Hong Kong Re-Domiciliation: Key Considerations

Effective May 23, 2025, the Hong Kong government has implemented a new corporation re-domiciliation regime. This policy preserves the identity of foreign-incorporated businesses while enabling them to utilise Hong Kong’s strong financial system by allowing them to move their legal domicile to Hong Kong without winding up or re-incorporating. This article discusses market interest since the regime’s inception, significant re-domiciliation concerns, post-re-domiciliation compliance, and the crucial assistance you might need for a seamless transition.

The government reports strong market interest

The 265 re-domiciliation requests demonstrated strong market interest, as the Companies Registry had received as of July 11, as well as the over 22,000 visits and 42,000 downloads of its dedicated homepage.

Why are businesses picking Hong Kong?

The growing awareness of Hong Kong’s business-friendly policies and strategic advantages under the new government is reflected in the surge in queries. Businesses must carefully consider if re-domiciliation fits with their operational and legal requirements, nevertheless. These are the key considerations that companies should consider before proceeding.

Important factors for re-domiciliation

• Industry-specific specifications:

Businesses in regulated industries, like finance and insurance, are required to:

• Obtain regulatory clearance (for example, from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority or the Relevant Authority).
• Verify adherence to Hong Kong regulations, including modifications to the Banking and Insurance Ordinances.

• Who ought to think about moving?

Benefits to the regime:

• Businesses with a substantial presence in Hong Kong.
• Financial firms and insurers with headquarters in Bermuda are looking for regulatory alignment.
• Companies that hold IP and investments are having trouble complying with offshore regulations.
• Companies seeking treaty access by obtaining Hong Kong tax residency.
• Groups reorganising as a result of international tax reforms (such as the GloBE regulations).

Compliance after re-domiciliation

Following the issuance of a Certificate of Re-Domiciliation, businesses are required to:

• Remain in Original Jurisdiction for a maximum of 120 days after deregistration.
• Within 15 days, submit a Statement of Capital and Members (Form NSC21).
• If director consent has not already been given, submit it using Form NNC3RD.
• Within a month, register current charges (Form NM10/NM8).
• Keep a registered office in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong registration may be revoked or fined for noncompliance (such as missing filings).

Crucial re-domiciliation assistance for a smooth transition

To fully benefit from Hong Kong’s re-domiciliation process, businesses considering it must conduct a thorough evaluation of the eligibility conditions and post-registration compliance requirements.

As the top corporate services supplier in the world and the leading expert in IPO & Share Registry, and Company Secretarial services in Hong Kong, GERAI LTD provides comprehensive assistance to private enterprises, multinational corporations, and Hong Kong-listed businesses considering relocation to Hong Kong.

Our comprehensive solution offers end-to-end proficiency in the following areas:

Compliance & Law

• Offshore and Hong Kong legal advice (if needed)
• Support for corporate action via our share registry services

Governance of Companies

• Complete business secretarial support for M&A modifications
• Constant adherence to legal requirements

Tax Advice

• Principles and practices of Hong Kong profits tax
• tax ramifications of the re-domiciled company’s operations in Hong Kong
• Hong Kong tax compliance

Your re-domiciliation trip becomes a simplified and effective process with our tried-and-true one-stop solution, allowing you to focus on your primary business goals while we handle the details.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.