Setting up an online business in HK?

[orionx999]

Hi all. I would like to setup an online business in HK. I am an HK citizen and I assume that I can use my residential address as my business address. I am also the sole owner of the business (ie. I don't have any partners). Also, I don't think I will have any major liability issues with my business. I plan to start out small and if things go well, perhaps it will grow from there.

I have a few questions:

1) Should I register as a sole proprietor because I don't have any partners and I don't forecast any major liabilities? It sounds like sole proprietor is the most simple way to go in my case?

2) Can I register my business now if I plan to commence my business now? The Inland Revenue Department mentions you should register your business one month after it starts. But I want to register my business now because I have free time now and one month later, I don't think I will have time.

3) Are there any differences between registering an online business and a normal one in HK? (I don't need to rent any physical space or office for my business).

4) Has anybody else registered a pure online business in HK? May I ask what steps you went through?

Any help would be appreciated. Also, if there is a resource on the internet that specifically discusses setting up an online business in HK, that would also be appreciated.

Thank you.

[Loga]

Registering as a sole a really simple. You go to the revenue tower, fill in the form and pay the fee and levy (currently 2250). It can be done in 30 mns.
You can use your own address.

[pat_togo]

Who are your prospective customers? Are they fine doing business with an unlimited company? Or how credible would you be if you can't afford to set up a proper business?

Some may disagree but sole proprietorship is more suitable for a mom and pop store than a real business. Online or not.

[aspacepig]

Hi

Like the OP, I want to register a business that will be trading online. For the company registration forms, they ask for a residential address and a business address.

Can they be one and the same for a sole proprietorship?

Sorry if this question is redundant but I would like to be make 100% sure before heading over to company house.

A

[Oldtimer]

Yes Yes.

[aspacepig]

Thanks old-timer.