The things people ask before they call.

Once Jan has your documents and the name is cleared, a straightforward Hong Kong company is usually formed within a few working days. The slow part is normally the business bank account, so plan for that early. More complex structures or other jurisdictions can take a little longer, and she will tell you the realistic timeline before you commit.

No. Most of the setup is handled remotely. You will need to provide identity and address documents, and some banks may ask for a call or a visit, but you do not need to fly out just to incorporate. Jan will flag anything that genuinely needs you in person.

For nine founders out of ten, a private limited company. It is a separate legal entity, your liability is capped, and it can use Hong Kong’s tax treaties. A representative office suits a foreign company that only wants to test the market, and a branch is an arm of an overseas parent. Jan will tell you which fits on the first call.

Yes. There is no local partner and no nationality requirement for shareholders or directors. A handful of regulated sectors, like broadcasting and some telecoms, carry caps or licensing, so check if you are in one of those.

One share worth HKD 1, in any major currency. That said, banks and partners read very low capital as a signal, so it is worth capitalising sensibly for the business you are actually running.

No. A sole director cannot also be the company secretary, and the secretary has to be resident in Hong Kong or a Hong Kong-registered company. Jan provides a resident company secretary and a registered address as standard.

Yes. Banking is the part people find hardest on their own. Jan makes an introduction to a bank suited to your business and helps get your file in the right shape first, which makes approval far more likely. She cannot guarantee any bank’s decision, but she stacks the odds in your favour.

Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam. If you are looking at somewhere else in the region, ask. Jan will tell you honestly whether she is the right person for it.

The Annual Return (form NAR1) within 42 days of your incorporation anniversary, the Profits Tax Return with audited accounts once the IRD issues it on 1 April, and the Employer’s Return, even if you have no staff. On top of that, you keep your Business Registration Certificate current and tell the Companies Registry about changes within 15 days.

Yes. Hong Kong companies need their accounts audited by a Hong Kong CPA every year, whatever their size, unless the company is genuinely dormant.

Most businesses only need a Business Registration Certificate. Some activities need a specific licence too, such as travel and employment agencies, financial services, restaurants and alcohol, and selling controlled goods. Check before you sign a lease or take a deposit.

Seven years, for both your accounting records and your business records.

Yes. You sponsor their work visa and it has to be approved before they start. Immigration wants to see that the role can’t easily be filled locally and that the person clearly fits it, so the case needs building properly the first time.

Profits tax of 8.25% on the first HKD 2 million of assessable profit and 16.5% above that. There is no VAT or sales tax and no tax on capital gains or dividends. What actually applies depends on your business and where your profits arise, so Jan will walk you through your own position.

Hong Kong only taxes profits sourced in Hong Kong, so genuinely offshore profits are not taxed here. But it is a claim you have to defend to the IRD with real substance. Treat it as something to document properly, not assume.

Formation starts at a fixed fee, and ongoing compliance is a set annual price. You agree the number before any work starts. See the pricing page for the packages, or ask for a quote tailored to your situation.

Absolutely. Plenty of clients come across from another provider. Jan reviews where things stand, cleans up anything overdue, and takes over the secretary, accounting and filings so you have one person on it going forward.

Both. Incorporation is the start. The real value is in keeping the company compliant and healthy afterwards: bookkeeping, tax, annual filings, and advice when a big decision comes up. You can take just the setup, or hand the whole lot over.