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Hong Kong Representative Office Registration


Hong Kong Representative Office Registration
Hong Kong Representative Office Registration

A representative office is a type of business entity that is established in Hong Kong by a foreign company. It is not a separate legal entity from the parent company, and it cannot engage in any activities that would make it liable for tax in Hong Kong. Representative offices are typically used by foreign companies to conduct market research, promote their products or services, or provide after-sales support.


The registration process for a representative office in Hong Kong is relatively simple. The following are the steps involved:

  1. Choose a name for your representative office. The name must be similar to the name of your parent company, but it does not have to be exactly the same.

  2. Choose a business address in Hong Kong. This will be the address of your representative office.

  3. Appoint a chief representative. This person will be responsible for managing your representative office in Hong Kong.

  4. Obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department. You can apply for a Business Registration Certificate online or by mail.

  5. Submit the following documents to the Inland Revenue Department:

    • A completed application form

    • Proof of identity for the chief representative

    • A copy of the parent company's certificate of incorporation

    • A copy of the parent company's memorandum and articles of association


The registration process typically takes about 2 weeks. Once your representative office is registered, you will be issued a Business Registration Certificate.


Here are some additional things to keep in mind when registering a representative office in Hong Kong:

  • There is no minimum capital requirement for representative offices.

  • Representative offices cannot engage in any activities that would make them liable for tax in Hong Kong.

  • Representative offices cannot open bank accounts in their own name.

Here are some of the benefits of registering a representative office in Hong Kong:

  • It is a relatively simple and inexpensive process.

  • It allows you to establish a presence in Hong Kong without having to set up a full-fledged subsidiary company.

  • It gives you access to the Hong Kong market and allows you to conduct market research and promote your products or services.

If you are considering establishing a presence in Hong Kong, a representative office may be a good option for you. It is a low-cost way to get your foot in the door and start exploring the market.


Hong Kong Representative Office: Key Facts

Here are some key facts about Hong Kong representative offices:

  • A representative office is a non-legal entity that is established in Hong Kong by a foreign company.

  • It is not a separate legal entity from the parent company, and it cannot engage in any activities that would make it liable for tax in Hong Kong.

  • Representative offices are typically used by foreign companies to conduct market research, promote their products or services, or provide after-sales support.

  • The registration process for a representative office in Hong Kong is relatively simple.

  • There is no minimum capital requirement for representative offices.

  • Representative offices cannot engage in any activities that would make them liable for tax in Hong Kong.

  • Representative offices cannot open bank accounts in their own name.

Here are some of the benefits of registering a representative office in Hong Kong:

  • It is a relatively simple and inexpensive process.

  • It allows you to establish a presence in Hong Kong without having to set up a full-fledged subsidiary company.

  • It gives you access to the Hong Kong market and allows you to conduct market research and promote your products or services.

Here are some of the limitations of registering a representative office in Hong Kong:

  • Representative offices cannot generate any profits.

  • Representative offices cannot enter into contracts in their own name.

  • Representative offices are not subject to the same level of protection as a subsidiary company.

If you are considering establishing a presence in Hong Kong, a representative office may be a good option for you. It is a low-cost way to get your foot in the door and start exploring the market. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of a representative office before you decide to register one.


Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:

  • Hong Kong Trade and Development Council: https://www.hktdc.com/

  • Hong Kong Government Inland Revenue Department: https://www.ird.gov.hk/

  • Hong Kong Law Society: https://www.hklawsoc.org.hk/


Registration Procedure


The registration procedure for a representative office in Hong Kong is relatively simple. The following are the steps involved:

  1. Choose a name for your representative office. The name must be similar to the name of your parent company, but it does not have to be exactly the same.

  2. Choose a business address in Hong Kong. This will be the address of your representative office.

  3. Appoint a chief representative. This person will be responsible for managing your representative office in Hong Kong.

  4. Obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department. You can apply for a Business Registration Certificate online or by mail.

  5. Submit the following documents to the Inland Revenue Department:

    • A completed application form

    • Proof of identity for the chief representative

    • A copy of the parent company's certificate of incorporation

    • A copy of the parent company's memorandum and articles of association


The registration process typically takes about 2 weeks. Once your representative office is registered, you will be issued a Business Registration Certificate.


Here are the documents you need to register a representative office in Hong Kong:

  • Application Form for Business Registration

  • Proof of Identity of Chief Representative

  • Copy of Parent Company's Certificate of Incorporation

  • Copy of Parent Company's Memorandum and Articles of Association

You can download the application form from the Inland Revenue Department's website.


The proof of identity of the chief representative must be a valid passport or identity card.


The copy of the parent company's certificate of incorporation must be certified by a notary public.


The copy of the parent company's memorandum and articles of association must be certified by a notary public.


You can submit your application for registration online or by mail.


If you submit your application online, you can pay the registration fee by credit card or by bank transfer.


If you submit your application by mail, you can pay the registration fee by check or by money order.


The registration fee for a representative office in Hong Kong is HK$2,250.


Once your application has been approved, you will be issued a Business Registration Certificate.


The Business Registration Certificate will be valid for one year.


You must renew your Business Registration Certificate every year.


The renewal fee for a Business Registration Certificate is HK$675.


Opening a Bank Account


Here are the steps on how to open a bank account for a Hong Kong Representative Office:


1. Obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department. This is the first step in setting up a Representative Office in Hong Kong. You can apply for the certificate online or at the Inland Revenue Department's office.


2. Gather the required documents. The specific documents you need will vary from bank to bank, but some common requirements include:

  • A certified copy of the Representative Office's registration documents

  • A certified copy of the parent company's certificate of incorporation

  • A certified copy of the parent company's latest accounts

  • Identification documents for the Representative Office's local representative


3. Contact the bank you want to open an account with. Each bank has its own application process, so you'll need to contact the bank directly to find out what their requirements are.


4. Submit your application and documents to the bank. Once you've gathered all the required documents, you can submit your application to the bank. The bank will review your application and documents and may ask you for additional information.


5. Wait for the bank's decision. The bank will typically take a few days to review your application. Once they've made a decision, they will notify you of their decision.


Here are some additional tips for opening a bank account for a Hong Kong Representative Office:

  • Start the process early. It can take several weeks to open a bank account in Hong Kong, so it's important to start the process early.

  • Be prepared to provide a lot of documentation. The banks will require a lot of documentation, so be prepared to provide everything they ask for.

  • Choose the right bank. There are many different banks in Hong Kong, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs. Consider factors such as the bank's fees, services, and location.


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