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. Singapore is a good fit for Asia HQ, investors, treaties with around 100 jurisdictions. British Virgin Islands is a good fit for holding, JV, investment vehicle.
| Comparing2 jurisdictions |  Hong Kong |  UAE RAK ICC |
|---|---|---|
Onshore · Private Company LimitedUS$1,799Year 1 all-inStart in Hong Kong+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,611 a year, quoted separately | ||
| Cost | ||
| Year 1 all-in | Hong KongUS$1,799 | UAE RAK ICCUS$1,390✓ Lowest |
| From year 2 | Hong KongUS$1,308+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,611 a year | UAE RAK ICCUS$1,000 |
| 3-year cost (Starter) | Hong KongUS$4,299+ Hong Kong audit from US$1,611 a year | UAE RAK ICCUS$3,390 |
| Tax & reporting | ||
| Headline tax | Hong Kong8.25% / 16.5% | UAE RAK ICC0% / 9%✓ Best |
| Annual audit | Hong KongYes | UAE RAK ICCNo✓ Best |
| Public register | Hong KongDirectors and shareholders public; SCR not public | UAE RAK ICCNot public |
| Setup | ||
| Type | Hong KongOnshore | UAE RAK ICCOffshore |
| Entity | Hong KongPrivate Company Limited | UAE RAK ICCInternational Business Company |
| Minimum directors | Hong Kong1 | UAE RAK ICC1 |
| Legal system | Hong KongCommon | UAE RAK ICCMixed |
| Time to form | Hong Kong1–2 business days | UAE RAK ICC3–7 days |
| Best for | Hong KongTrade with China & Asia, territorial tax | UAE RAK ICCHolding, property in UAE |
Ask about this comparison
AI answers from OCC’s published jurisdiction facts · no sign-up
Which one for your situation
You need a business bank account soon
Hong Kong or Singapore. Banks usually find onshore companies easier to assess, but each bank decides.
You want a lower running cost
British Virgin Islands, from US$1,795 a year based on published year-2 prices.
You only hold shares or other assets
British Virgin Islands. 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.