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. Panama is a good fit for territorial LatAm holding.
| Comparing2 jurisdictions |  Hong Kong |  Panama |
|---|---|---|
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 | Hong KongUS$1,690 | PanamaUS$1,390Lowest |
| From year 2 | Hong KongUS$1,190+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year | PanamaUS$1,000 |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | Hong KongUS$4,070+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year | PanamaUS$3,390 |
| Tax & reporting | ||
| Headline tax | Hong Kong8.25% / 16.5% | Panama0% foreign-source; 25% on Panama-source profitBest |
| Annual audit | Hong KongYes | PanamaNoBest |
| Public register | Hong KongDirectors and shareholders public; SCR not public | PanamaDirectors public |
| Setup | ||
| Type | Hong KongOnshore | PanamaOffshore |
| Entity | Hong KongPrivate Company Limited | PanamaSociedad Anónima |
| Minimum directors | Hong Kong1 | Panama3 |
| Legal system | Hong KongCommon | PanamaCivil |
| Time to form | Hong Kong1–2 business days | Panama5–7 days |
| Best for | Hong KongTrade with China & Asia, territorial tax | PanamaTerritorial LatAm holding |
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
Hong Kong. Banks usually find onshore companies easier to assess, but each bank decides.
You want a lower running cost
Panama, from US$1,000 a year based on published year-2 prices.
You only hold shares or other assets
Panama. 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.