Shareholders do not need to be Hong Kong residents, and a single overseas owner can hold every share. Licensing for regulated activities is a separate check.
Corporations pay the lower rate on their first HK$2 million of assessable profits. Within a group of connected entities, only one nominated entity gets the two-tier rates; the others pay 16.5% throughout.
Ecosystem evidence, not proof of demand for your product. Validate customers, competition and economics before investing.
InvestHK describes Hong Kong’s role in regional trade and business connections. Mainland operating licences and cross-border rules still need separate assessment.
A local limited company is separate from its owners. A branch remains part of its overseas parent, which is responsible for its debts; register the non-Hong Kong company within one month of establishing its place of business.
A representative office can carry out market research and liaison without earning profits. Once it starts creating legal obligations, it must convert to a limited company or a registered branch.
An individual secretary must ordinarily reside locally; a corporate secretary needs a Hong Kong registered or principal office. A sole director cannot also be the secretary.
Banks ask for the incorporation and business registration documents plus proof of identity and residence for all owners under anti-money-laundering rules. Each bank sets its own deposit and documents.
Eligible nationalities receive visa-free visits of varying lengths. Founders seeking to run a business can apply under Investment as Entrepreneurs; overseas professionals use the appropriate employment route.
The exception for non-IP income considers adequate qualified employees and operating expenditure for specified local activities; pure equity holding entities have different requirements.
Information on this page is compiled from official and public sources, linked and dated next to each item. It is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice, and rules change. Please confirm with the source or a qualified adviser before acting. ExpandUs Global accepts no liability for decisions made using this information.
