Hong Kong

A former British Colony but now part of the Republic of China, Hong Kong is considered a major international centre for business. Located on the south east coast of China it became part of China on the 1st July 1997. Hong Kong is classified as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) within the Republic of China and has retained its own legal system. The legal system in Hong Kong is, unsurprisingly, based on the British system with the official languages being English and Chinese.

There is no ‘offshore’ legislation in Hong Kong, all companies are incorporated under the same legislation regardless of whether they do business on or offshore. However companies that do not derive any income from sources in Hong Kong are not subject to tax thereby effectively making it an offshore company in all but name. An excellent infrastructure and strong regulatory frame work are contributors to the success of Hong Kong as a major destination for business.

Hong Kong is one of the world most established and reliable financial centres. The economy in Hong Kong is considered to be one of the freest in the world (as measured by the Index of Economic Freedom) therefore it is an excellent jurisdiction in which to incorporate a company.

Advantages of Hong Kong:

• Hong Kong is a major trading entity and therefore the incorporation of a Hong Kong Company is likely to be perceived as ‘legitimate’ and therefore less likely to be seen as a tax avoidance / minimisation vehicle
• English is an official language and the main business language. All reporting and important information can be produced in English
• The Hong Kong tax system is simple and straight-forward
• There are no restrictions on the use of foreigners as shareholders or directors at a Hong Kong company
• Corporate director and secretary are allowed
• The incorporation of a Hong Kong Company is simple and quick
• Low cost of incorporation and maintenance
• No minimum requirements for share capital
• Only one director and shareholder is required to form a limited liability company
• Due to the system of territorial taxation foreign source trade profit is not subject to Hong Kong income tax
• There is no capital gains tax in Hong Kong
• There is no withholding tax on interest, dividends and royalty
• Foreign dividends are not a subject to Hong Kong income tax
• Tax credits for foreign tax paid are available in Hong Kong. However, it is a subject to some conditions
• There is no net worth tax in Hong Kong
• Hong Kong has an excellent banking system and communications infrastructure

Summary of Requirements for a Hong Kong Company:

Procedure to Incorporate:

The following documents are required in order to proceed with incorporation:

• Completed application form
• A copy of the beneficial owner and each director and shareholders passport
• A utility bill, under 3 months old

Once received the following is completed:

• Obtain name approval
• Director and Shareholder will be sent the company Registration Forms to sign. Originals must be returned to our Hong Kong Office.
• Once this is received it will take approximately 10 days to complete the incorporation process.
• The original documents can be Apostilled as required.

Opening a Bank Account in Hong Kong:

There are a number of international banks located in Hong Kong. Eltoma can assist in opening a bank account in Hong Kong and have a number of different packages that can be offered. Presence is obligatory in order to open an account.

Taxation:

Fee Schedule (USD):