Useful Guide
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Please take a moment to explore the following resources; 1. All about Company Formation 2. Options for Overseas Companies wishing to incorporate in Hong Kong 3. Comparison of Hong Kong Limited Company Versus BVI Company registration
Company Registration Procedure The incorporation procedure entails two steps: Approval of Company Name and Application for Company Registration with the Companies Registrar. 
Subsidiary company A subsidiary is essentially a private limited company incorporated in Hong Kong. Hong Kong allows 100% foreign ownership of companies, which implies that you can set up a wholly-owned subsidiary company in Hong Kong. Setting up a subsidiary is the most common and preferred option for most foreign companies, as it provides limited liability and numerous tax advantages. A subsidiary is a separate legal entity from its foreign parent company therefore the liabilities of the subsidiary company do not extend to the parent company. Additionally, locally incorporated companies can gain preferential access to the Mainland China markets and benefit from the free trade agreement with China. Branch Office A branch office like a subsidiary is a legally incorporated entity except that a branch office is treated as an extension of the foreign parent company and is not a separate legal entity in its own right. This makes the foreign parent company accountable and responsible for all the debts and liabilities of the branch office. Like a subsidiary company, a branch office must be registered with the Hong Kong’s Companies Registry. The basic requirements to set up a branch office are: company name approval, a local resident authorized representative and an established place of business in Hong Kong. Generally, branch offices are subject to the same legal and tax consequences as companies incorporated in Hong Kong. Branch offices have to adhere to the ongoing compliance requirements like filing annual returns, filing tax returns and are required to execute other public disclosure requirements. Representative Office Foreign companies that wish to gain market insight, exposure and a better understanding of the Hong Kong business environment before setting up a full-fledged office can opt for establishing a representative office first. A representative office cannot engage in profit making activities and is not treated as a legal entity. It cannot sign or enter into any contracts, sign deals on behalf of the company, raise invoices or letters of credit nor engage in trading activities. The representative office has to restrict itself to promotion and liaison activities, undertaking market research and coordinating activities on behalf of the parent company. Since a representative office has no legal standing, the parent company bears implicit liability for its activities. A representative office usually has foreign managerial personnel and locally appointed support staff. There are no registration requirements with the Companies Registry, no minimum capital requirements and no compliances like filing tax returns nor maintaining accounts etc. The only requirement is to register with the Inland Revenue Department and obtain a Business Registration Certificate.
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1. Visa Types 2. The Process
Employment Visa: An Employment Visa is required for foreigners wishing to seek employment by a Hong Kong registered Company. This Visa is better suited for more senior roles at a manager or supervisory level. Basic requirements: Investment Visa: An Investment Visa is required for foreign investors wishing to start their own business in Hong Kong. Basic requirements: Training Visa: A Training Visa is required for foreigners wishing to Train in a reputable Hong Kong company. Basic requirements: Capital Investment Entrant Scheme: This scheme was introduced by the Hogn Kong government in 2003 to encourage capital investment into Hong Kong and allowing subsequent residency. The requirements are primarily monetary and require investments of not less than HK$10 Million permissible investment asset classes in addition to demonstrating self sufficiency to maintain living in Hong Kong. Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals: This scheme was introduced to attract qualified professionals from the Mainland to come to Hong Kong to assit with meeting talent and manpower needs. Similarly to the Working Visa the applicant must be sponsored by a company and also have relevent academic qualifications such as a first degree in a relevent field, which is not able to be taken up by a local candidate. A Dependant Visa is for the immediate family members (spouse and unmarried children below 18 years of age and in some circumstances their parents) of foreigners who are in Hong Kong and holding a valid Hong Kong visa or who are permanent residents in Hong Kong. A separate application needs be filed for each family member and must be sponsored by the principal visa holder. Transfer or Extend Visa: It is possible in some circumstances to extend and transfer a visa to another employer under Hong Kong immigration regulations. The process depends on the type of visa, action required and current situation of the applicant.
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1. Traditional Office Space 2. Serviced Office Space 3. Virtual Offices
There is a wide range of Serviced Office providers in Hong Kong. Serviced Offices often include furniture, phones, internet and receptionist services and are useful when first setting up a business
Virtual Offices are primarily just a business address and phone number registered with a provider (often a Serviced Office company) and is a good cost effective way to initially set up in Hong Kong |
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