In today’s world, the concept of online education is no longer surprising. From specialized courses with local certification programs to earning a diploma from top international universities and colleges, all of this is now accessible online.
Today, anyone, from a coach to a teacher, can create their own online learning project. From a technical perspective, there are two main approaches to organize this:
You have an idea and are looking for a ready-made technical solution to implement it, an already developed platform that does not require technical knowledge on your part. You purchase a license, complete the necessary legal documents (e.g., GDPR, COPPA, or FERPA), register as an individual entrepreneur, create a landing page, and launch advertising. That’s it: you have a ready business and start attracting clients.
You have an idea, but you don't want to purchase a license from a third-party platform or service, and your ambitions extend beyond the local market. You are ready to offer your services in the EU, Latin America, or North America.This is where it gets interesting, exactly where our team can assist and what we will explain further.
Choosing a country to register your EdTech company
Click on a marker to learn more about the location
Selecting the country for your future EdTech business is not a formality but a strategic decision that determines whether you can become a global player.
The right jurisdiction opens doors to markets in the US, EU, or Asia. This means operating legally with clients anywhere in the world without restrictions or complex approvals. Each country has its own rules regarding educational products, student data processing, and licensing requirements. For example, the EU enforces GDPR, while the US enforces FERPA and COPPA. The chosen jurisdiction will determine whether you can legally and quickly reach international clients.
If your brand operates under a reliable legal system with strict personal data protection and is registered in a “white” jurisdiction, it sends a green light to future investors. Such a company appears transparent and predictable to partners, simplifying fundraising and international contracts.
Beyond regulatory considerations, the choice of jurisdiction also affects your tax burden. Tax incentives for technology companies, grants, and R&D credits can save significant amounts of funds for product development.
Other factors to consider include:
- Corporate tax rate
- Availability of double taxation avoidance agreements
- Taxation of employee income
- Opportunities for flexible employment arrangements (analogous to individual entrepreneurship, self-employed, contractor)
Benefits of choosing the right jurisdiction for an EdTech company:
- Legal access to international payment systems: Stripe, PayPal, Paddle
- Ability to integrate with international educational course marketplaces
- Trust from B2B clients and partners (schools, universities, corporations)
- Easy access to investor capital
- Protection of intellectual property (courses, methodologies, platforms)
Where to register an EdTech company: 4 directions to consider
Current data as of 2025
Country | Corporate income tax | Taxation features |
0% on undistributed profit | Taxation applies only upon dividend distribution | |
8.25% (up to 2 million HKD), 16.5% (above) | Territorial taxation — foreign income is not taxed | |
~21% federal + possible state tax | Taxation on global income | |
25% (with reductions for small businesses) | R&D tax credits, startup incentives |
Country | Pros | Cons |
Estonia | Easy access to the EU, e-Residency, online management | Separate taxation of dividends |
Hong Kong | International reputation, English language, and access to Asian markets | Mandatory local company director |
U.S. (Delaware) | Prestige for investors, fast registration, and access to venture capital | Complex reporting, higher tax rate |
United Kingdom | Reputation, transparent legal system, access to global markets | Higher business costs, regulations post-Brexit |
Business registration Is only the formal start. Successful EdTech teams begin developing their Go-to-Market strategy even before obtaining incorporation documents to minimize the time between company registration and acquiring the first students or corporate clients.
Need an advice on launching an EdTech business
Get professional advice from our team
The impact of jurisdiction choice on EdTech marketing
The chosen jurisdiction for registering an EdTech company affects not only the legal and financial aspects of the business but also directly influences marketing strategy, customer acquisition costs, and speed of entry into new markets.
Taxes and advertising costs
In most countries, advertising on Facebook (Meta), Google, LinkedIn, and other platforms is subject to VAT or digital services taxes (DST). If the VAT rate is high (20–27%), the advertising budget increases accordingly. In some jurisdictions, this tax can be reclaimed or avoided when working with foreign markets with properly configured reporting, which is particularly important for large-scale campaigns to maintain competitive CAC levels.
Access to advertising platforms and channels
Registration in a “white” jurisdiction with international bankingStripe, PayPal, Payoneerensures stable access to ad accounts, fast moderation, and the ability to connect key marketing channels: Meta Ads, Google Ads, LinkedIn Ads, TikTok Ads, YouTube Ads, and affiliate networks. Registration in countries with sanctions or restricted status may complicate or completely block access to these platforms. Local restrictions should also be considered, for example, TikTok in the US for certain categories or WeChat Ads outside China.
Licenses and regulatory requirements
In the US, Canada, Australia, and parts of the EU, advertising educational services may require proof of accreditation or compliance with industry standards. Choosing a jurisdiction known for adhering to these standards ensures faster and safer ad moderation.
ICP and buyer persona for EdTech
Before launch, it is essential to identify your primary client segment and select the corresponding jurisdiction.
For example:
- If your ICP is a B2C audience in the EU (students, parents), registering the company within the EU provides higher brand trust and smoother interaction with local regulators.
- If your ICP is corporate clients in the US (schools, universities, corporate training departments), registering in the US, preferably in Delaware, simplifies contract signing and provides access to local ad networks, educational grants, and partnerships.
- If your ICP is the Asian market (Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea), registration in Hong Kong facilitates working with Asian payment gateways, WeChat Ads, Alipay, and local course marketplaces.
Buyer Personas help define legal and advertising requirements:
- If your users include minors, choose a jurisdiction with clear child data protection regulations (COPPA, FERPA, GDPR-K) to avoid ad blocks or moderation issues.
- If the key marketing channel is TikTok or another social network with local restrictions, select a jurisdiction that is not under sanctions or bans.
Analytics and performance
The choice of registration country affects which analytics tools can be used without restrictions and how they can be integrated. For example:
- In the US and UK, it is easier to set up full event tracking from websites and apps via Meta and Google Conversion APIs without using additional proxies or local servers.
- In Asian countries (Hong Kong, Singapore), you can officially work with local analytics platforms required for advertising on WeChat, Baidu, or Naver.
- In the EU, company registration allows connection to European CDPs (Customer Data Platforms) and DMPs (Data Management Platforms) without extra verification procedures.
At the launch stage, it is advisable to set up:
- Mixpanel, Amplitude, GA4, Hotjar: to track user behavior and conversions
- CRM: HubSpot, Odoo, Pipedrive: to synchronize marketing and sales data and build end-to-end analytics with precise CAC and LTV calculations
- Integration with ad platforms for automatic conversion imports and lookalike audience creation
Choosing a registration country for an EdTech company is not just a legal or tax strategy but a comprehensive marketing decision. The right jurisdiction can reduce advertising costs, accelerate market entry, ensure uninterrupted access to promotion tools, and build additional trust with clients and partners. Conversely, a poor choice can complicate ad moderation, limit sales channels, and increase CAC.
If you plan to register an EdTech company and want to select a jurisdiction that enhances your marketing strategy, consult our experts. We can help you choose a jurisdiction considering your ICP, Buyer Personas, marketing goals, and regulatory requirements to ensure a faster and more effective market launch.
