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Hong Kong Company Setup: Two-Tiered Profits Tax (8.25%) and Offshore Exemption

How international trading entities leverage Hong Kong's common law framework, territorial tax principles, and Asian financial prestige.

Hong Kong Company Setup: Two-Tiered Profits Tax (8.25%) and Offshore Exemption

The Preeminent Financial Gateway to Asia

Hong Kong continues to serve as the foremost commercial gateway connecting global enterprise with Mainland China and East Asia. Operating under English common law and constitutional mini-constitution (the Basic Law), Hong Kong enforces zero exchange controls, zero VAT, zero capital gains tax, and zero withholding tax on dividends.

Two-Tiered Profits Tax Regime

Under Hong Kong's territorial tax system:

  • The first HKD 2,000,000 (~USD 255,000) of assessable corporate profits is taxed at a concessionary rate of 8.25%.
  • Profits above HKD 2,000,000 are taxed at the standard rate of 16.5%.
  • Profits derived completely outside Hong Kong may qualify for an Offshore Claim (0% tax) subject to satisfying Inland Revenue Department (IRD) economic substance and nexus criteria.

Corporate Maintenance Protocols

Every Hong Kong company must maintain a licensed Company Secretary (TCSP license holder) and a registered office address in Hong Kong, and comply with annual statutory return filings.

This material is for general information only and is not legal, tax or investment advice.

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