If you’re planning to establish a recruitment agency in Hong Kong, understanding the legal requirements, including obtaining a recruitment agency license, is crucial. Here's a breakdown of the process:
1. Choose Your Business Structure
Select a business entity type suitable for your recruitment agency. In Hong Kong, the most common choice is a private limited company due to its legal protections, ease of registration, and tax benefits.
Key Steps:
Choose a unique business name.
Verify the name with the Hong Kong Companies Registry.
2. Register Your Company
Register your recruitment agency with the Companies Registry in Hong Kong. You'll need to prepare:
Incorporation Form (Form NNC1 for limited companies).
Articles of Association.
Proof of identity for shareholders and directors.
The process can be completed online via the e-Registry portal.
3. Obtain a Recruitment Agency License in Hong Kong
To operate as a recruitment agency, securing a license from the Labour Department is mandatory.
Requirements for the License:
Submit a completed application form to the Employment Agencies Administration (EAA).
Provide a business registration certificate and other supporting documents.
Pay the required application fee.
Applications are reviewed to ensure compliance with Hong Kong's Employment Ordinance and other labour laws.
4. Establish Financial and Operational Systems
Set up a business bank account in Hong Kong to manage finances. Implement systems for:
Payroll processing.
Accounting and tax compliance.
Candidate and client management using recruitment software.
5. Adhere to Legal Standards
Ensure your agency complies with local laws, including:
The Employment Ordinance.
Data protection regulations under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
Contracts with clients and candidates should be reviewed to ensure compliance with Hong Kong's labour laws.
6. Market Your Recruitment Agency
Develop a strategy to promote your services:
Use digital platforms like LinkedIn, job boards, and social media.
Build a professional website showcasing your expertise in recruiting.
Network with businesses in key industries.
Why Work in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong offers a robust and transparent regulatory environment, making it an attractive location for starting a recruitment agency. By obtaining the recruitment agency license and adhering to legal standards, you position your business to thrive in the region's dynamic job market.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China’s most trusted business setup advisory firms.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. We focus on eliminating the complexities of corporate services and compliance administration. We help clients with services ranging from trademark registration and company incorporation to the full outsourcing solution for accounting, tax, and human resource services. Our advisory services can be tailor-made based on the companies’ objectives, goals and needs which vary depending on the stage they are at on their journey.
Talk to an expert
Schedule a 30-mins complimentary, no-obligation call to see how Woodburn can help you. Book a call with our Head of Business Advisory - Kristina Koehler-Coluccia.
Topics we can advise on include:
Company Registration
Cloud Accounting & Financial Reporting
Cloud Payroll Services
Tax & Audit Services
Recruitment
Employer-of-Record
Visa Application
Trademark Registration
Switch to Woodburn
Partner with Woodburn (cross referral)
Our calls are automatically scheduled via Zoom - or via Teams, WeChat or WhatsApp upon direct request.
Our advisory calls are available from Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm CEST and Wednesday until 9pm CEST.