ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING UP IN HONG KONG

Originally posted on http://www.wynd.hk/all-you-need-to-know-before-starting-up-in-hong-kong/

Considering one of the best cities for building your own business, the number of registered local companies in Hong Kong has approached 1.4 million in early 2018 while around 43,000 newly registered companies are added to the list during the period of 2016 and 2017. The statistics are stunning, and it has proved the attractiveness of Hong Kong’s business environment. Further to the government resource, nearly 160,000 local companies have been registered in 2017 and the result matches the third position held by Hong Kong in the World Bank’s report on “starting a business” internationally.
Isn’t it exciting to start a new business in Hong Kong? If you have a fantastic idea wanted to start with, don’t wait until the last moment, come to know more about how to start your own business in the most competitive city in the world.

Company Name and Type
​Well begun is half done. A good business always starts with a great name which is better to be precise and easy to be familiar with. You should be careful with the duplication issue and you have to check through the Companies Registry’s Cyber Search Centre or the Company Search Mobile Service to ensure the legality of your chosen name. You should also make your consideration according to the guideline from the official. 
Besides, depending on your needs and requirements, you need to consider the business entities of your company. In general, there are several types of entities available in Hong Kong, including limited company (public or private), sole proprietorships or partnerships. You may select the most suitable type for your start-up after clear understanding and careful consideration. Our team (WYND Co-working Space) is always ready to help with if there are uncertainties or confusion with the registration process.
Company & Business RegistrationThe application of a company in Hong Kong has been simplified throughout the years. The following required documents can be hand in via, the online E-Registry, “CR e-Filling” mobile application in App Store or Google Play Store, or in-person to the Shroff on the 14th floor of the Queensway Government Offices :

1. Incorporation form – Form NNC1 (for company limited by shares) or Form NNC1G (for the company not limited by shares)
2. A copy of the company’s articles of association
3. A notice to business registration office – IRBR1

The Major Fee for Registration:

1. Company Registration Fee – HK$1,720 (HK$1,425 will be refunded after successful application)
2. Business Registration* Fee – HK$2,000 for 1-year; HK$5,200 for 3-year**
3. Levy to the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund – HK$250 for 1-year; HK$750 for 3-year**
4. Other relevant fees can be found on the list

*Please be reminded that the business registration should be done within one month from the date of commencement of the business while the renewal process should be finished in a timely manner, no later than 1 month after the anniversary date. 
** Details of the business registration fee can be referred to this link for further information. 
Further up-to-date information for both registration processes can be found in Company Registration as well as Inland Revenue Department or you may hold a meeting with WYND team, we are eager to help and explain all you are not clear with.
After Successful Registration
Softcopy Application
With well-prepared planning, the online and mobile application for company and business registration can be completed within around an hour. Once the request is approved, the certificate can be downloaded and printed accordingly from the email received from officials.
Hardcopy Application
With the hard copy application, the process of evaluation will take 3-5 working days. Moreover, the corresponding certificates will be issued or faxed out within 4 working days. If you are WYND‘s member using our address for business registration, our team can help to collect and display the certificate to avoid any delay or legal issues. 
Rules and RegulationsConcerning some special business forms sat, specific permits or licenses may be required for your company, more details can be found in import and export operations or other business operations.
For start-up operators, you must be familiar with the taxation system and labor legislation in Hong Kong in order to make sure that your business is legally running with proper management with rules and regulations specified by the Hong Kong SAR Government.
Although setting up a new business in Hong Kong is relatively easy compared with other cities in the world, there are still basic responsibilities and duties needed to be understood and followed, for instance, Intellectual Property, Code of Practice on Employment or MPF system, you can find out more detailed information on GovHK. Moreover, as a start-up founder, you can also easily have the administrative assistant in a co-working space, like WYND to have professional consultation services for any problems with a start-up business.

---

Hong Kong as the Pearl of the Orient has its own attractiveness for start-up entrepreneurs who wish to become the most outstanding one. After your completion of the registration process, you have now become a newcomer to the Hong Kong market, yet you still have a lot of challenges needed to be faced and solved respectively.

About the Author: 

WYND Co-working Space is located in Central district, in Lan Kwai Fong and near SOHO. The vicinity is the most diverse and vibrant neighborhood in the prime core of Hong Kong. It is the stronghold of international corporations and distinguished local businesses. A place where top talents worldwide gather to live their dreams in career and leisure. Wynd is a platform to synergize the talents and opportunities offered by the city for entrepreneurs, innovators, and pioneers alike.

---