- Business Start-up -
HK or Offshore Company Fits Me Better?
There are different pros and cons for setting up a HK company compared with setting up an offshore (Seychelles / BVI / Marshall Islands) a BVI company. As each client’s situation and requirement is different case by case, client is suggested to seek professional advice before processing.
Below please find the a comparison of HK company and BVI offshore company in terms of various main categories :
HK Company | Offshore Company |
Corpoarte Director |
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Under the new Companies Ordinance, every HK company is required to appoint at least 1 natural person director.
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No such natural person requirement on directors, which means the company can appoint pure corporate director(s).
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Nationality of Director |
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Unlike forming a Singapore company that requires the foreigner to partner up with a local Singapore citizen, there is no limit on the nationality of the director(s) for setting up a HK company. |
There is no limit on the nationality of the director(s) for setting up an offshore company. |
Reputation Standing |
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HK company earns a high reputation standing as an entity type when compared with other offshore jurisdictions here in HK, mainly because of its sound regulatory system and financial infrastructure. |
On the contrary, due to the relatively loose regulatory environment, offshore jurisdictions may give your partners and clients a rather flimsy impression when considering your business background. |
Taxation |
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Corporate Profits Tax rate is 16.5% in average (subject to change every year) for business operated in HK. |
Easier to get tax exemption if the business is operated offshore. It is also not required to prepare audited financial reports generally. |
Privacy Protection |
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Relatively low level of privacy protection since the registration is open for public search. |
Easier to achieve anonymity & privacy protection as the registration is not open for public search. |
Opening Bank Account |
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Easier to open company bank account even for foreigners. The account opening fee is low too. |
More proofs, documentations and requirements are needed to open bank account. And the account opening fee is higher compared with a HK company. |
Enter into China Market |
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HK company setup could be a better choice if you plan to set up a company or rep office in China later. |
Not a very preferred entity as certain restrictions might apply. Also, you could not enjoy CEPA benefits. |
Discontinuance of Business |
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It is required to follow deregistration procedures. Generally the whole process will take around 6 - 9 months. |
Easier process to close down the company. |
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