Step One: Choosing Your Overseas Entity
Picking an overseas entity is the first hurdle for most China-based founders going global. This guide focuses on four common options — US C-Corp (Atlas), Hong Kong Ltd, Singapore Pte Ltd, and BVI/Cayman — with selection criteria, annual costs, and best-fit profiles.
Bottom line first
If you only need Stripe for subscriptions and don't expect VC funding, a Hong Kong Ltd or US LLC usually does the job. If you plan to raise USD VC, register a Delaware C-Corp directly through Stripe Atlas. A Singapore Pte fits teams targeting Southeast Asia or wanting tax structuring. BVI / Cayman is an offshore shell typically only relevant after Series A.
Comparison of four entity types
US C-Corp (Atlas): $500 setup, $400-1500/yr maintenance; Stripe is plug-and-play; widely accepted by USD VCs; downside is C-Corp double taxation and annual filings. Hong Kong Ltd: $1,000-2,000 setup, $800-1,500/yr audit; common locally; friendly to China-passport directors. Singapore Pte: $2,000-3,500 setup, requires a local nominee director, $2,000+/yr compliance; first choice for SEA. BVI/Cayman: shell entity for VIE-style fundraising; rarely needed by early-stage SaaS.
Decision guidance
(1) Solo SaaS going global: Atlas Delaware C-Corp is the most direct — Stripe and a USD bank in one shot. (2) If you have overseas legal counsel: a self-incorporated Hong Kong Ltd is fine. (3) If you target Singapore or SEA: register Singapore Pte directly. (4) Don't incorporate multiple entities just because they sound prestigious — annual compliance bills will hurt.
Common pitfalls
Treating a HK Ltd as a drop-in for USD acquiring — Stripe with HK Ltd is more cumbersome than US C-Corp; assuming Atlas dodges US tax — it does not, you owe federal 1120 and Delaware Franchise Tax annually; using a nominee director — banks and future VCs will pierce through during due diligence.