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. Hong Kong is a good fit for trade with China & Asia, territorial tax. Malaysia is a good fit for ASEAN operations and manufacturing. Singapore is a good fit for Asia HQ, investors, treaties with around 100 jurisdictions.
| Comparing3 jurisdictions |  Hong Kong |  Malaysia |  Singapore |
|---|---|---|---|
Onshore · Private Company LimitedUS$1,690Year 1 all-inStart in Hong Kong+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year, quoted separately | Onshore · Private Limited (Pte. Ltd.)US$4,490Year 1 all-inStart in SingaporeIncludes the resident director a non-resident needs (US$2,000/yr), plus a refundable deposit quoted separately | ||
| Cost | |||
| Year 1 all-in | Hong KongUS$1,690Lowest | MalaysiaUS$1,890 | SingaporeUS$4,490incl. resident director |
| From year 2 | Hong KongUS$1,190+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year | MalaysiaUS$1,360 | SingaporeUS$3,490incl. resident director |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | Hong KongUS$4,070+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year | MalaysiaUS$4,610 | SingaporeUS$11,470incl. resident director |
| Tax & reporting | |||
| Headline tax | Hong Kong8.25% / 16.5% | Malaysia24% (SME 15–17%) | Singapore17% |
| Annual audit | Hong KongYes | MalaysiaYes, unless dormant or small (SSM exemption) | SingaporeIf not small |
| Public register | Hong KongDirectors and shareholders public; SCR not public | MalaysiaPublic | SingaporeDirectors and shareholders public; controllers not public |
| Setup | |||
| Type | Hong KongOnshore | MalaysiaOnshore | SingaporeOnshore |
| Entity | Hong KongPrivate Company Limited | MalaysiaSdn. Bhd. | SingaporePrivate Limited (Pte. Ltd.) |
| Minimum directors | Hong Kong1 | Malaysia1 local | Singapore1 + 1 local |
| Legal system | Hong KongCommon | MalaysiaCommon | SingaporeCommon |
| Time to form | Hong Kong1–2 business days | Malaysia1–2 weeks | Singapore1–3 business days |
| Best for | Hong KongTrade with China & Asia, territorial tax | MalaysiaASEAN operations and manufacturing | SingaporeAsia HQ, investors, treaties with around 100 jurisdictions |
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
Malaysia, from US$1,360 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.
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.