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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

Client Profile A European technology manufacturer entered China in 2019, establishing a wholly foreign-owned enterprise (WFOE) in Shanghai. The company had grown quickly, supplying components to domestic and international clients. By 2025, they faced a critical question: Was their China structure still serving their long-term goals—or holding them back? The Challenge The client’s setup had been built for  rapid market entry , not  strategic sustainability . As China’s regulat

China’s data governance framework has undergone one of the most extensive transformations in the world, driven by three core laws: the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), the Data Security Law (DSL) and the Cybersecurity Law (CSL). As we approach 2026, regulatory expectations are tightening, enforcement continues to intensify, and foreign businesses operating in China must ensure their data compliance frameworks meet the updated requirements. This is not simply a lega

Hong Kong’s extensive network of double taxation treaties (DTAs) continues to strengthen its position as a leading international business hub. These agreements reduce tax barriers for companies engaged in cross-border trade, investment, and regional management activities. As global tax standards evolve and international cooperation deepens, Hong Kong’s treaty network is expanding both in scope and complexity. For entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinational groups, understanding th

China’s Company Law continues to evolve in ways that reshape governance, shareholder obligations and capital requirements for foreign-invested enterprises. As the 2026 regulatory cycle approaches, the focus for businesses should be on practical readiness: how these changes will affect structures, reporting, internal controls and the day-to-day running of China operations. For multinational groups, the updates are not simply technical. They influence investment planning, trans

If your organisation operates in or processes data from Hong Kong — whether through local offices, cloud services, regional centres, or cross-border operations — understanding the region’s data-privacy framework is essential. Recent legislative developments and enforcement activity are reshaping how companies must approach compliance and data governance. Legal Framework and Emerging Trends Key law: The Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) (Cap. 486) remains Hong Kong’s co

Für Unternehmen, die in China tätig sind, ist es entscheidend, über Änderungen in der Steuerpolitik auf dem Laufenden zu bleiben. Im Jahr 2025 gab es bereits mehrere bedeutende Entwicklungen, die die Körperschaftsteuer (CIT), die Mehrwertsteuer (VAT), die Verbrauchsteuer sowie allgemeine Compliance-Vorschriften betreffen. Diese Reformen spiegeln Pekings doppelten Fokus wider – die Stabilisierung der Staatseinnahmen und die Förderung von Investitionen und Wachstum. Dieser mona

Expanding into China remains one of the most rewarding — and complex — decisions for international businesses. With its large consumer base, advanced supply chains, and policy focus on innovation, China continues to attract investors from around the world. However, entering the market requires careful planning. The right business structure not only determines your operational flexibility but also your tax exposure, compliance obligations, and long-term growth potential. As we

When setting up a company in China, one of the most critical — and often misunderstood — steps is defining your business scope. This short statement may look simple on paper, but it plays a defining role in how your company operates, the licences it requires, and the activities it can legally perform. In China’s regulatory environment, precision matters. Your business scope determines your company’s eligibility for tax treatment, access to incentives, and compliance obligatio

Hong Kong remains one of Asia’s most competitive tax jurisdictions, but the landscape is shifting. International standards, cross-border tax transparency, and the ongoing implementation of global tax reform initiatives are reshaping how entrepreneurs and SMEs must plan for 2026 and beyond. These changes do not diminish Hong Kong’s strengths, but they do require closer attention to compliance, documentation, and strategic structuring. Understanding the direction of travel is e

Die Gründung eines Unternehmens in Hongkong ist aufgrund des effizienten Gründungsverfahrens, des einfachen Steuersystems und des soliden rechtlichen Rahmens eine beliebte Wahl für Unternehmer. Dennoch unterschätzen viele neue Gründer die Bedeutung der Pflichten nach der Gründung – insbesondere im Hinblick auf die jährlichen Finanzberichterstattungspflichten. Die Nichteinhaltung dieser Verpflichtungen kann zu Geldstrafen, rechtlichen Problemen und Reputationsschäden führen. D

Maintaining accurate and complete business records is not only a regulatory requirement in Hong Kong — it is a cornerstone of effective business management. Whether you operate a small enterprise or a multinational group, understanding your obligations around record keeping helps ensure compliance, transparency, and operational efficiency. Why Record Keeping Matters Hong Kong’s business environment is built on credibility and transparency. The Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) a

Client Background Our client, a mid-sized European consumer goods company, operates a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE) in Shanghai, employing over 60 local staff. As their business grew, they began struggling with payroll accuracy, overtime management, and compliance coordination around China’s public holidays, particularly during the Chinese New Year period, when year-end reporting and employee leave overlap. By late 2024, they were facing a perfect storm: Their financ

Hong Kong’s regulatory environment is undergoing one of its most significant periods of transformation in the past decade. The city continues to strengthen its position as a trusted international financial and business hub, while simultaneously aligning with global standards in areas such as data privacy, ESG, corporate governance, anti-money-laundering (AML), and digital regulation. For companies operating in or through Hong Kong, this means the compliance function is no lon

Comprendre les droits aux congés annuels et la réglementation relative aux jours fériés en Chine est essentiel pour toute entreprise opérant sur le territoire chinois. Le respect des lois locales du travail garantit non seulement la conformité juridique, mais contribue également à la satisfaction des employés et à l’efficacité opérationnelle. Cet article présente une analyse experte des obligations légales relatives aux congés payés et aux jours fériés nationaux en Chine, des