Compare jurisdictions side by side
See 2 or 3 jurisdictions side by side: all-in cost for year 1 and year 2, headline tax, audit, registers and time to form. Germany is a good fit for selling into Germany/DACH. Hong Kong is a good fit for trade with China & Asia, territorial tax.
| Comparing2 jurisdictions |  Germany |  Hong Kong |
|---|---|---|
Onshore · Private Company LimitedUS$1,690Year 1 all-inStart in Hong Kong+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year, quoted separately | ||
| Cost | ||
| Year 1 all-in | GermanyUS$2,290 | Hong KongUS$1,690Lowest |
| From year 2 | GermanyUS$1,650 | Hong KongUS$1,190+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | GermanyUS$5,590 | Hong KongUS$4,070+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year |
| Tax & reporting | ||
| Headline tax | Germany~30% combined | Hong Kong8.25% / 16.5% |
| Annual audit | GermanyIf medium or large (§ 267 HGB) | Hong KongYes |
| Public register | GermanyHandelsregister public; Transparenzregister by legitimate interest | Hong KongDirectors and shareholders public; SCR not public |
| Setup | ||
| Type | GermanyOnshore | Hong KongOnshore |
| Entity | GermanyGmbH | Hong KongPrivate Company Limited |
| Minimum directors | Germany1 | Hong Kong1 |
| Legal system | GermanyCivil | Hong KongCommon |
| Time to form | Germany2–4 weeks | Hong Kong1–2 business days |
| Best for | GermanySelling into Germany/DACH | Hong KongTrade with China & Asia, territorial tax |
A green tick marks the stronger value in a row. Prices include government fees and, for Singapore, the resident director a non-resident needs. Yearly costs the law requires but that we quote separately are named under the figure; rows with such costs show no tick. Headline tax rates are a summary; your specialist confirms how they apply to you before you pay.
Ask about this comparison
AI answers from OCC’s published prices & facts · no sign-upWhich one for your situation
You need a business bank account soon
Any of them can work. We introduce you and prepare the application; the bank decides.
You want a lower running cost
Germany, from US$1,650 a year based on published year-2 prices.
You only hold shares or other assets
Any of them can hold assets. Your home country may still tax the income, so check that first (confirm with your specialist).
You need it fast
Hong Kong, typically 1–2 business days after KYC approval.
Need both? Some owners hold one company under another. We quote the whole structure as one package.Get a structure quote
General guidance based on headline rules, not tax or legal advice. Your specialist confirms how tax residency, substance and banking apply to you before you pay.