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. Singapore is a good fit for Asia HQ, investors, treaties with around 100 jurisdictions. Thailand is a good fit for Thai operations (FBA rules apply).
| Comparing3 jurisdictions |  Hong Kong |  Singapore |  Thailand |
|---|---|---|---|
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 | SingaporeUS$4,490incl. resident director | ThailandUS$1,890 |
| From year 2 | Hong KongUS$1,190+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year | SingaporeUS$3,490incl. resident director | ThailandUS$1,360 |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | Hong KongUS$4,070+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year | SingaporeUS$11,470incl. resident director | ThailandUS$4,610 |
| Tax & reporting | |||
| Headline tax | Hong Kong8.25% / 16.5% | Singapore17% | Thailand20% |
| Annual audit | Hong KongYes | SingaporeIf not small | ThailandYes |
| Public register | Hong KongDirectors and shareholders public; SCR not public | SingaporeDirectors and shareholders public; controllers not public | ThailandPublic |
| Setup | |||
| Type | Hong KongOnshore | SingaporeOnshore | ThailandOnshore |
| Entity | Hong KongPrivate Company Limited | SingaporePrivate Limited (Pte. Ltd.) | ThailandPrivate Limited |
| Minimum directors | Hong Kong1 | Singapore1 + 1 local | Thailand1 (plus at least 2 shareholders) |
| Legal system | Hong KongCommon | SingaporeCommon | ThailandCivil |
| Time to form | Hong Kong1–2 business days | Singapore1–3 business days | Thailand2–4 weeks (FBL or BOI adds months) |
| Best for | Hong KongTrade with China & Asia, territorial tax | SingaporeAsia HQ, investors, treaties with around 100 jurisdictions | ThailandThai operations (FBA rules apply) |
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
Thailand, 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.