Business, Corporate and Investor Services

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HONG KONG

 

Hong Kong became a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China from 1 July 1997 and enjoys high autonomy under the ‘one country, two systems’ concept. Hong Kong is one of the top twenty trading economies and the world's third largest financial center. Due to Hong Kong's role as a major trading and entry point to mainland China and Asia, the bulk of companies formed in Hong Kong are for trading purposes.

 

Corporate Requirements


1. Company names may be expressed in both English and Chinese characters.

2. Each company must have a local secretary and a local registered office which must be a physical address and not just a Post Office box.

3. Each company must have at least one individual director.

4. Each company should have at least one shareholder.

5. Each year the company must submit an annual return with penalties imposed for late filings.

6. All companies must obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and are required to file a set of audited accounts with the IRD annually.


Law & Taxation


Hong Kong's corporate law is largely based on British common law. Hong Kong regards itself as a low tax center. Taxes are levied on profits, salaries and property at varying rates. Estate duty was abolished on 11 February 2006. Only profits derived in Hong Kong are assessed for tax and genuine offshore transactions are not subject to Hong Kong tax.