Many clients plan on incorporating in Hong Kong to take advantage of the city's excellent international reputation, image and proximity to China. The following information will prove useful to international entrepreneurs considering starting a company in Hong Kong:

Incorporating in Hong Kong is simple and Healy Consultants has assisted many clients in starting a company in Hong Kong.

To incorporate in Hong Kong, it is necessary to be aware of the legal corporate and tax and accounting requirements of starting a company in Hong Kong.

When incorporating a Hong Kong company, there is no capital gains tax. Dividends, interest and royalty payments also attract no withholding tax.

Investors who incorporate a company in Hong Kong are guaranteed a secure and efficient long-term corporate structure due to their regulated business environment and stable economy. Hong Kong has joined several other jurisdictions in committing to following the globally recognized Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) banking standards. Transparency International has also positively ranked the country as the world's 12th least corrupt country in the 2011 Corruption Perceptions Index.

After incorporating a Hong Kong company, the company can take advantage of double taxation treaties Hong Kong has signed with a number of countries including the UK, Ireland and Indonesia. Maintaining a free market economy and a low corporate tax rate of 16.5%, the Hong Kong government actively promotes favourable conditions for incorporating a Hong Kong company.

Investors who choose to incorporate a company in Hong Kong gain access a economy with strong growth and low inflation, and also enjoy unrivalled access to markets in southern China. For example, Hong Kong and China have signed the Closer Economic Partnership Agreement through which Hong Kong manufacturers and service suppliers receive preferential access to the Chinese market.

Neighbouring China has one of the world's fastest-growing economies, encouraging many international business people to consider starting a company in Hong Kong as Hong Kong is a useful Gateway to China. One key initiative that is a good example of leveraging on this gateway is the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Innovation Circle, designed to encourage overseas enterprises to do scientific research in Hong Kong. In addition, Hong Kong and Shenzhen are also jointly funding eight more R&D projects.

International entrepreneurs incorporating a Hong Kong company can take 100% ownership. At least one director is required when incorporating in Hong Kong. After forming a company in HK, the directors' details are filed with the Hong Kong public registry. The directors can be any nationality and resident anywhere in the world.

When incorporating a company in Hong Kong, every Hong Kong company is required to have a registered office in the territory.

When starting a company in Hong Kong, every Hong Kong company is required to have a registered office in the territory. Healy Consultants can provide Hong Kong Virtual Office for clients which includes business address, phone, fax and email support.

When incorporating in Hong Kong, every company is required to appoint a company secretary, who may be a natural person or a corporate body. The company secretary is required to be Hong Kong resident.

When incorporating in company in Hong Kong, the sole director cannot be the company secretary.

When forming a company in Hong Kong, a minimum of one shareholder is required.

The standard authorised share capital when forming a company in Hong Kong is HK$10,000. An increase in the authorised share capital above this amount incurs an increase in annual statutory fees to incorporate a company in Hong Kong. The minimum issued capital when forming a company in Hong Kong is one share of HK$1 each.

After incorporating a company in Hong Kong, the company does not need to hold board meetings in the city.

A Business Registration fee, currently ranges from HK$0 to HK$6550 (USD$840) depending on the type of registration and the type of company. The registration fee is payable to the Hong Kong Companies Registry within one month of incorporating a Hong Kong corporate entity and annually thereafter. All companies registered between August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2011 will have a reduction of HK$73-$2000 (US$9-$257) in registration fees.

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