Quick answer — company setup in Asia-Pacific for foreigners. Foreigners can fully own companies in Singapore (a locally resident director is required) and Hong Kong (territorial tax, with offshore profits claimable). Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia restrict foreign ownership in some sectors or require significant paid-up capital, especially if the company sponsors work visas. Sri Lanka allows foreign ownership in most sectors. Check ownership rules before comparing tax rates.
Asia-Pacific is home to some of the world's favourite places for location-independent professionals — Bali, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Colombo — and to two of the world's leading company hubs, Singapore and Hong Kong. That combination leads to a common mistake: assuming that because you live in one of these places, you should open a company there.
In Asia, the first question is not the tax rate but whether a foreigner can own and run the company at all. Several countries limit foreign ownership in many sectors or require large capital investments. Visas for remote workers often do not allow local business activity. And spending more than 183 days in one country can make you tax resident even on a tourist or nomad visa.
It is not for locally employed expats or retirees, or for founders who only travel briefly in the region.
Not sure this branch fits you? Compare all situations in our global company formation guide.
Most Asian nomad or long-stay visas — Thailand's Destination Thailand Visa, Malaysia's DE Rantau, Indonesia's remote worker visa — are designed for people working for foreign employers or clients. They usually do not allow you to run a local business. A local company normally requires an investor or business visa and a work permit.
Spending more than 183 days in a country in a year usually makes you tax resident, regardless of visa type. Some countries tax residents on foreign income only when it is brought in (Thailand), others mostly on local income (Hong Kong, Malaysia for individuals), and others on worldwide income (Indonesia, the Philippines for citizens). Track your days.
A Singapore or Hong Kong company managed by a founder living elsewhere may not be tax resident in its hub, and may face residence or permanent establishment claims where the founder lives. Real management in the hub matters for treaty benefits.
Ranges are indicative and exclude paid-up capital, which can be large in Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines.
The Asia-Pacific Comparison Guide sets out ownership, capital, visa and tax rules side by side — get it when you check your fit with Heavnn.
Singapore and Hong Kong allow 100% foreign ownership with simple rules and low effective tax on qualifying income. Other countries can be good choices if you live there and serve local clients, but ownership and capital rules are stricter.
Usually not. Nomad and long-stay visas are generally for remote work for foreign employers or clients. Running a local business needs an investor or business visa and a work permit.
Usually yes. Spending more than 183 days in a country in a year generally makes you tax resident, whatever your visa.
Both are strong. Singapore has a broader treaty network and a reputation for stability; Hong Kong has a territorial system and links to mainland China. Banking and management substance often decide.
It restricts foreign ownership of companies in many sectors, generally limiting foreigners to 49% unless they obtain BOI promotion, a Foreign Business License or treaty protection.
In Asia, ownership rules and visas come before tax rates. Heavnn checks all three for your situation.
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This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Rates and costs are indicative as of October 2026.
