I strongly recommend the World Bank Calculator comparing the ease of doing business in many different countries around the world (Excel Spreadsheet): http://do

I strongly recommend the World Bank Calculator comparing the ease of doing business in many different countries around the world (Excel Spreadsheet): http://doingbusiness.org/documents/Simulator_2010.xls http://doingbusiness.org/documents/Simulator_2010.xls Lists a comparison of any country you choose under the following headings: - Ease of Doing Business - Starting a business - Dealing with Licenses - Employing Workers - Getting credit - Protecting Investors - Paying Taxes - Trading across borders - Closing a business I'm from Ireland and many multinationals come here (or at least used to) for the pro-business climate (favourable tax laws, not much bureaucracy). Using this calculator, we can see that the US is ranked 4th overall in the world for ease of doing business, the UK is 5th, Ireland 7th and Italy.....78th! I can see why you are considering this option.