Three favorite hubs—how they differ for real-world holding needs.
Bankability & governance. Singapore and Hong Kong excel in rule-of-law and banking depth; the UAE offers fast licensing and personal tax advantages. Board formalities and company secretaries are robust in all three.
Dividends & WHT. Treaties and domestic exemptions differ; compare inbound/outbound withholding under expected flows. Verify latest treaty tables and economic substance requirements.
IP & services. Locate IP where development and exploitation happen; align R&D credits or incentives with real engineers.
People and control. If decision-makers live in Dubai, a Singapore HoldCo with zero local directors looks artificial. Interlock residence, board composition, and meeting locations.
Cost & cadence. Annual maintenance, audits, transfer-pricing files, and legal opinions add up—budget realistically.
FAQ:
- Which is “best”? The one matching your people and payments.
- Can I mix? Yes—many groups run a UAE top-co and Singapore/HK operating subs. Editor’s Note: Choose the jurisdiction that fits your facts, not the brochure. Tags: Holding Company, Singapore, Hong Kong, UAE