
DB 2012:
Bosnia and Herzegovina made starting a business easier by replacing the required utilization permit with a simple notification of commencement of activities and by streamlining the process for obtaining a tax identification number.
Botswana
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by making tax registration more efficient and streamlining the process for obtaining a business license.
DB 2009:
The business environment was improved by speeding the start-up process through computerization.
Brazil
DB 2011:
Brazil eased business start-up by further enhancing the electronic synchronization between federal and state tax authorities.
DB 2010:
The process of starting a business was eased by removing the requirement to obtain a fire brigade license and inspection before obtaining an operational license from a municipality.
Brunei
DB 2011:
Brunei Darussalam made starting a business easier by improving efficiency at the company registrar and implementing an electronic system for name searches.
Bulgaria
DB 2011:
Bulgaria eased business start-up by reducing the minimum capital requirement from 5,000 leva ($3,250) to 2 leva ($1.30).
DB 2010:
Business start-up was made easier by reducing the paid-in minimum capital requirement to about 24 percent of gross national income per capita and making the company registry more efficient.
DB 2009:
Business start-up was made easier by creating a central electronic database for commercial registration. This reform consolidated and reduced the number of registration procedures and cut other registration formalities.
Burkina Faso
DB 2012:
Burkina Faso made starting a business easier by replacing the requirement for a copy of the founders’ criminal records with one for a sworn declaration at the time of the company’s registration.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by allowing publication to be done directly on the Web site of the one-stop shop, reducing the registration cost, and streamlining tax registration.
DB 2008:
Through ministerial decree, Burkina Faso simplified notification and documentation requirements, reducing the time to register a company.
Cameroon
DB 2012:
Cameroon made starting a business easier by replacing the requirement for a copy of the founders’ criminal records with one for a sworn declaration at the time of the company’s registration, and by reducing publication fees.
DB 2011:
Cameroon made starting a business easier by establishing a new one-stop shop and abolishing the requirement for verifying business premises and its corresponding fees.
DB 2010:
The business license tax for new businesses was eliminated for their first two years.
Canada
DB 2009:
It is now possible to start a business by going on-line and completing 1 simple procedure.
Cape Verde
DB 2011:
Cape Verde made start-up easier by eliminating the need for a municipal inspection before a business begins operations and computerizing the system for delivering the municipal license.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by implementing an online company registration system.
Central African Republic
DB 2012:
The Central African Republic made starting a business easier by reducing business registration fees and by replacing the requirement for a copy of the founders’ criminal records with one for a sworn declaration at the time of the company’s registration.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by establishing a one-stop shop that merged four procedures into one.
Chad
DB 2012:
Chad made starting a business easier by eliminating the requirement for a medical certificate and by replacing the requirement for a copy of the founders’ criminal records with one for a sworn declaration at the time of the company’s registration.
Chile
DB 2012:
Chile made business start-up easier by starting to provide an immediate temporary operating license to new companies, eliminating the requirement for an inspection of premises by the tax authority before new companies can begin operations and allowing free online publication of the notice of a company’s creation.
DB 2011:
Chile made business start-up easier by introducing an online system for registration and for filing the request for publication.
Colombia
DB 2012:
Colombia reduced the costs associated with starting a business, by no longer requiring upfront payment of the commercial license fee.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was made easier by creating a public-private health provider that enables faster affiliation of employees and through a tool that allows online pre-enrollment with the social security office.
DB 2009:
The time and cost to start a business were reduced by simplifying registration formalities, including speeding up processes at the registry and eliminating the need to obtain a certificate of compliance with zoning regulations.
Congo, Dem. Rep.
DB 2012:
The Democratic Republic of Congo made business start-up faster by reducing the time required to complete company registration and obtain a national identification number.
DB 2011:
The Democratic Republic of Congo eased business start-up by eliminating procedures, including the company seal.
Costa Rica
DB 2009:
Tax registration records and company books were digitized, reducing the time required to start a business.
Côte d'Ivoire
DB 2012:
Côte d’Ivoire made starting a business easier by reorganizing the court clerk’s office where entrepreneurs file their company documents.
Croatia
DB 2011:
Croatia eased business start-up by allowing limited liability companies to file their registration application with the court registries electronically through the notary public.
DB 2008:
The time and procedures for starting a business were lowered by enhancing the services through better implementation of the one-stop shop.
Czech Republic
DB 2009:
The “Project Czech Point,” where multiple registration-related documents could be obtained at one place, made it simpler to register a company. As a result, 3 procedures were merged into one and the number of days required for business start-up were reduced.
DB 2008:
With the full implementation of the company registration reform, the time to register a new business decreased.
Denmark
DB 2011:
Denmark eased business start-up by reducing the minimum capital requirement for limited liability companies from 125,000 Danish kroner ($22,850) to 80,000 Danish kroner ($14,620).
Dominican Republic
DB 2012:
The Dominican Republic made starting a business easier by eliminating the requirement for a proof of deposit of capital when establishing a new company.
DB 2011:
The Dominican Republic made it more difficult to start a business by setting a minimum capital requirement of 100,000 Dominican pesos ($2,855) for its new type of company, sociedad de responsabilidad limitada (limited liability company).
DB 2009:
Entrepreneurs can now complete several start-up formalities online, including name verification, and commercial and tax registration.
DB 2008:
By simplifying the name registration process and introducing online tax registration the time to start a business has been reduced.
Ecuador
DB 2011:
Ecuador made starting a business easier by introducing an online registration system for social security.
Egypt
DB 2011:
Egypt reduced the cost to start a business.
DB 2010:
Company start-up was eased by the removal of the minimum capital requirement.
DB 2009:
Starting a business was made easier by reducing the paid-in minimum capital requirement by more than 80%, abolishing bar association fees, and automating tax registration.
DB 2008:
The minimum capital required to start a business was cut from EGP 50,000 to EGP 1,000, and halved start-up time and cost.
El Salvador
DB 2009:
A new commercial code was implemented that simplified business start-up by reducing the minimum capital requirement, simplifying the legalization of accounting books, and publication requirements.
Estonia
DB 2008:
The commercial code was amended to introduce standard articles of association. If entrepreneurs use the model forms, company registration-done electronically and without notary involvement-can be completed in 1 day. A new, fixed fee schedule lowered registration costs.
Ethiopia
DB 2010:
Reforms at the company registry and the streamlining of procedures have made it easier to start a business.
Fiji
DB 2012:
Fiji made starting a business more difficult by adding a requirement to obtain a tax identification number when registering a new company.
Finland
DB 2008:
The new Finnish Companies Act reduced the minimum share capital from € 8.000 to €2.500, or from 27% of GNIpc to about 8%. The reform also simplified documentation requirements, replacing the deed of incorporation and the minutes of the constitutive meeting by a new, simplified agreement of association.
Georgia
DB 2012:
Georgia simplified business start-up by eliminating the requirement to visit a bank to pay the registration fees.
DB 2009:
Amendments to the Law on Entrepreneurs made it easier to start a company by eliminating the requirements for a minimum capital, a company seal, and a company charter and by making the use of notaries optional.
DB 2008:
Pursuant to amendments to the Georgian law on entrepreneurs, tax authorities are now responsible for state and tax registration. In addition, the paid-in capital requirement was abolished.
Germany
DB 2011:
Germany eased business start-up by increasing the efficiency of communications between the notary and the commercial registry and eliminating the need to publish an announcement in a newspaper.
DB 2010:
The business start-up process was eased by reducing the minimum capital requirement to a value that is merely symbolic.
Ghana
DB 2012:
Ghana increased the cost to start a business by 70%.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by further streamlining registration procedures through the creation of a customer service desk at the one-stop shop.
DB 2009:
The requirements to register employment vacancies and to obtain a company seal were abolished, reducing the number of procedures to start a business.
DB 2008:
The ongoing computerization at the company registry and improved operations at the Environmental Protection Agency reduced business registration time.
Greece
DB 2012:
Greece made starting a business easier by implementing an electronic platform that interconnects several government agencies.
DB 2009:
The minimum capital requirement to start a business was cut by 80%, reduced capital tax and made publication of company statutes quicker.
Grenada
DB 2011:
Grenada eased business start-up by transferring responsibility for the commercial registry from the courts to the civil administration.
Guatemala
DB 2008:
With the full implementation of the one stop shop, procedures and time for new company registration were reduced.
Guinea-Bissau
DB 2012:
Guinea-Bissau made starting a business easier by establishing a one-stop shop, eliminating the requirement for an operating license and simplifying the method for providing criminal records and publishing the registration notice.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by making company name searches electronic, introducing computers and flash drives, and lowering registration fees.
Guyana
DB 2012:
Guyana eased the process of starting a business by reducing the time needed for registering a new company and for obtaining a tax identification number.
DB 2011:
Guyana eased business start-up by digitizing company records, which speeded up the process of company name search and reservation.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by applying a flat registration fee for all companies, regardless of their capital amount, and removing the duty payable on incorporation.
Haiti
DB 2011:
Haiti eased business start-up by eliminating the review by the president’s or the prime minister’s office of the incorporation act submitted for publication.
Honduras
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by creating a one-stop shop to make registration more efficient, improving the process of registering for taxes, and eliminating the need for lawyer services to obtain a municipal license.
DB 2008:
The municipal licensing procedures were simplified, reducing the time start a business.
Hong Kong, China
DB 2012:
Hong Kong SAR (China) made starting a business easier by introducing online electronic services for company and business registration.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by simplifying registration and merging procedures.
Hungary
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by implementing online registration and requiring confirmation of registration one hour after receipt of an application.
DB 2009:
The minimum capital requirement to start a business was reduced by around 80%, introduced online filing and made the use of notaries optional.
DB 2008:
A new Company Act and a new Corporate Procedure Act introduced standardized forms, a "silent-is-consent" rule, and electronic registration.
India
DB 2011:
India eased business start-up by establishing an online VAT registration system and replacing the physical stamp previously required with an online version.
Indonesia
DB 2012:
Indonesia made starting a business easier by introducing a simplified application process allowing an applicant to simultaneously obtain both a general trading license and a business registration certificate.
DB 2011:
Indonesia eased business start-up by reducing the cost for company name clearance and reservation and the time required to reserve the name and approve the deed of incorporation.
DB 2010:
The incorporation and post-incorporation processes was eased for new business registration by introducing online services, eliminating certain licenses, making the registry more efficient, and cutting company deed legalization fees, publication fees, registration fees, and business license fees. As a result, 2 procedures and 16 days were cut and the average company start-up cost was reduced by almost 52 percent of gross national income per capita.
DB 2009:
Business start-up was made faster, but the minimum capital requirement almost doubled.
Iran
DB 2011:
The Islamic Republic of Iran eased business start-up by installing a web portal allowing entrepreneurs to search for and reserve a unique company name.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified with the adoption of an electronic registration system.
Iraq
DB 2012:
In Iraq starting a business became more expensive because of an increase in the cost to obtain a name reservation certificate and in the cost for lawyers to draft articles of association.
Italy
DB 2011:
Italy made starting a business easier by enhancing an online registration system.
DB 2009:
A business can now be started through a single electronic filing.
Jordan
DB 2012:
Jordan made starting a business easier by reducing the minimum capital requirement from 1,000 Jordanian dinars to 1 dinar, of which only half must be deposited before company registration.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by offering a single reception service for company registration at the company registrar.
DB 2009:
The paid-in minimum capital requirement for starting a business was reduced by 97%.
DB 2008:
Operations within the one-stop shop at the Company Registry were enhanced and a representative of the municipality of Amman was made present at the Company Registry , reducing the number of procedures and the time to start a business.
Kazakhstan
DB 2011:
Kazakhstan eased business start-up by reducing the minimum capital requirement to 100 tenge ($0.70) and eliminating the need to have the memorandum of association and company charter notarized.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was made easier by simplifying documentation requirements and abolishing the requirement to register at the local tax office.
Kenya
DB 2011:
Kenya eased business start-up by reducing the time it takes to get the memorandum and articles of association stamped, merging the tax and value added tax registration procedures and digitizing records at the registrar.
DB 2009:
The time required to open a business was reduced, thanks to improvements in communication between agencies and the upgrading of the registry.
DB 2008:
An ambitious licensing reform program was launched which has led to the elimination of 110 business licenses and the simplification of eight, reducing the time and cost of obtaining building licenses and registering a company.
Korea
DB 2012:
Korea made starting a business easier by introducing a new online one-stop shop, Start-Biz.
DB 2010:
The business start-up process was simplified by eliminating the minimum capital requirement, removing the notary role, cutting taxes, putting time limits on value added tax registration, and making it possible to pay registration taxes online.
Kosovo
DB 2011:
Kosovo made business start-up more difficult by replacing the tax number previously required with a “fiscal number,” which takes longer to issue and requires the tax administration to first inspect the business premises.
Krusevac
DB 2012:
Serbia eased business start up process by putting in place a one-stop shop for business registration starting on May 1, 2009. In Krusevac, the new system consolidates various procedures under one roof--the procedures to apply and obtain the registration certificate, tax identification number, and signatures certification for opening bank account are done at the same time at the Business Registers Agency (SBRA).
Kyrgyz Republic
DB 2011:
The Kyrgyz Republic eased business start-up by eliminating the requirement to have the signatures of company founders notarized.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by eliminating the minimum capital requirement, reducing the registration time, and abolishing various post-registration fees and the need to open a bank account before registration.
DB 2009:
A new one-stop shop made it easier to start a business by streamlining and simplifying business registration processes and eliminating certain requirements such as proof of residence. Obtaining a company seal became optional.
Lao PDR
DB 2008:
Lao eased the process of starting a business by making obtaining an operating license faster and removing the requirement of obtaining an approval from the ministry for registering a new company.
Latvia
DB 2012:
Latvia made starting a business easier by reducing the minimum capital requirement and introducing a common application for value added tax and company registration.
Lebanon
DB 2011:
Lebanon increased the cost of starting a business.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by improving the company book stamping process.
DB 2009:
Business registration was streamlined, reducing the time and number of procedures needed to start a business.
Lesotho
DB 2009:
A one-stop shop for business registration was introduced, consolidating and simplifying processes and improving efficiency.
Liberia
DB 2012:
Liberia made starting a business easier by introducing a one-stop shop.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by removing the need to obtain an environmental impact assessment when forming a general trading company.
DB 2009:
Starting a business was made faster and easier through simpler registration processes, time limits, and business licensing reforms.
Lithuania
DB 2011:
Lithuania tightened the time limit for completing the registration of a company.
Luxembourg
DB 2011:
Luxembourg eased business start-up by speeding up the delivery of the business license.
DB 2010:
The business start-up process was eased by making it possible to reserve a company name online and abolishing capital duties.
Macedonia, FYR
DB 2011:
FYR Macedonia made it easier to start a business by further improving its one-stop shop.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by integrating procedures at a one-stop shop.
DB 2009:
The one-stop shop system was updated to carry out the full range of business start-up processes, reducing both the number of procedures and the time required.
DB 2008:
The country eliminated the paid-in minimum capital requirement and is working on online registration system for business start-up.
Madagascar
DB 2012:
Madagascar eased the process of starting a business by eliminating the minimum capital requirement, but also made it more difficult by introducing the requirement of obtaining a tax identification number.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by streamlining procedures at the one-stop shop and eliminating the stamp duty and minimum capital requirement.
DB 2009:
The start-up burden was eased by abolishing the professional tax and facilitating publication.
DB 2008:
Business registration was reduced to just eight days, streamlining operations at the one stop shop (GUIDE). Five procedures were eliminated.
Malaysia
DB 2012:
Malaysia made starting a business easier by merging company, tax, social security and employment fund registrations at the one-stop shop and providing same-day registration.
DB 2011:
Malaysia eased business start-up by introducing more online services.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased with a new one-stop shop to streamline registration. In addition, the Malaysian Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (MAICSA) reduced company incorporation charges and corporate fees. The service is still new, and the government is planning a public awareness campaign about the new system.
DB 2009:
Amendments to the Companies Act simplified business registration and reduced the time required by introducing online filing of registration documents.
DB 2008:
Name checking and registration were sped up, reducing delays by a week.
Mali
DB 2012:
Mali made starting a business easier by adding to the services provided by the one-stop shop.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by creating a new one-stop shop, making it possible to register a company with the registrar and tax agency, apply for online publication, and obtain a national identification number.
DB 2008:
The business startup process was reformed -- a single company identification number reduced the registration time.
Mauritania
DB 2009:
Business registration requirements were simplified, reducing the time, cost, and procedures for start-up.
DB 2008:
The cost of starting a business was cut, making it one of the two cheapest places to register a business in Africa (the other being Tanzania).
Mauritius
DB 2009:
Start-up is also easier: name verification for a new company is now done online.
DB 2008:
A centralized database links the company registry with tax, social security, and local authorities. Business registration takes place in one week.
Mexico
DB 2011:
Mexico launched an online one-stop shop for initiating business registration.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by establishing an electronic platform for company registration, substantially reducing the number of days for registration, and eliminating the requirement to register with the statistical office.
Moldova
DB 2012:
Moldova made starting a business easier by implementing a one-stop shop.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by implementing an expedited company registration service.
DB 2009:
New laws on limited liability companies and company registration sped business registration by introducing statutory time limits. The time required to file an application with the State Registration Chamber was reduced.
Montenegro
DB 2012:
Montenegro made starting a business easier by implementing a one-stop shop.
DB 2011:
Montenegro eliminated several procedures for business start-up by introducing a single registration form for submission to the tax administration.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by simplifying post-registration, including registration for taxes, social security, and employment, as well as the process of obtaining a municipal license.
Mostar
DB 2012:
Eliminated the need to obtain a utilization permit from the cantonal authorities.
Mozambique
DB 2011:
Mozambique eased business start-up by introducing a simplified licensing process.
DB 2010:
Business start-up by eliminating requirements for minimum capital and bank deposits.
Namibia
DB 2009:
The time required for business start-up was reduced by a month by reengineering the company registry and introducing a new information technology system.
New Zealand
DB 2009:
The business start up process can now be completed in one simple online registration in less than a day.
Niger
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by eliminating the procedures for registering with the Centre National des Utilisateurs du Transport and the Chamber of Commerce.
DB 2008:
The business startup process was reformed, reducing the cost of the process to 175% of GNI.
Nigeria
DB 2008:
An electronic company name search was introduced, which made the company registry more efficient.
Niksic
DB 2012:
Montenegro eliminated several procedures for business start-up by introducing a single registration form for submission to the tax administration. In addition, in Niksic municipal license requirement was eliminated and registration with local chamber of commerce was made optional, making the start-up process much faster.
Oman
DB 2012:
The one-stop shop in Oman introduced online company registration and sped up the process to register a business from 7 days to 3 days.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by introducing an online name registry and enabling payment with a prepaid card.
DB 2009:
The one-stop shop at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry became fully operational, reducing the number of business start-up procedures and time.
Pakistan
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by introducing a system that allows online registration for sales tax and removing the requirement to make a declaration of compliance on a stamped paper. These moves removed four days and one procedure and halved the cost of the business start-up process.
Panama
DB 2012:
Panama extended the operating hours of the public registry, reducing the time required to register a new company.
DB 2011:
Panama eased business start-up by increasing efficiency at the registrar.
DB 2009:
An online system for company creation was introduced, greatly speeding business start-up.
Paraguay
DB 2008:
A one-stop-shop linking multiple agencies was launched. The number of procedures to start a business was more than halved, and the time was reduced.
Peru
DB 2012:
Peru made starting a business easier by eliminating the requirement for micro and small enterprises to deposit start-up capital in a bank before registration.
DB 2011:
Peru eased business start-up by simplifying the requirements for operating licenses and creating an online one-stop shop for business registration.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by allowing submission of electronic payroll books online at no cost and making company forms available online.
Philippines
DB 2011:
The Philippines eased business startup by setting up a one-stop shop at the municipal level.
Pljevlje
DB 2012:
Montenegro eliminated several procedures for business start-up by introducing a single registration form for submission to the tax administration. In addition, in Pljevlja, registration with local chamber of commerce was made optional, making the start-up process much faster.
Poland
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by reducing the minimum capital requirement from PLN 50,000 to PLN 5,000 and consolidating applications for company registration and registrations with the tax, social security, and statistics authorities.
Portugal
DB 2012:
Portugal made starting a business easier by allowing company founders to choose the amount of minimum capital and make their paid-in capital contribution up to 1 year after the company’s creation, and by eliminating the stamp tax on company’s share capital subscriptions.
DB 2008:
Outdated start-up formalities were eliminated such as registering company books. Requirements for company registration were further simplified and an online incorporation system for use by lawyers became operational.
Puerto Rico
DB 2012:
Puerto Rico (territory of the United States) made starting a business easier by merging the name search and company registration procedures.
Qatar
DB 2012:
Qatar made starting a business easier by combining commercial registration and registration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the one-stop shop.
DB 2011:
Qatar made starting a business more difficult by adding a procedure to register for taxes and obtain a company seal.
Romania
DB 2012:
Romania made starting a business more difficult by requiring a tax clearance certificate for a new company’s headquarters before company registration.
Rwanda
DB 2012:
Rwanda made starting a business easier by reducing the business registration fees.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by eliminating a notarization requirement; introducing standardized memorandums of association; enabling online publication; consolidating name checking, registration fee payment, tax registration, and company registration procedures; and shortening the time required to process completed applications.
Samoa
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by passing a new company act that removed the minimum capital requirement and simplified various other procedures. The act cut 26 days, 4 procedures, and three-quarters of the cost of starting a company.
São Tomé and Principe
DB 2012:
São Tomé and Príncipe made starting a business easier by establishing a one-stop shop, eliminating the requirement for an operating license for general commercial companies and simplifying publication requirements.
DB 2011:
São Tomé and Principe made starting a business more difficult by introducing a minimum capital requirement for limited liability companies.
Saudi Arabia
DB 2012:
Saudi Arabia made starting a business easier by bringing together representatives from the Department of Zakat and Income Tax and the General Organization of Social Insurance at the Unified Center to register new companies with their agencies.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased with the creation of a one-stop office at the Ministry of Commerce that merged registration procedures and simplified publication requirements.
DB 2009:
Starting a business was made easier by continuing to simplify formalities for commercial registration and reducing registration fees by 80%. The time to start a business also reduced.
DB 2008:
The minimum capital requirement of 1057% income per capita was eliminated and company registration was sped up.
Senegal
DB 2012:
Senegal made starting a business easier by replacing the requirement for a copy of the founders’ criminal records with one for a sworn declaration at the time of the company’s registration.
DB 2009:
The one-stop shop for business start-up became fully operational, merging more than half the procedures and speeding the process as a result.
Serbia
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by creating a one-stop shop for company registration.
Shkodra
DB 2012:
Improved the efficiency of one-stop shop. And made registration with local chambers of commerce no longer mandatory.
Sierra Leone
DB 2010:
Business start-up has been eased with the establishment of a one-stop shop for business registration.
DB 2009:
Sierra Leone drastically cut cost and sped the process of starting a business by making the use of a lawyer optional and abolishing other registration formalities, including requirements to pay taxes up front and obtain permission for registration from the exchange control.
Singapore
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by making it possible to incorporate a company and register for taxes using the same online form.
DB 2009:
The online process for business start-up was simplified, cutting a procedure and reducing the time required by a day.
Slovakia
DB 2009:
A one-stop shop for company registration was created, merging 4 procedures into 1, and reduced cost and time for business start-up.
Slovenia
DB 2011:
Slovenia made starting a business easier through improvements to its one-stop shop that allowed more online services.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by shortening the time for company registration, allowing for simultaneous tax registration during company registration, and abolishing use of company seals.
DB 2009:
Business start-up was eased through single-access points that reduced the cost to establish limited liability companies and simplified administrative procedures. The number of procedures and the time required to start a company fell.
Solomon Islands
DB 2012:
The Solomon Islands made starting a business easier by implementing an online registration process.
South Africa
DB 2012:
South Africa made starting a business easier by implementing its new company law, which eliminated the requirement to reserve a company name and simplified the incorporation documents.
DB 2009:
Entrepreneurs starting a business no longer have to obtain legal assistance or have their incorporation documents notarized, thanks to amendments to the Corporate Act. These amendments also allow electronic submission of documents and publication, easing business start-up.
Spain
DB 2012:
Spain eased the process of starting a business by reducing the cost to start a business and decreasing the minimum capital requirement.
Sri Lanka
DB 2008:
A new companies act eliminated burdensome approvals and introduced a flat registration fee. Company seals and notaries were made optional. Procedures and the time for start-up decreased.
St. Lucia
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by making it possible to check availability and reserve company names online.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by abolishing the requirement to have a company seal.
Sweden
DB 2011:
Sweden cut the minimum capital requirement for limited liability companies by half, making it easier to start a business.
Switzerland
DB 2009:
The minimum capital requirement for starting a business was doubled from 10,000 to 20,000 SFR making it harder for new companies to start up.
Syria
DB 2012:
Syria eased the starting a business process by reducing the minimum capital requirement from SYP 1 million to SYP 400,000 and by reducing the cost of publication from SYP 25,000 to SYP 4,000.
DB 2011:
Syria eased business start-up by reducing the minimum capital requirement for limited liability companies by two-thirds. It also decentralized approval of the company memorandum.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by lowering the paid-in minimum capital requirement and allowing online access to standardized incorporation forms.
DB 2009:
A new commercial code simplified business start-up by taking lawyers and the court out of the registration process. Reforms at the tax directorate simplified tax registration for new businesses
DB 2008:
An additional step was added for new companies to enforce publication requirements.
Taiwan, China
DB 2012:
Taiwan (China) made starting a business easier by implementing an online one-stop shop for business registration.
DB 2011:
Taiwan (China) eased business start-up by reducing the time required to check company names, register retirement plans and apply for health, pension and labor insurance.
DB 2010:
Business start-up by reducing minimum paid-in capital from TWD 1 million to 500,000 in 2008 and abolishing it altogether in April 2009; it also introduced time limits on various operating procedures.
Tajikistan
DB 2012:
Tajikistan made starting a business easier by allowing entrepreneurs to pay in their capital up to 1 year after the start of operations, thereby eliminating the requirements related to opening a bank account.
DB 2011:
Tajikistan made starting a business easier by creating a one-stop shop that consolidates registration with the state and the tax authority.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by reducing the minimum capital requirement and shortening the time to obtain a tax identification number.
DB 2008:
The license regime was simplified, reducing the number of business activities subject to government approval. One procedure was cut and time was reduced.
Tanzania
DB 2008:
The cost of starting a business was cut, making it one of the two of the cheapest places to register a business in Africa.
Thailand
DB 2012:
Thailand made starting a business easier by introducing a one-stop shop.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by merging the registration of memorandum and the application for company registration. As a result, it cut 1 procedure and 1 day from company start-up.
Timor-Leste
DB 2012:
Timor-Leste made starting a business faster by improving the registration process.
DB 2008:
Approvals by the Ministry of Land were eliminated, removing one procedure and reducing the number of days required to start a company.
Togo
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by setting up a one-stop shop that eliminated six procedures and lowered costs by almost a fifth.
Tonga
DB 2012:
Tonga made starting a business easier by implementing an electronic system at the registry, which reduced the time required for verification of the uniqueness of the company name and for registration of the company. The costs for the name search, company registration and business license increased, however.
DB 2009:
New regulations on business licensing reduced the time to start a business by one week.
Tunisia
DB 2009:
The paid-in minimum capital requirement for limited liability companies was abolished by the new the Law on Economic Initiative.
Turkey
DB 2012:
Turkey made starting a business less costly by eliminating notarization fees for the articles of association and other documents.
Uganda
DB 2012:
Uganda introduced changes that added time to the process of obtaining a business license, slowing business start-up. But it simplified registration for a tax identification number and for value added tax by introducing an online system.
DB 2011:
Uganda made it more difficult to start a business by increasing the trade licensing fees.
Ukraine
DB 2012:
Ukraine made starting a business easier by eliminating the requirement to obtain approval for a new corporate seal.
DB 2011:
Ukraine eased business start-up by substantially reducing the minimum capital requirement.
United Arab Emirates
DB 2012:
The United Arab Emirates made starting a business easier by merging the requirements to file company documents with the Department for Economic Development, to obtain a trade license and to register with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
DB 2010:
Business start-up was eased by simplifying the documents needed for registration, abolishing the minimum capital requirement, and removing the requirement that proof of deposit of capital be shown for registration.
Uruguay
DB 2012:
Uruguay made starting a business easier by establishing a one-stop shop for general commercial companies.
DB 2009:
The minimum capital requirement was eliminated in July 2007, making it easier to start a business.
Uzbekistan
DB 2012:
Uzbekistan made starting a business easier by reducing the minimum capital requirement, eliminating 1 procedure and reducing the cost of registration.
DB 2008:
Substantive review at the registry was eliminated, internal proceedings were simplified and clear rules for refusal of registration were established. Social insurance registration can now be done in a one-stop shop within 1 working day.
Uzice
DB 2012:
Serbia eased business start up process by putting in place a one-stop shop for business registration starting on May 1, 2009. In Uzice, the new system consolidates various procedures under one roof as following: The procedures to apply and obtain the registration certificate, tax identification number, and signatures certification for opening bank account are done at the same time at the Business Registers Agency (SBRA).
Vanuatu
DB 2012:
Vanuatu made starting a business easier by reducing the time required for company registration at the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission and issuing provisional licenses at the Department of Customs.
Venezuela
DB 2011:
República Bolivariana de Venezuela made starting a business more difficult by introducing a new procedure for registering a company.
Vietnam
DB 2011:
Vietnam eased company start-up by creating a one-stop shop that combines the processes for obtaining a business license and tax license and by eliminating the need for a seal for company licensing.
Vlora
DB 2012:
Improved the efficiency of one-stop shop. And made registration with local chambers of commerce no longer mandatory.
Vranje
DB 2012:
Serbia eased business start up process by putting in place a one-stop shop for business registration starting on May 1, 2009. In Vranje, the new system consolidates various procedures under one roof as following: The procedures to apply and obtain the registration certificate, tax identification number, and signatures certification for opening bank account are done at the same time at the Business Registers Agency (SBRA).
West Bank and Gaza
DB 2011:
West Bank and Gaza made starting a business more difficult by increasing the lawyers’ fees that must be paid for incorporation.
DB 2010:
Starting a business became more costly because of an increase in the minimum capital requirement.
DB 2009:
The information management system at the commercial registry became fully operational, cutting the time to start a business.
Yemen
DB 2010:
Business start-up was simplified by eliminating the requirement to obtain a bank account certificate to register a company.
DB 2009:
A one stop shop was introduced and the paid-in minimum capital requirements were cut. The new one-stop shop makes it possible to complete business start-up at a single location and easier to obtain a license from the municipality and to register with the chamber of commerce and the tax office.
Zambia
DB 2011:
Zambia eased business start-up by eliminating the minimum capital requirement.
DB 2009:
The one-stop shop was reorganized through process reengineering and computerization and the operation of the Zambia Revenue Authority was improved by creating a customer service center.
Zimbabwe
DB 2011:
Zimbabwe eased business start-up by reducing registration fees and speeding up the name search process and company and tax registration.
Zrenjanin
DB 2012:
Serbia eased business start up process by putting in place a one-stop shop for business registration starting on May 1, 2009. In Zrenjanin, the new system consolidates various procedures under one roof as following: the procedures to apply and obtain the registration certificate, tax identification number, and signatures certification for opening bank account are done at the same time at the Business Registers Agency (SBRA).