The latest from China & Hong Kong

Finding and retaining the right people in China has always required a tailored approach. As the country’s workforce continues to evolve, the traditional hiring landscape is shifting in ways that foreign-invested companies must understand to remain competitive. In 2026, the emphasis is on digital recruitment, skills-based hiring, rising compliance expectations, and a more mobile workforce. These changes bring both opportunities and challenges for organisations looking to secur

Hong Kong remains a leading jurisdiction for tax-efficient regional and international operations. Its straightforward tax regime, competitive rates and extensive treaty network continue to attract companies seeking stability and clarity. Yet the regulatory environment is shifting. Global tax reforms, enhanced substance requirements and evolving guidance on offshore claims mean tax planning must be more intentional than ever. For investors and expanding businesses, the questio

Die Feststellung, dass Ihre Marke bereits in China registriert wurde, ist beunruhigend, insbesondere wenn sie ein zentraler Bestandteil Ihrer geschäftlichen Identität ist. Diese Situation tritt häufig bei ausländischen Unternehmen auf, die später als geplant in den chinesischen Markt eintreten oder frühzeitig keine ausreichende Planung im Bereich des geistigen Eigentums vorgenommen haben. China folgt dem Prinzip „first to file“. Die Markenrechte werden grundsätzlich der Parte

Client Background In early 2025, a fast-growing European software company approached Woodburn Accountants & Advisors. The company had developed a powerful AI-driven analytics platform and had already expanded successfully across Europe and Southeast Asia. Naturally, their next frontier was China — a market with vast potential but a reputation for regulatory complexity. Despite strong demand from potential Chinese partners, the firm’s leadership team hesitated to move forward.

Client Background A mid-sized international company operating in China had been managing its compliance internally for several years. While the company was growing steadily, it had not allocated sufficient time or resources to prepare for the annual compliance requirements. The Challenge As the 2025 fiscal year-end approached, the client realized that critical documents were missing, financial records were incomplete, and deadlines for audit coordination and tax reporting wer

China’s regulatory environment continues to reshape the expectations placed on boards, shareholders and senior leaders. While the core principles of governance have remained stable for years, the 2026 cycle marks a moment where China is signalling a clear shift: businesses will be judged not only on operational success, but on the quality, transparency and consistency of their decision-making. For foreign-invested enterprises, this is more than regulatory housekeeping. It inf

As tariffs, geopolitical friction, and global supply-chain shifts reshape how companies source and produce goods, Hong Kong is re-defining — not disappearing — as a pivotal “control-hub” in the broader “China Plus One / Asia Plus One” supply-chain strategy. Below is a snapshot of Hong Kong’s economic performance in 2025, recent policy and regulatory trends, and what business leaders should watch when using Hong Kong as a regional base in 2026. 2025 Performance GDP & Growth Ou

Expanding into Hong Kong and mainland China offers enormous potential for global firms—but it also brings a maze of regulatory, tax, and HR complexities. Many businesses hesitate to commit to setting up a full legal entity before validating their market strategy or building a local team. That’s where an Employer of Record (EOR) model can transform how you scale. What Is an EOR Model? An Employer of Record acts as the legal employer for your local staff while you retain full c

As we move into 2026, global investors are once again rethinking their China strategies. After several years of global economic volatility, policy evolution, and shifting trade relations, the landscape for foreign investment in China has transformed. China remains one of the world’s most significant markets—but success now depends on precision, compliance, and strategic alignment. For many businesses, this is the year to reassess, realign, and reinforce their China presence.

Beim Markteintritt in China stehen ausländische Unternehmen vor einer grundlegenden Strukturentscheidung: Entweder sie operieren ohne lokale Gesellschaft und nehmen das Risiko einer steuerlichen Betriebsstätte in Kauf, oder sie gründen proaktiv eine rechtlich selbständige Einheit in China. Beide Ansätze ermöglichen den Zugang zum Markt, unterscheiden sich jedoch erheblich hinsichtlich steuerlicher Risiken, Compliance-Aufwand, operativer Flexibilität und langfristiger Planungs

Hong Kong’s family office sector continues to expand as global families seek stability, access to Asian markets and a sophisticated financial infrastructure. In 2026, however, regulatory expectations extend well beyond tax efficiency. Family offices established in Hong Kong are expected to demonstrate structured governance, documented risk controls and genuine operational presence. The environment now rewards well-designed frameworks and careful long-term planning. This artic

For years, foreign enterprises have treated China’s year-end financial and tax processes as technical events — predictable, cyclical, and largely contained within finance and compliance teams. That era has ended. As China’s regulatory systems become more integrated, more data-driven and more assertive, year-end reviews now carry strategic weight. They reveal not only the accuracy of financial reporting, but the integrity of governance, the maturity of internal controls and th

Hong Kong has long been recognised as one of Asia’s most sophisticated corporate and financial centres, with a governance framework designed to promote accountability, transparency, and investor confidence. In recent years, however, a series of regulatory changes has reshaped that landscape — strengthening oversight, redefining director responsibilities, and elevating expectations for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. These reforms aim to align Hong Kong

As we step into 2026, businesses operating in or through the Hong Kong SAR need to sharpen their focus on several recent legislative and regulatory shifts. These developments signal an evolving environment: more inward-facing corporate flexibility, stricter governance expectations, tighter oversight of insolvency and restructuring, and new employment law thresholds that affect every organisation. 1. Inward re-domiciliation regime opens new doors The Companies (Amendment) (No.

China’s visa environment continues to evolve as the country focuses on economic revitalisation, foreign investment, and controlled cross-border movement. For individuals and companies operating in China, keeping up with the latest visa requirements is essential to avoid delays, compliance issues, or unexpected disruptions to business activities. By 2026, visa processes are increasingly digital, more regulated, and structured to encourage long-term, skilled foreign engagement

China observes a range of public holidays each year, including traditional festivals and statutory celebrations. China's public holidays for 2026 include several multi-day events known as “Golden Weeks,” where extended breaks are observed for Spring Festival and National Day. Below is a table summarising the main public holidays for 2026: Date Day(s) Holiday Details 1 January Thursday New Year’s Day Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year. 16 – 22 February Monday – Sun

Shenzhen is designed for execution. Fast moving supply chains, advanced infrastructure and deep professional services make it an attractive base for foreign invested companies. Once incorporation is complete, attention quickly shifts to the practical realities of operating day to day. Banking access, internal controls and governance discipline determine whether the business runs smoothly or becomes exposed to delay and regulatory risk. This article focuses on the operational

For international businesses operating in Hong Kong, profits tax compliance is rarely straightforward. While Hong Kong’s territorial tax system is often viewed as simple, the practical application can be complex, particularly for cross border groups, regional headquarters and holding structures. This article outlines the most common profits tax filing risks faced by international businesses, and what should be reviewed to reduce exposure in 2026. Misunderstanding the territor

China’s anti-money laundering (AML) framework continues to expand in scope, depth and enforcement intensity. As regulators prepare for 2026, foreign-invested enterprises must be ready for a more demanding compliance environment that places greater accountability on senior management, stronger expectations on internal controls and closer monitoring of cross-border transactions. China’s AML agenda increasingly mirrors global standards while retaining its own regulatory characte

As financial crime becomes more sophisticated, regulators in Hong Kong are tightening oversight across banking, finance, professional services, and virtual assets. For businesses operating in or through Hong Kong, anti-money laundering (AML) compliance has moved from a procedural exercise to a strategic necessity. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), Companies Registry, and Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) have all strengthened their AML/CFT expectations. The empha