Choose the Right Business Structure

The most common entity for foreign investors is the:

• Private Limited Company (Ltd.) – Offers liability protection, 100% foreign ownership, and access to tax benefits.

  No minimum capital requirement

  At least one director and one shareholder (can be the same person)

  Must appoint a Company Secretary and maintain a local registered office

• Branch Office – An extension of a foreign parent company

• Representative Office – For research or liaison only (non-revenue generating)

Register
Your Company

Safari Star will manage the full incorporation process, including:

• Name reservation and company structure setup

• Preparation of the Articles of Association

• Submission of documents to the Companies Registry

• Application for the Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department

• Appointment of a Company Secretary (mandatory)

• All incorporation can be done remotely within 1–3 working days if documents are in order.

Open a Corporate Bank Account

A local business bank account is essential for operations, client payments, and tax compliance.

Required documents typically include:

• Company registration documents

• ID and proof of address for directors/shareholders

• Business plan and company activities

• Certificate of incorporation and Business Registration Certificate

Obtain Business Licenses (If Required)

For most general business activities, no special license is needed beyond the Business Registration Certificate. However, regulated industries require additional approvals:

• Food & Beverage License – For restaurants, cafés, or import/export of food

• Financial Services Licenses – From the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)

• Education Permits – For operating private learning centers

• Retail and Trading Licenses – For alcohol, medicine, and cosmetics

Hire Employees & Comply with Labor Laws

If you plan to hire staff, you must:

• Register as an employer with the Inland Revenue Department

• Contribute to the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme

• Issue compliant employment contracts in line with Hong Kong’s Employment Ordinance

• Manage monthly payroll and tax reporting (e.g., IR56 forms)

Understand Taxation & Compliance

Hong Kong is one of the most tax-friendly jurisdictions in the world:

• Corporate Profits Tax:

  8.25% on the first HKD 2 million

  16.5% on amounts above

• No VAT, capital gains tax, dividend tax, or inheritance tax

• Territorial Tax System – Only profits sourced from within Hong Kong are taxed

• Annual Audit Required – All companies must prepare audited financial statements

• Annual Filings – Must file returns with the Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department