The basics
This service is for companies planning regulated activities, trading operations, service businesses, or cross-border structures that need to understand whether a license review is required before launch.
License questions are harder to fix after contracts, bank applications, or marketing materials are already in motion. Hongda can help you review the business model and documents before the operating path becomes difficult to change.
A license is not needed for every Hong Kong business. Requirements depend on the actual activity and operating model, so the first step is to review what the company will do in practice.
Partnerships
A General Partnership (GP) is a business structure with two or more partners who share unlimited liability for the debts of the business. A Limited Partnership (LP) consists of at least one General Partner with unlimited liability and one or more Limited Partners whose liability is limited to their investment amount.
The key difference lies in liability. In a GP, all partners have unlimited personal liability for the business’s debts. In an LP, only the General Partner(s) have unlimited liability.
Regulated activities
Depending on the services offered, your business may need one or more of these licences:
Processing times vary significantly by license type. Complex financial licenses like the SFC license involve detailed scrutiny and can take several months. Realistic timelines are provided for each license type once your case is understood.
How it works
Quick answer: licence preparation runs in four stages. Select a stage for detail.
Stage 1 of 4
Review the planned business activity, company structure, responsible persons, and supporting documents.
Stage 2 of 4
Connect license planning with Hong Kong company incorporation support when the entity is still being set up.
Stage 3 of 4
Coordinate statutory record and filing questions with Hong Kong company secretary services.
Stage 4 of 4
Check whether banking preparation such as Hong Kong bank account opening may need a clearer business explanation.
Raise licence questions before signing contracts, opening operating accounts, or marketing a regulated service.
Documents
The documents depend on the licence. The lists below summarize what is typically prepared.
After the licence
Compliance is continuous. This typically includes submitting annual returns, audited financial statements, paying renewal fees, and maintaining up-to-date AML/CFT systems. Hongda also offers ongoing compliance support packages.
Missed filings, mismatched records and unclear business models can make licence questions harder to fix later. Contact Hongda before launch so the setup, records, and license questions are reviewed together.
Why Hongda
Review the business model and documents together, with one service team.
Serving foreign companies in China since 2007, with client relationships that go back to 2008.
Company setup, banking, tax, payroll and work permits coordinated by one team.
English-language project management with a China-based team in seven locations.
We confirm the scope before work begins and say which decisions rest with authorities or banks.
Client voices
Travis Perkins
David Finch BA ACMA CMIIA CAMA
Director of Group Business Risk & Assurance, Travis Perkins PLC
With Hongda since 2008
Travis Perkins PLC (a leading builders merchant in the UK) has been using Hongda Business Services since 2008 for accounting and professional services. Throughout this time, we have found the team at Hongda to be very helpful and professional in their dealings with us. We look forward to working with the company in the future.
Sound United
Jack Peng
Vice President, Asia Pacific, Sound United
With Hongda since 2013
Sound United (a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer audio products in the US) has been using Hongda Business Services since 2013. Moving one’s operations to China is not a small task, but Hongda’s expert services helped us set up a company and deal with tax issues so we could get on with growing our business in no time at all, and that’s why we continue to use them today.
Tulip Pacific Ltd.
Erik de Waard
Director, Tulip Pacific Ltd.
With Hongda since 2012
Tulip Pacific Ltd. (Business planning and interim financial management services) has been using Hongda Business Services since 2012. Hongda has helped us set up legal entities in China/HK and takes care of our annual company audits. They are the most efficient business service provider I have worked with to-date, and their professional advice has helped me better advise my own clients and provide greater value to my overall business.
Your team
Meet the three chief consultants at Hongda, including founder Angel Ho and co-founder Bobby Lee.
Chief Consultant, CEO
Founder of Hongda in 2007. Holds Chinese Tax Agent, IPA (Australia) and IFA (UK) certificates. Provides one-stop services covering market access, company establishment, financial settlement, financial and tax consultation, and human resources management.
Chief Consultant
Co-founder of Hongda. Many years of corporate legal consultancy and involvement in managing client enterprises. Familiar with tax, personnel and project management work across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau. Excellent English communication skills.
Chief Consultant
24 years in enterprise management, business development, and financial and tax compliance. Has provided financial and tax advisory services for hundreds of companies. In-depth learning and practical experience in IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), Generally Accepted Auditing Standards and International Taxation.
Companies planning regulated activities, trading operations, service businesses, or cross-border operations should check whether their activity needs license review before launch.
Hongda can review the company structure, planned activity, document readiness, responsible persons, and post-incorporation compliance needs before preparing an action plan.
No. Requirements depend on the actual activity and operating model, so the first step is to review what the company will do in practice.
Raise them before signing contracts, opening operating accounts, or marketing a regulated service, so the company structure and documents are aligned early.
The key difference lies in liability. In a GP, all partners have unlimited personal liability for the business’s debts. In an LP, only the General Partner(s) have unlimited liability; Limited Partners are liable only up to their investment amount, making LPs ideal for investment funds.
Compliance is continuous. This typically includes submitting annual returns, audited financial statements, paying renewal fees, and maintaining up-to-date AML/CFT systems.
Contact our team
Share your plans, structure and timing. We confirm the scope with you before any work starts.
