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. Singapore is a good fit for Asia HQ, investors, treaties with around 100 jurisdictions. Vanuatu is a good fit for holding and investment.
| Comparing2 jurisdictions |  Singapore |  Vanuatu |
|---|---|---|
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 | SingaporeUS$4,490incl. resident director | VanuatuUS$1,390Lowest |
| From year 2 | SingaporeUS$3,490incl. resident director | VanuatuUS$1,000Lowest |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | SingaporeUS$11,470incl. resident director | VanuatuUS$3,390Lowest |
| Tax & reporting | ||
| Headline tax | Singapore17% | Vanuatu0% localBest |
| Annual audit | SingaporeIf not small | VanuatuNoBest |
| Public register | SingaporeDirectors and shareholders public; controllers not public | VanuatuLimited (beneficial owners not published) |
| Setup | ||
| Type | SingaporeOnshore | VanuatuOffshore |
| Entity | SingaporePrivate Limited (Pte. Ltd.) | VanuatuInternational Company |
| Minimum directors | Singapore1 + 1 local | Vanuatu1 |
| Legal system | SingaporeCommon | VanuatuMixed |
| Time to form | Singapore1–3 business days | Vanuatu7–10 days |
| Best for | SingaporeAsia HQ, investors, treaties with around 100 jurisdictions | VanuatuHolding and investment |
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.
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
Vanuatu, from US$1,000 a year based on published year-2 prices.
You only hold shares or other assets
Vanuatu. 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.
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.