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. Samoa is a good fit for Asia-facing holding & trading (review after the tax change). Singapore is a good fit for Asia HQ, investors, treaties with around 100 jurisdictions.
| Comparing2 jurisdictions |  Samoa |  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 | SamoaUS$1,390Lowest | SingaporeUS$4,490incl. resident director |
| From year 2 | SamoaUS$1,000Lowest | SingaporeUS$3,490incl. resident director |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | SamoaUS$3,390Lowest | SingaporeUS$11,470incl. resident director |
| Tax & reporting | ||
| Headline tax | SamoaExemption ending (2026 Act); 0% local until then* | Singapore17% |
| Annual audit | SamoaNoBest | SingaporeIf not small |
| Public register | SamoaNot public | SingaporeDirectors and shareholders public; controllers not public |
| Setup | ||
| Type | SamoaOffshore | SingaporeOnshore |
| Entity | SamoaInternational Company | SingaporePrivate Limited (Pte. Ltd.) |
| Minimum directors | Samoa1 | Singapore1 + 1 local |
| Legal system | SamoaCommon | SingaporeCommon |
| Time to form | Samoa3–5 days | Singapore1–3 business days |
| Best for | SamoaAsia-facing holding & trading (review after the tax change) | 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
Samoa, from US$1,000 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
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.