Country guide · Australia
Hong Kong Offshore Company for Residents of Australia
Last updated · Reviewed by the Harbourline Corporate compliance team
| Can Australian residents incorporate? | Yes — fully online, no visit needed |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong tax on offshore profits | 0% |
| Home-country rules to check | Company residence (management) + CFC |
| Information exchange | Bank accounts reported under CRS / FATCA |
How Hong Kong taxes a company owned from Australia
Hong Kong taxes on a territorial basis. Where the owner lives does not affect Hong Kong tax. If the company earns its profits outside Hong Kong, it can claim offshore status and pay 0% Hong Kong Profits Tax, and there is no Hong Kong withholding tax on dividends paid to you.
Australia rules you must consider
A foreign company that carries on business in Australia and has its central management and control there can be an Australian resident for tax purposes. Australia’s CFC rules (Part X, ITAA 1936) can attribute certain “tainted” income of foreign companies controlled by Australian residents. Hong Kong is not a listed country, so attribution of passive and certain related-party income needs to be reviewed.
Setting up from Australia
Open your client portal, choose three company names, pay online and verify your identity with your passport through our online KYC. We handle the rest, including a licensed company secretary and a registered Hong Kong address. See the full non-resident formation guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Australian citizen own a Hong Kong company?
Yes. Hong Kong allows 100% foreign ownership and a single foreign director with no residency requirement.
Will Australia tax my Hong Kong company?
Possibly. Australia may treat the company as resident if it is managed from there, and CFC rules may attribute some income to you. Get advice from a qualified Australian tax adviser.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Hong Kong offshore status is decided by the Inland Revenue Department on the facts of each case, and your country of residence may tax you or the company.