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. United States is a good fit for Amazon, Stripe, Shopify, US clients.
| Comparing2 jurisdictions |  Hong Kong |  United States |
|---|---|---|
Onshore · Private Company LimitedUS$1,690Year 1 all-inStart in Hong Kong+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year, quoted separately | Onshore · LLC or C-CorporationUS$890Year 1 all-inStart in United States+ US Form 5472 filing US$899 a year, quoted separately | |
| Cost | ||
| Year 1 all-in | Hong KongUS$1,690 | United StatesUS$890Lowest |
| From year 2 | Hong KongUS$1,190+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year | United StatesUS$490+ US Form 5472 filing US$899 a year · + state annual fee (varies) |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | Hong KongUS$4,070+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,400 a year | United StatesUS$1,870+ US Form 5472 filing US$899 a year · + state annual fee (varies) |
| Tax & reporting | ||
| Headline tax | Hong Kong8.25% / 16.5% | United StatesPass-through |
| Annual audit | Hong KongYes | United StatesNoBest |
| Public register | Hong KongDirectors and shareholders public; SCR not public | United StatesLimited |
| Setup | ||
| Type | Hong KongOnshore | United StatesOnshore |
| Entity | Hong KongPrivate Company Limited | United StatesLLC or C-Corporation |
| Minimum directors | Hong Kong1 | United States1 |
| Legal system | Hong KongCommon | United StatesCommon |
| Time to form | Hong Kong1–2 business days | United States3–7 business days |
| Best for | Hong KongTrade with China & Asia, territorial tax | United StatesAmazon, Stripe, Shopify, US clients |
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
United States, from US$490 a year based on published year-2 prices, plus US Form 5472 filing US$899 a year, plus the state's annual fee (varies by state).
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.