Two or more shareholders over the age of 18. Mainland citizens or overseas nationals holding a passport or ID card are eligible. A registered office address and a company secretary (which can be provided by an agency) are required.
A newly registered Hong Kong company can be completed within 10 to 15 working days after signing all statutory documents; an existing company can be completed within 1-2 working days and may be completed on the same day if extended; a branch can be completed within 3-5 working days; after purchasing a company, its name can be changed, which will take 15 to 25 working days.
Hong Kong company names are more flexible, as long as they are not duplicated. Companies that are difficult to register in China can be registered in Hong Kong. Regardless of the registered capital size, the Hong Kong government allows company names to include terms like "International", "Group", "Holdings", "Industry", "Investment", "University", "Association", "Center", "Foundation", "Research", etc.
The minimum registered capital for a Hong Kong limited company is HK$10,000, and there is no need for paid-up capital. The business registration certificate (BR) does not show the registered capital, only the company's memorandum and articles of association (A&A). If the client needs to show the registered capital, the company's A&A will suffice.
Hong Kong company registration follows British company law. Therefore, the process is similar to that in the UK. First, you need to sign the Hong Kong company registration agreement, prepay the registration fee, and have shareholders personally sign the legal documents for company registration. The legal documents will be submitted to the Hong Kong Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department. After 8 to 10 working days, you will receive the complete set of registration information and can begin operating the company.
There are two types of annual fees: the annual audit and the annual report.
The annual audit by the tax authority and the annual report by the Companies Registry are mandatory fees. Prices may vary due to government adjustments and typically range from HK$3,000 to HK$5,000. Even if the company has no business, this fee must still be paid.
As for accounting and auditing, if the business starts operating, accounting audits must be conducted. If no business occurs, the company is not required to conduct accounting audits. However, tax filing is mandatory.
A Singapore company is required to file taxes once a year, not monthly. That means there is no need to do monthly accounting. Within 18 months after the company registration, a shareholder annual meeting (AGM) must be held, along with the preparation of financial statements and submission to the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), and the tax return to the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), collectively known as the annual return and audit.
Personal income tax for the previous year must be filed between March 1 and April 15 each year. Even if the annual income is below S$20,000, it must still be filed, though no tax payment is required unless the tax authority explicitly states otherwise.
Companies in Singapore that engage in business must maintain accounts. Companies can choose to do it themselves or outsource to a service provider like us. Auditing must be done by a certified accountant or auditor. We offer audit services through our professionals. Companies with revenue under S$5 million are not required to conduct an audit.
ECI stands for Estimated Chargeable Income. It refers to estimated tax, which must be filed with the tax authority within 3 months after the company's financial year-end. After the tax authority receives the return, it issues an assessment notice within one month. Clients must pay the tax within a month after receiving the notice. The income estimate does not need to be exact. In the following year when filing corporate taxes, the tax authority compares the pre-paid tax and adjusts accordingly.
There will be a fine, which ranges from S$200 to S$1,000. If the fine remains unpaid, the company may face legal action. New companies are generally given some leniency in the first tax year if they are late in filing taxes. The tax authority may extend the deadline by one month, and if the filing is completed within the grace period, no fine will be imposed.
The first three years of tax-exempt profits for newly established companies are up to S$100,000. If profits are between S$100,000 and S$300,000, the corporate tax rate is 8.5%. Companies with profits exceeding S$300,000 are taxed at 17%.
Only provide a list of alternative company names (3-6 name options), business scope, shareholders, legal representative, supervisor, and financial officer's personal information to register the company.
It depends on our clients. If the clients are all general taxpayers, they will require invoices at the corresponding tax rates. The small-scale taxpayer’s special invoices are at a 3% tax rate, while general taxpayers have 13% for sales, 9% for construction, and 6% for services.
Small-scale taxpayers can claim less VAT, which means they will pay more tax. Therefore, clients tend to choose general taxpayers if the pricing is similar.
The address must be of a commercial nature. It can be a leased premises or a qualified owned property. During registration, proof of property ownership or a lease agreement must be provided.
The company is legally declared bankrupt, the company’s operating period has expired as per its articles of association, or other dissolution causes have occurred, such as mergers/divisions leading to dissolution or the company being legally ordered to shut down.
If the company is not deregistered and also fails to maintain accounting and tax filing, it will eventually be listed in the abnormal business operation directory, and its tax status will be marked as abnormal. After three years of non-deregistration, the company will be revoked by the business registration authority. If there are unpaid taxes, there will be overdue fines and potential penalties. In the end, the legal representative and shareholders may be blacklisted, and they will be banned from establishing new companies and from taking high-speed trains or flights.
Check if the company has debts, review the company’s previous operating status, confirm whether the annual inspection was conducted every year, check the company’s tax status, and review the company’s audit report.
Private Limited Company, or the commonly known limited liability company. This type of company is the most common in Malaysia. Generally, if the company plans to introduce venture capital or private equity, or if the company’s products and services need to bear specific liabilities, registering as a private limited company is more suitable.
Since both English and Malay are official languages in Malaysia, company names can be in either language. The company name suffix usually ends with "SDN BHD".
Yes. Like in Singapore, Malaysia requires that a Malaysian citizen must serve as the named director of the board. This director does not need to be involved in the company’s management, share in its profits, or bear its business risks and losses.
There are two methods for opening a bank account for a Malaysian company:
If the director does not personally go to Malaysia, we will send the signed documents and forms to the client, who will arrange for the relevant person to sign and submit copies of the passport and ID to the business secretary for certification.
Note: Not all directors need to be present, but directors with cheque signing authority must be present.
If the director goes to Malaysia personally, we will accompany the client to the bank (client-specified) to open the account.
Yes. Similar to Singapore, a Malaysian company must have a Malaysian citizen serve as the company secretary, and the secretary’s information will be registered in the company’s registration documents.
Compared to Singapore, there are more restrictions in Malaysia. Malaysia is not a completely free trade zone like Singapore or Hong Kong, so there are certain limitations on foreign ownership in some industries, such as finance, insurance, legal services, telecommunications, direct sales, and distribution.
If you have permanent residency, there is no investment amount requirement, and you can serve as the director with no ownership percentage restrictions. You can own 1% or 100%.
Companies from other countries can establish subsidiaries in Malta, and the sales revenue generated in Malta will be refunded based on the parent company’s shareholding ratio. For example:
If the parent company holds 90% of the shares, with taxable revenue of €1,000,000, €900,000 will be taxed at 35%, and the company can apply for a 30% tax refund, meaning the effective tax is only 5%. The remaining €100,000 (10%) will be taxed at 35%.
If taxable income is less than €60,000, an individual license is more suitable, as different tax rates of 0%, 15%, and 25% apply depending on income and marital status.
If taxable income exceeds €60,000, both individual and company licenses are subject to a 35% tax rate. In this case, a company license is more suitable, as the company can deduct various operating expenses like employee salaries, rent, utilities, phone bills, and accounting fees before taxation. An individual license taxes the entire taxable income.
When establishing a company in Malta, it’s important to choose the appropriate company type and name, provide valid documents, comply with local laws and regulations, pay taxes on time, and conduct annual audits. It’s also essential to understand the local market and cultural environment for better business operations.
A Maltese company can choose between a board of directors or a shareholders’ meeting as the management body. Board members are elected by shareholders, while the shareholders’ meeting is composed of all shareholders.
The Maltese government places great emphasis on employee rights protection, offering high levels of social security and welfare benefits. Additionally, the government encourages companies to hire local employees and offers various policies for talent recruitment.
The Hong Kong Talent Scheme does not require investment but requires applicants to provide proof of assets to demonstrate that they can support themselves in Hong Kong without relying on public assistance.
Generally, it’s recommended that individuals provide asset proof of HK$120,000 and families provide HK$360,000. Bank deposits, personal stocks, and real estate can be used as proof of assets, and no source of funds needs to be provided.
The Hong Kong Talent Scheme application consists of two conditions: basic eligibility and a points system. Applicants must meet the basic eligibility criteria before proceeding to the scoring stage.
Basic eligibility: 18 years or older, bachelor’s degree (with a diploma), proficiency in Mandarin/Cantonese/English, no criminal record, and sufficient financial means.
Points system: Applicants can choose between a general points system or an achievement-based system. The total score is 245 points, and a score of 80 points is required to apply. Due to the high requirements of the achievement-based system, most applicants will opt for the general points system, where points are given based on age, work experience, education, etc. 80 points is sufficient for application.
Not necessarily. Although the Hong Kong Talent Scheme uses a points system, a higher score does not automatically increase the approval chances.
During the approval process, points are only a preliminary filter. The final approval depends on factors such as education, work experience, and the applicant’s plans in Hong Kong.
Thus, a high score doesn’t guarantee approval, and a low score should not be a reason to give up. Don’t fall into this misconception.
Some applicants may be concerned that their age will affect their chances of approval.
In the Hong Kong Talent Scheme scoring system, individuals aged 18-39 get 30 points, those aged 40-44 get 20 points, 45-50 get 15 points, and 51 and above get 0 points, so older applicants are at a disadvantage when it comes to age points.
However, older applicants often have extensive work experience. As long as they meet the basic requirements and score 80 points, they can still apply. The key is to highlight work advantages and strengths, and to carefully prepare the plan for coming to Hong Kong, explaining what they will do in Hong Kong, how they will do it, and what contributions they can make to Hong Kong. This can still lead to approval.
The Hong Kong Talent List includes the talents needed for Hong Kong's current and mid-term economic development. Since August 28, 2018, the Hong Kong Talent Scheme has used the Hong Kong Talent List. Applicants with backgrounds in industries listed on the Talent List can receive an additional 30 points in the Comprehensive Points System.
Whether you are applying for the Hong Kong Talent Scheme or after receiving approval for Hong Kong residency, permanent residency, or a Hong Kong passport, you do not need to cancel your Mainland China household registration.
Canceling the Mainland household registration is related to the Home Return Permit. After seven years of permanent residency, if you wish to apply for the Home Return Permit, you will need to cancel your Mainland household registration.
Yes. The primary applicant can bring their spouse, children, and both sets of parents.
Single, unmarried children can be added as dependents until the age of 34.
The program mainly allows the primary applicant to bring their spouse, children, and parents. It is meant for bringing parents and children along, but not grandparents.
Grandparents cannot bring their grandchildren to join the program.
The holder of the Second Home visa (the main applicant) can bring one domestic helper from their home country as a dependent worker. The employment visa for the helper needs to be renewed annually and must pass a health check through Fomema.
A child can only acquire Malaysian citizenship if either one or both parents are Malaysian citizens.
The second home status is a residency status, not a citizenship status, so a child born in Malaysia will retain their original nationality, following their parents' nationality.
The Malaysia Digital Entry Card is for short-term visa-exempt travelers. As long as your Chinese passport is valid for at least 6 months and your Second Home visa is valid, you can enter Malaysia through the MM2H Green Channel without filling out the Digital Entry Card.
The 1.5 million MYR liquid assets requirement mainly includes cash assets. Property is considered a fixed asset, not a liquid asset. If cash assets are insufficient, stocks, investment products, or life insurance policies with surrender value can make up for the shortfall, with a ratio of 7:3.
No, applicants are required to own property (either lease or purchase) only after submitting the relevant documents or receiving the provisional approval letter.
Children under two years old are not required to provide fingerprints. However, each child needs to submit ID2 forms and two passport-sized photos with official certification. For people with disabilities, special cases will be analyzed individually.
As long as all conditions set forth in the S.L.217.18 Act continue to be met, the identity paper does not expire. The identity card, which reflects this immigration status, is initially valid for 5 years and can be renewed. If the identity card is issued to a child under 14, it will expire one month after the child’s 14th birthday, and the same applies to children under 18.
During the first five years, can applicants sell or stop leasing the property already submitted and replace it with another property?
Yes, during the first five years, applicants can sell their property and buy or lease a new one, as long as it meets the requirements of the law. There should be no time gap between the date of the original lease/purchase and the new one. The applicant needs to inform the Malta lawyer, who will then inform the Malta Identity Office. A copy of the certified agreement for the new property must be submitted to the Identity Office.
Only if the spouse applies for the program together with the main applicant. The spouse’s share of the property can be counted as part of the fixed asset requirement. If the spouse does not apply, only the main applicant’s share can be counted. The shares of other dependents cannot be included as part of the asset requirement.
The MRVP2 form requires a source of funds declaration, along with bank statements for the past three months from the applicant’s bank account. This account should be the one used for the initial and final government application fee payments.
To attract more digital nomads, the Maltese government has introduced a dedicated visa policy for them. The Malta Digital Nomad Residency Program allows digital nomads to live and work in Malta for up to one year, with the possibility of extending it. Applicants must meet certain income requirements and also have a legal residence in Malta.
Malta has a highly developed internet infrastructure with widespread coverage and fast speeds. It is easy to find high-speed fiber-optic broadband services in Malta. Moreover, many cafes, restaurants, and public places offer free Wi-Fi, making it convenient for digital nomads to work anywhere.
The cost of living in Malta is relatively low, especially when compared to other European countries. Rent, food, and transportation are reasonably priced. Of course, the cost of living is also influenced by the area of residence and personal lifestyle. In Malta, digital nomads can find suitable accommodation and enjoy a good value lifestyle.
Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English. Although Maltese is the native language of locals, the vast majority of Maltese people speak fluent English. Therefore, digital nomads living and working in Malta will not face many language barriers. At the same time, learning Maltese is a good way to integrate into the local society.
Malta enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate and a rich historical and cultural heritage. Here, digital nomads can enjoy a relaxed pace of life, immerse themselves in beautiful natural landscapes, and explore ancient cities. Moreover, the Maltese are warm and friendly, eager to help, which makes it easier for digital nomads to integrate into the local community.
Healthcare facilities in Malta are of a high standard within Europe. The country offers free medical services, including outpatient, inpatient, and emergency services. Additionally, there are private healthcare institutions that provide high-quality services. Digital nomads in Malta can enjoy good healthcare coverage.
Dominica offers one of the most cost-effective citizenship programs in the world and is one of the oldest countries to have successfully implemented the program since 1993. The program has earned a solid reputation through robust and effective due diligence procedures. Like most Caribbean CIPs, applicants and eligible family members do not need to reside or visit Dominica to qualify. Once approved, a Dominica passport allows visa-free entry to over 140 countries, including the UK, the EU, Brazil, Russia (and many more countries), along with inherent benefits as a Commonwealth passport holder.
Dominica offers two citizenship investment options, meaning applicants can choose their preferred route. The first option requires a contribution of at least $100,000 (this amount increases based on family composition; $100,000 is for a single applicant), directly benefiting the economy and helping to fund projects in renewable energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism.
The second option is a real estate investment of at least $200,000 in a government-approved project (the amount may vary by project, but is fixed regardless of family composition). Most (if not all) of Dominica's real estate investments go into hotels, villas, or resorts.
The fact that Dominica remains pristine and undeveloped is also a disadvantage — at least for those considering visiting or migrating to Dominica. The country still lacks an international airport, and although its facilities and runways are being upgraded, it will not accommodate long-haul international flights until after 2023. Currently, travelers usually transit through Barbados, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe, or Martinique.
Before the global lockdown, Dominica witnessed the rise of an eco-tourism industry that gained international acclaim. The island's real estate offerings have caught the attention of major publications like Caribbean + Leisure, Caribbean Tourism Awards, and Conde Nast Traveller. Additionally, thanks to Dominica's citizenship program, the tourism industry has seen growth in recent years. The CIP has funded globally recognized brands such as Hilton and Kempinski, as well as unique boutique resorts like the six-star Secret Bay.
Under the program, the investment is a qualifying one. A single share in the resort is valued at $218,000. Independent villas, available for mature investors seeking full ownership, start at $1,221,000.
From a practical perspective, real estate development projects related to CIPs in the Caribbean and Europe are often overpriced (and in many cases, never actually completed). However, Secret Bay is one of the exceptions. First, Secret Bay is an existing and operational resort with strong financial performance and positive returns. It also has stable resale value, supported by strong demand from lifestyle buyers. In terms of exit strategy, while economic citizens are only allowed to sell their investment to others seeking Dominica citizenship after five years of obtaining citizenship, the investment market allows resale beyond citizenship after three years.
Secondly, the lack of five-star amenities on the island and its remoteness, along with the friendly locals, made it a logical choice to establish a unique and sustainable resort. Secret Bay offers a rare opportunity to own a residential-style villa managed and marketed by one of the world’s most renowned luxury boutique resorts.
Finally, Secret Bay Dominica is a cost-friendly option. Considering the overall expenses, Dominica's government fees are lower than those of neighboring islands offering similar citizenship programs, making it a more attractive investment among competitive programs.
The most obvious benefit is Dominica citizenship and passport.
The investment itself grants investors the right to receive quarterly dividends in USD. There are no annual maintenance, service, or hidden fees. Quarterly returns are, of course, based on the performance of the hotel and facilities.
In addition to the above, investors are entitled to 7 additional nights of accommodation annually at the resort or can deposit them into a separate exchange program to stay at other luxury resorts in over 80 countries worldwide.
The first approval of the Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) is valid for 1 year. Applications for renewal should be submitted to the Ministry of Manpower 2-3 months before expiration. The Employment Pass (EP) for self-employment is valid for 1-2 years upon initial approval. Applications for renewal should be submitted 6 months before expiration. The Ministry of Manpower will decide the approval duration based on the company’s revenue and operations.
Yes, it is possible. Generally, applicants with a bachelor’s degree or higher will have faster approval from the Ministry of Manpower. However, applicants with a high school or diploma and rich management experience or professional skills certificates can also earn additional points during the review process.
Company registration takes about 1-2 weeks to complete. The process of opening the EP online application system takes around 1 month. Opening a corporate bank account typically takes 1-2 weeks, and EP approval takes about 2 months.
From preparing the materials to submitting the application and receiving approval, it usually takes about 3 months. If there are rejections, appeals, or additional documentation requests, the entire project cycle may be extended.
PR is approved by the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore. The approval depends on various factors, including the company’s operations, employee numbers, profitability, tax contributions, as well as the applicant’s salary level, education, and the duration of their stay in Singapore.
After your EP visa is approved, if you wish to apply for Singapore PR, our consultant will provide advice on your company operations. We recommend applying for PR after operating the company for 2 years to increase the success rate of approval.
Yes, it is required. To allow foreigners to register a company locally, the Singapore government requires a local person to be the director to represent the company in important decisions and the signing of documents.
Yes, if the business does not generate income and wages, it will affect future EP renewal applications.
The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) application is divided into two categories: self-employed and employer-sponsored. The self-employed application refers to applicants who set up a company in Singapore and take an executive position (such as director) in the company to apply for an employment pass for themselves.
After holding an EP for a certain period (usually recommended for two years), holders can apply to the local government for Permanent Resident (PR) status, which is commonly referred to as the Singapore Green Card. There are various ways to obtain a Singapore PR, such as through the Global Investor Program (GIP), family offices, etc. The process of converting EP to PR has no high investment threshold and applies to a broader range of people.
EP holders can:
Obtain a Singapore tax identification number and enjoy the same tax rates as Singapore tax residents;
Enter and exit Singapore freely without needing to apply for a visa, using the green self-service channel for quick and convenient immigration clearance;
Serve as the local director of their own Singapore company without hiring an additional one, reducing costs and risks;
Open a private bank account in Singapore as a local resident.
There are no strict requirements for the self-employed EP application, but it is generally recommended that applicants be under 55 years old, have at least a diploma or higher education, and have either already established a company in Singapore or plan to start one in the future.
The Singapore Employment Pass (EP) application is divided into two categories: self-employed and employer-sponsored. The self-employed application refers to applicants who set up a company in Singapore and take an executive position (such as director) in the company to apply for an employment pass for themselves.
If the applicant has already established a company in Singapore and the documentation is complete, the EP can be approved in about one week. For those who have not yet set up a company, company registration must be done first, and the whole process, including the EP application, typically takes 2-4 weeks.
EP holders can apply for Dependant Pass (DP) for their legal spouse and children under 21 years old. Children with a Dependant Pass can attend public schools in Singapore. Additionally, EP holders can apply for Long-Term Visit Pass (LTVP) for cohabiting partners, unmarried children with disabilities over 21, and adopted children under 21.
The processing time is generally 1-3 months, depending on the processing speed of the Japanese Immigration Office and the applicant’s situation. The initial visa validity is 1 year.
Yes, you can apply, as the law does not have strict requirements.
There are no specific residency requirements for applying for the Business Manager Visa. However, if you wish to apply for citizenship or permanent residency, the duration of your stay is an important factor. For citizenship, you must have lived in Japan for at least 5 years, and generally, you cannot leave Japan for more than 3 consecutive months or 150 days in total over a year. For permanent residency, you need to have lived in Japan for at least 10 years and worked or managed a company for 5 years, holding a 3-year or 5-year residency status (which can be extended through the Business Manager Visa).
Yes, you can bring your children. The main applicant with a Business Manager Visa can have their spouse and children under 20 who are economically dependent obtain a Family Stay Visa.
Children can not only attend school in Japan but can also attend public schools for free. Public schools in Japan offer support for children who have no Japanese language skills by providing language training with volunteer teachers for 1-2 hours a day, for about a month. This service is free of charge and can be arranged at the local ward office.
If medical costs arise, the Japanese government generally covers 70%, and you only need to pay 30% of the medical expenses. Health insurance premiums are based on income, and when you turn 75, you will join the senior citizens’ system, which reimburses 90%.
A Japanese company can engage in a wide range of activities, covering almost all industries.
Investors can add business activities according to their background. For example, a company can simultaneously engage in trade, restaurant business, tourism, real estate, etc. However, if the business involves specific industries, such as real estate agency services, a license must be applied for.
A popular approach now is to buy real estate under the company name and operate the property as a guesthouse. This simultaneously meets the investment property and Japanese identity needs.