Setting up a company in Hong Kong: tax optimization for content creators (KOL, Content Creator)



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- 1. Content Creator and the benefits of setting up a Hong Kong company
- 2. Benefits of setting up a company in Hong Kong for content creators
- 3. 0% corporate income tax policy for income outside Hong Kong
- 4. Challenges and solutions when setting up a company in Hong Kong for content creators
- 5. Conditions for establishing a company in Hong Kong for content creators
- 6. Procedures for setting up a company in Hong Kong for content creators
- 4. How does GLA support content creators in setting up a one-stop company in Hong Kong?
Are you a content creator (KOL, KOC, Youtuber or content creator on social networks who is paying huge amounts of tax when signing contracts with customers, paying taxes periodically every quarter, every year?
You want to optimize tax costs, reduce tax declaration procedures, and increase income. Establishing a company in Hong Kong is the solution for you.
GLA will provide a detailed guide on the process of setting up a company in Hong Kong, especially for content creators. By following the right regulations and procedures, content creators can make the most of the benefits and opportunities that a Hong Kong company brings to their business growth.
1. Content Creator and the benefits of setting up a Hong Kong company
Who is a Content Creator?
Content Creators are individuals or organizations that create and share creative content on social networking platforms (TikTok, Facebook, Youtube, etc.) through articles, video clips, images, posters, etc. Considered as artists on the internet, content creators possess the ability to communicate and create unique content, attracting millions of followers.
The Role of Content Creator
With the development of social networks and the popularity of the digital economy, the role of content creators is becoming increasingly important and has a great influence on the online community. Content creators are not simply content creators, but also actively contribute to the creation of a media environment, creating value and interaction for both creators and consumers.
In general, content creators help:
- Entertain and educate viewers: Provide entertaining and educational experiences to viewers, create unique, rich and creative content to provide entertaining and educational experiences to viewers.
- Marketing and advertising: can do product promotion, product reviews, run special advertising campaigns and create interaction between users and brands.
- Livestream sales: organize livestream sales sessions based on the content creator's personal brand, helping brands increase sales through online live sessions on e-commerce platforms or social networking platforms.
By helping to develop advertising activities of brands through creative content, content creators will receive income from advertising and marketing activities, affiliate marketing from domestic and foreign brands, or from Facebook, Youtube, Tiktok. To make the process of receiving income simple and easy, many content creators today open company in Hong Kong , and opening a company bank account in Hong Kong. Let's find out with GLA the compelling reasons behind this trend.
2. Benefits of setting up a company in Hong Kong for content creators
Here are the benefits and importance of forming a company for content creators:
Hong Kong's strategic location
Hong Kong is known as an international financial and business center, with a business-friendly environment and a reasonable tax system.
When a content creator owns a company in Hong Kong, they can tap into global business opportunities, attracting international partners and customers. This not only opens the door to increased income, but also helps expand the influence and brand of the content creator.
Transparent legal environment
Hong Kong places great emphasis on the protection of intellectual property rights. Laws and regulations relating to copyright, trademarks and patents are established to ensure the rights and fairness of intellectual property companies and individuals. The Intellectual Property Department in Hong Kong also has considerable experience in monitoring and handling all matters relating to intellectual property rights.
Favorable corporate income tax policy
Hong Kong applies a low and reasonable corporate income tax policy. This creates favorable conditions for businesses to operate and develop, while also helping to enhance competitiveness and attract foreign investment.
Expand and take advantage of business opportunities
Setting up a company in Hong Kong opens up new business opportunities for content creators because with a company in Hong Kong, content creators can easily build an international brand and receive international income from Facebook, Youtube, and Tiktok.
Hong Kong is currently ranked 3rd in the World Bank's ease of doing business report in October 10.2024 (after New Zealand and Singapore). Similar to Singapore, the process of setting up a company in Hong Kong is simple and quick, saving businesses time. Many businesses can own a company in Hong Kong in just 1 day thanks to the streamlined process.
Hong Kong has signed free trade agreements (FTAs) with many countries and regions, including mainland China, ASEAN countries, Australia, New Zealand, Chile and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). These FTAs help eliminate or reduce tariffs on goods and services. They also improve market access and provide other trade-related benefits to businesses.
Financial and income management
Hong Kong companies can easily take advantage of the 0% corporate income tax policy for income generated outside Hong Kong. In addition, Hong Kong's 0% VAT also helps businesses optimize costs. paid advertising for Facebook, Google.
3. 0% corporate income tax policy for income outside Hong Kong
Hong Kong is known to have the world's simplest and most business-friendly tax system, making the city a preferred choice for conducting international business in Asia.
Corporate income tax applicable in Hong Kong:
- 8,25% for taxable profits below HK$2 million (HKD)
- 16,5% for excess
While some other countries' corporate taxes range from 17% to 30%, Hong Kong's corporate tax policy is considered business-friendly, as it is world-competitive.
Hong Kong's tax system applies a territorial tax system, where tax is based on profits earned from trade or business activities carried out in Hong Kong. Where a company is incorporated in Hong Kong, but profits are generated outside Hong Kong, the business owner can elect to enjoy a 0% tax rate on profits tax.
One point to note Facebook announced that from June 1, 6, Facebook advertising in Vietnam will be subject to an additional 5% value added tax (VAT)This means that businesses and individuals running ads on Facebook in Vietnam will have to pay an additional 5% tax on each ad spend.
Another important point is that Google has announced that from April 01, 04, Google advertising in Vietnam will be subject to 10% value added tax (VAT). This means that businesses and individuals running ads on Google in Vietnam will have to pay an additional 10% value added tax on each advertising spend.
To minimize tax costs, many businesses and individuals, especially content creators, have chosen to set up a company in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is one of the lowest tax regions in the world, including VAT. Therefore, businesses and individuals setting up a company in Hong Kong can enjoy 0% VAT incentives for advertising services.
With the advantages of uncomplicated establishment, tax incentives, open and accessible market as well as developed living environment, content creators have many significant advantages in establishing a company in Hong Kong - an influential international financial center in the world.
4. Challenges and solutions when setting up a company in Hong Kong for content creators
4.1 Common challenges that Content Creators may encounter when setting up a company in Hong Kong.
- First, building a brand and creating unique content requires a significant amount of creativity and effort. Content creators need to ensure they have the ability to maintain appeal and attract audiences in new markets.
- Second, handling the regulations and legal procedures related to the establishment and operation of a company in Hong Kong to comply with the correct procedures, business regulations, taxes, labor laws, and avoid violating the law.
- Third, financial management, tracking income and expenses, preparing financial reports and complying with accounting rules. This ensures that the company operates efficiently and reliably.
4.2 Solutions to support Content Creators in establishing a company in Hong Kong
To solve the above problems, Content Creator can contact the units providing company establishment services in Hong Kong to solve problems related to company establishment, financial management and accounting quickly, accurately and most effectively.
GLA provides one-stop Hong Kong company formation service to support Content Creators
- Full support for establishing a company in Hong Kong from name registration, document preparation, office address registration, and Hong Kong company establishment.
- Open a bank account for a Hong Kong company.
- Set up your financial system in compliance with HFRS with our financial reporting, auditing, tax return preparation services.
With the professional support and services from GLA, content Creators can conduct the process of company formation in Hong Kong smoothly, efficiently and achieve successful results.
5. Conditions for establishing a company in Hong Kong for content creators
Below are the conditions and requirements when establishing a company in Hong Kong:
Condition | Detailed requirements |
About shareholders |
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About the director |
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About the secretary | When you register a company in Hong Kong, you need to appoint a company secretary. The company secretary is responsible for maintaining and recording the company's books, records and articles of association, ensuring that your company complies with the regulations governing the establishment and maintenance of companies in Hong Kong.
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Company registration address | When registering a Hong Kong company, the company needs to provide a physical address in Hong Kong. A postal address is not accepted. |
About equity |
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On Taxation for Hong Kong Companies | Hong Kong has always been considered one of the top choices for businesses thanks to the following attractive tax benefits:
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6. Procedures for setting up a company in Hong Kong for content creators
The company name of the enterprise can be in Traditional Chinese, English or both.
Enterprises choose Hong Kong company type, can choose 3 main types of company in Hong Kong
- Private Limited Company is the most popular choice for foreign investors.
- Sole Proprietorship
- Partnership
You need to prepare documents to register a Hong Kong company with the Company Registrar, including:
- Company name
- Registered address
- Summary of business activities
- Specific information of shareholders, directors and company secretary
- Responsibilities of members
- Copy of passport, proof of address of residence abroad, bank reference letter for information of shareholders and directors
The application review time will be about 5 - 7 working days, you will receive the Certificate of Incorporation of Hong Kong Company. You need to renew the Certificate of Incorporation annually.
Content creators are required to register a Hong Kong company with the Inland Revenue Department within one month of incorporation with the Companies Registrar. Upon receipt of the application, the Company
The Hong Kong Revenue Department will issue a Business Registration Certificate on the next working day upon receipt of the application. The Hong Kong Company Tax Identification Number is the business registration number on the Business Registration Certificate.
Content creators setting up a Hong Kong company can open a corporate bank account in Singapore, Hong Kong or Offshore countries. You can choose to open a digital bank account or a physical bank account or both.
- Digital bank account: has a quick opening time (from 5-7 business days), no minimum balance requirement, low transfer and maintenance fees compared to bank accounts.
- Physical bank account: has a long opening time (from 2-3 months), requires a minimum balance, transfer and maintenance fees higher than digital bank accounts.
4. How does GLA support content creators in setting up a one-stop company in Hong Kong?
GLA provides a complete, professional Hong Kong company formation service for businesses/individual investors in general and content creators in particular. This service package includes:
- Register company name, prepare necessary documents.
- Provide local agency services and office addresses for businesses.
- Register a company in Hong Kong with the competent authorities.
- Support open a bank account, international payment gateway.
- Provide the Hong Kong corporate accounting and tax reporting services.
GLA with over 10 years of experience, supporting over 750 clients with a team of experienced experts and knowledgeable about business regulations in Hong Kong will support content creators comprehensively from company registration to effective post-establishment business management.

- Setting up a Hong Kong company is the solution for content creators who want to optimize tax costs.
- Hong Kong companies will enjoy 0% corporate income tax on foreign income by filing an Offshore Claim Form.
- If you want to compare company establishment in Singapore and the US, please refer to: Singapore company formation process / US Company Formation Process.

This article was published by GLA on 29/08/2023. Copyright and accompanying content are intellectual property of GLA. All rights reserved.
The guidance and content are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific guidance and advice on accounting, tax, legal or other professional advice. Readers should consult professional advisors on specific issues.