[gisele_m]

Hi everyone...

i'm working on a plan to open a business in Hong Kong. It consists of consulting for cosmetic products, which is the market I've been involved for a long time. The idea is to work for local companies to help and assist them import and export these kind of products from other countries.

I've been told that I need to set up a local company, but i wonder if i also need to apply for a specific visa or if the company itself is all that I need.

In the beginning i will be working all by myself with no employees, but the plan is to start hiring people in a six-month period, considering that everything will go well.

I know that I will have a visitor visa when I arrive, but how can I set up everything, make initial contacts and paperwork considering that i will not have a business visa right from the start?

Does anyone know how it works?

Some information will be very welcome and appreciated!

Thank you a lot!

[Boris]

Can you speak Cantonese?
If No then you job is going to be 85% ( and I am being kind here ) impossible.

Have you ever been here? If not then you really need to visit and do the groundwork. If yes, what did you do when you came that makes you ask these HK 101 questions?

It is true that ( in China mainly ) there is a need for western brand goods. BUT they have to have a known profile and the canny HKr's have had distribution agreements in their pockets for many years. Its hard to see any known cosmetic brand not being snapped up.

Oh - its illegal here to do any work ( unless your a copy watch / tailors suit / hotel room - Canton Road sort of guy ! ) in HK without a work visa. See the millions of threads by searching on work visa.

Good luck !!

[gisele_m]

I have been to Mainland and Hong Kong a few times by the actual company that i work. I really dont speak Cantonese, but 90% of the people i met also spoke fluent or reasonable English. This experience was based on business relations and meetings that i had there. Isn't it the same for Hong Kong?

My plan is to establish a company, not to do any illegal thing like the ones you said, copy watch, suits, etc. You mean that i can not establish a company? how can it be illegal? I guess i didn't understand well...

[Flat Hunter]

Have a look at these websites:-

http://www.emigra.com.hk/HongKong/page74.php

www.investhk.gov.hk

Sounds like you need an "investment" visa i.e. bring in funds to HK, open an actual office and employ locals.

Good luck !!

[Boris]

Originally Posted by gisele_m

I have been to Mainland and Hong Kong a few times by the actual company that i work. I really dont speak Cantonese, but 90% of the people i met also spoke fluent or reasonable English. This experience was based on business relations and meetings that i had there. Isn't it the same for Hong Kong?

My plan is to establish a company, not to do any illegal thing like the ones you said, copy watch, suits, etc. You mean that i can not establish a company? how can it be illegal? I guess i didn't understand well...

It is different coming from a foreign company into China and meeting members of companies export departments TO coming to HK / China and trying to work with local companies working in the local market. The word to concentrate yourself on is LOCAL. Your groundwork needs to concentrate upon this environment. Language will be the barrier in the LOCAL market.

To set up a company here is basic and is explained in detail in other threads. Basically the same as UK but you have to have a local Company Sec who would normally also be the accountant. They raise the paperwork to get you a work visa. An investment visa is not practical in your situation.

I can see what you are trying to do BUT TAKE ADVICE - its not as easy as you think and this market is fickle regarding brand name and quality issues. Avon are very strong and long established in the mainland everyday market. Luxury brands have their own distribution and marketing agreements through department stores. Natural products are well represented also.

Again - Good Luck.