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Hong Kong Ltd · via Sleek (Singapore)·🌐Founder profile

HK Ltd via Sleek SG — Japanese SaaS Founders

VerifiedJul 2026
EligibilityEligible
Setup timeline10–24days
Year-1 total$1,499

Japanese SaaS founders comparing Sleek to Osome find Sleek ~HKD 900/year cheaper on the base subscription. Both provide equivalent HK Ltd formation, company secretary, IRD filings, and annual audit.

Under HK's territorial system, IRD taxes only HK-source profits at two-tier 8.25% (first HKD 2M) / 16.5% above.

Japan side: NTA Anti-Tax Haven Rules under the Act on Special Measures Concerning Taxation attribute income of low-taxed foreign controlled entities (effective rate below 20%) to Japanese parents. Active-business exemption possible with genuine operational substance in HK.

§ 01Cost of ownership

Model the full outlay, not just the setup fee

Renewal costs sneak up on non-resident founders. Compare year-1 filing against a 3-year total to see the real bill.
Currency · USD (live FX)
2-year cost of ownership
$2,398
$99.92/month amortized·USD @ live FX
Time horizon
Line items
Amount
  • SetupSleek (Singapore) setup
    $1,499
  • AnnualYear 2 renewal
    $899.00
Total$2,398
§ 02Tax residency · Japanese SaaS Founders

What the tax authority sees

US federal / local status

Hong Kong Ltd applies territorial taxation: IRD taxes only HK-source profits at two-tier 8.25% (first HKD 2M) / 16.5%; NTA Anti-Tax Haven Rules apply if effective rate below 20%.

Home-country rule

National Tax Agency treats worldwide income; foreign subsidiaries reportable under CFC rules (Anti-Tax Haven Rules, Act on Special Measures Concerning Taxation).

Editorial verdict

Sleek offers cheaper base than Osome (~HKD 900 less); Anti-Tax Haven Rules unchanged — active-business substance still key.

Key compliance risks
  • 01NTA Anti-Tax Haven Rules attribute income if effective rate below 20%
  • 02HK IRD two-tier 8.25%/16.5% on HK-source profits
  • 03Japan CFC filing on Form 別表 requires foreign subsidiary disclosure
  • 04IRD BEPS 2.0 enhanced substance rules from 2024
§ 03Setup timeline

From filing to funded bank account

Setup timeline
10–24days total, 3 phases
Milestone check
Filing · Tax ID · Banking
d0
d6
d12
d18
d24
01FilingSleek (Singapore) submits formation docs
d0–d8
02Tax ID / EINLocal tax authority registration
d7–d18
03BankingBusiness account approved & funded
d14–d24
§ 04Head-to-head

Hong Kong Ltd vs UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN)

Hong Kong Ltd
Ltd
UAE Free Zone (MEYDAN)
Free Zone LLC
Entity
Ltd
Free Zone LLC
Setup cost
$64.00
$1,306
Annual
$384.00
$1,306
Local director
Remote OK
Remote OK
Physical presence
Remote OK
Remote OK
Tax regime
8.25% first HKD 2M profit; territorial system
9% CT above AED 375k; 0% VAT for out-of-UAE trade
§ 05Questions founders actually ask

FAQ

Sleek base HKD 8,880/year vs Osome HKD 9,800. Both cover secretary + IRD filings + audit. Sleek's partner integrations (Wise, Deel) are broader; Osome has slightly more polished UI. Choose on personal preference of the demo experience.

Next step

Start filing with Sleek (Singapore)

Formation typically completes in 2–3 weeks. Use the promo below, then click through to begin the checklist directly on the platform.