Hong Kong vs Singapore

Hong Kong

• Territorial taxation — only HK-sourced profits are taxed; offshore income is exempt even when remitted to Hong Kong
• No VAT or GST — reduces compliance burden and makes cross-border trade simpler
• Low corporate tax: 8.25% on the first HK$2M of profits, 16.5% on the rest — among the lowest in developed economies
• No capital gains tax — capital asset sales fall outside Profits Tax completely
• No withholding tax on dividends — shareholders receive distributions without deduction, regardless of nationality

Singapore

• Incorporate in 1–3 business days via BizFile+ — same-day approval for straightforward applications. Government fees total just S$315 (name reservation + registration).
• 100% foreign ownership permitted for private limited companies. No local partner or equity sponsor required — only a locally resident director is needed.
• Headline corporate tax rate of 17%, but new startups pay as little as 4.3% effective on the first S$100,000 under the startup tax exemption scheme for the first three years.
• Zero capital gains tax and zero dividend tax under Singapore's one-tier system. Profits are taxed once at the corporate level and flow to shareholders tax-free.
• Over 100 double taxation agreements reduce withholding taxes and prevent double taxation for businesses with cross-border operations.

Government fees

• Company Registry (CR) FeeHKD 1,720
• Business RegistrationHKD 250/yr (one-year)
• Stamp Duty (if applicable)Varies

Government fees

• ACRA Name ApplicationSGD 15
• ACRA RegistrationSGD 315
• Company Secretary (mandatory)SGD 300–800/yr