The latest from China & Hong Kong

You've found the right person in Hong Kong, but you don't yet have a legal entity there and standing one up before you can make the hire could take weeks you don't have. A Hong Kong Employer of Record (EOR) solves exactly this. The EOR becomes the legal employer of record on paper, while the employee works for you day to day. What the EOR takes on Compliant employment contracts under the Employment Ordinance. Payroll processing, including accurate salary, allowances and deduc

Hong Kong's territorial tax system remains one of its defining attractions: income sourced outside Hong Kong can sit outside the profits tax net. But for any company that belongs to a multinational group, the phrase 'offshore, therefore tax-free' no longer stands on its own. The Foreign-Sourced Income Exemption (FSIE) regime has, over successive refinements, turned a source-based assumption into a substance-based test, and the scope of what it catches has widened materially.

If you've looked closely at your Hong Kong company's certificates recently, you may have noticed more than one number attached to your business and it's not always obvious which one you're supposed to use where. Since Hong Kong rolled out its Unique Business Identifier (UBI) system, this has become one of the more common points of confusion for founders, especially those managing filings from overseas. Three numbers, three purposes Every Hong Kong private limited company can

When Hong Kong's inward re-domiciliation regime took effect on 23 May 2025 under the Companies (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance 2025, it closed a gap that had quietly cost international groups for years. Before it, a company wanting to make Hong Kong its legal home faced two unattractive routes: liquidate and re-incorporate, breaking contractual continuity, or run a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement, expensive and slow. The new regime offers a third path, transfer your domi

Promotion: We have a Hong Kong Company Registration package which includes Hong Kong Incorporation, Government Incorporation Fees, Government Business Registration Certificate Fees, 1 year Registered Office and Company Secretary services together with a business bank account from Airwallex for HK$4,500. View detailed offer. Incorporating a Hong Kong company is only the first stage of entering the market. Once the company has been formed, directors must ensure that it remains

Hong Kong remains one of the most attractive jurisdictions for international business, supported by a stable legal system, a freely convertible currency, and a well-established financial sector. However, opening a business bank account is no longer a straightforward administrative step. In the current regulatory environment, banks apply stringent due diligence standards, and overseas companies should expect a structured and sometimes time-intensive onboarding process. Underst

Hong Kong’s 2026 Employer’s Return filing season has officially commenced, placing an immediate compliance responsibility on all employers with staff in the jurisdiction. Issued annually by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), the Employer’s Return is a key reporting requirement that ensures employee earnings are correctly declared for salaries tax purposes. For many businesses, particularly those managing international teams or operating through regional structures, this per

Maintaining a Hong Kong company involves more than incorporation. Once a company has been formed, it must keep its statutory records current, renew its business registration and file annual returns on time. For overseas businesses, these obligations are easy to confuse because they both relate to annual company maintenance, but they are separate requirements handled by different authorities. The Business Registration renewal is handled through the Inland Revenue Department. T

For many businesses operating in Hong Kong, the annual Profits Tax Return has traditionally been viewed as a routine compliance task. Complete the figures, submit the forms, and move on. That approach is no longer sufficient. In 2026, the Inland Revenue Department is placing greater emphasis on accuracy, consistency, and transparency. The Profits Tax Return is increasingly being used as a tool to assess how well a business understands and applies Hong Kong’s tax framework. It

Hong Kong is re-emerging as a preferred regional headquarters location for international businesses operating across Asia. After a period of structural change, regulatory adjustment, and shifting geopolitical dynamics, 2026 marks a clear inflection point. Companies are no longer asking whether Hong Kong remains relevant. Instead, they are reassessing how it fits into a modern Asia strategy. For many, the conclusion is increasingly clear. Hong Kong continues to offer a combina

Hong Kong’s profits tax regime has long been recognised for its simplicity and territorial basis. That position has not changed. What has changed is how closely the system is now being monitored and enforced. In 2026, businesses are not facing a fundamentally new tax system. They are operating in an environment where the application of existing rules is becoming more precise, more evidence-driven, and less tolerant of weak positions. For companies already operating in Hong Ko

Economic substance has become one of the most important considerations for businesses using Hong Kong within international group structures. In 2026, regulatory focus has shifted decisively away from form-based structuring towards evidence of real activity, decision-making, and commercial purpose. For international businesses, this means that simply incorporating a Hong Kong entity is no longer sufficient. The question regulators are increasingly asking is straightforward: do

Changing a company’s financial year end in Hong Kong is a relatively straightforward process, but it requires careful planning to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and alignment with tax and reporting obligations. For business owners, the decision to change the financial year end is often driven by operational, group or strategic considerations. Understanding both the process and the implications is essential to avoid disruption. What Is a Financial Year End A fin

Understanding the fiscal year in Hong Kong is essential for businesses managing accounting, tax filings and compliance. While Hong Kong offers flexibility in how companies structure their financial year, there are still clear rules and timelines that must be followed when dealing with the Inland Revenue Department. For company directors and finance teams, aligning accounting periods with tax obligations is a key part of maintaining an organised and compliant business. What Is

Hong Kong continues to attract entrepreneurs seeking access to Asian markets, a competitive tax environment and a well-established legal system. For founders planning international expansion, relocation is not only about securing the right visa personally, but also about bringing key team members into the jurisdiction in a compliant and structured way. A successful move requires careful coordination across immigration, corporate structuring and operational planning. Establish

Hong Kong’s property market has long been defined by high demand, limited supply and upward pressure on rents. In response, the government has introduced enhanced tenant protection measures through amendments to the Landlord and Tenant (Consolidation) Ordinance. Commonly referred to as Hong Kong’s “Tenant Protection Act”, these changes are designed to provide greater security, transparency and fairness within the residential rental market. For both landlords and tenants, the

Hong Kong is entering a new phase of international tax alignment as it moves towards implementing Pillar Two global minimum tax rules. For multinational enterprise (MNE) groups operating in or through Hong Kong, this represents a significant shift in how profits are taxed and reported. Led by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Pillar Two introduces a 15% global minimum effective tax rate for large multinational groups. While Hong Kong has historically

Hong Kong remains one of the most attractive jurisdictions for small and medium-sized enterprises due to its straightforward tax system and business-friendly environment. For SME owners, understanding how tax works is essential not only for compliance but also for managing cash flow and planning growth effectively. The system is intentionally simple, but there are still important rules and strategic considerations that businesses must understand. The Foundation of Hong Kong T

Hong Kong remains one of Asia’s most dynamic commercial hubs, with businesses operating across borders, currencies and digital channels. As a result, selecting the right payment gateway is no longer a simple operational decision. It is a core component of financial infrastructure, directly affecting cash flow, customer experience and compliance. This article outlines ten of the most widely used and effective payment gateways for Hong Kong businesses in 2026, based on function

The Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) system is a central component of Hong Kong’s retirement protection framework. For employers and business owners, understanding MPF requirements is essential to ensure compliance with employment regulations and to manage payroll obligations effectively. Whether establishing a new company or hiring employees in Hong Kong, MPF should be considered a core part of operational setup. What Is the MPF System The Mandatory Provident Fund is a compuls