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. New Zealand is a good fit for reputable Pacific base. Singapore is a good fit for Asia HQ, investors, treaties with around 100 jurisdictions.
| Comparing3 jurisdictions |  Hong Kong |  New Zealand |  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 | New ZealandUS$1,890 | SingaporeUS$4,490incl. resident director |
| From year 2 | Hong KongUS$1,190+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year | New ZealandUS$1,360 | SingaporeUS$3,490incl. resident director |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | Hong KongUS$4,070+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year | New ZealandUS$4,610 | SingaporeUS$11,470incl. resident director |
| Tax & reporting | |||
| Headline tax | Hong Kong8.25% / 16.5% | New Zealand28% | Singapore17% |
| Annual audit | Hong KongYes | New ZealandIf large | SingaporeIf not small |
| Public register | Hong KongDirectors and shareholders public; SCR not public | New ZealandPublic | SingaporeDirectors and shareholders public; controllers not public |
| Setup | |||
| Type | Hong KongOnshore | New ZealandOnshore | SingaporeOnshore |
| Entity | Hong KongPrivate Company Limited | New ZealandLimited Company | SingaporePrivate Limited (Pte. Ltd.) |
| Minimum directors | Hong Kong1 | New Zealand1 local* | Singapore1 + 1 local |
| Legal system | Hong KongCommon | New ZealandCommon | SingaporeCommon |
| Time to form | Hong Kong1–2 business days | New Zealand1–3 days | Singapore1–3 business days |
| Best for | Hong KongTrade with China & Asia, territorial tax | New ZealandReputable Pacific base | 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
New Zealand, 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.