How do I set up a branch office in Hong Kong?
James Williams
Published Mar 04, 2026
The basic requirements to set up a branch office are: company name approval, a local resident authorized representative and an established place of business in Hong Kong. Generally, branch offices are subject to the same legal and tax consequences as companies incorporated in Hong Kong.
How do I start a startup in Hong Kong?
How to Start a Business in Hong Kong
- Select a Company’s Name. Select a unique name for the company before registering a business in Hong Kong.
- Register the Company.
- Open a Local Bank Account.
- Register a Local Business Address.
- Hire Employees.
- File Taxes.
How much does it cost to open a company in Hong Kong?
Fees
| Different Hong Kong entity types | Registration cost | Annual maintenance fees |
|---|---|---|
| PLC company | US$8,600 | US$4,900 |
| LLC with employment visa | US$15,205 | US$5,000 |
| Hong Kong company with China corporate bank account | US$11,655 | US$5,000 |
| Foreign trust | US$16,000 | US$11,600 |
Why do people set up companies in Hong Kong?
Setting up a Hong Kong offshore company is an excellent way to boost global profits as there is no withholding tax, sales tax, VAT, import and export tax or capital gains tax; Being a founding member of the World Trade Organization, Hong Kong promotes free trade and does not charge tariffs on imports and exports.
Is a branch a legal entity?
A Branch is a more independent entity that conducts business in its own name but still acts on behalf of the company. A Branch is not legally separate from the foreign parent company and so is also subject to the local laws governing the foreign parent company.
How do I open a branch office?
To open a branch office, a company has to get approval from its directors. Hence a company must call a board meeting on a pre-decided date by giving notice to all the directors. Board of directors must pass a resolution to open a branch office. And BOD must authorize a director to carry on all the related activities.
How can I open a shop in Hong Kong?
Below are some steps to take in order to establish a new company in Hong Kong.
- Determine your company name.
- Choose a legal structure for your business.
- Register your company.
- Incorporate your business entity.
- Open a company account.
- Get permits and licenses.
- Hong Kong tax.
- Pensions and insurance requirements.
Is Hong Kong a good place to start a business?
It’s easy to open and operate a business in Hong Kong In fact, Hong Kong is ranked fourth globally in the “ease of doing business” rankings. The city offers low corporate taxes and even some tax breaks, with a great reputation for supporting SMEs. The government has many support initiatives for businesses, too.
How to set up a branch office in Hong Kong?
Do you need an office in Hong Kong?
However, the government requires your company to have an office and a company secretary based in Hong Kong. The good news is that you don’t need to rent an office or hire a full-time company secretary. There are several agencies that will be happy to provide this service to you for around 5-6,000 HKD per year.
How to open a company in Hong Kong as a foreigner in 2021?
The incorporation documents and company kit (seal, stamp and so on): about 2,070 HKD. Company registration (government fee): 1,730 HKD. The Business Registration Certificate (government fee): 250 HKD. Provision for the company secretary: 3,500 HKD. Provision for the registered office address: 2,000 HKD.
How much does it cost to open a business in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is, along with Singapore, the most liberal economy in the world. Therefore, opening a limited company is simple, fast, and cheap (the government requires a fee of 1,730 HKD for the Company Registration and a fee of 250 HKD for the Business Registration Certificate).
