The latest from China & Hong Kong

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

An Employer of Record in China can help international companies hire local employees without immediately setting up a Chinese company. For businesses entering the Chinese market, this can be a practical way to build local capability, support customers, manage suppliers and test demand before making a larger investment. This guide explains how Employer of Record support works in China, when it may be useful and what companies should consider before hiring. What is an Employer

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

Dieser Blog richtet sich an deutschsprachige Unternehmerinnen und Unternehmer sowie Geschäftsleute. Mit dem Beginn des Jahres 2026 überdenken internationale Investoren erneut ihre China-Strategien. Nach mehreren Jahren globaler wirtschaftlicher Volatilität, regulatorischer Entwicklungen und veränderter Handelsbeziehungen hat sich das Umfeld für ausländische Investitionen in China grundlegend gewandelt. China bleibt einer der bedeutendsten Märkte weltweit. Der nachhaltige Erf

Filing a profits tax return is a core compliance requirement for companies operating in Hong Kong. While the tax system is relatively straightforward, the process requires careful preparation, accurate financial reporting and a clear understanding of deadlines. For business owners and finance teams, managing profits tax returns effectively is essential to avoid penalties, reduce risk and maintain a strong relationship with the Inland Revenue Department. What Is a Profits Tax

China’s accounting framework is built on a centrally developed and tightly regulated system that reflects both international alignment and domestic policy priorities. For companies operating in China, understanding how accounting standards are adopted and applied is essential for ensuring compliance, accurate reporting and effective coordination with global group structures. In 2026, China Accounting Standards continue to evolve, with ongoing convergence toward international

For freelancers and small business owners in Hong Kong, delayed payments are one of the most common causes of cash flow pressure. Even profitable businesses can face operational strain if income is not received on time. Establishing a structured approach to invoicing, payment collection and client management is essential. This article outlines practical strategies to accelerate payments while maintaining strong client relationships. Why Payment Delays Occur Late payments are

Family offices operating in Hong Kong are increasingly adjusting their investment strategies in response to global economic uncertainty, evolving market opportunities and long-term diversification goals. Recent analysis of the sector reveals a clear shift in capital allocation priorities. Many family offices are increasing exposure to Asian markets while expanding investments in alternative assets and emerging technologies. Diversification Remains the Core Strategy Diversific