How to Start an Overseas Business | 6 Helpful Tips

Doing business internationally can be incredibly exciting and rewarding, but it can come with its fair share of challenges. Venturing into international markets and doing business overseas requires careful planning, research, and a solid strategy prior to entering the market.

If you’re thinking about opening a business in another country but are unsure how to get started or what to consider, this article will look at everything you know about doing business internationally. We'll also discuss the Wise Business account, which could help you save while sending and receiving transfers from abroad.

Save on international business
transactions >>

Trustpilot: 4.3/5 average rating - Excellent¹
No minimum balance required and no monthly fees

How to start a business overseas

When considering the establishment of a business in a foreign country, there are a few different considerations to bear in mind. Starting a business abroad requires careful planning, a clear strategy, and research into the country and the target market.

There may be strategic opportunities already in the country you’re considering, or you might be offering a new service or product requiring more marketing and strategy. But it’s best to research beforehand and craft a clear strategy for the market before opening a business in another country to ensure you’re getting maximum return on investment.

When starting a business abroad, the first step is to conduct market research to ensure that you have identified the best markets and customers for your business. Your market research should look at the population size, the customer segments you think will best fit your business, and how you will acquire and retain customers in the new market. You must also research the local market’s culture, consumer behavior, and competition to determine whether your business will perform well enough to justify the investment.

Another aspect of researching when starting a business abroad is how to establish a solid legal framework by familiarizing yourself with the local regulations, licensing requirements, and tax obligations depending on the business.

Consider seeking professional assistance or advice if you are a US citizen with a foreign business idea or are starting a company abroad but unfamiliar with the local market.

All of the research should ultimately lead to a business plan that is written before opening a business in another country. The business plan should incorporate market entry strategies based on your research, financial projections, and risk management strategies. Having a strong business plan ensures that you are laying a solid foundation for your company abroad and laying the groundwork for a successful overseas business venture.

See the Best Banks for Small Businesses >>

Let’s look at some of the considerations that go into starting a company abroad in more detail.

Is it a new business or an existing one?

When starting a business abroad, the first question is looking at the business itself and what it can offer. Whether you establish an overseas business as a new venture or expand an existing one is a crucial decision that depends on various factors.

Launching a new business overseas can be advantageous since it allows you to customize and tailor it to the specific needs and preferences of the target market. The business will be more flexible and can develop a genuinely localized strategy t build a brand presence that will truly resonate with local audiences.

On the other hand, expanding an existing business overseas offers the advantage of leveraging an established brand reputation, operational experience, and existing resources into a new market. Expanding an existing business can be easier since existing resources can be developed and localized, reducing some of the upfront work of launching the business. However, expanding the business will need to consider local market dynamics, existing competition, and potential risks involved.

Should you purchase an already existing business?

Another sub-consideration is whether to purchase an existing business or start a new one in the foreign country you’re considering entering.

Purchasing an existing business can offer several advantages since you’ll have a headstart when it comes to an established customer base, operational infrastructure, and established brand recognition. This can save time and effort in building everything from scratch. Secondly, purchasing a business may give you a competitive edge by providing access to established supplier relationships, distribution channels, and intellectual property rights, which can give you a competitive edge in the new market.

However, it's essential to conduct thorough due diligence before purchasing, assessing factors such as financial health, market conditions, legal obligations, and potential risks.

What are the startup costs when doing business globally?

When exploring opportunities for businesses abroad, factoring in startup costs is crucial. Startup costs vary significantly depending on the industry, market, and chosen entry strategy. Typical startup costs include market research, legal fees, business registration and setup, and offices. Other startup costs may include hiring local staff or relocating current team members, marketing and promotional activities, and logistics. If the business is product-based, startup costs may include initial inventory or production costs.

Startup costs can vary depending on the business and market, which is why it is essential to conduct a comprehensive cost analysis and budgeting. Having a financial plan ensures that you have the runway to launch the company abroad and sufficient capital to cover these expenses and sustain the business in the initial phase.

Moving money overseas? Wise Business could help you save.

With Wise Business, you can get paid in multiple currencies without worrying about huge fees. They provide the mid-market rate, meaning you get a transparent exchange rate, similar to the one you find on Google.

Their easy to use account makes it easy to manage invoices, track payments, and reduce the hassle of dealing with international transactions. Not to mention, setting up your account is a breeze.

Save on international business
transactions >>

Is this your target market? What is the proximity to your target market?

Market research is a crucial component to have in place before opening a business in another country. Before entering a new market, you should conduct research to assess whether it aligns with your target market.

Market research efforts could include analyzing local demographics, consumer behavior, purchasing power, and demand for the business’s product or service. Your market research should also examine additional forces such as cultural fit, language barriers, and market size and how that may impact your business.

Another factor to look at is proximity to your target market. Proximity can significantly influence the business since it impacts logistics, supply chain management, and customer service.

Moreover, proximity can be a significant strength for your business, enabling quicker response times, reduced shipping costs, and better customer engagement.

However, it’s important to note that proximity is not necessarily a make-or-break factor when starting a business abroad. Technological advancements and global connectivity have made it feasible to target markets even from a distance, leveraging ecommerce platforms and virtual communication tools if needed.

Check local regulations while doing business abroad

If you choose to operate in a foreign country, it is vital to understand and comply with local regulations.

Each country has its own legal framework, business registration requirements, licensing procedures, and industry-specific regulations, and all of these can have a major impact on your business, including how quickly it can set up and what it can truly offer the target market.

Before doing business in other countries, it is best to engage with legal professionals or consultants who can steer you in the best way possible and navigate local laws to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks. By doing this, you can build a solid foundation for doing business in a foreign country by conducting due diligence and adhering to local regulations.

Understand taxation and reporting requirements.

Taxation and reporting requirements vary across countries and can often be an issue for new businesses operating in foreign countries. Understanding and fulfilling these obligations is essential when doing business abroad, especially if you are a US citizen with a foreign business, as there may be other tax implications. You should determine your tax residency status and identify any tax treaties that may provide benefits.

Before starting a business abroad, it is best to familiarize yourself with local tax laws, including corporate tax rates, value-added tax (VAT) or goods and services tax (GST) if applicable, payroll taxes, and customs duties. You should also do due diligence to understand and identify reporting obligations, such as filing annual financial statements or tax returns. Seeking professional advice from tax experts or accountants with international expertise can help you navigate the complexities of global taxation and protect your business.

Common issues when doing business in another country

While starting a company abroad can be immensely exciting and rewarding, there are some challenges you may have to navigate.

Some common issues may include cultural differences, language barriers, unfamiliar business practices, and competition in the local market.

• That is why you should consider the cultural nuances of the market you are entering, as that can affect communication, negotiation styles, and relationship-building. Additionally, if there are language barriers present, that may require hiring translation services or hiring bilingual staff.

• For businesses entering foreign countries, establishing trust and credibility is key. This can be challenging, especially in unfamiliar territories. That is why adapting to local business practices and etiquette is essential for businesses entering new markets.

• Lastly, understanding the competitive landscape and local market dynamics is crucial to position your business effectively and ensure that you adequately differentiate yourself from others in the market.

Other challenges when starting a business internationally may include logistics and supply chain management, currency fluctuations, political instability, and changes in local regulations.

However, conducting thorough market research, seeking local partnerships or advisors, and maintaining flexibility and adaptability can help mitigate these challenges for businesses entering foreign countries.

Get Paid and Make Payments Globally with Wise

Wise Business aims to make cross-border payments easy, secure, and economical for consultants. It's an essential tool for international businesses aiming to build a global client base.

With Wise Business, you can get paid in multiple currencies without worrying about huge fees. They provide the mid-market rate, meaning you get the fairest exchange rate possible, similar to the one you find on Google, and they charge only a small, upfront fee.

Their easy to use account makes it easy to manage invoices, track payments, and reduce the hassle of dealing with international transactions. Not to mention, setting up your account is a breeze.

Save on international business
transactions >>