[Navinjh]

I currently work and live in Dongguan, China under my US companies China Rep Office. I have a valid China work visa and pay Chinese taxes on the portion of my pay that is paid through the China office. In China, I am paid a minimum China salary for US citizens and the balance of my pay is paid in the USA directly to my US bank account.

I would like to move to Hong Kong. I would likely be traveling in and out of China 3-4 days per week and would be in Indonesia 3 months per year.

1) Since I work for a China Rep Office, how can I move to Hong Kong? Will I need a work visa in Hong Kong? Do I need to set up a Hong Kong Rep office when my company does no business in Hong Kong?

2) Since the only work I will be doing in Hong Kong is email, will I need to pay taxes in Hong Kong.

3) I am married with a baby on the way (hence the move to Hong Kong). I am assuming my wife will need a dependant pass.

4) My monthly apartment rent will be paid by wire transfer directly from the USA. Is it possible to rent directly under the company name as a "company apartment" and travel back and forth with a tourist visa?

5) My company did have a Hong Kong rep office about one year ago that was shut down when personnel changes were made. Will it be easier to re-open a rep office?


From what I have read on the forum so far, I will need to set up a Hong Kong Rep office, OR I will be limited to renting a Service Apartment only. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated. I would also appreciate any references to companies that could help me navigate this minefield! Right now, I would like to move to Hong Kong before August.

Many thanks!

[Navinjh]

Just to make it clear - I am ok with paying Hong Kong taxes if it comes to that, I just want to know what all of my options are.

[KnowItAll]

If you want to stay in HK for a long term, you'd need to have a long term visa here. The best option then is to get an employment visa - which will involve your company opening a branch office here and employing you in HK. Best to talk to an accountant or company formation specialist here, in HK to see what your best option is. Not too sure if reopening an old company would work or not.

Once you're employed in HK, your wife and child will get dependent visas, assuming the salary and the paper work is legit and shows that you can support them.

You can continue to maintain your work visa in China (infact you will have to, as they don't offer multiple entry visitors visas) and commute between HK and China.