US LLC vs. Hong Kong vs. Singapore: Which Is Cheapest to Form?

Quick answer: In terms of initial formation cost, an LLC in a state like Wyoming or New Mexico is usually the cheapest, around $100–$300. Forming a company in Hong Kong usually costs $300–$500. Singapore usually has a higher initial cost, around $500–$800, due to mandatory company secretary requirements and stricter KYC procedures. However, annual maintenance cost is what really determines total long-term cost.

Comparing Annual Maintenance Costs

Location	Formation Cost	Annual Maintenance
US LLC (Wyoming)	$100–$300	~$100–$200 (Registered Agent + annual report)
Hong Kong	$300–$500	~$400–$700 (company secretary + Business Registration)
Singapore	$500–$800	~$600–$1,000 (mandatory company secretary + ACRA filing)

Which Location Should You Choose?

US LLC: Best suited for selling on Amazon/Shopify, needing a US Stripe/PayPal account, lowest cost
Hong Kong: Well suited for international trade with China/Asia, 0% tax on foreign-sourced income
Singapore: Well suited for businesses wanting high credibility and access to Southeast Asia’s banking and investment fund ecosystem

AWE Global offers free consulting to help you choose the location that best fits your specific business model.