Change Agent to Ensuring Long-term Company Success

While it is technically possible to use a personal bank account for your LLC, it is not recommended. This approach may lead to unintended consequences, such as losing limited liability protection or unintentional tax evasion.

As the owner of an LLC, it is your responsibility to accurately calculate and pay taxes in compliance with the law. Using a personal bank account can complicate this process and make it difficult to distinguish between personal and business transactions.

Therefore, it is advisable to use a separate bank account for your LLC to maintain clear financial records and avoid potential legal and tax issues.

Typically, it is not possible to open a bank account without providing proof of address. During the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, the bank will require you to provide identification and proof of address.

If you are a foreigner, proof of address from overseas may be necessary. Providing a physical address enables the bank to send important mail, such as debit cards and bills.

It is not necessary for the address to be your permanent or primary residence. If you are staying with a friend or family member, their address can be used; however, you may be asked to provide supporting documentation such as a utility bill or cellphone bill that has been delivered to the address you provided.

We offer a variety of local and international banks to select from, some of which provide the option for remote account opening. Please visit here.

To identify banks that offer online account openings, look for the “Remote Application” label.

Feel free to get in touch with us for further information before proceeding with your order.

Yes, it is usually possible for a BVI company to establish a bank account in Hong Kong, but the specific requirements for doing so may differ based on the bank and account type.

Common conditions for opening a bank account in Hong Kong typically include submitting evidence of identity and address for the company’s shareholders and directors, as well as documentation connected to the company’s financial history and business operations.

In addition to these requirements, Hong Kong banks may demand evidence of incorporation, a business plan, and other documents as necessary. It is often wise to contact the bank directly to determine the precise requirements for opening a bank account, as these conditions may differ from bank to bank and may evolve over time.

In some situations, it may also be beneficial to work with a local agent or corporate service provider to assist with the process of establishing a bank account in Hong Kong.

Almost all bank accounts in Hong Kong are multi-currency, with only a few exceptions. This allows you to have a single account number, but view balances for each currency separately when you log in to your Internet banking.

Your account can contain a range of currencies, such as HK dollars, Singapore dollars, US dollars, and Euros, as well as the Chinese Yuan Renminbi and virtual ounces of gold.

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Account Opening Consultancy

Steps to incorporate a company in Hong Kong (HK)

To check the business registration number in Hong Kong, you can visit the Companies Registry’s Free Search Services Cyber Search Centre (CSC) website at https://www.icris.cr.gov.hk/csci/ to conduct company searches (24x7) on the current data of registered companies and image records of documents registered and kept by the Registrar of Companies (the Registrar). You may log in the CSC as an Unregistered Online User. If you conduct company searches frequently, you may register as a Registered Online User. This system allows individuals and companies to conduct various company registration and search activities online, such as filing annual returns, registering for business licenses, and searching for company information which includes the business registration number.

Another option is to request the information from the business itself. Businesses in Hong Kong are required by law to display their business registration number on their official documents, including invoices, receipts, and letterheads. So, if you have any of these documents from the business, you can check the number there.

Yes, non-residents can open bank accounts in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is known for its international banking services and welcomes non-residents to establish bank accounts for various purposes such as personal banking, business transactions, or investment activities.

However, it is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for opening a bank account as a non-resident may vary among banks. Generally, the following factors are taken into consideration:

1/ Documentation: Non-residents will typically be required to provide certain documents to open a bank account in Hong Kong. These may include a valid passport, proof of address (such as utility bills or bank statements from their home country), proof of employment or business registration, and other relevant identification documents.

2/ Purpose of the Account: Non-residents may need to provide information about the purpose of the bank account, such as whether it is for personal use, business activities, or investment purposes. Providing clear and accurate information about the intended use of the account can help facilitate the account opening process.

3/ Relationship with the Bank: Some banks in Hong Kong may require non-residents to have a pre-existing relationship with the bank, such as being an existing customer or having a referral from an existing client or business partner. Establishing a relationship with the bank beforehand can enhance the chances of successfully opening a bank account.

4/ Minimum Deposit: Some banks may have minimum deposit requirements for non-resident bank accounts. The specific amount can vary depending on the bank and the type of account being opened. It is important to inquire about any minimum deposit requirements to ensure preparedness.

5/ Compliance with Regulations: Banks in Hong Kong are subject to strict anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations. Non-residents will need to comply with these regulations, which may include providing additional information or undergoing enhanced due diligence procedures.

Opening a bank account in Hong Kong typically requires the completion of certain procedures, which may include visiting the bank in person. However, some banks in Hong Kong do offer online account opening services, allowing individuals to open bank accounts remotely. The availability and requirements for online account opening may vary among banks. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Research Banks: Start by researching banks in Hong Kong that offer online account opening services. Visit their websites or contact their customer service to inquire about their specific requirements, processes, and documentation needed for opening an account online.
2. Eligibility Criteria: Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria set by the bank for online account opening. This may include factors such as residency status, nationality, business type (if applicable), and other requirements specific to the bank.
3. Documentation: Prepare the necessary documents required for opening a bank account. These may include a valid passport, proof of address (such as utility bills or bank statements), identification documents, and any other documents specified by the bank. It is important to ensure that the scanned or digital copies of the documents meet the bank's requirements for online submission.
4. Application Process: Follow the bank's instructions for online account opening. This typically involves filling out an online application form and submitting the required documents electronically. Some banks may require additional steps, such as video verification or signing documents digitally.
5. Verification and Approval: Once the bank receives your application and documents, they will verify the information provided. This may involve additional checks, such as anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) procedures. Upon successful verification, the bank will review your application and notify you of the account opening status.
6. Additional Requirements: Depending on the bank and the type of account that is opened, there may be additional requirements or procedures to fulfill. These could include fulfilling minimum deposit requirements, providing references or business documentation (for corporate accounts), or other bank-specific requirements.

According to the research conducted by top finance analytic firms in Hong Kong, the six best banks for foreigners in Hong Kong in 2023 are:

• HSBC
• Hang Seng Bank
• Bank of China (Hong Kong)
• Citibank Hong Kong
• Standard Chartered Hong Kong
• Bank of East Asia (BEA)

These banks have established a strong reputation for their comprehensive range of services tailored specifically for foreigners. They offer multilingual support, international banking services, convenient online banking platforms, and a wide network of branches throughout Hong Kong. Additionally, these banks have a wealth of experience in assisting expats with their unique financial requirements.

Each of these banks offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the requirements of foreigners. These services typically include multi-currency accounts, international wire transfers, foreign exchange facilities, credit cards, investment options, and mortgages for property purchases. They also provide dedicated relationship managers who can guide you through the banking process.

To open a bank account in Hong Kong, here are some documents required for bank account opening in Hong Kong

Company Account Applicant:

1. Certificate of Incorporation (CI) (HK registered company)
2. Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) or Articles of Association (A&A) (HK registered company)
3. Business Registration Certificate (BR) (HK registered company)
4. Bought and Sold Note and Instrument of Transfer if applicable (only if registered in HK)
5. Certificate of change of name (if any)
6. Organizational Chart (If multi-layered corporate structure)

Corporate Shareholder: (if any)

1. Certificate of Incumbency issued by registered agency within last 3 months (COI) (Offshore registered company)
2. Certificate of Incorporation (CI) (Offshore registered company)
3. Memorandum & Articles of Association (M&A) (Offshore registered company)
4. Certificate of change of name (if any)

All Shareholders / Directors / Authorized signers:

1. ID cards
2. Passports
3. Residential address proof (Utility bills / Tax demand notes mailed from Government issued within last 2 months, please translate into English by qualified solicitor in Hong Kong if it is in other language form)

Company Business Proofs:

1. Business plan and product catalog
2. Latest audited financial reports
3. Latest tax demand notes
4. Latest 3 months of corporate bank statements
5. Top 3 buyers and suppliers list with their domiciled countries listed and related signed sales contracts, purchasing order, invoices and related bill of lading, etc.
6. Tenancy agreement of your physical office in HK and MPF records
7. Evidence on "Business address"/ "Principal Place of Business" if different from its registered address

Director / shareholder / Ultimate Beneficial Owner proof of source of wealth:

1. Personal resume (CV)
2. Previous employment contracts, salary payment records, etc
3. Latest 3 months of personal bank statements, latest tax demand note, and any documents which can proof the source of wealth for setting up the business
4. Director / shareholder / Ultimate Beneficial Owner other owing company details, like registration proof, updated audited report, bank statements for recent 3 months, top 3 buyers and suppliers list with their domiciled countries listed and related signed sales contracts, purchasing order, invoices and related bill of ladings, etc