INTRODUCTION
Hong Kong is a former British dependent territory
and became the Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region (“HKSAR”) of the People's Republic of China
on 1 July 1997. The terms of the Basic Law guarantee
the capitalist economic framework of Hong Kong
for fifty years after the handover date. Hong
Kong continues to enjoy a high degree of autonomy
except in defence and foreign affairs. The official
languages are English and Chinese.
Hong Kong remains a relative powerhouse in the
world trade, financial and banking services given
a small population of 6 million. Hong Kong is
the world's ninth trading economy and the third
largest financial centre. More than 3,200 international
corporations have established regional headquarters
or offices in Hong Kong. Hong Kong also is the
most significant gateway into China.
LAW AND TAXATION
Hong Kong's corporate law is strongly based on
British common law. Hong Kong is a low tax jurisdiction.
Taxes are levied on profits, salaries and property
with rates varying between 16-17.5%. There are
also various Stamp Duties and Capital Duties.
There is no capital gain or any form of dividend
or withholding tax.
Only profits derived in Hong Kong are assessable
for taxation and genuine offshore transactions
are not subject to Hong Kong tax. Corporate profits
tax rate is 17.5%. Subject to specific personal
allowances, salaries tax is levied on a graduated
scale up to a maximum overall rate of 16%. Property
tax is charged on rents derived from land and
building located in Hong Kong. Transfer of shares
in a Hong Kong company is subject to stamp duty
at 0.1% each for both the transferor and the transferee
on the considerations paid or the fair market
value whichever is higher. Transfer of land and
building located in Hong Kong also must pay stamp
duty. The maximum rate is 3.75%. No duty is payable
in case if the transfer is wihin a group of companies
with 90% common ownership. Capital duty of 0.1%
is payable on the nominal value of shares in a
Hong Kong company and on any increase of authorized
capital or issuance of shares at a premium. The
cap is HK$30,000 per case.
LOCAL INFRASTRUCTURE
There are in excess of 980,000 companies incorporated
in Hong Kong. With implementation of the Integrated
Companies Registry Information System (ICRIS)
on 28th February 2005, the new Copanyies Registry
Electronic Search Services became available for
chedking company information. Numerous banks,
stockbrokers and finance houses as well as all
the major international legal and accounting firms
are present in Hong Kong. The banking system in
Hong Kong which is designed to assist the international
business community is extremely dynamic and efficient.
Hong Kong dollar is linked to the US dollar at
the rate of HK$7.80 to US$1. There is no exchange
control.
CORPORATE REQUIREMENTS
Company names may be expressed in both English
and Chinese characters.
Each Hong Kong company must have a local secretary
and a local registered office which must be a
physical address and not just a post office box.
Each company must have at least one director
and corporate director is permitted for companies
that are not subsidiaries of public listed companies.
Each company must have at least one shareholder
and corporate shareholder is permitted.
Director and shareholder can be the same person
or legal entity with no restriction on nationalities.
Details of the company’s Director(s), Shareholder(s),
Secretary and Registered Office must be filed
at the Companies Registry and are on public record.
All companies must submit an annual return, obtain
a Business Registration Certificate and file a
set of audited accounts on an annual basis. Penalties
apply for late filings.
OUR SERVICES
We have a large stock of companies with English
and Chinese character names that are immediately
available for purchase. We can incorporate a company
with your choice of name and can also check the
availability of names in advance. All companies
are provided with a complete company kit, including
certificate of incorporation, share certificates,
18 copies of the M&A, statutory registers,
common seal, company chop and a certificate of
guarantee of quality.
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