Specialist services for Hong Kong companies
Beyond company secretarial and accounting work, we help with anti-money laundering compliance, licensing, intellectual property, immigration, banking, HR and closing a company. You keep the same named contact, and every quote is in writing with government fees shown separately.
AML/CTF compliance
The Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO) places customer due diligence and record-keeping duties on financial institutions and on businesses such as accountants, estate agents, trust or company service providers and dealers in precious metals and stones. We set up and maintain a compliance framework that fits the size of your business.
Request a quote →What we do
- AML/CTF policies and procedures written for your business
- Institutional (business-wide) risk assessment
- Customer due diligence and ongoing monitoring procedures
- Sanctions and politically exposed person screening process
- Support for your compliance officer and money laundering reporting officer
- Staff training and annual refreshers
- Independent review of your existing controls
- TCSP licence applications to the Companies Registry
Who it is for
Businesses regulated under AMLO, including TCSP licensees and dealers in precious metals and stones, and businesses whose banks or partners expect formal AML controls.
Good to know
Where a matter needs legal advice, we say so and work alongside your lawyers.
DPMS registration and support
Dealers in precious metals and stones must register with the Customs and Excise Department before carrying on business in Hong Kong. There are two categories of registration. Dealers who intend to carry out cash transactions of HK$120,000 or more need the higher category and must meet anti-money laundering duties for those transactions.
Request a quote →What we do
- Assessing which category of registration applies to you
- Preparing and submitting the application to the Customs and Excise Department
- Fit-and-proper information for owners and managers, where required
- AML/CTF policies and record-keeping for cash transactions
- Notifying changes and handling renewals
- A compliance calendar with reminders for every DPMS deadline
Who it is for
Jewellers, gold and bullion traders, watch dealers, gemstone traders and online sellers of precious metals, stones or products made from them.
Good to know
Registration is granted by the Customs and Excise Department. We prepare a complete application but cannot guarantee the outcome.
Intellectual property
Your brand, designs and inventions can be protected by registration with the Intellectual Property Department in Hong Kong and the equivalent offices abroad. We handle trade mark work directly and coordinate designs and patents with specialist partner firms.
Request a quote →What we do
- Trade mark searches and filing strategy
- Trade mark applications in Hong Kong, Mainland China and other countries
- Replies to examination objections, and oppositions with partner counsel
- Registered design applications
- Patent applications through partner patent agents
- Recording changes of owner, name or address
- Renewals, with every IP deadline added to your compliance calendar
Who it is for
Founders, brand owners, e-commerce sellers and holding companies that want to protect a name, logo, design or invention.
Good to know
Registration is decided by the registry in each country. If a matter becomes contested, we will tell you and introduce a lawyer.
Immigration and visas
We prepare and submit applications to the Hong Kong Immigration Department for founders, employees and their families, and we track visa expiry dates so extensions are filed in time.
Request a quote →What we do
- Employment visas under the General Employment Policy, including the route for entrepreneurs who set up or join a business here
- Talent schemes: Top Talent Pass Scheme, Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals
- Dependant visas for spouses and children
- New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme applications
- Extensions of stay and changes of employer
- Reminders well before each visa expires
Who it is for
Overseas founders moving to Hong Kong, companies hiring from abroad, and families joining them.
Good to know
Decisions are made by the Immigration Department, or by Invest Hong Kong for the investment scheme. We cannot guarantee approval or processing times.
Bank account support
Opening a business bank account in Hong Kong can take time, particularly for new companies with overseas owners. We prepare you and your documents so the bank receives a complete, well-explained application.
Request a quote →What we do
- Guidance on banks and virtual banks that suit your business
- A document pack: company documents, ownership chart, business description and source of funds
- Introductions to bank relationship managers where appropriate
- Help answering follow-up questions from the bank
- Support with periodic bank reviews of your account
Who it is for
New companies, overseas-owned companies and companies changing banks.
Good to know
The bank alone decides whether to open an account. We cannot guarantee approval or timing.
Payroll, MPF and HR support
When you hire in Hong Kong, employer obligations start straight away. We run payroll, look after MPF and keep the employment paperwork in order.
Request a quote →What we do
- Monthly payroll and payslips
- MPF scheme enrolment and monthly contributions
- IRD notifications for new hires and leavers (IR56E, IR56F, IR56G)
- Employer's Return (BIR56A and IR56B) each year
- Employment contract and offer letter templates
- Staff handbook and leave policies
- Reminders for employees' compensation insurance, which is compulsory
Who it is for
Companies taking on their first employees, and companies that want payroll and HR administration handled outside the business.
Good to know
Complex employment disputes need an employment lawyer; we will say so when that point is reached. Payroll is also offered with our accounting plans →
Deregistration and dormant companies
When a company is no longer needed, deregistration closes it in an orderly way. A private company can apply only if it meets the conditions in the Companies Ordinance, including that it has stopped business and has no outstanding liabilities.
Request a quote →What we do
- Checking that the company meets the conditions for deregistration
- Final accounts and tax filings
- Applying to the Inland Revenue Department for a Notice of No Objection
- Filing the deregistration application with the Companies Registry
- Closing the Business Registration
- Advising when deregistration is not suitable and winding up is needed
- Keeping a company dormant if you may need it later
Who it is for
Owners of companies that have stopped trading, or groups simplifying their structure.
Good to know
The process usually takes several months.
Questions clients ask
Can I use these services without your company secretary service?
Yes. Each service can be engaged on its own. If you already use us as company secretary, the same named contact looks after it.
Do you guarantee a licence, visa or bank account?
No. Licences, registrations, visas and bank accounts are decided by the authority or bank concerned. We make sure your application is complete and well prepared, and we tell you honestly if we think it is unlikely to succeed.
How are fees charged?
You receive a fixed quote in writing before any work starts, with government fees shown separately from our fees.