Country guide · Canada
Hong Kong Offshore Company for Residents of Canada
Last updated · Reviewed by the Harbourline Corporate compliance team
| Can Canadian 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 Canada
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.
Canada rules you must consider
Canada treats a foreign-incorporated company as resident if its central management and control is exercised in Canada. For Canadian-resident shareholders of a controlled foreign affiliate, FAPI rules tax certain passive income on an accrual basis, while active business income is generally not attributed. Reporting such as Form T1134 is commonly required.
Setting up from Canada
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 Canadian citizen own a Hong Kong company?
Yes. Hong Kong allows 100% foreign ownership and a single foreign director with no residency requirement.
Will Canada tax my Hong Kong company?
Possibly. Canada 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 Canadian 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.