Singapore vs Hong Kong: Tax & Financial Infrastructure (Part 2)

Part 2 of our Hong Kong vs Singapore series dives into taxes, financial infrastructure, and regulatory outlook. Learn how each location supports business growth and which suits your goals better.

Choosing between Singapore and Hong Kong often comes down to two things that directly affect how your business runs: taxes and access to financial services. Both are global financial centres, but they approach taxation, residency rules, and banking infrastructure in very different ways.

In part 2 of this series, Guy from Statrys breaks down how corporate tax actually works in Singapore and Hong Kong, how offshore income is treated, and what financial infrastructure looks like in practice, from traditional banks to modern fintech options. The focus is on what matters once your company is up and running, not just headline rates.

Key Takeaways

How Singapore’s 17% corporate tax rate is reduced through startup tax exemptions
Why tax residency plays a major role for companies incorporated in Singapore
How Hong Kong’s two-tier profits tax works and when 0% offshore tax may apply
What evidence is required to support an offshore tax exemption in Hong Kong
Differences in banking access, digital banks, and fintech alternatives in both jurisdictions
Which financial ecosystem better suits ASEAN-focused vs China-focused businesses