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. Marshall Islands is a good fit for shipping and holding. Singapore is a good fit for Asia HQ, investors, treaties with around 100 jurisdictions.
| Comparing2 jurisdictions |  Marshall Islands |  Singapore |
|---|---|---|
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 | Marshall IslandsUS$1,390Lowest | SingaporeUS$4,490incl. resident director |
| From year 2 | Marshall IslandsUS$1,000Lowest | SingaporeUS$3,490incl. resident director |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | Marshall IslandsUS$3,390Lowest | SingaporeUS$11,470incl. resident director |
| Tax & reporting | ||
| Headline tax | Marshall Islands0% localBest | Singapore17% |
| Annual audit | Marshall IslandsNoBest | SingaporeIf not small |
| Public register | Marshall IslandsNot public | SingaporeDirectors and shareholders public; controllers not public |
| Setup | ||
| Type | Marshall IslandsOffshore | SingaporeOnshore |
| Entity | Marshall IslandsNon-Resident Domestic Corporation | SingaporePrivate Limited (Pte. Ltd.) |
| Minimum directors | Marshall Islands1 | Singapore1 + 1 local |
| Legal system | Marshall IslandsCommon | SingaporeCommon |
| Time to form | Marshall Islands3–5 days | Singapore1–3 business days |
| Best for | Marshall IslandsShipping and holding | 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
Singapore. Banks usually find onshore companies easier to assess, but each bank decides.
You want a lower running cost
Marshall Islands, from US$1,000 a year based on published year-2 prices.
You only hold shares or other assets
Marshall Islands. Your home country may still tax the income, so check that first (confirm with your specialist).
You need it fast
Singapore, typically 1–3 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.