World Bank B-READY: The Business Entry Indicator
For nearly two decades, the Doing Business report was the gold standard for measuring global investment climates. However, in 2024, the World Bank fully transitioned to Business Ready (B-READY). While the old model focused primarily on the "burden" of regulation, B-READY takes a more balanced approach, looking at how regulations and public services work together to create a healthy private sector.
The Business Entry Indicator is a core pillar of the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) project. It evaluates the ease of starting a new business by measuring three key dimensions: the quality of the regulatory framework (laws and rules), the efficiency of public services (registration speed and digital tools), and the actual operational ease (real-world time and cost) for entrepreneurs entering the market.
Moving Beyond the "Cost of Doing Business"
The Business Entry topic is the first point of contact between a firm and the state. It sets the tone for a country's entire economic ecosystem. Unlike its predecessor, which primarily rewarded deregulation, B-READY acknowledges that a "ready" business environment requires strong institutions and digital infrastructure to support a firm's lifecycle.
The Three Pillars of Business Entry
The B-READY methodology breaks down Business Entry into three distinct "pillars." This ensures that a country isn't just "fast" at registering businesses, but also has the legal infrastructure to protect them.
1. Regulatory Quality
This measures the "rules on the books." It asks whether the legal environment is transparent and fair. Key metrics include:
Minimal Capital Requirements: Does the law require huge amounts of cash upfront?
Digital Signatures: Are electronic signatures legally recognized?
Inclusivity: Are there gender-neutral laws ensuring women have the same rights to start businesses as men?
2. Public Services
Having a law is one thing; enforcing it is another. This pillar looks at the tools the government provides to entrepreneurs:
Interoperability: Do different government agencies (tax, social security, and registries) talk to each other?
Online Portals: Is there a "Single Window" where an entrepreneur can complete all steps in one place?
Information Transparency: Is the schedule of fees and required documents easily accessible online?
3. Operational Efficiency
This is the "reality check." It measures the actual experience of entrepreneurs on the ground through data and surveys:
Time: How many days does it actually take to get a business license?
Cost: What percentage of income per capita is spent on registration fees?
Compliance: How complex are the final steps to becoming fully operational?
Why Business Entry Matters
When the barrier to entry is high, innovation stays in the informal economy. High costs and red tape discourage entrepreneurs from registering, which means they can’t access bank loans, legal protections, or global markets.
By improving the Business Entry indicator, governments can:
Boost Tax Revenue: More formal businesses mean a broader tax base.
Encourage Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): Investors look for "entry signals" to judge a country's stability.
Promote Competition: Easy entry prevents monopolies and keeps markets dynamic.
How B-READY Differs from the Past
| Feature | Old (Doing Business) | New (B-READY) |
| Focus | Small/Medium Domestic Firms | All firms, including Foreign & Large |
| Data Source | Expert opinions only | Experts + Firm-level surveys |
| Balance | Focused on "less" regulation | Focused on "better" regulation |
Leading Countries in World Bank B-READY 2024
The inaugural Business Ready (B-READY) 2024 report, covering an initial group of 50 economies, reveals that a "business-ready" environment is not exclusive to high-income nations. Several emerging markets have outperformed wealthier peers by digitizing services and streamlining legal requirements.
Top Performers in Business Entry
The "Business Entry" topic measures how easily a firm can start operations. While different countries excel in different pillars (Regulations vs. Services), a few have emerged as global benchmarks:
Greece: Achieved the highest score for Business Entry overall, largely due to high-quality regulations that simplify the start-up process.
Singapore: A global leader in Operational Efficiency, known for its one-day online registration and minimal administrative costs.
Estonia: Renowned for its Public Services, offering one of the world's most advanced digital identities that allows entrepreneurs to register a company in minutes.
Rwanda: The top performer in Sub-Saharan Africa and 3rd globally for Operational Efficiency, proving that low-income economies can achieve world-class speed in business registration.
B-READY 2024 Scorecard: Business Entry
The following table highlights the performance of leading economies across the three pillars of Business Entry. Scores are on a scale of 0 to 100.
| Economy | Overall Topic Score | Regulatory Framework (Pillar 1) | Public Services (Pillar 2) | Operational Efficiency (Pillar 3) |
| Greece | 96.6 | 96.2 | 96.2 | 97.4 |
| Singapore | 93.6 | 87.7 | 93.1 | 100.0 |
| Estonia | 90.7 | 92.5 | 92.5 | 87.2 |
| Rwanda | 85.4 | 70.4 | 67.4 | 81.3 |
| Hong Kong SAR | 85.5 | 91.9 | 83.1 | 81.5 |
| Portugal | 92.7 | 83.7 | 94.4 | 100.0 |
| Hungary | 85.8 | 85.0 | 85.0 | 87.4 |
Note: The "Overall Topic Score" is an average of the three pillars. Some countries, like Singapore and Portugal, achieved a perfect 100 in Operational Efficiency, reflecting a near-frictionless entry process.
Global Insights: The "Public Services Gap"
The B-READY data highlights a significant global trend: most countries have better laws (Pillar 1) than they have the digital tools or staff to execute them (Pillar 2).
The Gap: On average, economies score roughly 65.5 on regulatory quality but only 49.7 on the efficiency of public services.
The Exception: Top-tier performers like Estonia and Singapore have nearly closed this gap, showing that high-quality digital infrastructure is the "secret sauce" for a leading business environment.
Greece: The New Global Standard for Business Entry
In the World Bank's inaugural Business Ready (B-READY) 2024 report, Greece emerged as the top-scoring economy globally for the Business Entry topic. With an overall topic score of 96.6 out of 100, Greece has successfully transformed its bureaucratic landscape into a streamlined, digital-first gateway for entrepreneurs.
Why Greece Leads the World
Greece's success is not accidental; it is the result of aggressive legislative reforms and a massive investment in digital government services over the last several years. The B-READY methodology evaluates Greece across three specific dimensions:
1. Superior Regulatory Quality (Score: 96.2)
Greece has modernized its "rules on the books" to remove historic barriers that once made it one of the most difficult places to start a business in Europe.
Abolished Minimum Capital: Greece removed the requirement for high paid-in minimum capital for most company types.
Simplified Legal Forms: The introduction of the Private Company (IKE) legal form provides a flexible, low-cost option for startups.
Gender Parity: Greek law ensures zero legal barriers based on gender for business ownership and registration.
2. Digital Public Services (Score: 96.2)
The "Greek Digital Miracle" is most evident in its public service delivery. The country has moved nearly all entry-related interactions to a single digital interface.
e-EVE (Electronic Business Registry): This centralized portal allows for fully digital business registration, cutting out the need for physical visits to multiple ministries.
Interoperability: Unlike many nations where agencies operate in silos, the Greek tax authority, social security offices, and business registries are electronically linked.
Transparency: All fee schedules and procedural requirements are published clearly online, leaving no room for "hidden" costs or administrative surprises.
3. Record-Breaking Operational Efficiency (Score: 97.4)
The ultimate test of a country's readiness is how fast an entrepreneur can actually start.
Time to Start: In Greece, a business can be legally established in as little as one day via the online "One-Stop Shop" system.
Low Cost: The actual cost of compliance and registration fees is among the lowest in the OECD when compared to income per capita.
Greece vs. Regional Peers
To understand how significant Greece's performance is, it is helpful to compare its Business Entry scores against other European and global leaders measured in the 2024 report.
| Economy | Overall Business Entry Score | Key Strength |
| Greece | 96.6 | Balanced excellence across all 3 pillars |
| Singapore | 93.6 | Perfect 100 in Operational Efficiency |
| Portugal | 92.7 | High digital service adoption |
| Estonia | 90.7 | Global leader in digital identity |
| Hungary | 85.8 | Strong regulatory framework |
Lessons from the Greek Model
Greece’s high score proves that even countries with complex bureaucratic histories can leapfrog to the top of global rankings through digitalization and institutional cooperation. For other nations, the Greek example serves as a roadmap:
Prioritize a Single Window: Consolidate all registration steps into one online portal.
Harmonize Data: Ensure government agencies share data so the entrepreneur only has to provide information once.
Regularly Audit Regulations: Continuously remove "zombie" laws that serve no modern economic purpose.
Singapore: The Global Benchmark for Business Entry
In the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) 2024 report, Singapore established itself as a premier global leader, scoring 94 out of 100 in the Business Entry topic. The city-state is frequently cited as the gold standard for "Operational Efficiency," proving that a high-income economy can maintain a near-frictionless path for new entrepreneurs.
The Singapore "Speed" Model
Singapore’s performance is defined by its ability to merge high-quality legal standards with world-class digital execution. Under the B-READY framework, Singapore’s success is broken down into three pillars:
1. Regulatory Excellence
Singapore has long championed a "pro-enterprise" legal framework. Its regulations are designed to be clear, predictable, and inclusive.
Minimal Friction: There are no minimum paid-in capital requirements for most companies, and the legal steps required to register are consolidated and transparent.
Digital-First Laws: Singapore was an early adopter of laws that give electronic signatures and digital documents the same legal weight as physical ones.
2. Integrated Public Services
The Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) operates as a centralized hub for business entry, ensuring that the government acts as a single entity rather than a series of disconnected offices.
The "BizFile+" Portal: This platform serves as a "Single Window" where entrepreneurs can register their business, set up tax obligations, and apply for necessary licenses simultaneously.
Interoperability: Singapore’s public agencies are highly integrated; data provided to ACRA is automatically shared with the Inland Revenue Authority (IRAS) and other relevant bodies.
3. World-Leading Operational Efficiency (Score: 100)
Singapore achieved a perfect 100 in the Operational Efficiency pillar for Business Entry—a feat shared by very few economies.
One-Day Registration: In practice, an entrepreneur can legally incorporate a company in Singapore in less than 15 minutes if all documents are ready.
Low Cost: The administrative fees for starting a business are minimal relative to the country’s income levels, removing financial barriers for local and foreign startups alike.
Singapore's Scorecard vs. Global Averages
The B-READY report highlights that while many countries have good laws, they often lack the "Public Services" to back them up. Singapore is one of the few nations to bridge this gap.
| Metric | Singapore Score | Global B-READY Average (approx.) |
| Business Entry Overall | 94.0 | 63.4 |
| Regulatory Quality | 87.7 | 65.5 |
| Public Services | 93.1 | 49.7 |
| Operational Efficiency | 100.0 | 75.0 |
Key Competitive Advantages
Attracting Foreign Talent: Singapore’s streamlined entry process is a major draw for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). International firms can establish a regional headquarters with the same ease as a local boutique.
Focus on Inclusion: The B-READY report notes that Singapore maintains high scores for gender parity, ensuring that both men and women face zero legal or procedural differences when starting a firm.
Constant Iteration: Singapore does not rest on its laurels; the government frequently updates the Companies Act and its digital portals to incorporate emerging technologies like AI-driven name verification.
Estonia: The Digital Pioneer of Business Entry
In the World Bank’s B-READY 2024 report, Estonia stands out as a global leader in the Business Entry topic, earning an overall score of 90.7 out of 100. Estonia’s performance is a testament to its "e-Estonia" philosophy, where virtually all interactions between the state and the private sector have been digitized to eliminate friction.
The "E-Business" Registry Advantage
Estonia’s success in Business Entry is built on one of the world’s most sophisticated digital infrastructures. It does not just have "good laws"—it has a seamless digital ecosystem that makes those laws functional.
1. Regulatory Framework (Score: 92.5)
Estonia provides a legal environment that is both flexible and inclusive.
Minimal Capital Requirements: Entrepreneurs can establish a private limited company without immediately paying in the share capital if the amount is under €50,000.
E-Residency: Estonia is unique in offering a digital identity to non-residents, allowing global entrepreneurs to start and manage an EU-based business entirely online.
Legal Transparency: Regulations are clear, and the rights of founders—regardless of gender or nationality—are strictly protected by law.
2. Public Services (Score: 92.5)
The e-Business Register is the crown jewel of Estonia's public service delivery.
The "Once-Only" Principle: The state is forbidden from asking for the same information twice. Once you provide data to the business registry, it is automatically available to the tax board and other agencies.
Advanced Digital Identity: Every Estonian citizen and e-resident has a digital ID that allows for legally binding digital signatures, removing the need for physical paperwork or notary visits for standard registrations.
Transparency of Information: All fee schedules and business data are publicly accessible, fostering a high level of trust and reducing corruption.
3. Operational Efficiency (Score: 87.2)
While Estonia’s "rules" and "services" are nearly perfect, its operational efficiency score reflects the actual real-world time and effort required by firms.
Speed of Entry: A business can be registered in as little as 15 minutes using the e-Business Register. In 2022, Estonia even set a world record by registering a company in 15 minutes and 33 seconds.
Cost Efficiency: Because the process is digital, the costs are significantly lower than in countries that require physical offices, multiple stamps, or mandatory legal consultants.
B-READY 2024: Estonia Scorecard
Estonia’s high scores in Pillars 1 and 2 highlight its role as a benchmark for digital governance.
| Pillar | Estonia Score | Description |
| Regulatory Framework | 92.5 | Quality of laws on the books for starting a firm. |
| Public Services | 92.5 | Quality of digital registries and interoperability. |
| Operational Efficiency | 87.2 | Real-world time and cost experienced by firms. |
| Overall Topic Score | 90.7 | A top-tier global performer. |
Why Estonia is Different
While countries like Singapore excel in sheer speed, Estonia excels in accessibility. Through its e-Residency program, Estonia has decoupled "Business Entry" from physical geography. This allows the country to export its business environment to the world, attracting thousands of digital nomads and tech startups who never even need to visit Tallinn to contribute to the Estonian economy.
Rwanda: The High-Performing Maverick of Business Entry
In the World Bank’s B-READY 2024 report, Rwanda emerged as a global sensation, scoring 85.4 out of 100 in the Business Entry topic. As the only low-income economy to rank in the top quintile, Rwanda has earned the reputation of "punching above its weight," outperforming many high-income nations through radical digitization and institutional efficiency.
Why Rwanda is an African Leader
Rwanda’s success is the result of a long-term vision led by the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). By consolidating all business functions into a single agency, Rwanda has eliminated the fragmented bureaucracy that often plagues emerging markets.
1. Exceptional Operational Efficiency (Score: 81.3)
Rwanda’s strongest performance lies in its ability to get things done quickly. It ranks 3rd globally for operational efficiency in business entry.
Speed: Company registration in Rwanda typically takes less than 24 hours. This stands in stark contrast to the global average of 32 days for domestic firms.
Cost: Business registration is free of charge when done online, a policy designed to encourage informal businesses to join the formal economy.
Ease of Compliance: The process is entirely digital, meaning entrepreneurs do not need to hire lawyers or visit multiple offices to start a company.
2. Digital-First Public Services (Score: 67.4)
Rwanda has leapfrogged traditional systems by investing heavily in e-government portals.
Irembo Platform: This "one-stop center" allows entrepreneurs to apply for business licenses, land titles, and utility connections in one place.
Integrated Systems: The business registry is electronically linked with the tax authority (Rwanda Revenue Authority), ensuring that a Tax Identification Number (TIN) is issued automatically upon registration.
Information Access: All regulatory requirements and fee schedules are clearly published online, reducing the risk of corruption and administrative delays.
3. Progressive Regulatory Framework (Score: 70.4)
Rwanda has updated its laws to align with international best practices, focusing on flexibility and investor protection.
2021 Investment Promotion Law: This law provides specific incentives for startups and foreign investors, including simplified profit repatriation.
No Capital Barriers: There are no minimum paid-in capital requirements for most domestic companies.
Gender Equality: Rwanda’s legal framework is noted for being highly inclusive, ensuring women have equal legal standing to sign contracts and register assets.
Rwanda B-READY 2024 Scorecard
Rwanda's performance proves that economic "readiness" is a matter of policy choice, not just national wealth.
| Pillar | Rwanda Score | Global Rank |
| Operational Efficiency | 81.3 | 3rd |
| Public Services | 67.4 | 8th |
| Regulatory Framework | 70.4 | 17th |
| Overall Business Entry | 85.4 | Top Quintile |
Key Insight: Rwanda's "Implementation Gap"—the difference between its laws and its actual service delivery—is significantly smaller than its regional peers, making it a benchmark for Sub-Saharan Africa.
The "Rwanda Model" for Emerging Markets
Rwanda’s strategy offers a blueprint for other developing nations:
Centralize Authority: Use a single agency (like the RDB) to manage the entire business lifecycle.
Remove Financial Barriers: Making registration free can drastically increase the number of formal taxpayers.
Digitize Everything: Move beyond paper-based systems to reduce the "time-cost" of doing business.
Hong Kong SAR: The Global Gateway for Business Entry
In the World Bank’s inaugural Business Ready (B-READY) 2024 report, Hong Kong SAR, China distinguished itself as one of the top ten global performers, securing an overall score of 85.5 out of 100 for the Business Entry topic. As a premier international financial hub, Hong Kong’s entry system is designed to facilitate both local startups and massive multinational corporations with equal speed and transparency.
A Legacy of Efficiency Meets Modern Regulation
Hong Kong’s high ranking reflects its long-standing reputation for a "pro-business" environment. The B-READY framework evaluates Hong Kong across three distinct pillars:
1. Robust Regulatory Quality (Score: 91.9)
Hong Kong remains a global leader in legal simplicity. Its regulatory framework is built on a clear, common-law foundation that prioritizes ease of entry.
Streamlined Company Ordinance: The laws governing company formation are straightforward, with no requirement for a local resident director for most private companies.
Minimal Capital Barriers: There is no minimum paid-in capital requirement for incorporating a company, allowing entrepreneurs to start with virtually zero upfront capital.
Gender Equality: Hong Kong scores exceptionally high for gender-neutral business laws, ensuring no legal discrepancies exist for women entering the market.
2. High-Tech Public Services (Score: 83.1)
The Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) have integrated their systems to provide a nearly seamless "Single Window" experience.
e-Registry: Hong Kong’s 24-hour electronic service portal allows for the submission of incorporation and business registration applications in a single step.
Electronic Certificates: Once approved, business registration certificates are issued electronically, allowing firms to open bank accounts and sign contracts almost immediately.
Transparent Information: All fees, forms, and guidelines are available online in multiple languages, ensuring that both local and foreign investors have clear expectations.
3. Operational Efficiency (Score: 81.5)
In practice, Hong Kong is one of the fastest places in the world to start a business.
Time to Start: Online incorporation and business registration can be completed in as little as one hour.
One-Stop Shop: The simultaneous application for company incorporation and business registration means the entrepreneur does not have to visit multiple government offices.
Digital-First Compliance: Ongoing compliance, such as filing annual returns, is also managed through a highly efficient digital interface.
Hong Kong SAR B-READY 2024 Scorecard
Hong Kong’s performance in Business Entry is a key driver of its overall status as a global "super-connector."
| Pillar | Hong Kong SAR Score | Global Avg (B-READY 2024) |
| Regulatory Framework | 91.9 | 65.5 |
| Public Services | 83.1 | 49.7 |
| Operational Efficiency | 81.5 | 75.0 |
| Overall Topic Score | 85.5 | 63.4 |
The "Super-Connector" Advantage
What sets Hong Kong apart from other high-scoring nations like Greece or Estonia is its unique position as a two-way door:
Attracting Overseas Firms: The ease of entry is a primary reason why thousands of international companies choose Hong Kong as their regional headquarters.
Assisting Mainland Enterprises: Hong Kong serves as the preferred "launching pad" for Chinese firms looking to go global, thanks to its familiar but internationally aligned entry standards.
Despite its high scores, the HKSAR Government has noted that the B-READY report—collected during a pilot phase—may not yet fully capture the benefits of its common law system and robust rule of law. Continued digital enhancements are expected to push these scores even higher in the 2025 and 2026 reports.
Hungary: Balancing Strong Regulations with Digital Growth
In the World Bank’s B-READY 2024 report, Hungary achieved a solid overall score of 85.8 out of 100 for the Business Entry topic. While it ranks among the high performers globally, Hungary’s profile is distinct: it possesses one of the world's highest-quality Regulatory Frameworks but faces a "public services gap" where digital execution is still catching up to the letter of the law.
The Hungarian Hybrid Model
Hungary’s approach to business entry is characterized by a very strong legal foundation and a rapidly improving digital infrastructure. Under the B-READY methodology, its performance is broken down as follows:
1. World-Class Regulatory Framework (Score: 85.0)
Hungary is frequently cited as a global benchmark for the quality of its "rules on the books."
Standardized Legal Forms: The country provides highly structured and clear legal templates for various company types, reducing legal ambiguity for new founders.
Labor & Competition Alignment: Its entry regulations are designed to work in tandem with strong labor protections and market competition laws, ensuring that new firms enter a "fair play" environment.
Information Standards: Hungary scores very high (40/50 in specific sub-indicators) for its information and procedural standards, meaning the requirements for entry are well-defined and legally sound.
2. Digital Public Services (Score: 85.0)
Hungary has made significant strides in digitizing its business registry, though some hurdles remain compared to "digital-only" pioneers like Estonia.
Electronic Company Registration: An electronic system covers the entire company registration process, including the update of statutory information and beneficial ownership.
Interoperability: Hungary scores a perfect 20/20 in the interoperability of services. The business registry, tax authorities, and social security systems are electronically linked, so data is shared automatically.
Electronic Payments: Incorporation fees can be paid fully electronically, and certificates of incorporation are issued as digital-first documents.
3. Operational Efficiency (Score: 87.4)
This pillar measures the real-world experience of entrepreneurs, and Hungary's results show a highly functional, albeit professional-led, system.
Professional Intermediaries: While the digital systems are robust, Hungarian law often requires the involvement of a lawyer or notary for certain types of registration (unlike the "DIY" model in Singapore), which adds a layer of professional oversight but can also add to the cost.
Centralized Database: All company registration records are stored in a fully electronic, centralized database with full national coverage, making verification fast for banks and partners.
Hungary B-READY 2024 Scorecard
Hungary’s scores reflect a balanced performance with a slight lead in regulatory quality.
| Pillar | Hungary Score | Global Average |
| Regulatory Framework | 85.0 | 65.5 |
| Public Services | 85.0 | 49.7 |
| Operational Efficiency | 87.4 | 75.0 |
| Overall Topic Score | 85.8 | 63.4 |
Subnational Variations
Unique to the B-READY project is the Subnational B-READY in the EU study, which looked specifically at seven Hungarian cities: Budapest, Debrecen, Győr, Miskolc, Pécs, Szeged, and Székesfehérvár.
Regional Disparities: While national laws are uniform, the efficiency of public services and utility connections can vary by city.
Budapest as a Hub: The capital remains the fastest entry point for foreign investors due to the concentration of specialized legal services and the headquarters of the national registries.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the high scores, the World Bank identifies a few "room for growth" areas for Hungary:
DIY Registration: Currently, the system relies heavily on intermediaries. Allowing entrepreneurs to register simpler business forms independently (without mandatory legal counsel) could push the score closer to 100.
Automated Name Verification: While many processes are electronic, implementing a fully automated, real-time system to verify company name uniqueness would further speed up the "Day 1" experience.
Portugal: The Modern Benchmark for Seamless Business Entry
In the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) 2024 report, Portugal emerged as a standout performer, securing an impressive overall score of 92.7 out of 100 for the Business Entry topic. Portugal has successfully bridged the "public services gap" that affects many other high-income nations, combining high-quality laws with world-leading digital execution.
The "Empresa na Hora" Revolution
Portugal’s success is anchored by its iconic "Empresa na Hora" (On-the-Spot Firm) initiative. This program transformed a once-notorious bureaucracy into a streamlined system that is now a case study for global economic reform.
1. High Regulatory Standards (Score: 83.7)
Portugal’s regulatory framework for business entry is designed to be inclusive and flexible.
Simple Registration Forms: Portuguese law allows all entrepreneurs—domestic and foreign—to register a business using standardized forms without the mandatory use of expensive intermediaries like lawyers or notaries.
Inclusive Entry: The report highlights Portugal’s 100% score in gender-neutral business laws, ensuring that women face zero legal or procedural disadvantages when starting a firm.
Automated Safeguards: The law supports a fully automated system for verifying the uniqueness of company names, preventing delays at the very first step of the process.
2. Digital-First Public Services (Score: 94.4)
Portugal’s public service delivery is among the highest in the B-READY 2024 cohort, driven by a philosophy of administrative simplification (known locally as Simplex).
The "Once-Only" Principle: Government agencies are interconnected. Once a business is registered, the data is shared instantly with the tax office and social security system.
Universal e-Registry: A fully electronic platform covers the entire lifecycle of entry, from the initial incorporation to the registration of beneficial ownership and the issuance of electronic incorporation certificates.
Transparency: All fees and regulatory requirements are published clearly online, and the "Empresa na Hora" centers provide physical desks for those who prefer in-person assistance with the same efficiency as the digital portal.
3. Perfect Operational Efficiency (Score: 100.0)
Portugal achieved a perfect score of 100 in the Operational Efficiency pillar—a feat it shares with Singapore.
Time: In practice, a business can be legally established in Portugal in under one hour at an "Empresa na Hora" desk or via the online portal.
Cost: The cost to register is a flat fee that is exceptionally low relative to the country's income per capita, making the formal market accessible to everyone from tech startups to local tradespeople.
Immediate Operation: Upon registration, the firm immediately receives its tax identification number (NIPC) and social security number, allowing it to hire employees and trade on Day 1.
Portugal B-READY 2024 Scorecard
Portugal's scores reflect a nation that has mastered the practical implementation of business-friendly policies.
| Pillar | Portugal Score | Global B-READY Average |
| Regulatory Framework | 83.7 | 65.5 |
| Public Services | 94.4 | 49.7 |
| Operational Efficiency | 100.0 | 75.0 |
| Overall Topic Score | 92.7 | 63.4 |
Subnational Excellence: More Than Just Lisbon
The World Bank's Subnational B-READY in Portugal report confirms that this efficiency isn't limited to the capital.
Regional Consistency: Cities like Porto, Coimbra, and Évora maintain similar efficiency levels due to the centralized nature of the "Empresa na Hora" system.
The "Simplex" Legacy: Portugal’s success is the result of nearly two decades of continuous digital reform (the Simplex program), proving that long-term political commitment to digitalization pays off in global competitiveness.
Strategic Projects in Leading B-READY Economies
While the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) report scores countries on their current environment, those scores are built on specific, large-scale reform projects. Leading nations have moved beyond simple legal changes to implement "Digital Public Goods"—centralized platforms that treat a business's lifecycle as a single, integrated data journey.
Notable Projects by Leading Economies
The following projects are the primary reasons these countries have achieved top-tier scores in the Business Entry indicator.
1. Greece: The "One-Stop Shop" Portal (e-EVE)
Greece's top global ranking is primarily due to its General Commercial Registry (GEMI) overhaul.
The Project: The creation of a fully digital "One-Stop Shop" (e-EVE) where entrepreneurs can complete all incorporation steps simultaneously.
B-READY Impact: This project successfully bridged the gap between different state agencies, ensuring that when you register a name, you are automatically assigned a tax and social security number.
2. Singapore: BizFile+ and Networked Trade Platform
Singapore’s perfect score in Operational Efficiency is driven by the BizFile+ system managed by ACRA.
The Project: An integrated filing and information portal that uses AI to verify company names in real-time and automate the drafting of articles of association.
B-READY Impact: It eliminated the need for human intervention in over 90% of business registrations, allowing Singapore to reach a "Day 1" registration standard.
3. Estonia: e-Residency and the "X-Road"
Estonia’s high scores in Public Services are not just about a website; they are about a national data-sharing backbone called X-Road.
The Project: X-Road allows government databases to talk to each other securely. This enabled the e-Residency project, allowing global founders to enter the EU market without ever setting foot in Estonia.
B-READY Impact: It achieved the world's most advanced level of "Interoperability" (Pillar 2), meaning the state never asks for the same data twice.
4. Rwanda: The Irembo Government Portal
Rwanda’s status as a high-performing low-income economy is credited to the Irembo project.
The Project: A centralized e-Government portal that digitized over 100 services, including business licensing and land title transfers.
B-READY Impact: It drastically lowered the "Operational Efficiency" cost (Pillar 3). By making registration free and digital, Rwanda moved thousands of entrepreneurs from the informal to the formal sector.
Comparative Scorecard: Key Project Outcomes
| Country | Signature Project | Primary B-READY Benefit | Operational Speed |
| Greece | e-EVE Portal | Balanced Regulatory Quality | < 1 Day |
| Singapore | BizFile+ | Max Operational Efficiency | < 15 Minutes |
| Estonia | X-Road / e-Residency | Public Service Interoperability | ~15 Minutes |
| Rwanda | Irembo Platform | Formalization & Low Cost | < 24 Hours |
| Hong Kong | e-Registry | International Trade Gateway | < 1 Hour |
The Common Thread: "Interoperability"
The B-READY 2024 report highlights that the most successful projects all share one feature: Interoperability. In these leading countries, the business registry is not a "silo." It is connected to:
Tax Authorities: To issue TINs immediately.
Social Security: To register the first employees during incorporation.
Financial Institutions: To enable the instant opening of corporate bank accounts.
Understanding the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of B-READY
The World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) project doesn't just give a "pass/fail" grade. It uses a sophisticated set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to dissect the business environment. These KPIs are mapped across three pillars to provide a 360-degree view of how a country handles new market entrants.
The KPI Framework for Business Entry
The B-READY methodology breaks the Business Entry topic into specific, measurable indicators within each of the three pillars.
Pillar 1: Regulatory Framework (The Laws)
This pillar measures the quality and inclusiveness of regulations. Key KPIs include:
Paid-In Minimum Capital: Measures if entrepreneurs are forced to lock up large amounts of cash just to register. A lower or zero requirement equals a higher score.
Digital Adoption Laws: Checks for the legal validity of electronic signatures and digital-only registration.
Gender Parity: Evaluates whether the law imposes different requirements or restrictions based on the gender of the entrepreneur.
Regulatory Transparency: Tracks if the laws are publicly available and if there are clear guidelines for foreign vs. domestic investors.
Pillar 2: Public Services (The Infrastructure)
This pillar measures how well the government supports the regulations it has written. Key KPIs include:
Interoperability: Does the business registry talk to the tax office? This KPI measures if data is shared automatically between agencies.
Digital Single Window: The existence and functionality of a one-stop portal for all registration steps.
Registry Transparency: Whether the schedule of fees, required documents, and service standards are published and easily accessible online.
Pillar 3: Operational Efficiency (The Reality)
This pillar uses real-world data and surveys to see how the system performs in practice. Key KPIs include:
Time to Start: The actual number of days it takes to complete all procedures to start a business.
Cost of Entry: The total cost of registration fees and professional services, measured as a percentage of the country's income per capita.
Compliance Complexity: The number of separate interactions an entrepreneur must have with the state before becoming fully operational.
Global Performance Comparison: 2024-2025 Data
Based on the latest reports, we can see how the "Efficiency Gap" (the difference between laws and reality) manifests in different economies.
| KPI / Indicator | High-Income (e.g., Singapore) | Middle-Income (e.g., Indonesia) | Low-Income (Average) |
| Pillar 1: Regulatory Quality | 87.7 | 80.4 | ~60.0 |
| Pillar 2: Public Services | 93.1 | 84.3 | ~45.0 |
| Pillar 3: Operational Efficiency | 100.0 | 26.5 | ~50.0 |
| Avg. Time to Register (Foreign Firm) | < 3 Days | ~65 Days | ~30+ Days |
Conclusion: From "Doing Business" to "Business Ready"
The transition from the old Doing Business rankings to B-READY marks a fundamental shift in how the world views economic health.
Balance over Burden: B-READY doesn't just want "fewer" regulations; it wants better ones that protect workers and the environment while allowing businesses to thrive.
Execution is Key: The "Public Services" pillar is the new frontier. As the data shows, most countries have decent laws, but the real winners are those that build the digital infrastructure to make those laws work at the speed of the internet.
A Continuous Journey: With the 2025 interim report doubling the number of economies covered and the full 180-country report due in 2026, B-READY has become the definitive roadmap for global policy reform.
For governments, the message is clear: Digitize, Interoperate, and Simplify. For investors, these scores provide a high-fidelity map of where their capital is most welcome and most protected.
Frequently Asked Questions: World Bank B-READY & Business Entry
As the World Bank transitions from the "Doing Business" era to the Business Ready (B-READY) framework, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors have many questions about how this new system changes the way global markets are evaluated.
1. How does B-READY's "Business Entry" differ from the old "Starting a Business" index?
While the old index focused almost exclusively on the speed and cost of registration, B-READY takes a more balanced approach. It looks at Regulatory Quality (how good are the laws?), Public Services (how well does the government help you?), and Operational Efficiency (how fast is it in reality?). Crucially, B-READY also evaluates how the entry process impacts workers, the environment, and gender equality.
2. Does a higher score mean fewer regulations?
No. Unlike the previous model, which often rewarded "less" regulation, B-READY rewards "better" regulation. For example, a country might lose points if its deregulated entry process fails to collect "beneficial ownership" information, which is critical for preventing money laundering. B-READY seeks a balance between ease of entry and social/legal protection.
3. How is the data for Business Entry collected?
The Business Entry topic relies primarily on Expert Consultations. Because business registration is typically a one-time event for a company, the World Bank interviews local professionals—incorporation lawyers, notaries, and tax advisors—who handle hundreds of registrations a year. This ensures the data reflects the most current administrative reality rather than a memory of a firm that registered a decade ago.
4. What is the "Public Services Gap" often mentioned in the report?
The Public Services Gap refers to the trend where many countries have excellent laws on paper (Pillar 1) but lack the digital infrastructure or staff to implement them effectively (Pillar 2). For example, a law might say "online registration is permitted," but if the government website is constantly down or not linked to the tax office, the country will have a high Pillar 1 score and a low Pillar 2 score.
5. Why is "Interoperability" so important for a high score?
Interoperability is the ability of different government databases (Tax, Social Security, Business Registry) to "talk" to each other.
High Score: You register once; the system automatically tells the Tax Office and Social Security.
Low Score: You have to visit three different buildings and provide the same documents three different times.
6. Does the Business Entry indicator cover informal businesses?
Directly, no. The indicator measures the process for formalizing a Limited Liability Company (LLC). However, by measuring how high the barriers to entry are, the World Bank can infer why many entrepreneurs in a country choose to remain in the informal sector.
7. How often are the scores updated?
B-READY is an annual corporate flagship report. The 2024 pilot covered 50 economies, the 2025 interim report covered 101, and the full 180-country report is expected in 2026.
Quick Reference Table: B-READY Methodology
| Feature | Details |
| Pillars | Regulatory Framework, Public Services, Operational Efficiency |
| Unit of Measurement | Limited Liability Companies (LLCs) |
| Cross-cutting Themes | Digital Adoption, Environmental Sustainability, Gender Equality |
| Scoring Range | 0 to 100 (100 is best) |
| Primary Data Source | Expert Questionnaires ( lawyers, notaries, registrars) |
Glossary of Key Terms: World Bank B-READY
To fully grasp the methodology behind the Business Entry indicator, it is essential to understand the specific terminology used by the World Bank. The B-READY project uses a refined vocabulary to differentiate between simple deregulation and true institutional readiness.
Key Terms and Definitions
| Term | Definition |
| B-READY | The Business Ready project; the World Bank's new flagship benchmarking tool replacing the Doing Business series. |
| Business Entry | The specific B-READY topic that evaluates the requirements, time, and cost for a new firm to start operations. |
| Interoperability | The ability of different government computer systems (e.g., Tax, Registry, Social Security) to share data automatically. |
| Pillar 1: Regulatory Framework | Measures the quality of laws and regulations "on the books" regarding business startup and operations. |
| Pillar 2: Public Services | Measures the institutional support and digital infrastructure provided by the state to implement regulations. |
| Pillar 3: Operational Efficiency | Measures the real-world experience of firms, focusing on the actual time and cost of compliance. |
| Digital Single Window | A centralized online portal where an entrepreneur can complete all registration and licensing steps in one place. |
| Beneficial Ownership | Information regarding the actual individuals who own or control a company, used to ensure transparency and prevent fraud. |
| Once-Only Principle | A policy where the government ensures that citizens and businesses only have to provide certain information to the authorities once. |
| Paid-in Minimum Capital | The amount of money a company must have in its bank account before it is allowed to complete registration. |
| Expert Consultations | The primary data collection method for Business Entry, involving surveys with lawyers, notaries, and professionals. |
Why Definitions Matter
In the context of the Business Entry Indicator, a term like "Interoperability" is not just technical jargon—it is a performance metric. A country can have a 100% digital registry, but if that registry is not interoperable with the tax office, the entrepreneur still faces a "bottleneck" that lowers the country's overall score.
Disclaimer: For the most current and official scores, please refer directly to the World Bank’s Business Ready website.