HONG KONG Companies

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Hong Kong is on the south east coast of China and consists of a large number of islands and a part of the mainland totalling approximately 1,025 sq. km. The principal areas are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. These areas were ceded to Britain in perpetuity in 1842 under the treaty of Nanking, and in 1898, the New Territories were leased by Britain from China for a period of 99 years. On 1 July 1997 all of Hong Kong reverted back to China and became a Special Administration Region “SAR” within the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

POPULATION

The population of Hong Kong is currently 6.3 million made up principally of people of Chinese origin and is one of the most densely populated areas in the world.

POLITICAL STRUCTURE

Until 1 July 1997, Hong Kong was a British Crown Colony. A governor appointed by the Queen presided over the Hong Kong government, which consisted of the executive and legislative councils.

On 1 July 1997 Hong Kong elected its own legislature and maintained its court structure. The head of the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region will be the Chief Executive of the region. The Legislative Council is the legislature of the Region.

THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG

Under the “one country – two systems” philosophy, the SAR has executive, legislative and independent judicial power. The capitalist system, legal structure and lifestyle remain unchanged. Hong Kong remains a free port with a free flow of capital and a freely convertible Hong Kong dollar.

With China pushing forward with the modernisation of its own economy, the PRC has expressed the wish that Hong Kong should assist in this endeavour. It has stated that its future development will be based on market led reforms with socialist characteristics and this has led to the opening up of its economy to foreign investments. It is widely recognised that Hong Kong is and will continue to be a significant gateway to China.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMY

Separating Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon peninsular is Victoria Harbour, which is recognised internationally as one of the world’s perfect natural harbours. It varies in width from two to ten kilometres. An additional 13,517 sq. km of land has been reclaimed in the New Territories to provide additional dockyard and warehousing facilities. It is estimated that 100,000 containers per month pass through the port.

Hong Kong is the leading South East Asian centre for both finance and commerce and ranks as the world’s third largest financial centre after New York and London. There are more than 160 licensed banks with 128 foreign banks having representative offices in Hong Kong and a further 225 licensed deposit taking Finance Companies all of which play an active role in the financing of international trade and commerce.

LANGUAGE

The official languages are English and Chinese, with English being used in the commercial and political context and Cantonese Chinese used widely in industry and domestic trade.

CURRENCY

The Hong Kong Dollar which is officially pegged to the US Dollar.

EXCHANGE CONTROL

None.

TYPE OF LAW

Common Law based on English Common Law.

PRINCIPAL CORPORATE LEGISLATION

Companies Ordinance (Cap 32).

COMPANY INFORMATION:

TYPE OF COMPANY FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENT

Private Company limited by Shares.

PROCEDURE TO INCORPORATE

Submission of Memorandum and Articles of Association and a Declaration of Compliance. A Notice of Situation of Registered Office is also required to be filed. This can either be done at the time of filing the Memorandum and Articles of Association and Declaration of Compliance, or within fourteen days of the date of incorporation.

RESTRICTIONS ON TRADING

Cannot undertake banking or insurance activities or solicit funds from or sell its shares to the public.

POWERS OF COMPANY

A Hong Kong Company has all the powers of a natural person.

LANGUAGE OF LEGISLATION AND CORPORATE DOCUMENTS

English, but Chinese Characters may be added if desired.

REGISTERED OFFICE REQUIRED

Yes, must be maintained in Hong Kong.

NAME APPROVAL REQUIRED

It is not possible to reserve a name. It is essential to check that there is no similar or identical name on the register, which would prevent the company being incorporated.

SHELF COMPANIES AVAILABLE

Yes.

TIME TO INCORPORATE

Approximately two weeks from the submission of documentation.

NAME RESTRICTIONS

A name that is similar to or identical to an existing company. A name that constitutes a criminal offence or is otherwise contrary to the public interest. A name that implies royal or government patronage.

NAMES REQUIRING CONSENT OR LICENCE

Building society, Chamber of Commerce, chartered, co-operative, imperial, kaifong, mass transit, municipal, royal, savings, tourist association, trust, trustee, underground railway, bank, insurance, assurance, reinsurance, fund management, asset management and investment fund.

SUFFIXES TO DENOTE LIMITED LIABILITY

Limited.

DISCLOSURE OF BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP TO AUTHORITIES

No.

COMPLIANCE:

AUTHORISED AND ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL

The standard authorised share capital is HK€ 1,000. The minimum issued capital is two shares of par value.

CLASSES OF SHARES PERMITTED

Ordinary shares, preference shares, redeemable shares and shares with or without voting rights.

BEARER SHARES PERMITTED

No.

OTHER SHARES PERMITTED

Deferred, founders’ and management shares.

TAXATION

The principle of Hong Kong income tax is that it is a tax on income that has its source in Hong Kong rather than a tax based on residence. Hong Kong does not therefore impose tax on non-Hong Kong source income even when remitted to Hong Kong.

Consequently, if a Hong Kong company’s trading or business activities are based outside Hong Kong no taxation will be levied.

Hong Kong companies with Hong Kong source income currently pay a rate of taxation on profits of 16%.

DOUBLE TAXATION AGREEMENTS

Hong Kong has no double tax agreement with any country, with the exception of a limited treaty with the United States of America relating to shipping matters only.

LICENCE FEES

The Business Registration Fee (BRF), currently HK€ 2,250, is due and payable within one month of the date of incorporation and then annually on the anniversary of the first payment.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT REQUIREMENTS

A Hong Kong company must keep accounting records, which may be kept at the registered office address or elsewhere at the discretion of the directors. Every company must appoint an auditor who must be a member of the Hong Kong Society of Accountants and hold a practising certificate. Although there is no requirement to file accounts with the Registrar, there is a requirement to file accounts with the tax authorities.

DIRECTORS

The minimum number of directors is one, who may be a natural person(s) or bodies corporate. They may be of any nationality, and need not be resident in Hong Kong.

COMPANY SECRETARY

A Hong Kong company must appoint a company secretary, who may be a natural person or a body corporate, but the company secretary must be resident in Hong Kong.

SHAREHOLDERS

Minimum number of shareholders is one.

Hong Kong IBC
Base Price: 800.00