Il Ministero dell’Industria e della Tecnologia dell’Informazione della Cina ha introdotto nuove misure che regolano la certificazione e la revisione dei contratti tecnologici. Il nuovo quadro normativo, entrato in vigore il 1° marzo 2026, ridefinisce il modo in cui gli accordi relativi allo sviluppo tecnologico, al trasferimento, alla licenza, alla consulenza e ai servizi tecnici vengono esaminati e riconosciuti. Per le imprese che operano nel settore tecnologico in Cina o ch

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has introduced updated measures governing the certification and review of technology contracts. The new framework, effective from 1 March 2026, reshapes how agreements relating to technology development, transfer, licensing, consulting and technical services are examined and recognised. For businesses operating in China’s technology sector or engaging in cross-border technology cooperation, the revised rules bring greate

Hong Kong’s family office sector continues to expand rapidly, reinforcing the city’s position as one of the world’s most important hubs for private wealth management. Recent market analysis indicates that the number of single-family offices operating in Hong Kong has reached approximately 3,384 by the end of 2025, reflecting steady growth over recent years. This expansion highlights the city’s enduring appeal to ultra-high-net-worth families seeking a stable financial centre

China’s 2026 Value-Added Tax (VAT) Law introduces a more structured framework for determining when VAT obligations arise. One of the most notable changes is the clarification and adjustment of VAT thresholds, including new rules governing monthly and quarterly reporting as well as specific per-transaction thresholds. For foreign enterprises operating in China, trading with Chinese counterparties, or managing China-related supply chains, these changes affect how and when VAT l

China is moving steadily toward a more structured and enforceable Environmental, Social and Governance reporting framework. What was previously a mix of voluntary disclosures and sector-specific requirements is evolving into a more formalised system with clear expectations for large enterprises and foreign invested entities. In 2026, ESG reporting is no longer viewed as a reputational exercise. It is becoming a regulatory requirement closely linked to financial reporting, cor

Client Overview A mid-sized international business wanted to expand into Asia and recognized the strategic benefits of Hong Kong for regional operations. They were looking to register a company in Hong Kong to take advantage of its business-friendly environment, favorable tax policies, and well-established financial system. To navigate this process efficiently, they partnered with Woodburn for expert guidance in Hong Kong company registration. Challenges in Hong Kong Business

Hong Kong continues to play a central role in global trade, supported by its strategic location, advanced infrastructure and established position as a logistics gateway into Mainland China and the wider Asia-Pacific region. For businesses operating in or through Hong Kong, selecting the right shipping and logistics partners is a critical operational decision. Reliability, speed, compliance and cost control all depend on how effectively logistics is structured and managed. Thi

For companies operating in China, one of the most common sources of confusion is the relationship between China Accounting Standards, often referred to as CAS, and China’s tax laws. While both frameworks deal with the financial position and activities of a business, they do not serve the same purpose and they do not always produce the same result. This distinction matters. A company may prepare financial statements that are fully compliant with CAS and still need to make mult

The Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has issued a public alert following the emergence of fraudulent notices relating to stamp duty certificates. The scam involves fabricated payment demands, often labelled as “landed tax” notices, designed to mislead individuals and businesses into making unauthorised payments. Authorities have confirmed that these notices do not originate from the IRD and form part of a broader pattern of financial scams targeting companies involve

Hong Kong’s network of Comprehensive Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) continues to expand, reinforcing the city’s position as a leading international business and financial centre. As of 2026, Hong Kong has reached a new milestone in the development of its treaty network, with additional agreements signed, several entering into force, and further negotiations underway. For international businesses using Hong Kong as a regional headquarters, holding structure, or

In un contesto di crescente volatilità del commercio globale, l’ultimo Bilancio di Hong Kong presenta una serie di misure volte a sostenere imprese e cittadini, rafforzando al contempo la competitività economica della città nel lungo periodo. L’indirizzo politico si concentra sulla stabilizzazione dell’economia nel breve termine e sull’accelerazione degli investimenti in infrastrutture, tecnologia e innovazione per sostenere la crescita futura. Per le aziende internazionali c

Das chinesische Ministerium für Industrie und Informationstechnologie hat neue Regelungen zur Zertifizierung und Prüfung von Technologieverträgen eingeführt. Der aktualisierte Rahmen, der am 1. März 2026 in Kraft getreten ist, verändert die Art und Weise, wie Vereinbarungen über Technologieentwicklung, Technologietransfer, Lizenzierung, technische Beratung und technische Dienstleistungen geprüft und anerkannt werden. Für Unternehmen, die im Technologiesektor tätig sind oder a

L’Inland Revenue Department (IRD) di Hong Kong ha emesso un avviso pubblico dopo la comparsa di notifiche fraudolente relative ai certificati di stamp duty. La truffa consiste in richieste di pagamento fabricate, spesso presentate come notifiche di “landed tax”, progettate per indurre individui e aziende a effettuare pagamenti non autorizzati. Le autorità hanno confermato che tali notifiche non provengono dall’IRD e fanno parte di un modello più ampio di truffe finanziarie ch

Shenzhen has introduced stricter enforcement of age thresholds for foreign work permit renewals, with new measures taking effect in 2026. Under the updated approach, applicants aged 60 and above applying under Category B or Category C work permits are now significantly more likely to face rejection when seeking renewals. The development reflects a broader effort by Chinese authorities to standardise employment policies for foreign nationals while reinforcing workforce managem

Against a backdrop of increasing global trade volatility, Hong Kong’s latest Budget outlines a series of measures aimed at supporting businesses and individuals while strengthening the city’s long-term economic competitiveness. The policy direction focuses on stabilising the economy in the short term while accelerating investment in infrastructure, technology and innovation to support future growth. For international companies operating in Hong Kong, the Budget signals contin

China hat die Durchsetzung der gehaltsbezogenen Anforderungen für Arbeitsgenehmigungen ausländischer Fachkräfte verschärft. Die strengere Anwendung betrifft sowohl neue Anträge als auch Verlängerungen bestehender Arbeitserlaubnisse. Die Behörden legen nun größeren Wert auf Gehaltsschwellen als entscheidenden Faktor bei der Beurteilung der Zulässigkeit einer Beschäftigung ausländischer Fachkräfte. Für Unternehmen, die internationale Mitarbeitende in China beschäftigen, bedeute

China has intensified enforcement of salary-based requirements for foreign work permits, affecting both new applications and permit renewals. The updated enforcement approach places greater emphasis on salary thresholds as a key factor in determining eligibility for foreign employment. For companies employing foreign professionals in China, the development signals increased scrutiny of compensation levels and documentation, alongside broader compliance obligations linked to w

Die Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD) hat eine öffentliche Warnung herausgegeben, nachdem betrügerische Mitteilungen im Zusammenhang mit angeblichen Stamp-Duty-Zertifikaten aufgetaucht sind. Der Betrug besteht aus gefälschten Zahlungsaufforderungen, die häufig als sogenannte „Landed Tax“-Bescheide bezeichnet werden. Ziel dieser Mitteilungen ist es, Einzelpersonen und Unternehmen dazu zu verleiten, unberechtigte Zahlungen zu leisten. Die Behörden haben bestätigt, dass

Hong Kong continues to strengthen its position as a leading global hub for family offices. With targeted tax concessions, regulatory clarity and direct access to Mainland China, the jurisdiction remains highly attractive for ultra-high-net-worth families seeking a stable base in Asia. As regulatory expectations evolve and global transparency standards tighten, structuring a Hong Kong family office now requires careful planning across tax, governance and compliance. This artic

China’s Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) continues to evolve as one of the most significant regulatory frameworks affecting businesses operating in the country. In 2026, recent developments have reinforced the government’s focus on data security, cross-border data control and corporate accountability. For foreign invested enterprises, this has translated into a measurable increase in compliance obligations and operational complexity. What was initially viewed as a d