Independent guides · Updated 2026

Start your company anywhere in the world

Clear, step-by-step guides to forming a US LLC, a Dubai free zone company, a Cyprus Ltd, a Singapore Pte Ltd and more — with real costs, taxes and banking tips for expats.

Explore the world map Find my jurisdiction in 60s

jurisdictions: 14; jurisdictions
lowest headline tax: 0%; lowest headline tax
cheapest setup: $150; cheapest setup
fastest formation: 1 day; fastest formation

Interactive jurisdiction map

Where should you incorporate?

Click a highlighted country to see taxes, costs and setup time. Gold = full guide, outlined = guide coming soon.

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Full guide Coming soon

🇺🇸United States (LLC)0% federal on non-US-source income (pass-through) · from $300 🇦🇪Dubai (UAE)0–9% (0% up to AED 375k; 0% for Qualifying Free Zone income) · from $3,400 🇨🇾Cyprus15% (from 2026), non-doms 0% tax on dividends · from $1,500 🇸🇬Singapore17% headline, ~8.5% effective on first S$200k for new startups · from $2,500 🇭🇰Hong Kong8.25% on first HK$2m, 16.5% above — territorial · from $1,200

Coming soon: 🇪🇪 Estonia, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom, 🇬🇪 Georgia, 🇲🇹 Malta, 🇮🇪 Ireland, 🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇵🇦 Panama, 🇻🇬 British Virgin Islands, 🇵🇷 Puerto Rico

60-second jurisdiction finder

Which country fits your business?

Answer five quick questions and we'll match you with the jurisdictions that fit your goals, budget and lifestyle.

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Step-by-step formation guides

All jurisdictions →

🇺🇸0% tax

United States (LLC)

Single-member LLC (foreign-owned, disregarded entity)

Online businesses, SaaS, e-commerce and freelancers selling worldwide who want USD banking and Stripe.

From $3001–5 business days

🇦🇪9% tax

Dubai (UAE)

Free Zone company (FZ-LLC / FZCO) or Mainland LLC

Founders who want to relocate, live tax-free personally and run consulting, trading or holding activities from a stable hub.

From $3,4001–3 weeks (+2–4 weeks for visa)

🇨🇾15% tax

Cyprus

Private company limited by shares (Ltd)

Entrepreneurs relocating within the EU who want an EU company, non-dom dividend benefits and access to tax treaties.

From $1,5001–3 weeks

🇸🇬17% tax

Singapore

Private limited company (Pte Ltd)

Serious Asia-focused businesses, tech startups raising capital and holding structures that need a top-tier reputation.

From $2,5001–3 business days

🇭🇰8.25% tax

Hong Kong

Private company limited by shares (Ltd)

Trading, sourcing and e-commerce businesses dealing with China and Asia that want a low-tax, territorial system.

From $1,2001–5 business days

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Side by side

Compare jurisdictions at a glance

Jurisdiction	Headline tax	Setup from	Setup time	Remote	No local director	Residency	Banking
🇺🇸United States (LLC)	0%0% federal on non-US-source income (pass-through)	$300	1–5 business days	✓	✓	—	Easy
🇦🇪Dubai (UAE)	9%0–9% (0% up to AED 375k; 0% for Qualifying Free Zone income)	$3,400	1–3 weeks (+2–4 weeks for visa)	—	✓	✓	Difficult
🇨🇾Cyprus	15%15% (from 2026), non-doms 0% tax on dividends	$1,500	1–3 weeks	✓	✓	✓	Moderate
🇸🇬Singapore	17%17% headline, ~8.5% effective on first S$200k for new startups	$2,500	1–3 business days	✓	—	✓	Moderate
🇭🇰Hong Kong	8.25%8.25% on first HK$2m, 16.5% above — territorial	$1,200	1–5 business days	✓	✓	✓	Difficult
🇪🇪EstoniaSoon	0%0% on retained profits — tax only when you distribute	$600	1–3 days (+ e-Residency card)	✓	✓	—	Moderate
🇬🇧United KingdomSoon	25%19–25% corporation tax	$150	1–2 days	✓	✓	—	Moderate
🇬🇪GeorgiaSoon	1%1% on turnover (small business) / 15% on distributed profit (LLC)	$500	1–3 days	✓	✓	✓	Moderate
🇲🇹MaltaSoon	5%35% headline, ~5% effective after shareholder refunds	$3,000	1–3 weeks	✓	✓	✓	Difficult
🇮🇪IrelandSoon	12.5%12.5% on trading income	$800	1–2 weeks	✓	—	—	Moderate
🇵🇹PortugalSoon	19%~19% standard, reduced rate for SMEs on first €50k	$1,000	1–5 days	—	✓	✓	Moderate
🇵🇦PanamaSoon	0%0% on foreign-source income (territorial)	$1,500	1–2 weeks	✓	✓	✓	Difficult
🇻🇬British Virgin IslandsSoon	0%0% corporate tax	$1,500	1–3 days	✓	✓	—	Difficult
🇵🇷Puerto RicoSoon	4%4% on eligible export services (Act 60)	$2,000	2–8 weeks (decree)	—	✓	—	Easy

Click a column header to sort. Figures are indicative — see each guide for details.

Compare

Use the map, quiz and comparison table to shortlist the jurisdictions that fit your business and lifestyle.

Learn the steps

Each guide walks you through formation, tax registration, banking and annual compliance — in plain English.

Get it done

Do it yourself, or let a vetted formation partner handle everything at a fixed price.

FAQ

Common questions

Can I open a company abroad without living there?+

Yes, in many jurisdictions — the US LLC, Estonia, Hong Kong and the UK can be formed fully remotely. But where the company is managed and where you live usually decide where it pays tax.

Which country has the lowest company tax?+

Several have 0% or near-0% rates on certain income: US LLCs owned by non-residents (pass-through), UAE free zones (qualifying income), Hong Kong and Panama (offshore profits), BVI. The right choice depends on your residence and business.

Will an offshore company reduce my personal taxes?+

Only if it fits your personal residency. Most countries tax residents on worldwide income and have CFC rules for foreign companies. Real savings usually come from combining the right company with the right residence.

Is it legal?+

Yes. Setting up a company abroad is legal everywhere — as long as you declare it correctly and follow the tax rules of every country involved. We only cover compliant structures.