TMF Group B.V.
Greece, Mexico, Brazil and France rank as the most complex countries
LONDON, May 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TMF Group, a leading provider of compliance and administrative services, today launches the 13th edition of the Global Business Complexity Index (GBCI), which shows that operating across borders is becoming more demanding as regulations diverge and reporting obligations expand.
The GBCI analyses 81 jurisdictions representing over 90% of the world’s economy, ranking them from most (1) to least complex (81) to do business in. Based on 292 indicators per jurisdiction, the report focuses on the challenges businesses face across accounting and tax, legal entity management and employment requirements. While many factors contribute to the overall attractiveness of a jurisdiction, the GBCI captures the dead-weight cost of rules that impact growth.
This year, the UK ranks as the 12th least complex jurisdiction to do business in, maintaining its position among the world’s simpler markets. While businesses face a meaningful level of complexity, especially around regulation, tax and compliance, the UK continues to offer opportunities for international firms. Ongoing support for technology and science investment reinforces its international appeal, while frameworks such as the UK GAAP/FRS 102 help simplify reporting for some businesses.
Ireland ranks 59th, indicating a moderate to low level of business complexity. Efforts to simplify accounting treatment and disclosure requirements help reduce the reporting burden, alongside a broader push to position the country as an attractive destination for international investment.
Most and least complex jurisdictions worldwide
Among the 10 least complex jurisdictions are Denmark, Hong Kong, SAR and the Netherlands. These jurisdictions have historically been ranked as low complexity, given a stable, simple regulatory environment and robust digital infrastructure supporting it.
Top and bottom 10 jurisdictions (1= most complex, 81= least complex)
1. Greece
72. Curacao
2. Mexico
73. Malta
3. Brazil
74. British Virgin Islands
4. France
75. Czech Republic
5. Turkey
76. New Zealand
6. Colombia
77. Netherlands
7. Bolivia
78. Hong Kong, SAR
8. Italy
79. Jersey
9. Argentina
80. Denmark
10. Peru
81. Cayman Islands
At the other end of the spectrum, Latin America and the EU lead the top 10 most complex jurisdictions.
Greece ranks for the third consecutive year as the most complex jurisdiction in the world, mainly due to frequent legislative changes and ongoing regulatory reforms. Mexico, the second most complex, is characterised by frequent regulatory changes, unpredictable administrative requirements, evolving digital requirements and unclear expectations by the tax authorities. Brazil (3rd) suffers from a multi-layered tax system and frequent regulatory changes and heavy compliance demands, alongside inconsistent rules at federal, state, and municipal levels.
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