Our law firm in Hong Kong has extensive experience in commercial and business matters and has provided legal aid to many local and international companies. We specialize in business consultancy services for companies and entrepreneurs in Hong Kong.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Commercial litigation assistance offered by our lawyers in Hong Kong |
Business disputes such as breach of contract, shareholder disputes, class-action lawsuits |
|
Company formation in |
Assistance during the entire company incorporation phase, Hong Kong Companies Registry submissions, applications for special permits and licenses |
|
Banking
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Banking regulation compliance, assistance in loan transactions, specialized assistance for companies in the banking and financial sector |
| Employment |
Drafting employment agreements, assistance for employers who wish to know their duties and responsibilities, representation in disputes involving employees |
| International investments in Hong Kong | Mergers and acquisitions in Hong Kong, assistance for branches, franchising matters |
| Tax matters |
Tax compliance in Hong Kong, legal counsel on the applicable tax laws and regulations |
| Insolvency |
Assistance for bankrupt companies, assistance |
| Intellectual property | Trademark verification and application, trademark opposition, other IP rights issues such as those concerning patents or designs |
| Debt recovery with the help of our lawyers in Hong Kong | Amicable debt recovery, negotiation, payment plans, court representation as needed |
| Real estate issues | Commercial and residential property sale and purchase, leases and tenancies, transfer of equity and others |
| Residential conveyancing | Individuals can sell and buy property with the help of our lawyers in Hong Kong |
| Individual employment | Legal guidance on workplace rights, unfair dismissal or harassment, assistance for foreign employees |
| Civil litigation assisted by our experts | Legal representation in court and legal counsel in all types of civil litigation cases |
| Divorce and family law | Applying for divorce in Hong Kong, making child arrangements, property division after separation, pre- and post-nuptial agreements, wills and probate |
| Immigration in Hong Kong | Assistance for observing the entry requirements, applying for the right type of residence permit, obtaining the right of abode in Hong Kong |
How can I incorporate a company in Hong Kong?
The incorporation process starts with choosing the appropriate company type and a proposed company name. A private limited company must have at least one director who is a natural person, a company secretary, and a registered office address in Hong Kong; the sole director cannot also act as the company secretary.
The application can be submitted electronically or in paper form to the Hong Kong Companies Registry. The required documents generally include:
- Form NNC1 for a company limited by shares or Form NNC1G for another type of local company;
- a copy of the company’s Articles of Association;
- the Notice to Business Registration Office, Form IRBR1;
- the applicable incorporation and business registration fees.
Under the one-stop registration service, the incorporation application also serves as an application for business registration. Once the application is approved, the company receives its Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate, after which any licenses or permits required for its particular activities must be obtained.
What additional services are available alongside company incorporation?
In addition to assisting with company incorporation, our lawyers in Hong Kong provide support in several related areas:
- Company mergers: assistance with the legal aspects of corporate mergers and related transactions;
- Insolvency: legal support during compulsory or voluntary liquidation proceedings, including situations in which a company can no longer satisfy creditor claims;
- Tax planning: advice on lawful tax-planning measures and the application of Hong Kong tax rules;
- Estate planning: assistance with business succession, trusts, and wills covering the personal and business assets of company owners.
These services allow business owners to obtain legal assistance not only when forming a company, but also when restructuring, closing, transferring, or planning the future of their business and personal assets.
For a quick overview of our legal services in Hong Kong, please explore the infographic below:
What specialized services can I receive from your lawyers in Hong Kong?
Below, we describe some of the additional services we offer, according to their corresponding law:
- Employment: our lawyers who specialize in the Hong Kong Employment Ordinance can provide complete legal services to those business owners interested in knowing more about their duties and liabilities as employers;
- Intellectual property: brand protection can be very important for some types of companies in Hong Kong;
- Real estate: we provide services tailored to the needs of investors in real estate by drafting sale and purchase agreements, as well as conducting due diligence upon the purchase or sale of property.
We invite you to watch the following video about our services:
How can your Hong Kong law firm help me maintain corporate compliance?
After incorporating your company, you must continue to comply with the Companies Ordinance and keep the information filed with the Companies Registry accurate and up to date. Your obligations may include filing annual returns, reporting changes concerning company officers or the registered office, and maintaining the required corporate registers.
Our legal specialists from our law firm in Hong Kong can monitor filing deadlines, prepare statutory documents, and advise you on the responsibilities of directors and other company officers. This assistance can help you avoid late registration fees, penalties, and other consequences of non-compliance.
How can your Hong Kong law firm help me comply with data protection law?
If your business collects or processes personal data, you must comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance and the applicable Data Protection Principles. You should establish appropriate rules for collecting, using, retaining, securing, and providing access to personal information.
Our Hong Kong lawyers can review your privacy notices, consent procedures, commercial agreements, and internal data-protection policies. If a complaint or data-security incident occurs, you can also receive advice on the appropriate response and your interactions with the Privacy Commissioner.
How can I obtain legal representation in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and this gives the city a special statute and a large degree of autonomy from mainland China. The city’s political and judicial systems are independent of those in China.
Hong Kong’s legal system has a Civil Law that resembles and follows the English Common Law system. The court system consists of a number of distinct courts and other adjudicative bodies.
We are able to assist company owners in Hong Kong, both foreign and local ones, in minimizing their risks as well as protecting their corporate interests.
How can your Hong Kong law firm assist me with a commercial lease?
Before renting office, retail, or industrial premises, you should carefully review the provisions concerning rent, deposits, permitted use, repairs, renewal, assignment, and termination. You should also verify whether the premises are suitable for your intended business activity and whether additional licenses or approvals are required.
Our specialists from our law firm in Hong Kong can review and negotiate the lease and advise you on the applicable stamp-duty requirements. You can also receive legal assistance with renewing, transferring, or terminating the lease and resolving disputes with the property owner.
FAQ on our legal services in Hong Kong
1. What are the basic legal requirements for foreign investors wanting to invest in Hong Kong?
Foreign investors in Hong Kong have the same right to company formation as local entrepreneurs. They will need to choose a type of company and observe the requirements for taxation, financial reporting, and auditing. Immigration to Hong Kong is not mandatory for investment purposes.
2. Will I need special permits or licenses for my new company in Hong Kong?
Yes. Hong Kong laws require companies that operate in certain business fields to have special permits and licenses, apart from those usually needed for company registration.
3. Do I need a visa to enter Hong Kong? How can I obtain it?
No, you don’t need a visa to enter Hong Kong, and you can use an identification document to travel to the city. However, special visas exist for lengthier stays, like work, study, or periods longer than three months.
4. What are the steps I must follow in order to obtain citizenship in Hong Kong?
Citizenship in Hong Kong can be obtained:
- After having lived in the city for 7 years, and if Hong Kong is the permanent place of residence;
- If Chinese nationals are born in Hong Kong and fulfill certain criteria;
- If foreign residents have a Hong Kong parent (only for individuals under the age of 21), and in other cases.
5. What are the requirements regarding employment?
The relationship between the employer and the employee is expressed in a written employment agreement. This document must contain essential information about the type of work and duties, the work hours, remuneration, and any benefits. Both parties must observe the requirements for the notice of leave.
6. How are individuals and companies taxed in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong imposes a corporate tax of 16.5% for companies. There is no withholding tax on dividends or interest. Individuals are taxed on all their income derived from or produced in Hong Kong.
How can I receive legal assistance for investments in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong lawyers can assist foreign investors who wish to enter the local market or use Hong Kong as a base for operations involving Mainland China. We provide tailored advice on cross-border business structures, regulatory matters, and commercial disputes.
You can also receive legal assistance with establishing a branch or subsidiary or entering the market through a franchise. Our services include reviewing franchise agreements, drafting commercial contracts, and advising on intellectual property and employment matters.
If you are looking for a lawyer in Hong Kong, contact us to find out more about our legal services and how we can help you open and manage your business.