Set up a Hong Kong company to open and operate a Google Play Console (Google Developer) account

Google Play Console is an application management platform provided by Google that helps game and application developers publish, track and optimize their products on the Google Play Store. This is an important tool that helps businesses and individuals control the entire application lifecycle, from publishing, updating, managing users to tracking revenue performance.

Google Play Console is not only a tool to support application publishing but also helps businesses optimize products, reach customers and effectively increase revenue. Below are 5 important reasons why game and app businesses should register for a Google Play Console account:

• Build high quality apps and games: Google Play Console provides tools to help businesses improve the quality of their apps, from content, user experience to technical performance, ensuring products run smoothly and meet the highest standards.
• Publish secure and professional applications: Application testing, validation, and deployment tools help businesses release products with confidence, minimize the risk of technical and security errors, and optimize global distribution processes.
• Expand your user base and optimize growth: With in-depth analytics tools and optimized reports, businesses can understand user behavior and market trends to build appropriate growth strategies, helping to expand their reach on Google Play.
• Make money easily from apps: Google Play supports multiple monetization models such as paid apps, in-app purchases, and subscriptions, helping businesses generate stable revenue and maximize revenue.
• Increase user engagement and retention: Engagement tools, user behavior analytics, and customer retention strategies help businesses build loyal communities, improve app retention rates, and increase user lifetime value (LTV).

Owning a Google Play Console account not only helps businesses grow sustainably but also brings a strong competitive advantage in the mobile game and application market.

• Low tax rate: Hong Kong applies corporate income tax according to a two-tiered tax schedule:
  • 8.25% on first 2 million HKD profit.
  • 16.5% on excess profits.
  • Compared to countries with tax rates from 17% - 30%, tax rates in Hong Kong are considered competitive, helping businesses save significant costs. Businesses can refer to corporate income tax rates in Hong Kong and other countries at: compare tax rates in hong kong. 
• No VAT (Value-Added Tax): Hong Kong does not apply VAT while other countries such as Vietnam (5%), Singapore (9%) still charge VAT on services such as Google Ads, AdMob. This helps businesses reduce the cost of advertising and app distribution.
• Tax exemption on extraterritorial income:
  • Profits from activities outside Hong Kong such as revenue from international users downloading apps/games are generally tax-free.
  • In addition, Enterprises established in Hong Kong will not be subject to the following taxes: dividend tax, capital gains tax, withholding tax.

One of the outstanding advantages of establishing a company in Hong Kong is: Google Ads and AdMob invoices are subject to 0% VAT Helps businesses save 5-8% on advertising costs compared to registering in Vietnam or Singapore

This is especially important for game studios and apps that need large marketing budgets to grow their user base.

A Google Play Console account is tied to the legal reputation of the business. A few reasons why a Hong Kong company helps increase stability and reduce the risk of account suspension:

• Clear legal entity, transparent business address.
• Legal and financial system recognized by Google and international platforms.
• Invoice from Hong Kong company is valid when registering for services such as Google Ads, Google Admob, etc.

This is especially useful in the context of Google increasingly tightening its application approval and distribution policies, especially for accounts from the Southeast Asia region.

DUNS Number is required when registering a Google Play Console account for business. Owning a company in Hong Kong helps:

• Registering for a DUNS code is quick and convenient.
• Ensure legal information complies with verification systems of Google, Apple, Amazon, etc. 

Hong Kong is considered one of the leading financial centers in Asia with:

• The procedure for establishing and maintaining a Hong Kong company is simple.
• No foreign currency transaction restrictions, easy international payments.
• Strong banking system, supports remote account opening and global transaction processing.
• This is a solid foundation for App/Game businesses to expand their operations internationally without legal or financial barriers.

Establishing a company in Hong Kong brings many benefits in terms of tax, business environment and access to international platforms such as Google Play Console, helping game and application businesses optimize costs, expand markets and enhance reputation.

Yes. The tax rate is only 8.25% on the first HKD 2 million of profits and 16.5% on the excess. In addition, there is no VAT, dividends, capital gains or withholding tax.

Absolutely. Google Ads and AdMob invoices apply 0% VAT, helping businesses save 5–9% on advertising costs.

Yes. This is required to verify your business identity with Google.

In Hong Kong, businesses can choose from the following types of companies: 

• Limited Liability Company
• Partnership
• Sole proprietorship
• Representative office/Branch office

A Private Limited Company is the most common type of company for tech and gaming businesses looking to sign up for the Google Play Console. 

Google Play Console earnings in Hong Kong are not subject to VAT (0%).