One-stop company registration in Dubai services

• Country: The U.S
• Services: Company formation

If you hear anyone saying selling on Amazon is easy. They are dead wrong.

Selling on Amazon as a foreigner isn’t just about opening an account anymore. It’s about structuring your business the right way.

In 2026, Amazon sellers without a U.S. company are running into more barriers than ever. 

• Stricter KYC;
• Bank account verification;
• Tax and compliance checks that weren’t enforced a few years ago;
• Heavy investment upfront (from advertising, legal setup, to logistics) to keep your store running in the first year.

And this shift is showing up in seller suspensions and slow verification. Our experts at Global Link Asia Consulting reviewed hundreds of Amazon account cases. 

This is the email we received from one of the customers we supported 

Some we supported with success. Others showed risks so high that we had to turn down during the KYC process. Those hard cases had one thing in common: No properly structured U.S. company behind the seller account.

This isn’t an isolated issue. We had to consult more and more foreign to sell to form  U.S. companies before launching on Amazon. And the reason goes deeper than compliance.

In 2026, selling on Amazon as a foreigner requires more than a product and a listing. 

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Whether you really need a U.S. company to sell on Amazon;
• How foreigners can legally set up and operate a U.S. compan

First, let's begin by understanding why more and more sellers choose to sell on Amazon.

Why are more and more people selling on Amazon?

Selling on Amazon means selling directly to consumers through the world’s most powerful e-commerce marketplace. And that marketplace keeps getting bigger.

Market potential

In 2024, U.S. online retail sales surpassed US$1 trillion, and Amazon captured a dominant share of that growth.

Amazon growth over the years

But here’s the part many people miss: Amazon is no longer driven mainly by big brands. More than 60% of Amazon’s total sales now come from independent sellers, most of them small and medium-sized businesses.

That shift explains why entrepreneurs around the world are moving to Amazon. Amazon offers what most platforms can’t combine in one place:

• Massive demand;
• Built-in customer trust;
•  World-class logistics (Amazon has launched a new service called Amazon Global Logistics - AGL);
•  Scalable growth potential.

Instead of building traffic from scratch, sellers plug into an ecosystem with hundreds of millions of ready-to-buy customers.

And Amazon does the hard parts.

1. Storage;
2. Shipping;
3. Returns;
4. Customer service.

Programs like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) allow even solo founders to operate like large enterprises, without owning warehouses or hiring logistics teams.

Omnichannel opportunity in the U.S 

Amazon is a powerful marketplace. But the most successful sellers don’t rely on Amazon alone. They build systems that sell across multiple platforms, while keeping operations centralized.

That’s where omnichannel selling comes in. Amazon supports this approach with tools designed to extend sales, logistics, and marketing beyond its own marketplace.

In addition to being  Amazon sellers, sellers can expand into channels like Walmart Marketplace and TikTok Shop, turning Amazon into the operational backbone, not the only storefront.

Sellers are looking for opportunities to sell on Walmart

Should you sell as an individual or as a business on Amazon U.S?

This is the first reason most Amazon sellers fail, or struggle to survive beyond years 2–3. They choose to sell as an individual on Amazon. At the beginning, everything looks fine.

The account is approved. Sales come in. Nothing seems wrong. Until legal and tax issues appear.

And by the time they do, most sellers are already too deep to fix them easily.  Most sellers who do eventually pay the price, through legal exposure, tax complications, or forced restructuring.

On the one hand, selling personally may work in the short term, but it creates long-term risks that many founders don’t see until it’s too late. 

On the other hand, incorporating a company in the U.S is the foundation that allows an Amazon business to scale, stay compliant, and survive beyond the early years.

To see the difference clearly between selling as an individual and as a business, our experts create the comparison table below for you:

Selling Personally: Fast to start, risky to scale

Amazon allows you to register as an individual by selecting “None, I am an individual” and using your Social Security Number. This option is often chosen by first-time sellers because it feels simple. You may need to contact Amazon Global Selling for support. But it offers minimal protection.

There is no legal separation between you and the business. Any dispute, claim, or investigation points directly to you as an individual.

For sellers of physical products, especially private-label products, this becomes a serious problem as the business grows.

That’s why many sellers hit a wall around year 2 or 3, not because the product failed , but because the structure couldn’t support growth.

Selling as a  business: Our recommendation

For sellers who want to scale, and survive long term, a U.S. Limited Liability Company (LLC) or a US Corporation is the most practical structure, especially for non-U.S. residents.

If you need help with company structuring for maximum protection, tax optimization and efficient operations, our experts can offer you our unique advice, based on hundreds of clients we helped buil long-term business models.

Opening a company in the United States and selling on Amazon has 3 important advantages:

How to open a U.S company for Amazon selling (the right way)

Now that you know the drawbacks and the benefits of selling on Amazon with a U.S company. 

Our experts will show you in this section how you can incorporate a company the correct way in this section (An overview). You can set up a U.S. company on your own. But sellers who do usually learn the hard way.

• Miss one detail, and Amazon delays your approval.
• Choose the wrong structure, and legal risk shows up later.
• Use the wrong address, and your seller account gets rejected.

With expert guidance, those risks drop to the lowest possible level. And your time to market shortens significantly, meaning faster sales, higher ROI, and earlier scale.

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Bonus: 3 pratical tips to go faster with our Amazon Seller account

Most new Amazon sellers focus only on getting approved. Smart sellers focus on getting approved fast and surviving long enough to scale.

Here are four practical tips that separate sellers who stall from those who reach profitability faster. These tips are what we concluded after interviewing our most successful Amazon sellers who have built their empire from the ground-up, with our ongoing support as a partner.

Plan your finance for a heavy first year (This is non-negotiable)

The first year of selling on Amazon is cost-intensive. This is where many sellers underestimate the game, and run out of cash before optimization kicks in.

In Year 1, your main costs typically include:

• Product sourcing and procurement;
• Manufacturing or private-label production;
• Shipping and international logistics;
• Amazon FBA storage and fulfillment fees;
• Advertising (PPC is mandatory, not optional);
• Software tools and compliance costs.

During this phase, profits are often thin, or negative. And that’s normal.

The real return usually comes in Year 2, once:

• Listings are optimized;
• Reviews accumulate;
• Advertising becomes more efficient;
• Supply chains stabilize.

As optimization improves, costs go down while margins go up. Amazon is not a quick-win platform. It’s a scale-and-optimize business.

To start, you can use our table below to get the estimated cost to start building your store on Amazon.

Please note that fee ranges based on your currency and service fees of Amazon branch in your country. Some sellers may incur additional fees, such as long-term storage fees or optional program fees, including advertising costs and premium account services.

4 types of selling fees on Amazon (in USD)

Register for Amazon Brand Registry

Brand Registry does more than unlock features. It fundamentally changes how much control you have over your listings and brand presence.

Brand Registry is a growth lever, but only if the groundwork is done correctly

Leveraging Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA)

Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) is the backbone of scalable Amazon operations.

With FBA, you send inventory to Amazon’s fulfillment centers—and Amazon handles: storage, packing, shipping, customer service, and returns This allows sellers to focus on growth, not logistics and risky FBM.

How can we help you build a successful Amazon store in the US as a foreigner?

Building an Amazon store in the US works best when it’s part of a complete, well-structured system—not something done in isolation.

Once the foundation is set, combine the right legal setup, product strategy, and smart marketing to scale with confidence.

That’s when Amazon stops being just another marketplace and becomes a long-term business that grows your revenue and credibility in the US as a foreigner.

With 10 years of experience helping foreign business owner thrive on Amazon with our strategy from legal setup to business operations, we can help you:

• Register a company in the U.S in your chosen state;
• Open a corporate bank account in the U.S with a 99% success rate;
• Choose the right company types for tax optimization in the U.S;
• Apply for US business licenses;
• Get an affordable, professional registered office address for business;
• Support to register DUNS Number for SaaS Businesses in Delaware 
• Support to open, authenticate, and manage Stripe Paypal Business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S;
• Handle all your tax accounting needs, timely annual filings, auditing, and more.

FAQs about selling on Amazon with a company in the U.S

• Services: Quickbooks
• Rating Count: 125
• Rating Value: 4.7

Cloud accounting software has completely changed how SMEs manage their finances.

Manual bookkeeping, endless spreadsheets, and misplaced receipts? Those days are over.

However, choosing the right cloud accounting software isn’t always easy. With dozens of tools promising automation, real-time reporting, and multi-currency support, it’s hard to know which ones truly deliver.

Our GLAC accounting team has tested several platforms over the years, since the day our company was incorporated. Some are great, and we recommend incorporating them into our clients' accounting systems. Others are not so much; they under-delivered.

If you’re looking for reliable, easy-to-use digital accounting tools that actually work for small and medium businesses, you’re in the right place.

In today’s article, we will show you 6 awesome online accounting software that work for SMEs in 2025.

These tools will help you:

• Save hours on bookkeeping.
• Track cash flow in real-time.
•  Simplify invoicing and tax compliance.
• Collaborate with your accountant from anywhere.

First, we need to understand why many small businesses still avoid cloud accounting software

Why do many SMEs still avoid cloud accounting software?

Starting and running a small business isn’t easy. Managing finances with spreadsheets and manual methods? That makes it even harder.

And yet, despite dozens of affordable, user-friendly cloud accounting tools (QuickBooks Online, Xero, Zoho Books, Wave, FreshBooks, and more), over half of small businesses still don’t use accounting software. According to the SMB Group survey, 51% of small businesses with 1–19 employees rely on spreadsheets or nothing at all.

This begs the question: why are so many small businesses holding back?

Let’s break it down.

A study from SMB Group on why small businesses don't use accounting software

Top 6 cloud accounting software  (Tried and Tested)

QuickBooks Online

What it is

QuickBooks is a well-known cloud accounting suite from Intuit, designed for small and medium-sized businesses.

How it works

You can connect your bank and credit card accounts, import transactions, create invoices, reconcile accounts, and generate reports — all via browser or mobile app.

Cost

Subscription-based plans, tiered by features and number of users.

Why QuickBooks is a top choice 

• Proven reliability and a wide ecosystem of integrations.
• Familiarity among accountants and bookkeepers.
• Robust feature set that supports business growth.
• Recommended by IRAS to help hande tax filing and accounting work

Things to watch out for

• Some users find it feature-heavy for simple use cases.
• Costs may increase as you add users or advanced modules.
• Certain tools require a learning curve.
• QuickBooks has a specific version for each country with unique features (e.g., QuickBooks US, QuickBooks UK, QuickBooks Singapore).

Xero

What it is

Xero is a cloud-first accounting platform for small businesses, known for its automation and integration capabilities.

How it works

Xero enables you to sync bank feeds, manage invoices and payments, track expenses, and run reports — accessible via web or mobile.

Cost

Subscription-based plans depend on business size and needs.

Why Xero is a top choice

• Scalable and flexible for growing businesses.
• Strong third-party app ecosystem.
• Excellent support for international operations (multi-currency, local compliance).

Things to watch out for

• Some advanced features are available only in higher-tier plans.
• May require additional setup for specific tax or reporting rules.

Zoho Books

What it is

Zoho Books is part of the Zoho suite, designed for small businesses needing automation, workflows, and integrations.

How it works

Automates recurring invoices, syncs bank feeds, tracks expenses, manages multi-currency, and integrates with other Zoho tools or external apps.

Cost

Tiered subscription plans, with free trials or limited free tiers.

Why it’s a top choice

• Affordable compared to most full-featured accounting suites.
• Excellent automation and integration with the Zoho ecosystem.
• Ideal for businesses already using Zoho products.

Things to watch out for

• Free tiers limit users and transaction volumes.
• Advanced reporting and inventory features are only available in higher plans.
• Zoho Books may require extra setup if you do not use other Zoho tools.
• This accounting software is best used if you use the Zoho ecosystem for seamless integration.

FreshBooks

What it is

FreshBooks is a cloud-based accounting and invoicing solution popular with freelancers and small service businesses.

How it works

It focuses on simplicity: send invoices, track time and expenses, accept payments, and view basic reports.

Cost

Monthly subscription based on the number of clients and includes features.

Why it’s a top choice

• Very easy to use and set up.
• Great fit for freelancers, consultants, and small service-based businesses.
• Smooth mobile experience for on-the-go management.

Things to watch out for:

• Not as comprehensive as larger accounting platforms.
• Higher tiers are required for multi-user or advanced functions.

Wave

What it is

Wave is a free cloud accounting tool best suited for freelancers and small operations.

How It Works

It supports invoicing, expense tracking, and basic accounting, with optional paid add-ons such as payroll and payment processing.

Cost

Core accounting features are free; add-ons are paid separately.

Why it’s a top choice

• Excellent no-cost option for startups or solo entrepreneurs.
• Simple interface and quick setup.
• Ideal for managing basic bookkeeping.

Things to watch out for

• Paid add-ons can add up as your needs grow.
• Limited support and fewer advanced features.
• Wave may not scale well for medium or large businesses.

Sage Business Cloud Accounting

What it is:

Sage offers a cloud accounting solution designed for small and medium-sized enterprises, combining essential accounting tools with flexibility for growth.

How it works:

You can manage books, invoices, expenses, and reporting online, with features such as multi-currency and compliance tools.

Cost:

Subscription-based pricing with multiple tiers.

Why it’s a top choice

• Long-standing reputation for reliability.
• Balanced mix of accounting features and flexibility.
• Suitable for small to mid-sized firms seeking a trusted brand.

Things to watch out for

• Interface and experience may feel less modern than newer cloud platforms.
• Some capabilities require separate add-ons or upgrades.

How can we help you work with  QuickBooks and Xero?

Our top 6 cloud accounting software are QuickBooks Online, Xero, Sage, Zoho Books, FreshBooks, and Wave.  We recommend you test these 6 cloud accounting software for yourself.

At the moment, our Global Link Asia Consulting team is using QuickBooks and Xero because they fit best with our business models and our growth.

If you want to give QuickBooks and Xero a go, you can test the trial of these 2 softwares

If you want to take a step further and integrate QuickBooks and Xero into your business, we can help:

• Set up your QuickBooks or Xero account from scratch.
• Migrate your data securely from spreadsheets or another platform.
• Tailor the chart of accounts, reports, and automation rules to fit your exact business model and industry.
• Connect QuickBooks or Xero with your CRM, payment gateways, and banking systems
• Train your team to use key features confidently
• Ensure your books are accurate and compliant with local regulations with our Proadvisors.

FAQs

• Country: Hong Kong
• Services: Company formation
• Rating Count: 75
• Rating Value: 4.8

If you’re starting your global business journey with a Hong Kong company, understanding your company’s identification number isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. 

In this guide, our business experts will break down everything you need to know about the Business Registration Number (BRN), its conversion to the new Unique Business Identifier (UBI), and what that means for your company. 

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to manage your Hong Kong company more confidently and efficiently. 

The transition from BRN to UBI 

Starting December 27, 2023, Hong Kong began transitioning from the BRN to the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) system. 

Why? To unify business identification codes across all government departments and make digital interactions smoother. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Newly incorporated companies will automatically receive a UBI. 
• UBI is the BRN in function; it’s just more integrated. 
• Existing companies will have their BRNs automatically converted to UBIs. 
• You’ll need to use your UBI when dealing with any Hong Kong government agency. 

In this article, we’ll use BRN and UBI interchangeably to refer to your company’s business registration number. 

What Is a BRN (Business Registration Number)? 

The Business Registration Number (BRN) is a unique ID assigned to every business operating in Hong Kong by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). 

Think of it as your company’s “identity card.” Without it, you can’t legally conduct most business activities in Hong Kong. 

In short, your BRN/UBI has three main traits: 

• It is mandatory for every business structure, from sole proprietors to multinational corporations.
• It is issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). 
• It is used for all official interactions with the government.

BRN example from the IRD 

Why does a BRN/UBI matter in Hong Kong? 

Your BRN isn’t just a number. It’s the key that allows your Hong Kong company to operate legally, open bank accounts, and access essential services. 

Here’s what you can do once you have it: 

Every registered business must include its BRN on official tax filings and correspondence. It’s also used to identify your business clearly and distinguish it from others, keeping your operations transparent and compliant. 

Who needs to register for a BRN/UBI in Hong Kong? 

If your business earns income or operates for profit in Hong Kong, you must register and have a BRN/UBI. This includes: 

• All profit-generating businesses (trade, manufacturing, professional services, freelancing, clubs with income activities). 
• Any legal entity registered under the Companies Ordinance, even if it operates outside Hong Kong. 
• Foreign companies with a presence in Hong Kong (offices, branches, etc.). 
• Foreign entities leasing property or having a representative office in Hong Kong.
• Open-ended fund companies (OFCs) registered or re-domiciled under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571). 

What happens if you don’t register for a BRN/UBI? 

Operating without a valid BRN or UBI is a direct violation of Hong Kong’s Business Registration Ordinance (BRO). 

Here are the penalties: 

• Fine up to HKD 5,000. 
• Imprisonment up to 1 year.

Under Cap. 310, businesses must register within one month of the date operations begin.

If you register more than 12 months late, you’ll also need to: 

Pay all outstanding registration fees and penalties for past years (under Section 7(3)). 

How to find your Hong Kong company’s BRN or UBI 

You can locate your company’s BRN/UBI through these sources: 

Business Registration Certificate (BRC) 

• The BRC is issued by the IRD. 
• Your BRN/UBI appears clearly on the certificate. 

You should keep the original in a safe place. 

Official IRD Documents 

Tax returns, assessment notices, and correspondence from the IRD. 

eTax Portal 

• Log in to your eTax account. 
• Check and download your company’s registration info. 

Government Website 

Visit gov.hk’s BRN enquiry service and enter your company name to search for your BRN/UBI.

How to get a UBI for your Hong Kong company (The right way) 

To obtain a BRN or UBI, you’ll need to first incorporate your company in Hong Kong properly. ExportHelp can assist you through every step: 

• 1

  Incorporate

• 2

  Receive your business

Ready to get your Hong Kong BRN/UBI with us? 

Registering for a BRN/UBI is a mandatory step for running your business legally in Hong Kong and staying connected with government agencies. 

There isn’t a shortcut to mastering BRN and UBI in Hong Kong. 

But the businesses that stay compliant and scale fast all share three things in common:

• A proper company setup that meets Hong Kong’s legal standards. 
• Accurate BRN/UBI registration and up-to-date records with the IRD. 
• Reliable local support to manage filings, renewals, and compliance. 

Get these right, and you’re not just checking a box for government requirements. You’re building a strong foundation for trust, tax compliance, and international growth.

Want to make sure your Hong Kong company is set up the right way? We can help you from A to Z:

• Open a company in Hong Kong legally, fast with our one-stop support
• Get a reliable, experienced company secretary with our corporate secretarial service
• Support in opening your business bank accounts;
• Get an affordable, professional registered office address for your business;
• Support to open, authenticate, and manage Stripe and PayPal Business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S;
• Handle all your tax accounting needs, timely annual filings, auditing, and more.

Whether you’re a solopreneur, startup, or scaling business, we’ll make sure your Hong Kong setup is fully compliant, optimized, and affordable.

FAQs about Hong Kong BRN/UBI 

• Services: DUNS registration
• Rating Count: 49
• Rating Value: 5

The good news is you do not need a Duns number if you create a Google Developer account for personal use.

The not-so-bad news? You must have a Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) number for your company/your organization.

The great news? Obtaining your DUNS number is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps with the assistance of our experts.

A client our DUNS team helped during the requirement period from the Google Play Console

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• Why Google requires a D-U-N-S® number for identity verification;
• The new verification process during your business Google Developer creation;
• How to get DUNS for your company’s Google Developer Account (with our expert support).

Let’s get into it.

What is the DUNS number for Google Developers, and why do you need it?

The D-U-N-S® number is a unique business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). 

You can think of it as a digital fingerprint for your company,  one that proves your business is legitimate, registered, and trustworthy.

Google uses this number to verify your organization’s identity during processes like Google Developer registration, Play Console, or Advertiser verification.

The DUNS number helps

1. Google matches your submitted info to official business records.
2. Google team checks it to assess your applications faster.

But it’s not just a Google thing.

The DUNS number is used worldwide, by Apple (Apple Developer Program), TikTok (Pangle account), Amazon, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Walmart, and even government agencies in the U.S., U.K., and EU for vendor registration, app publishing, and procurement.

If you're a developer, startup, or business owner looking to scale, whether it’s launching an app, expanding internationally, or landing B2B contracts, getting a DUNS number is a smart, future-proof move. It can take you a long way in your growth journey.

How to create a Developer account for your company? (The new process)

Now that you understand the importance of having a DUNS number, let’s first discover what information you must have to create your organization’s Google Developer account.

A Duns number is essential to have your  company’s Google Play Console verified

Your organization’s information helps Google verify your identity and keep users safe. Before starting, make sure you have the following information ready.

The new process of creating a Google Developer account for an organization

After submitting your information, Google will ask you to verify your:

• Organization name and address (via Google Payments profile)
• Emails and phone numbers (using one-time passwords)
• Your account can’t publish apps until verification is complete

To improve transparency and user trust, Google will display publicly on your developer profile:

1. Legal name;
2. Legal address;
3. Developer email address;
4. Developer phone number.

These details help users confirm they’re downloading from a legitimate source. In addition, your contact and developer emails and phone numbers must:

• Stay active and accessible at all times.
• Be verified using OTP;
• Be updated immediately if your organization’s contacts change.

How to get a DUNS number for your Google Play Console account?

The final step before publishing on Google Play is verifying your organization’s identity.

If you haven’t submitted your official business documents or D-U-N-S® Number, Google may place your verification on hold.

Global Link Asia Consulting will help you get your D-U-N-S® Number ready with our experts.

We simplify the process for global businesses, ensuring your Google Developer Account verification runs smoothly and efficiently.

• 1

  Step 1: Initial consultation

• 2

  Step 2: Document preparation

• 3

  Step 3: Submission to Dun and Bradstreet

• 4

  Step 4: D-U-N-S® Number issuance

Ready to verify your Google Developer Account?

If you’re a mobile game studio, software company, or tech firm planning to publish apps on Google Play, Global Link Asia Consulting can help you:

• Obtain your D-U-N-S® Number quickly
• Complete all verification steps correctly
• Get your developer account ready for approval

 Contact Global Link Asia Consulting today to simplify your D-U-N-S® registration and unlock your Google Developer Account.

FAQ about registering a Google Developer account

• Country: Hong Kong
• Services: Company formation
• Rating Count: 33
• Rating Value: 5

Most businesses assume the SFC license in Hong Kong only matters for big finance players. That’s the myth. 2025 compliance is a different landscape. Tighter regulations. Stricter audits. And penalties that can halt operations overnight.

It’s not just banks or hedge funds; fintech startups, asset managers, and even smaller advisory firms are now on the hook. Yet many teams still treat licensing as a box to tick later. 

In Hong Kong, licensing isn’t background paperwork. It’s the gatekeeper to your business staying open. This guide breaks down what the SFRC license is, who needs it, and why acting now protects your 2025 growth.

A short overview of the finance landscape in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s financial system is tightly governed,  and it matters for anyone entering the market. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is the main regulator overseeing ‘securities’ and ‘futures’ activities under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571).

It also shares oversight of banks classified as ‘registered institutions.’ But primary supervision of those banks falls to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) under the Banking Ordinance (Cap. 155).

For overseas financial institutions or foreigners opening a company in Hong Kong offering their Fintech, financial products/services, the key takeaway is clear: To operate in Hong Kong, you must understand the regulatory landscape, meet licensing requirements for Regulated Activity (RA), and follow the procedures set by the SFC and HKMA.

What is an SFC license?

An SFC license is an official permit issued by Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). It authorizes companies and individuals to carry out regulated activities (RA) in the securities and futures industry. Both local and foreign businesses need an SFC license to stay compliant, unless they meet specific exemptions.

12 types of regulated activities  that need licensing

Use the list below to understand the categories defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance for businesses operating in Hong Kong’s securities and futures markets.  These are the activities that require licensing or registration with the SFC. 

If your company in Hong Kong offers business activities that resemble the regulated activities by the SFC, you must apply for a license.

When do SFC exemptions apply?

Not every business operating around securities or futures in Hong Kong needs an SFC license. So before you spend time and money applying, let’s be clear about when exemptions actually apply.

The 2 common exemptions from SFC licensing are group company exemptions and incidental exemptions.

Group company exemptions

Group company exemptions are the most common. A Hong Kong firm providing Type 4 (Advising on Securities) or Type 9 (Asset Management) services only to:

• It's 100% parent company
• Its wholly owned subsidiaries
• Other wholly owned subsidiaries of that parent

They qualify to skip a separate license. Because the SFC recognizes that regulated activities within a single corporate family don’t carry the same third-party risks.

If third-party money is involved, like managing a fund, even intra-group Type 9 activities won’t be exempt.

Imagine Harbor Capital Asia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Harbor Group Holdings, a global asset manager. Harbor Capital Asia manages portfolios exclusively for its parent company’s internal funds and for two other Harbor subsidiaries, with no outside investors.  Because all activity stays within the corporate family and no third-party money is involved, they qualify for the intra-group exemption and don’t need a separate Type 9 license.

Incidental exemptions

Incidental exemptions are another key area. Sometimes, one license lets you carry out closely related activities without needing a second one.

For example:

• A Type 1 (Dealing in Securities) licensee can also handle Type 4 (Advising on Securities) or Type 9 (Asset Management) if those are incidental to its main business.
• A Type 9 (Asset Management) licensee can carry out Type 1, Type 2 (Futures), Type 4, and Type 5 (Futures Advising) if these services are part of managing a client’s assets.
• Expanded permissions for Type 3 (Leveraged FX Trading) and Type 12 (OTC Clearing) aren’t active yet and await SFC guidance before relying on them.

 Consider Pearl Bay Investments, a Hong Kong asset manager holding a Type 9 license.  One of its institutional clients asks Pearl Bay to execute a small number of securities trades directly related to the portfolios Pearl already manages.

Instead of applying for a separate Type 1 license, Pearl Bay can rely on the incidental exemption: those trades are a necessary part of delivering its core asset management service.  By using this exemption properly, Pearl Bay saves time and compliance costs while staying fully within SFC rules.

Requirements for an SFC license

To help you get the license, our incorporation experts prepare a summary of what you need before applying. Each item is a foundation for smooth approval and long-term regulatory health.

These requirements below include, but are not limited to (Since each company must submit other documents based on their company activities, shareholding,  each depends on the SFC boards upon examination):

How to get your company's SFC license in 5 steps

• 1

  Step 1: Set up your Hong Kong company

• 2

  Step 2: Identify the regulated activities

• 3

  Step 3: Meet core requirements

• 4

  Step 4: Prepare and submit a strong application

• 5

  Step 5: Get approved and stay compliant

Is getting an SFC license worth it?

It should be pretty clear now: securing an SFC license in Hong Kong is complex, and it’s not necessarily the right move for every business immediately.

If you do not have 

• A well-defined, regulated-activity model;
• Qualified personnel and strong compliance structures;
• Enough resources for setup and ongoing obligations.

It may make sense to delay. For others, the risk of operating without a license or misinterpreting exemptions simply isn’t worth it.

For now, you should focus on validating your business model, building internal capacity, and ensuring you meet the core requirements.

When you’re ready, you can apply with confidence. Global Link Asia Consulting and our experts are here to support you. 

Global Link Asia Consulting will be your Hong Kong business partner, the one that helps you simplify complexity, reduce risk, and position your company for success from day one.

• Open a company in Hong Kong legally, fast with our one-stop support
• Get a reliable, experienced company secretary with our corporate secretarial service
• Support in opening your business bank accounts;
• Get an affordable, professional registered office address for your business;
• Support to open, authenticate, and manage Stripe and PayPal Business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S;
• Handle all your tax accounting needs, timely annual filings, auditing, and more.

FAQs about declaring company dormancy