Jurisdiction

Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an island in the South East part of Asia, close to Taiwan.

Until 1997, Hong Kong was under British administration.

In July 1997 Hong Kong was handed over to China by the United Kingdom.

The population of Hong Kong is approximately 7 million. Hong Kong is a unique location for the incorporation of companies and for international business since its tax system is based on source and not on residence.

Hong Kong has become the first place in terms of trading with the rest of Asia and also on a worldwide point of view and its tax system offers different advantages. Indeed, as long as a Hong Kong company does not conduct any business in Hong Kong, and does not generate any incomes from Hong Kong sources, the company will not be taxable in Hong Kong.

Main characteristics:

Company type	Limited Company
Governing corporate legislation	The Hong Kong Company registry is the govering authority and companies are regulated under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance 1984
Information published relating to company officers	Names of companies officers appear. Nominee officers can be used to avoid the client's name to appear
Confidentiality	Hong Kong offers a high level of anonymity and privacy
Accounting requirement	Preparation of accounts required. Accounts are not publicly accessible. Every company must appoint an auditor who must be a member of the Hong Kong Society of Accountants and hold a practicing certificate. Although there is no requirement to file accounts with the Registrar, there is a requirement to file accounts with the tax authorities. Annual return is required to be filed to the Companies Registry within 42 days after the date of anniversary of incorporation, and then each year thereafter. Government filing fee is HK$105.
Taxation	No taxes on foreign profits,this means that a company, which carries on a business in Hong Kong, but derives profits from another place, is not required to pay tax in Hong Kong on those profits. Hong Kong sourced income is currently subject to a rate of taxation of 17,5 percent.
Legislation	Modern offshore legislation
Standard Currency	HK$ Capital may be denominated in any currency
Time to form	Important financial centre
Stability	Stable jurisdiction with very good reputation
Communication	Good communication means
Time zone	Convenient world time zone : GMT+8
Secretary required	Yes
Paid up capital requirement	No paid up capital requirement (1 $)
Basis of legal System	Under Common Law
Minimum shareholders / directors	Minimum of 1 Director
Bearer shares	Bearer Shares are not permitted