Global company formation
An overseas entity is a compliance commitment, not a bank account with a logo. We set up the company, open the account, and keep the annual returns and filings current so the structure survives its second year.
Three routes, different trade-offs
Hong Kong company
The default choice for China-linked trading and collections: territorial tax, a familiar legal system and accessible banking.
- Private limited company by shares
- Bank account onboarding support
- Annual return, business registration renewal
- Profits tax return and audited accounts
UK & Germany
A UK limited company is fast to set up; a German entity (UG/GmbH) supports local credibility, VAT registration and EU distribution.
- UK Ltd formation and confirmation statement
- UK corporation tax and VAT registration
- German UG / GmbH formation
- German VAT and trade tax registration
US & Singapore
US LLCs for marketplace operations and payments; Singapore for regional headquarters and ASEAN market access.
- US LLC / C-Corp formation by state
- EIN, state filings and sales tax registration
- Singapore Pte Ltd and corporate secretary
- Estimated chargeable income and annual filing
Choosing a jurisdiction
| Jurisdiction | Corporate tax | Annual obligations | Suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong KongPrivate limited company | 8.25% on first HKD 2m, 16.5% after (two-tier) | Annual return, BR renewal, audited accounts, profits tax return | China-linked trading, collections, holding |
| United KingdomPrivate limited company | 19%–25% depending on profits | Confirmation statement, annual accounts, corporation tax return | Fast market entry, EU/UK sellers, consulting |
| GermanyUG / GmbH | Corporate tax plus trade tax, approx. 30% combined | Annual accounts, tax returns, VAT returns | Local credibility, EU distribution, B2B contracts |
| United StatesLLC / C-Corp | Federal 21% for corporations; LLC generally pass-through | State annual report, federal and state returns, sales tax | Marketplace operations, payment accounts, investors |
| SingaporePte Ltd | 17%, with exemptions for qualifying start-ups | Annual return, corporate secretary, tax filing, GST if registered | ASEAN expansion, regional HQ, IP holding |
Indicative summary for scoping. Formation cost, substance requirements and banking depend on the shareholders and the business model.
From decision to operating entity
Jurisdiction review
Match the entity to customers, payment channels, tax residency and future investors.
Incorporation
Name approval, constitutional documents, registered address and shareholder structure.
Banking
Account application with a business rationale file that satisfies compliance review.
Ongoing compliance
Annual returns, accounts, tax filings and licence renewals on a calendar.
Understand the problem before you commit
Tell us how you trade, where you sell and how the group is held. You get a written list of issues and realistic options — the first conversation is free.