Overview —How to Open a Company in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a world financial hub. It is also stands uniquely at the ‘crossroads’ between east and west: Hong Kong incorporation makes it easy to do business both win mainland China and internationally.
It is no wonder that Hong Kong was ranked number one for its financial system in the 2019 Global Competitiveness Report.
This detailed guide from Statrys sets out everything you need to know when opening a company in Hong Kong. We describe each section below.
Why You Should Open a Company in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is not the only popular international destination for setting up a company, so why choose Hong Kong? Here we set out the reasons why you should open a company in Hong Kong specifically, rather than another location. This includes examining the ease of conducting business there, established business support and tax benefits. Learn more in our dedicated article: Why You Should Open a Company in Hong Kong
Why You Need a Company Secretary in Hong Kong
All companies in Hong Kong must have a company secretary. The Hong Kong company secretary is the ‘chief administrative officer’ of the company — The person (whether a natural person or a corporation) responsible for compliance, governance and retaining good relations with relevant government departments.
It is a requirement to appoint a company secretary for both companies incorporated in Hong Kong, and non-Hong Kong companies doing business in Hong Kong. Learn more in our dedicated article: Why You Need a Company Secretary in Hong Kong
Business Registration in Hong Kong: A Comprehensive Guide
All businesses operating in Hong Kong need to think carefully about business registration. Businesses incorporating a company in Hong Kong need to follow the process set out in the Companies Ordinance. Other business forms, such as branch and representative offices, also need to be registered with the Hong Kong Companies Registry.
In addition, businesses operating in Hong Kong also require business registration with the Inland Revenue Department for tax purposes. Learn more in our dedicated article: Business Registration in Hong Kong: A Comprehensive Guide
All about the Significant Controllers Register in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Significant Controllers Register is a file which all private companies incorporated in Hong Kong must keep at their registered business address, or another approved location. It names all the persons (either natural persons or legal entities) which have “significant control” of the company. Significant control includes having a greater than 25 percent shareholding, or voting rights in the company.
Companies must appoint a “designated representative” responsible for the Significant Controllers Register, and the register must be made available for inspection to designated authorities when requested. Learn more in our dedicated article: All About the Significant Controllers Register in Hong Kong
9 Basic Requirements for Hong Kong Incorporation
When incorporating a company in Hong Kong you need to consider these nine basic requirements: Company name, shareholders/members, directors, company secretary, registered address, share capital, tax compliance, documentation and ongoing compliance. Learn more in our dedicated article: 9 Basic Requirements for Hong Kong Incorporation
Hong Kong Company Formation FAQs
We answer 21 frequently asked questions about company formation and incorporation in Hong Kong relating to the different types of Hong Kong business entity, Hong Kong presence, governance and ownership, costs, and company changes. Learn more in our dedicated article: 21 Hong Kong Company Formation FAQs
Foreign company registration in Hong Kong
When you register a foreign business in Hong Kong there are three key options: Incorporate a subsidiary in Hong Kong, register a branch office and register a representative office (RO). We look at the pros and cons of each type of company registration. Learn more in our dedicated article: Options for Foreign Company Registration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Company Incorporation for First-Time Entrepreneurs
Hong Kong company incorporation can seem complex and confusing to first-time entrepreneurs. Here we simplify and demystify the process, showing that Hong Kong is one of the most straightforward company incorporation locations in the world. Learn more in our dedicated article: Hong Kong Company Incorporation for First-Time Entrepreneurs
Set Up an Offshore Company in Hong Kong: An Entrepreneur’s Guide
Hong King is a popular location for companies wishing to set up offshore. Here we explain why businesses should choose Hong Kong for their offshore company, rather than other popular offshoring locations. Learn more in our dedicated article: Set Up an Offshore Company in Hong Kong: An Entrepreneur’s Guide
5 Steps for Starting a Company in Hong Kong
Where to begin when starting a company in Hong Kong? We suggest: Choose the business type, select the form of company, create a business name, choose the company structure and gather/submit the necessary documentation. Learn more in our dedicated article: 5 Steps for Starting a Company in Hong Kong
Opening a corporate bank account in Hong Kong
An important step for many businesses when incorporating in Hong Kong is setting up a corporate bank account there. Here we set out the requirements imposed by banks and some key business account alternatives. Learn more in our dedicated article: Opening a corporate bank account in Hong Kong
