For Expats Living in Hong Kong

Start Your Own Business in Hong Kong as an Expat

Whether you're transitioning from employment to entrepreneurship, launching a side business, or building a startup in Hong Kong, Echo Olesen Global provides end-to-end support — from company registration and visa advisory to banking and ongoing compliance.

Employment to Business VisaCompany RegistrationBank Account OpeningOngoing ComplianceTCSP Licensed TC010076
Free Consultation Visa Services
1–3
Days to Incorporate
3
Visa Pathways Available
0%
Capital Gains Tax
8.25%
Profits Tax (First HK$2M)

Everything You Need to Start Your Business

From company registration to visa advisory and banking support, we handle every aspect of your business setup in Hong Kong. Our TCSP-licensed team has helped hundreds of expats successfully launch their businesses.

Company Incorporation

Register your Hong Kong private limited company with full documentation, registered address in North Point, and a TCSP-licensed company secretary. Completed in 1–3 business days.

Visa Advisory & Application

Navigate the Employment Visa to Investment Visa transition, or apply for the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). We prepare your business plan, supporting documents, and liaise with the Immigration Department.

Bank Account Opening

Expert guidance on opening a Hong Kong business bank account. We advise on the best banking strategy for your profile — from traditional banks (HSBC, Hang Seng) to digital options (Airwallex, ZA Bank).

Ongoing Compliance

Annual return filing, statutory records maintenance, profits tax returns, and regulatory compliance — so you can focus on growing your business while we handle the paperwork.

Accounting & Bookkeeping

Full-service bookkeeping, management accounts, and annual audit preparation. We ensure your company's financial records are accurate, compliant, and ready for tax filing.

Trademark Registration

Protect your brand in Hong Kong and internationally. We handle trademark searches, applications, and renewals through the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department and Madrid System.

How We Help Expats Set Up Their Business

Our streamlined process takes you from initial consultation to a fully operational business — including company registration, visa advisory, and banking setup.

01

Free Consultation

We assess your current visa status, business goals, and recommend the optimal pathway — whether that's incorporating immediately or transitioning your visa first.

02

Company Incorporation

We prepare all documents and file electronically with the Companies Registry. Your company is typically incorporated within 1–3 business days.

03

Visa Application (if needed)

If you need to transition to an Investment Visa or apply for TTPS, we prepare your business plan, gather supporting documents, and submit your application.

04

Banking & Compliance Setup

We assist with business bank account opening and set up your ongoing compliance schedule — annual returns, tax filings, and accounting.

Visa Pathways for Expat Entrepreneurs

Choosing the right visa is critical for expats who want to run their own business in Hong Kong. Echo Olesen Global advises on all available pathways and handles the application process on your behalf.

Investment Visa (Business Visa)

Expats who wish to establish or join a business in Hong Kong

Key Requirements
  • Viable business plan
  • Sufficient capital investment
  • Relevant business experience
  • No criminal record
Processing Time
6–12 weeks
Best For
Entrepreneurs and business owners

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

High-income professionals or graduates from top global universities

Key Requirements
  • Annual income ≥ HK$2.5M, OR
  • Degree from top 100 global university + 3 years experience
  • Valid travel document
Processing Time
4–8 weeks
Best For
Senior professionals and tech talent

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

Skilled professionals seeking to settle in Hong Kong

Key Requirements
  • Points-based assessment
  • Age, education, work experience
  • Language proficiency
Processing Time
3–6 months
Best For
Long-term settlement and business building
Learn more about Hong Kong visa services

Expat Business FAQs

Common questions from expats starting a business in Hong Kong

Can an expat on an employment visa start a company in Hong Kong?
Yes, an expat on an employment visa can be a shareholder and director of a Hong Kong company. However, your employment visa is tied to your current employer. If you plan to work for your own company, you will need to apply for a separate Business Visa (Investment Visa) or ensure your current visa permits such activities. Echo Olesen Global can advise on the most appropriate visa pathway for your situation.
What visa do expats need to run their own business in Hong Kong?
Expats who wish to actively manage their own business in Hong Kong typically need an Investment Visa (also called a Business Visa). The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is another option for high-income professionals. Echo Olesen Global provides comprehensive visa advisory services alongside company registration.
How long does it take to set up a company in Hong Kong as an expat?
Company registration itself takes 1–3 business days via electronic submission. The overall setup timeline, including bank account opening and visa applications (if required), typically takes 2–8 weeks depending on your specific circumstances and visa type.
Do I need a Hong Kong address to register my company?
Yes. Every Hong Kong company must have a registered office address in Hong Kong. Echo Olesen Global provides a professional registered office address in North Point, Hong Kong, as part of our incorporation package. This address can be used for all official correspondence with the Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department.
What are the ongoing compliance requirements for expat-owned companies?
Hong Kong companies must file an Annual Return (NAR1) with the Companies Registry each year, maintain a Business Registration Certificate, hold at least one Annual General Meeting (or pass a written resolution), and file a Profits Tax Return with the Inland Revenue Department. Echo Olesen Global manages all these requirements on your behalf.
Can I run my company on a dependent visa in Hong Kong?
Dependent visa holders in Hong Kong are generally permitted to work and run a business without needing a separate work visa. However, we recommend confirming your specific visa conditions with the Immigration Department or our advisors before proceeding, as conditions can vary.
What is the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and am I eligible?
The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) allows high-income professionals and graduates from top 100 global universities to enter and stay in Hong Kong for up to 2 years to explore opportunities. To be eligible, you must either earn an annual income of HK$2.5 million or more, or hold a degree from a top 100 global university with at least 3 years of work experience. Echo Olesen Global can assess your eligibility and assist with the application.
How do I open a business bank account as an expat in Hong Kong?
Opening a business bank account in Hong Kong as an expat requires your company incorporation documents, proof of identity, proof of address, and a clear explanation of your business activities. Some banks require an in-person meeting, while digital banks (Airwallex, ZA Bank) offer remote account opening. Echo Olesen Global advises on the best banking strategy for your specific profile and business type.

Related Services

HK Visa & Immigration
Investment Visa & TTPS applications
Company Secretary
TCSP-licensed secretarial services
Bank Account Opening
Business banking setup assistance
Accounting & Bookkeeping
Full-service bookkeeping solutions
Echo Olesen Global
Typically replies within 1 hour
👋 Hi! How can we help you today? Choose a topic or send us a message directly.
Start WhatsApp Chat