Hong Kong
Panama
Hong Kong vs Panama
Complete comparison for your tax relocation
Taxation
| Top income tax bracket | 17% | 25% |
| Corporate tax | 16.5% | 25% |
| Capital gains | 0% | 10% |
| VAT | 0% | 7% |
| Tax treaty with France | Yes | No |
| Special regime | Taxation territoriale stricte | Taxation territoriale |
| Wealth tax | No | No |
| Territorial taxation | Yes | Yes |
Taxation territoriale stricte
Duration: Permanente (systeme par défaut)
Hong Kong ne taxe que les revenus de source hongkongaise. Les revenus de source étrangere, dividendes, intérets et plus-values sont totalement exonérés. Il n'y a ni TVA, ni impot sur les plus-values, ni impot sur les successions.
Taxation territoriale
Duration: Illimitée (systeme fiscal national permanent)
Le Panama applique un systeme de taxation purement territoriale : seuls les revenus de source panaméenne sont imposés. Les revenus générés à l'étranger sont totalement exonérés, y compris les dividendes, intérets et plus-values d'origine étrangere.
Cost of living
| Monthly cost (single) | 2 000 € | 900 € |
| Monthly cost (couple) | 3 200 € | 1 400 € |
| City center rent | 2 200 € | 700 € |
| Outside city rent | 1 400 € | 400 € |
| Private health insurance | 180 € | 70 € |
| Public healthcare | Accessible | Accessible |
Estimated total monthly budget (single, with city center rent)
Panama is approximately 2 600 € cheaper per month in total.
Quality of life
| Average temperature | 23°C | 27°C |
| Safety | 8/10 | 6/10 |
| Health index | 67/100 | 62/100 |
| Internet | 280 Mbps | 60 Mbps |
| Timezone vs Paris | +7h | -6h |
| French-speaking community | Small | Very small |
| Languages | Cantonais, Anglais, Mandarin | Espagnol, Anglais |
| Currency | Dollar de Hong Kong (HKD) | Balboa / Dollar US (PAB/USD) |
| Corruption index | 75/100 | 36/100 |
| Democracy index | 5.28/10 | 7.05/10 |
Settling in
| Residence permit delay | 2 months | 2 months |
| Company creation | 3 days | 6 days |
| Bank account | Easy | Easy |
| Political stability | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Ease of business | 3th worldwide | 86th worldwide |
Summary
Hong Kong
- Top IT: 17% | Corp. tax: 16.5%
- Cost of living: 2 000 €/mo
- Safety: 8/10 | Health: 67/100
- Regime: Taxation territoriale stricte (Permanente (systeme par défaut))
Panama
- Top IT: 25% | Corp. tax: 25%
- Cost of living: 900 €/mo
- Safety: 6/10 | Health: 62/100
- Regime: Taxation territoriale (Illimitée (systeme fiscal national permanent))
Comparative analysis: Hong Kong vs Panama
Which country has lower taxes?
In terms of taxation, Hong Kong is generally more advantageous. The top marginal income tax rate is 17% compared to 25% in Panama. Corporate tax stands at 16.5% versus 25%. Capital gains are taxed at 0% in Hong Kong versus 10% in Panama.
Which country is cheaper to live in?
The cost of living is lower in Panama. A single person spends about 900 EUR/month excluding rent, compared to 2 000 EUR/month in Hong Kong. City center rent averages 700 EUR versus 2 200 EUR.
Which country is safer?
Hong Kong scores higher on safety (8/10 versus 6/10). In terms of healthcare, Hong Kong leads with an index of 67/100 compared to 62/100 for Panama.
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Disclaimer
The tax information presented is based on estimates from public sources (PwC, OECD, government sources). It does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax rules change regularly and your personal situation may significantly affect the calculation. Consult a qualified professional before making any relocation decision.