Hong Kong

Company Incorporation

Starting your iGaming company in Hong Kong involves a clear, three-step process designed to meet regulatory requirements while laying a solid groundwork for your business. Each step builds on the last, guiding you from initial planning to a fully operational and compliant entity.

Step 1: Initial Consultation and Requirement Assessment

The process begins with an in-depth evaluation of your iGaming model, target markets, and regulatory needs. This step ensures your business strategy aligns with Hong Kong's legal framework. MGL works closely with you to assess your planned gaming activities, existing corporate structures, and compliance requirements.

During this stage, MGL conducts a detailed eligibility review, examining your financial projections, operational plans, and overall structure. This includes analysing key elements like shareholding, director responsibilities, and the necessity of a registered office. The goal is to preempt any compliance roadblocks and establish a foundation that adheres to Hong Kong's legal standards.

Step 2: Documentation and Compliance Preparation

With the groundwork established, the next step involves preparing all required legal and compliance documents. This includes creating policies tailored to the iGaming industry, addressing essential areas such as anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC), and responsible gaming practices.

These compliance measures not only ensure regulatory adherence but also build trust with banking institutions, paving the way for smoother licensing processes down the line. MGL handles the preparation of these critical materials, helping to streamline this stage of incorporation.

Step 3: Company Registration and Financial Setup

The final step focuses on officially registering your company and setting up the financial systems needed for your operations. MGL submits your application to the Hong Kong Companies Registry, ensuring all details are accurate and addressing any queries that arise during the process. For straightforward applications submitted online, registration is typically completed within 1–3 days.

In addition to registration, MGL assists in establishing the financial infrastructure necessary for iGaming businesses. This includes securing local Hong Kong bank accounts as well as international banking facilities to manage player deposits, withdrawals, and operational costs. These financial arrangements are crucial for a smooth and efficient operation, ensuring your business is ready to handle both local and global transactions effectively.

When setting up your business in Hong Kong, choosing the right structure is crucial to align with your operational and financial goals. Hong Kong offers several options for iGaming companies, each catering to different needs and ambitions.

Private Limited Company

The Private Limited Company is a popular choice for iGaming firms in Hong Kong. It offers limited liability protection, meaning shareholders are only responsible for the business's debts up to the amount they’ve invested in shares. This ensures personal assets remain separate from business obligations.

With a minimum share capital requirement of just HK$1, this structure is accessible and flexible. A private limited company can have between 1 and 50 shareholders and must include at least one director who is a natural person. Additionally, the company secretary must be either a Hong Kong resident or a licensed company secretary.

For iGaming operators, this structure is appealing due to Hong Kong's territorial tax system. Profits earned within Hong Kong are taxed at 16.5%, but revenues from players outside Hong Kong often qualify for tax exemptions. This can lead to significant savings for companies focusing on international markets.

Another advantage is the flexibility in share structuring. Companies can adjust share structures, add shareholders, or restructure ownership without facing complex regulatory hurdles. This adaptability is particularly beneficial when seeking investment, forming partnerships, or planning expansion into new regions.

Public Limited Company

A Public Limited Company suits larger iGaming businesses aiming to raise capital through public offerings or list on stock exchanges. Unlike private companies, this structure requires a minimum share capital of HK$50,000 and at least seven shareholders.

Public companies are subject to stricter reporting requirements, including filing audited financial statements annually. While this adds to the compliance workload, it enhances transparency, which can build trust with investors and regulators.

This structure is ideal for established iGaming operators with substantial revenue streams who need significant capital for growth, whether for expanding into new markets, advancing technology, or acquiring competitors. The ability to issue shares publicly provides access to larger funding pools than private investment rounds. However, the higher regulatory demands often require dedicated legal and accounting teams, as well as obligations like annual general meetings and maintaining detailed shareholder records.

Branch Office

A Branch Office allows a foreign iGaming company to operate in Hong Kong without setting up a separate legal entity. This option is suitable for businesses looking to explore the Hong Kong market or establish a regional presence.

In this arrangement, the parent company is fully liable for the branch's activities, meaning there’s no liability protection like that offered by limited companies. Profits and losses from the branch are directly accounted for by the parent company.

To register a branch office, businesses must provide details about the parent company, including certified incorporation documents and board resolutions authorising the branch. A local authorised representative must also be appointed to handle legal documents on behalf of the foreign firm.

While this structure is simple and operates under the parent company’s existing framework, it offers limited independence. This can complicate licensing applications in jurisdictions that prefer locally incorporated entities, making it less suitable for some iGaming operators.