HK Partnerships
Hong Kong Partnership Registration
Registering a Partnership in Hong Kong with one or more partners.
Open a Partnership in Hong Kong
A partnership in Hong Kong is a business structure where two or more individuals or entities come together to run a business. Depending on the type of partnership, such as a General Partnership, Limited Partnership, or Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), the level of liability and control can vary.
In a General Partnership (GP), all partners share equal responsibility and liability, while a Limited Partnership (LP) allows some partners to limit their liability to their investment in the business. A Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) offers liability protection for all partners, safeguarding personal assets against the firm’s debts.
Partnerships are a common choice for professional services firms, such as law practices or consultancies, and businesses where collaboration and shared expertise are key. While offering flexibility and ease of management, partnerships require careful consideration of liability and operational structure.
Key Characteristics of Partnerships in Hong Kong
Partnership Type
General Partnership (GP)
Limited Partnership (LP)
Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)
| Shareholders | 2 to 20 max | 2 min, no max | 2 min, no max |
| Shareholder liabilities | All Unlimited | Limited & Unlimited partners | All Limited |
| Residency required for shareholders? | at least 1 partner has residency | least 1 partner has residency | No |
| Registered address required? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Director required? | At least 1 secretary | No need | At least 1 secretary |
| Corporate tax rate | 7.5% on first 2 million hkd | 7.5% on first 2 million hkd | 8.25% on first 2 million hkd |
| 16.25% on remainder | 15% on remainder | 15% on remainder | |
| Minimum share capital | 1 hkd | 1 hkd | 1 hkd |
Hong Kong Partnership Registration Procedure
1. Company Name
Deciding on an available name.
- Company name submitted for approval
- Shareholder/s
- Share capital
2. Document submission
Fill out application form and submit the required documents.
- Passport or local ID number of all shareholders and directors.
If a shareholder is a company the company name, registration number, passport scan copies of directors, date and country of incorporation are required.
- Registered address
3. LLC registration
Once approved, receive the Certificate of Incorporation & Business Registration Certificate, officially registering your company.
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Business Registration Certificate
Hong Kong Company Types
LLC
A popular business structure for entrepreneurs and businesses seeking flexibility, limited liability, and ease of international operations.
This structure is ideal for companies involved in trade, consulting, or international operations looking to limit personal liability while gaining access to a strategic business hub in Asia.
Sole Proprietorship
The simplest business structure, where the owner has full control and bears all liabilities.
Ideal for small businesses offering professional services, as it requires minimal setup and maintenance. Entrepreneurs looking for a straightforward structure with fewer compliance requirements may find a sole proprietorship the best fit.
Branch Office
For companies established overseas that want to conduct operations without forming a separate legal entity.
Suited for businesses that want to explore the Hong Kong market without full incorporation, especially those focused on sales, marketing, or supporting existing clients.
Representative Office
For companies conducting nonprofit activities.
Businesses focused on gathering market insights, building relationships, or overseeing local suppliers may find a Rep Office the most suitable option.
Partnership
A business structure where two or more individuals or entities share ownership, responsibilities, and profits.
A Partnership in Hong Kong can take several forms, including General Partnerships (GPs), Limited Partnerships (LPs), and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs). Each one characterized by a different liability status of partners.
More information on Hong Kong
Our Working Process
1. Consultation & Proposal
We (can) advise you on the best solution for your business model and send you our comprehensive proposal.
2. Signing & Payment
After reviewing the proposal, we sign the service contract and receive your payment.
3. Preparing Documents
We send you an application form as well as the list of documents we need from your side.
Partnership FAQs
What is a partnership in Hong Kong?
A partnership is a business structure where two or more individuals or entities share ownership, responsibilities, and profits of the business. Partnerships in Hong Kong can be classified into:
General Partnership: All partners share unlimited liability for the debts and obligations of the business.
Limited Partnership: At least one partner has unlimited liability (general partner), while other partners (limited partners) have liability limited to their contributions.
What documents are required to register a partnership?
You will need:
Completed Business Registration Application Form (Form 1(c))
Identification documents of all partners (e.g., passport or Hong Kong ID)
Proof of the business’s address in Hong Kong (e.g., lease agreement or utility bill)
Partnership agreement (optional but recommended to outline roles and responsibilities)
What taxes do partnerships in Hong Kong need to pay?
General Partnerships: Profits are taxed as personal income for the individual partners. Each partner reports their share of the profits in their personal tax return.
Limited Partnerships: The partnership itself is subject to Profits Tax at 8.25% on the first HKD 2 million of assessable profits and 16.5% on the remaining profits.
Can a partnership hire employees in Hong Kong?
Yes, partnerships can hire employees. You must comply with Hong Kong’s labor laws, including:
Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions
Providing employment contracts
Adhering to statutory leave and minimum wage regulations
What is a partnership agreement, and is it required?
A partnership agreement is a legal document that outlines the roles, responsibilities, and rights of each partner. While not legally required, it is highly recommended to prevent disputes and clarify expectations. Key elements of a partnership agreement include:
Profit-sharing arrangements
Roles and responsibilities of each partner
Decision-making processes
Procedures for adding or removing partners
Dissolution terms