Can A Hong Kong Offshore Company Help Your Business?

An Expert's View about Banking and Finance in Hong Kong SAR

Posted on: 22 Apr 2010

There are many options when it comes to offshore banks; however many are choosing Hong Kong. Let’s find out why a Hong Kong offshore company could be right for you.

 

Hong Kong is an international city and has a very stable economy and political status. As a part of China, Hong Kong has a strong workforce of diligent workers and acts as a gateway to the huge market of Mainland China.

 

Why Hong Kong?

 

Economic freedom

 

Hong Kong’s economic freedom is due to very limited Government intervention and proactive policies for foreign investors. Investors are encouraged by various incentives and what they are able to do which makes it one of the most liberal jurisdictions when it comes to economic freedom.

 

Currency flow

 

There are no restrictions on the currency that flows in and out of Hong Kong. Currencies like USD, GBP and Japanese Yen are freely remitted between Hong Kong and the rest of the world.

 

Tax free

 

Offshore businesses are completely tax free. According to Hong Kong law only local businesses are subject to profit tax. This is a major benefit for traders, a trader can buy a product from one country and sell it to another while not paying any tax, as both transactions happened out of the Hong Kong jurisdiction.

 

Low tax rates

 

For local businesses there is a tax rate, which is low when compared to other countries. The tax rate on local businesses is currently 16.5% of net profit booked by the company. The absence of VAT, capital gains tax and business tax makes a Hong Kong offshore company a viable choice.

 

Startup

 

The startup procedure for a business is very simple and requires no capital investment. A business owner can appoint a foreigner as director and shareholder, as long as they recruit a local professional as secretary and a registered office address. The non-requirement of a capital investment makes it far easier for an entrepreneur to open a company in Hong Kong. There are no restrictions on the name you chose for your company unlike many countries; you can pick from Holding, International, Group, etc.

 

Offshore Bank accounts

 

Opening an offshore account in Hong Kong has become very easy in the past few years. Global players originally from Hong Kong, such as HSBC have made great strides in easing out the process, while providing their customers with a feature rich experience. The information required includes a passport copy, Hong Kong company information, and a general description of the business.

 

Liability benefits

 

The common type of company held in Hong Kong is a private limited company. Being private in nature such companies transfer minimum liability to their shareholders.

 

Corporate structuring

 

A foreign company can easily be appointed as a shareholder, or director, or both of a Hong Kong company.

 

Trust law

 

If the investor or owner of the company wishes to be anonymous, he or she may do so with a trust arrangement. Hong Kong is one of the very few countries which give an investor this option.

 

For the above-mentioned reasons and more, a Hong Kong offshore company can prove to be a valuable platform for a successful business operation.

 


Useful links:

  • Hong Kong offshore company : Healy Consultants is a leading corporate services firm that assists entrepreneurs and investors with setting up a Hong Kong offshore company, along with a range of other corporate services. The firm provides a range of services to ensure the success of the Hong Kong offshore company.
Posted: 22 April 2010

See more from Banking and Finance in Hong Kong SAR

Expert Views    
The Benefits Of Registering An Offshore Company   By Healy Consultants
Financial development and firm survival   By Serafeim Tsoukas, University of Nottingham
Hot Tips    
Trade and Project Financing in Hong Kong   By U.S. Commercial Service Poland
Investment Climate in Hong Kong   By U.S. Commercial Service Poland
Advantages of a Hong Kong offshore company   By Healy Consultants