Hong Kong

Why Hong Kong

• Low, simple taxProfits tax is two-tiered, so a small company pays 8.25% on its first HK$2 million of profit and 16.5% above that.
• Next door to ShenzhenHong Kong sits inside the top-ranked innovation cluster in the world, with Shenzhen and Guangzhou close by for suppliers, factories and partners.
• Capital and financeIt ranks third among global financial centres, so banks, funds and family offices are at hand for fundraising and treasury.

Source: HKSAR Government, GFCI 38 (2025) · WIPO GII 2025

Priority sectors

Source: InvestHK priority sectors

How companies enter

1. Step 1Soft landingA first trip with meetings set up through InvestHK or StartmeupHK to meet partners, investors and service providers.
2. Step 2Partner or pilotA pilot with a local corporate, bank or distributor, often still invoiced from the home company.
3. Step 3Local companyA private company limited by shares, incorporated online through the Companies Registry e-Registry, which also handles business registration.

Foreign founders usually apply under the Immigration Department's Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs route, with a business plan that shows investment, local jobs or new technology.

Source: Immigration Department

Costs to plan for

• Company incorporation and business registration fees
• Audited accounts and a profits tax return every year
• Office or coworking space, cheaper outside Central
• Salaries, Mandatory Provident Fund contributions and housing

Source: IRD, brief guide 2025/26 · Companies Registry

Who can help