Who knows about setting up a business here and in China?

[gazmario]

Hey all,

Am currently thinking of setting up a business in HK, with the possibility later of working with people I know in China. I've read a little bit on some of the sites of firms that assist with company formation, but I wouldn’t mind getting some feedback here, as I can get non-biased info in plain language, maybe even with the benefit of somebody else's hindsight.

Anyway, I have no plans to give up my current job, but would like to try and grow a small business in my spare time, to see where it might lead.

My experience/qualifications are in corporate and cross-cultural communication, and what I want to set up is something that delivers services related to that.

Initially, these will be things that I can do with easily, while working from home with just my laptop. Things like:

• Copywriting for marketing communications (brochures, websites etc)
• Shareholder communications (announcements, annual reports etc)
• English language editing/proofreading

Later, I'd like to do expand this to make use of some of the networks I have in mainland China, to include:

• Translation services
• On-site business English training for Chinese managers/execs
• Cross-cultural training for incoming expats and international teams

So, my question really is, does anyone know what the easy/quick/cheap set-up options for this kind of small start-up business in HK? Also, once I am ready to start looking for clients in mainland China what steps would I need to take to make myself legal there? Would an RO be workable if I was actively seeking clients?

Finally, does anybody know anyone here or in mainland China who may need any of the services I have listed above? Once I get set up, I'd be interested to do some very reasonable 'mates rates' work for Geo members in order to build up a client list and to start the all-important referral ball rolling.

Many thanks in advance.

[KnowItAll]

>> easy/quick/cheap set-up options for this kind of small start-up business in HK

Consider a sole proprietorship...

Small Business Resources - Setting Up Business in Hong Kong

Might be better for the longer term to be a limited company in my opinion but that is not the cheapest option. But consider the liability issues.

[gazmario]

>> easy/quick/cheap set-up options for this kind of small start-up business in HK

Consider a sole proprietorship...

Small Business Resources - Setting Up Business in Hong Kong

Might be better for the longer term to be a limited company in my opinion but that is not the cheapest option. But consider the liability issues.

Thanks KIA, very helpful. Seems like Sole Proprietorship is definitely the simplest way forward, especially given that what I am trying to start should be very low risk. No need for finance at this stage, no need to incur debts.

It's not clear how expandable a SP would be for working across the border, but it seems like a quick-and-easy way to get started.

[samnyc]

I was looking for the right thread and I think this one comes closest....

Does anyone have more information about setting up a business in Mainland China?

I am wondering whether you can set up a Wholly Owned Foreign Firm in China without having a company in HK (or elsewhere)?
Does anyone have expertise in this area?

thanks!!

[pat_togo]

Yes you can do it just fine. Just find an incorporation firm, lawyer or accountant who specializes in company formation in your targeted city.

[M Khan]

Does anyone know what restrictions there are (if any) on the type of business a person may start if he is here working on an employment visa? For example if I were to continue to work full time for my sponsor, but also wish to create a small, on-line start-up company to bring in a little extra cash, would I be prohibited from so doing by the conditions of my visa?

[Skyhook]

I think you can MKhan, providing you have permission from your existing sponsor to do so, then inform Hong Kong Immigration of the amended change/s.