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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. UAE · DMCC Free Zone is a good fit for commodities, trading, residency visas.

Hong Kong compared with UAE · DMCC Free Zone: cost, tax, reporting and setup
Comparing2 jurisdictions
Onshore · Private Company LimitedUS$1,690Year 1 all-inStart in Hong Kong+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year, quoted separately
Free zone · DMCC CompanyUS$4,290Year 1 all-inStart in UAE DMCC Free Zone
Cost
Year 1 all-inUS$1,690LowestUS$4,290
From year 2US$1,190+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a yearUS$3,090
3-year cost (Starter)US$4,070+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a yearUS$10,470
Tax & reporting
Headline tax8.25% / 16.5%0% qualifying / 9%Best
Annual auditYesYes
Public registerDirectors and shareholders public; SCR not publicLimited
Setup
TypeOnshoreFree zone
EntityPrivate Company LimitedDMCC Company
Minimum directors11
Legal systemCommonMixed
Time to form1–2 business days2–4 weeks
Best forTrade with China & Asia, territorial taxCommodities, trading, residency visas
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.

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AI answers from OCC’s published prices & facts · no sign-up

Which 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

    Hong Kong, from US$1,190 a year based on published year-2 prices, plus Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year.

  • You only hold shares or other assets

    UAE · DMCC Free Zone. 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.

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