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A pioneer in the field of consulting and supporting foreign entrepreneurs and companies to incorporate a company in Dubai.
Company set up and A to Z services in Dubai
100% foreign ownership, providing investors with full control of their businesses;
Favorable governmental policies and a liberal regulatory environment;
Significant tax benefits with no personal income tax and a competitive corporate tax rate of just 9% (applicable as of June 2023);
Dubai's excellent transportation infrastructure make it a global hub for business;
Access to a large and diverse consumer market, serving as a gateway to the MENA region;
Networking and partnership opportunities with attractive Investment climate;
Efficient Business Setup.
100% foreign ownership for international business owners.
Attractive tax benefits with low corporate income tax rates:
Mainland companies: 9% corporate income tax from July 2023.
Offshore companies: 0% corporate income tax.
Reputable brand and business-friendly environment.
Easy and efficient company formation process.
Global connectivity and collaboration in an attractive investment climate.
Access to a large and diverse consumer market, serving as a gateway to the Middle East and North Africa region.
Global Link Asia Consulting is here to help you solve the puzzle!
For individual or corporate investors from overseas.
All-in-one company setup for Dubai's offshore, mainland, and freezone entities
Digital or physical corporate bank account opening services for Dubai companies
Accounting, internal financial reporting, tax filing preparation, and auditing for Dubai companies
5.0 / 5.0 reviews
Eric Nguyen Very professional service. Enthusiastic support, all questions are clearly answered by GLA friends. In addition, you will also be advised on the most beneficial solution for your business. Thank you GLA team for your support.
Peter Doan Global Link truly excel in providing new and practical solutions for businesses. They support me throughout the process of opening a bank account, ensuring my success with enthusiasm and dedication. I highly recommend their services.
| Global Link Asia Consulting | Law firms | Oversea filling agents |
|---|
| Consult and compare options between Dubai and other countries | |||
| Consult on the most suitable bank and the account opening success rate at the start | |||
| Consult on tax, accounting, and annual obligations right from the start | |||
| Transparent fee from the start | |||
| Check your company name | |||
| Company opening | |||
| Free mail forwarding support | Charge fee | ||
| 1-1 support throughout the incorporation and management process | |||
| Remind and track important deadlines | |||
| Prepare financial reports, audited reports, Annual General Meetings and Annual Returns | |||
| Dubai country domain name for your website | Depend | ||
| Register DUNS for your Dubai company | Depend |
Foreign entrepreneurs can set up a company in Dubai easily.
What is more, you can own 100% of the company for more than 1,000 commercial and industrial activities thanks to the Federal Decree-Law No. 26 of 2020.
Dubai provides a diverse array of business prospects and embraces a variety of industries. Among the frequently permitted sectors in Dubai are e-commerce, healthcare, tourism, and IT.
Moreover, emerging industries such as Fintech and Cryptocurrencies find Dubai's process for obtaining an operational license more straightforward and efficient than many other countries.
These options provide flexibility and cater to different business needs and preferences when incorporating a company in Dubai.
Yes, foreigners can open a bank account for a company in Dubai, and the account opening process does not require residency status. However, it is crucial that the business owner (director, shareholder) be physically present in Dubai to proceed with the company's bank account opening.
In addition to the undeniable convenience when dealing with Dubai clients, the robust stability of the Dubai banking sector enables international businesses to operate smoothly and conveniently.
Yes, our pricing models are completely transparent. We offer a variety of accounting packages suitable for different business needs, and there are no hidden charges. You'll know exactly what you're paying for from the outset, ensuring cost-effective solutions.
Once you engage our tax accounting service, our experts will conduct an initial review of your financial records to ensure compliance with Dubai's Accounting Standards. We will then guide you through each step of the process, from filing taxes to annual returns, ensuring accuracy and adherence to regulations.
Our team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge of Dubai's tax landscape. We provide personalized attention, proactive guidance, and dedicated support to ensure your financial success. Our commitment to transparency, efficiency, and expertise sets us apart in delivering top-notch tax accounting solutions.
To get started with our tax accounting service for your Dubai-based company, simply reach out to us through our contact information. Our team will be glad to discuss your requirements and provide you with the necessary guidance to initiate the process.
We offer support for mainland, freezone company formation as well as offshore company incorporation in RAK.
Experience the power of our secure and user-friendly online corporate services platform. It revolutionizes the process of incorporating and maintaining compliance for your Dubai company. Gone are the days of relying on slow email responses or unanswered calls.
Our platform puts you in control. Each task is intelligently assigned and tracked, ensuring prompt and high-quality delivery. With full visibility into the status of every task, you stay informed and empowered. Embrace the future of corporate services and leave behind the inefficiencies of the past.
Once you join our platform, our dedicated service delivery team will be there to assist you every step of the way. Rest assured, you won't be dealing with impersonal chatbots during your company incorporation and compliance journey. Instead, our experienced professionals will personally engage with you on a task-by-task basis, ensuring top-notch service quality.
Through our online platform, you'll enjoy seamless coordination and collaboration with our team, making your experience efficient, dependable, and enjoyable.
Contact our expert today!
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:
First, we need to understand why many small businesses still avoid cloud accounting software
A small note
Not all cloud accounting software is created equal. Some look impressive but lack local compliance or proper integration with your business systems.
That’s why we’ll focus on tools trusted by SMEs, with proven performance, scalability, and strong data security, and reasons why they don’t fit at first hand.
Bonus: some are actually suggested by the governments of Singapore, Hong Kong (Top financial centers in the world), so you know they are good.
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
This is the #1 reason small businesses avoid online accounting. Nearly 50% of respondents said manual methods are good enough.
And honestly, for a while, they are. Even a successful company Level.fyi scaled to millions of users using Google Sheets as a backend.
If you’re running a one-person operation with just a few invoices, Excel, or Google Sheet feels simple and familiar, you can buy made-for-you sheets which have a master tracking log that links the general journal, ledger, trial balance, and the 4 main financial reports.
But as your business grows, those “good enough” spreadsheets quickly become error-prone, time-consuming, and nearly impossible to track.
Some small businesses outsource all their accounting to a third-party bookkeeper or CPA.
So they think, “Why do I need accounting software if my accountant handles everything?”
Here’s the problem: without direct access to financial data. Business owners lose real-time visibility into their numbers, which often means missing insights, delayed decisions, and poor cash flow forecasting.
Many founders and business owners wear multiple hats: sales, marketing, HR, operations.
So when it comes to exploring accounting software, they just don’t have time.
Learning a new system can feel like a hassle, especially if you’re not comfortable with technology
But that short-term hesitation often costs more time (and money) down the line when manual processes start breaking.
Another common reason we often see is the limited budget.
Some small businesses assume digital accounting software is expensive. But in reality, most start at just a few dollars per month, and save hours of manual work every week.
If you factor in the cost of mistakes, lost receipts, or delayed payments, the ROI on automation is clear.
Here’s the big one. Most small businesses don’t have in-house accounting expertise.
In many cases, the owner or president handles the books, often with little to no formal training. That means they may not fully understand the benefits of automation, cash flow tracking, or financial reporting tools built into modern accounting systems.
And without an external accountant or bookkeeper to guide them, many business owners simply stick to what they know, even if it’s slowing them down.
Cloud accounting software makes financial management faster, more accurate, and less stressful. But for many SMEs, comfort with spreadsheets, lack of time, and limited accounting knowledge still hold them back.
If that sounds familiar, the key isn’t to avoid technology. It’s to start small, get guidance, and build systems that grow with your business. And our guide here is the perfect starting point for you to consider switching to cloud accounting software.
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
Things to watch out for
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
Things to watch out for
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
Things to watch out for
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
Things to watch out for:
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
Things to watch out for
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
Things to watch out for
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:
You start by understanding your business size, industry, and daily accounting needs. Then, we help you compare QuickBooks and Xero side by side: features, costs, and scalability to recommend the best fit for your goals.
Yes, we specialize in migrating your existing data from Excel or other platforms to QuickBooks or Xero — safely, accurately, and without disrupting your operations.
Absolutely, both QuickBooks and Xero are accountant-friendly. We’ll help your accountant or bookkeeper get access and ensure reports, reconciliations, and tax filings are seamless.
We provide hands-on training sessions and practical guides, so your team can manage invoicing, expenses, and reporting confidently — even if they’re new to accounting tools.
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.
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:
In this article, we’ll use BRN and UBI interchangeably to refer to your company’s 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:
BRN example from the IRD
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:
| Category | Specific Activities |
| Banking & Finance | Open a business bank account, apply for loans, set up merchant accounts, and verify PayPal or other payment gateways. |
| Tax & Compliance | File profit tax returns, apply for tax deductions, communicate with the IRD, and maintain accounting and audit records. |
| Business Operations | Issue invoices, sign supplier contracts, apply for licenses, and register for MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund). |
| Digital Platforms | Verify Amazon Seller or Alibaba business accounts, confirm Google Ads, and Facebook Business Manager. |
| E-commerce | Verify Shopify/WooCommerce accounts, handle international payments, and manage customs declarations. |
| Professional Services | Sign service contracts, apply for professional liability insurance, and join professional associations. |
| Import/Export | Prepare trade documents, obtain Certificates of Origin (C/O), and apply for trade finance. |
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.
If your business earns income or operates for profit in Hong Kong, you must register and have a BRN/UBI. This includes:
Operating without a valid BRN or UBI is a direct violation of Hong Kong’s Business Registration Ordinance (BRO).
Here are the penalties:
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)
You should keep the original in a safe place.
Official IRD Documents
Tax returns, assessment notices, and correspondence from the IRD.
eTax Portal
Government Website
Visit gov.hk’s BRN enquiry service and enter your company name to search for your BRN/UBI.
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:
Step 1: Incorporate your company
We’ll help you file incorporation documents with the Companies Registry and obtain your Certificate of Incorporation (CR) with your Company Registration Number (CRN).
Step 2: Receive your business registration certificate
Once your company is incorporated, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) will automatically issue your BRN/UBI.
You’ll receive your Business Registration Certificate (BRC) within 1 business day, showing:
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:
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:
Whether you’re a solopreneur, startup, or scaling business, we’ll make sure your Hong Kong setup is fully compliant, optimized, and affordable.
Yes. Any form of business presence, including a representative office or property lease, requires a BRN.
UBI is the new version of BRN; both serve the same function and are valid.
You can look at your Business Registration Certificate, eTax account, or official IRD letters.
You could be fined up to HKD 5,000, face up to one year in prison, and must pay overdue registration fees.
| Identifier | Full Name | Issued By | Applies To |
| BRN/UBI | Business Registration Number/ Unique Business Identifier | Inland Revenue Department (IRD) | All businesses – foreign, private, partnership, etc. |
| CRN | Company Registration Number | Companies Registry | Only incorporated companies |
Let’s say you run an e-commerce business in Singapore and decide to expand into Hong Kong. Once your company is incorporated, you’ll automatically receive your UBI from the IRD. With it, you can open a Hong Kong bank account, register for MPF, verify your Shopify or Amazon seller account, and stay fully compliant from day one.
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:
Let’s get into 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
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.
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
Pro tips for our DUNS experts to speed up your account creation
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
| Information required | Description | Displayed publicly? |
| Developer name | The name that appears on Google Play. It can differ from your legal name. Based on our 10 years of supporting clients, we suggest you keep the same name on Google Play as your organization. The government agents will verify your company's authenticity if they see 2 different names during tax seasons. | Yes |
| Organization name | Pulled from your Google Payments profile during setup. | Yes |
| Organization address | Taken from your linked Google Payments profile. | Yes |
| Organization phone number | Must be active and reachable. | Yes |
| Organization Website | Your company’s official website. It is optional, but we recommend you have one since it increases your chance of verification success. | No |
| Contact name | Main point of contact for Google. | No |
| Contact email address | For communication from Google. It must be verified. We suggest you use your business email from Google Workspace (If any). It speeds up the verification. | No |
| Contact phone number | For communication from Google. It must be verified. | No |
| Developer email address | Shown publicly on your Google Play profile. It must be verified. | Yes |
| Developer phone number | Shown publicly on your Google Play profile. It must be verified. | Yes |
| D-U-N-S Number | Required if your developer account is for a company/an organization | No |
After submitting your information, Google will ask you to verify your:
To improve transparency and user trust, Google will display publicly on your developer profile:
These details help users confirm they’re downloading from a legitimate source. In addition, your contact and developer emails and phone numbers must:
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.
We start by understanding your business goals and the purpose of your Google Developer Account.
Based on your company type, whether tech startup, app developer, or digital agency, we recommend a tailored D-U-N-S® registration package designed for faster approval.
If you live in a region where DUNS is not supported. We help you incorporate a company in a country that supports DUNS, such as Singapore, Hong Kong, the U.S, Canada, the U.K., or Seychelles.
You can use this company to sign contracts with your clients, do business with your partners, and more.
We help you collect and organize all required business documents for Dun & Bradstreet’s review — ensuring every detail matches your legal records and Google Payments profile.
This prevents delays caused by incomplete or inconsistent information.
Our team submits your verified application directly to Dun & Bradstreet (D&B).
We monitor the process closely and handle communication with D&B to make sure your application stays on track.
Once approved, D&B will issue your official D-U-N-S® Number, along with:
These documents confirm your business's legitimacy and can be used to verify your Google Developer identity.
Once you have your D-U-N-S® Number, we can help you:
It will take up to 7 days for Google to receive the D-U-N-S number. You have to wait until the Google verification is over to finally unlock 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:
Contact Global Link Asia Consulting today to simplify your D-U-N-S® registration and unlock your Google Developer Account.
On average, obtaining a D-U-N-S® Number takes 4–8 weeks.
The process involves several verification steps with Dun & Bradstreet (DNB), and delays often happen if follow-ups aren’t made promptly.
When you work with Global Link Asia Consulting (GLAC), we help you manage the entire process from preparing documents to tracking progress — so you can receive your D-U-N-S® Number as quickly as possible.
Due to our partnership with DUNS headquarters, We offer a speed-up service that helps you obtain your D-U-N-S® Number in less than 4 weeks.
If DNB doesn’t support your country, GLAC can help you register a company in the DUNS-supported countries such as the United Stated, Canada, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, etc.
Once your legal entity is incorporated, you can easily apply for a D-U-N-S® Number under that company name.
Our team assists you with:
This approach ensures you can obtain your D-U-N-S® Number smoothly and meet all verification requirements for platforms like Google Developer or Apple Developer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Type | Activities |
| Type 1 | Dealing in securities |
| Type 2 | Dealing in futures contracts |
| Type 3 | Foreign exchange trading |
| Type 4 | Advising on securities |
| Type 5 | Advising on futures contracts |
| Type 6 | Advising on corporate finance |
| Type 7 | Providing automated trading services |
| Type 8 | Securities margin financing |
| Type 9 | Asset management |
| Type 10 | Providing credit rating services |
| Type 11 | Dealing in or advising on OTC derivative products |
| Type 12 | Providing client clearing services for OTC transactions |
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 are the most common. A Hong Kong firm providing Type 4 (Advising on Securities) or Type 9 (Asset Management) services only to:
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 are another key area. Sometimes, one license lets you carry out closely related activities without needing a second one.
For example:
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.
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):
| Requirement | What must you satisfy |
| Legal form | The company must be a Hong Kong-incorporated or an overseas company registered as a branch in Hong Kong. Sole proprietors and partnerships are not eligible. |
| Regulated activity (RA) | The company must identify the specific RA type(s) (e.g., Type 1 Dealing in Securities, Type 9 Asset Management). Each RA has tailored criteria and capital thresholds. |
| Minimum Paid-up capital & Liquid capital | Capital requirements vary: e.g., Type 4 or Type 9 typically HKD 100,000 paid-up and HKD 100,000 liquid minimum. |
| Responsible officers (ROs) | The company must have at least 2 ROs for each RA, with 1 executive director actively managing day-to-day business. ROs must have relevant experience and pass the local exams. |
| Fit and proper test | Directors, shareholders, and ROs must pass the SFC’s fit-and-proper assessment (integrity, competence, and financial soundness). |
| Business plan & Internal controls | The company must provide a detailed business plan, compliance manual, risk management policies, AML/CTF measures, and proper record-keeping procedures. |
| Physical office in HK | A local business address with proper facilities and staff. Virtual offices and registered address services are not accepted. |
| Auditor appointment | The company must have an independent, approved auditor |
| Application fee & processing Time | The company has to pay non-refundable fees (varies by RA) and expects around 20 weeks for SFC review plus prep time. |
| Ongoing obligations | After licensing, the company must maintain minimum capital, submit annual returns/audits, notify SFC of changes, and comply with AML/KYC regulations. |
Before you can even apply for an SFC license, you need a properly structured entity. Our experts can align your company setup with SFC standards right from the start.
SFC licenses are activity-specific, choosing the right type is critical. We’ll analyze your business model so you don’t over- or under-license and risk compliance issues later.
Examples of common Regulated Activities (RAs):
You’ll need to:
We handle the heavy lifting from preparing, reviewing, to communicating directly with SFC so your application moves fast.
Once you receive approval (usually in 20–24 weeks), you’re officially licensed. But the work doesn’t stop there; your Hong Kong company must maintain annual compliance. Our post-licensing support keeps your business running smoothly and risk-free long after approval.
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
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.
If a Hong Kong company carries on Type 4 (Advising on Securities) or Type 9 (Asset Management) solely for its 100% parent, its wholly owned subsidiaries, or sibling subsidiaries of the same parent, it may qualify for a group company (intra-group) exemption from having to be licensed for those activities.
Individuals who act as ROs must satisfy “Guidelines on Competence,” including relevant industry experience (often 3 years in the past 6), proper qualifications (or exemptions if applicable), and/or passing SFC’s local regulatory exam (LRP).
There are conditional/full exemptions in certain cases, especially for those with long industry experience or who held prior licences.
Operating in a regulated activity without the proper licence is an offence under the SFO. The SFC may impose penalties, revoke registration, or take legal action.
Misusing exemptions or misunderstanding requirements can lead to compliance risk, reputation damage, and business disruption.
Giấy phép kinh doanh là yêu cầu bắt buộc để kinh doanh thành công tại Mỹ, nhưng không phải công ty Mỹ nào cũng cần giấy phép.
Luật liên bang, tiểu bang và thành phố ở Mỹ rất khác nhau. Một số loại hình kinh doanh có thể hoạt động mà không cần giấy phép cụ thể, trong khi số khác bắt buộc phải đăng ký ngay từ khi mở công ty.
Sai một bước, Doanh nghiệp mất thời gian, tiền bạc và cơ hội mở rộng, tương tự như nhiều khách hàng chuyển dịch vụ sang Global Link Asia Consulting để khắc phục sự cố.
Hướng dẫn tổng quát sau đây sẽ giúp Doanh nghiệp xác định chính xác khi nào phải đăng ký, giấy phép nào cần cho từng ngành và cách tiết kiệm chi phí trong năm 2025.
Yêu cầu nộp giấy phép phục thuộc vào địa điểm hoạt động công ty và yêu cầu chính phủ
Theo định nghĩa của cơ quan quản lý doanh nghiệp Mỹ (Small Business Administration (“SBA”)), đăng ký giấy phép là yêu cầu bắt buộc.
Giấy phép kinh doanh Mỹ là giấy phép chính thức cho phép một công ty hoạt động trong một lĩnh vực, một khu vực địa lý nhất định, do chính quyền địa phương, tiểu bang hoặc liên bang Mỹ cấp.
Phạm vi của giấy phép này phụ thuộc vào loại hình kinh doanh, vị trí và các quy định của ngành.
Ví dụ, một nhà hàng mở tại North Dakota cần giấy phép vệ sinh an toàn thực phẩm, giấy phép bán rượu và giấy phép kinh doanh để hoạt động trong tiểu bang North Dakota. Nếu nhà hàng sở hữu một trang trại trăn nuôi động vật lấy thịt, nhà hàng cũng cần có giấy phép chăn nuôi từ bộ Nông nghiệp Mỹ USDA.
Trong khi đó, một nhà thiết kế đồ họa tự do chỉ cần giấy phép cơ bản để cung cấp dịch vụ hợp pháp tại nhà nếu chọn mở công ty tư nhân.
Một giấy phép đúng chuẩn cần đáp ứng 3 chuẩn mực sau:
Doanh nghiệp thành lập công ty tại Mỹ sẽ cần 1 trong 4 loại giấy phép sau: Giấy phép liên bang, giấy phép tiểu bang, giấy phép của địa phương (chính quyền thành phố, quận) và giấy phép kinh doanh tại nhà.
Các chủ doanh nghiệp thành lập công ty tại Mỹ cần kiểm tra xem mình cần giấy phép nào từ chính phủ liên bang Mỹ và chỉnh phủ tiêu bang như Delaware, Texas, California tại nơi mình mở công ty.
Các doanh nghiệp mở công ty ở Mỹ cần kết hợp giấy phép từ cả cơ quan liên bang và tiểu bang.
Nếu hoạt động kinh doanh của công ty thuộc lĩnh vực do cơ quan liên bang quản lý, Doanh nghiệp phải xin giấy phép hoặc giấy tờ phù hợp từ cơ quan quản lý cấp liên bang tại Mỹ.
Giấy phép kinh doanh từ cơ quan USDA trong lĩnh vực Nông nghiệp Mỹ cho từng chuyên môn
Lưu ý từ chuyên gia tư vấn thị trường Mỹ
Doanh nghiệp cần kiểm tra xem hoạt động kinh doanh của bạn có thuộc danh sách dưới đây không. Danh sách dưới đây bao gồm, nhưng không giới hạn ở các lĩnh vực trong bảng dưới
Ví dụ: nếu công ty kinh doanh lĩnh vực Crypto, tài chính, công ty sẽ cần đăng ký và cấp phép từ cơ quan Fincen.
Yêu cầu và phí sẽ thay đổi tùy vào loại hình kinh doanh và cơ quan cấp phép. Doanh nghiệp hãy liên hệ trực tiếp cơ quan liên bang hoặc tiểu bang để biết chi tiết hoặc gọi điện trực tiếp cho chuyên gia Gobal Link Asia Consulting để được tư vấn chi tiết.
Các lĩnh vực kinh doanh công ty Mỹ cần đăng ký giấy phép từ cơ quan chính phủ liên bang bao gồm, nhưng không giới hạn ở các lĩnh vực trong bảng dưới đây:
| Hoạt động kinh doanh | Mô tả | Cơ quan cấp phép |
| Nông nghiệp | Nhập khẩu hoặc vận chuyển qua các bang: động vật, sản phẩm động vật, sinh học, công nghệ sinh học hoặc thực vật | Bộ Nông nghiệp Hoa Kỳ (U.S. Department of Agriculture) |
| Đồ uống có cồn | Sản xuất, bán buôn, nhập khẩu, bán lẻ | Cục Thuế & Thương mại Rượu và Thuốc lá (TTB); Sở Kiểm soát Rượu địa phương |
| Hàng không | Vận hành máy bay, vận chuyển hàng hóa/hành khách bằng đường không, bảo dưỡng máy bay | Cục Hàng không Liên bang (Federal Aviation Administration) |
| Vũ khí, đạn dược, chất nổ | Sản xuất, bán, nhập khẩu | Cục Rượu, Thuốc lá, Súng đạn và Chất nổ (ATF) |
| Thủy sản & động vật hoang dã | Nhập khẩu/xuất khẩu động vật hoang dã hoặc sản phẩm liên quan | Dịch vụ Cá và Động vật Hoang dã Hoa Kỳ (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) |
| Ngư nghiệp thương mại | Hoạt động đánh bắt cá thương mại | Cục Quản lý Nghề cá NOAA (NOAA Fisheries Service) |
| Vận tải biển | Vận chuyển người hoặc hàng hóa bằng đường biển | Ủy ban Hàng hải Liên bang (Federal Maritime Commission) |
| Khai thác khoáng sản & khoan dầu | Khoan khai thác khí đốt, dầu hoặc tài nguyên khoáng sản trên đất liên bang | Cục An toàn và Thực thi Môi trường (Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement) |
| Năng lượng hạt nhân | Sản xuất năng lượng hạt nhân thương mại, vận hành cơ sở nhiên liệu, phân phối/xử lý chất hạt nhân | Ủy ban Quản lý Hạt nhân Hoa Kỳ (U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission) |
| Phát thanh & truyền hình | Phát thông tin qua radio, truyền hình, dây, vệ tinh, cáp | Ủy ban Truyền thông Liên bang (Federal Communications Commission) |
| Vận tải & logistics | Vận hành phương tiện quá khổ hoặc quá tải (giấy phép do tiểu bang cấp, nhưng Bộ Giao thông Hoa Kỳ hướng dẫn) | Bộ Giao thông Vận tải Hoa Kỳ (U.S. Department of Transportation) |
Các giấy phép và giấy tờ công ty Mỹ cần từ tiểu bang, quận hoặc thành phố sẽ phụ thuộc vào loại hình kinh doanh và địa điểm hoạt động trong tiểu bang đó. Phí cấp giấy phép kinh doanh sẽ khác nhau tùy tiểu bang.
Tiểu bang thường quản lý phạm vi hoạt động rộng hơn so với liên bang. Một số loại hình kinh doanh phổ biến được quản lý ở cấp địa phương gồm:
Một số giấy phép và giấy tờ sẽ hết hạn sau một thời gian nhất định. Ví dụ, gấy phép hành nghề chuyên môn tại Delaware, chẳng hạn như giấy phép cho quản lý viện dưỡng lão (nursing home administrators), yêu cầu gia hạn hai năm một lần (biennial renewal).
Bên cạnh đó, Doanh nghiệp cũng cần lưu ý kiểm tra xem công ty có cần các giấy phép, giấy chứng nhận về thuế để làm việc với các cơ quan thuế tiểu bang (Resales certificate).
Kinh nghiệm của chuyên gia Global Link Asia Consutling cho thấy quy trình gia hạn giấy phép thường dễ hơn xin giấy phép mới. Vì vậy. chủ doanh nghiệp nên lưu ý về thời hạn gia hạn giấy phép để việc duy trì kinh doanh dễ dàng hơn.
1 loại giấy phép khác cũng không kém phần quan trọng khi kinh doanh là giấy phép địa phương
Do chính quyền thành phố hoặc quận cấp, thường phụ thuộc vào loại hình và vị trí kinh doanh. Ví dụ:
Zoning permit từ Wyoming County, New York
Nếu chủ doanh nghiệp đang sinh sống tại Mỹ có ý định kinh doanh ngay từ căn nhà của mình, công ty sẽ cần đăng ký 1 loại giấy phép đặc biệt để được vận hành kinh doanh.
Giấy phép kinh doanh tại nhà (Home occupation permit) cho phép công ty hoạt đọng tại nhà chủ công ty với điều kiện công ty đáp ứng yêu cầu đăng ký như lĩnh vực kinh doanh cho phép, mức độ tiếng ồn tối thiểu, số lượng nhân sự, vùng sinh sống, và địa chỉ ở.
Đăng ký giấy phép kinh doanh tại nhà tại District of Columbia DC Mỹ
Doanh nghiệp hoàn toàn có thể tự mình xin giấy phép kinh doanh. Tuy nhiên, công ty có thể gặp rủi ro bị từ chối hoặc không xin đủ các loại giấy phép cần thiết.
Global Link Asia Consulting hỗ trợ doanh nghiệp chuẩn bị hồ sơ và đảm bảo công ty nhận đúng giấy phép theo yêu cầu pháp lý sau khi thành lập công ty tại Mỹ.
Nhiều doanh nghiệp bị phạt hoặc đình chỉ hoạt động không phải vì họ không muốn tuân thủ, mà vì họ không biết mình cần giấy phép nào.
Mỗi tiểu bang, quận hoặc thành phố đều có quy định riêng.
Chủ doanh nghiệp cần xác định chính xác các giấy phép và giấy tờ bắt buộc cho ngành nghề cũng như địa điểm hoạt động trước khi bắt đầu.
Global Link Asia Consulting sẽ hỗ trợ Doanh nghiệp làm rõ đầy đủ các loại giấy phép dựa trên file KYC chuẩn bị bởi chuyên gia Global Link Asia Consulting. Công ty Mỹ sẽ đăng ký các giấy phép dựa trên tư vấn chính xác, đầy đủ từ chuyên gia công ty.
Nếu Doanh nghiệp đang có ý định mở công ty Mỹ để kinh doanh, Global Link Asia Consulting sẽ tư vấn và hỗ trợ Doanh nghiệp thành lập công ty trọn gói và tư vấn đăng ký các giấy phép phù hợp.
Công ty không nên đánh giá thấp khâu chuẩn bị hồ sơ. Doanh nghiệp cần chuẩn bị:
Một số tài liệu yêu cầu công chứng hoặc chứng thực. Vì vậy doanh nghiệp cần dành thời gian hoàn tất.
Đối với các ngành nghề được quản lý chặt chẽ, công ty có thể phải bổ sung thư giới thiệu hoặc thư cam kết.
Khi công ty điền đơn đăng ký, một lỗi nhỏ cũng có thể làm chậm quá trình xử lý. Doanh nghiệp cần kiểm tra kỹ từng mục trước khi nộp.
Nếu công ty xin nhiều giấy phép ở các cấp khác nhau (địa phương, tiểu bang, liên bang), chủ doanh nghiệp cần sắp xếp hồ sơ gọn gàng và đầy đủ cho từng đơn.
Phí cấp phép có thể cố định hoặc dựa trên quy mô và doanh thu dự kiến của doanh nghiệp. Một số cơ quan chấp nhận thanh toán trực tuyến, trong khi số khác chỉ nhận séc hoặc phiếu chuyển tiền. Công ty cần chuẩn bị phương thức thanh toán đúng yêu cầu để tránh chậm trễ.
Một số lĩnh vực như nhà hàng, cơ sở giữ trẻ hoặc nhà máy sản xuất cần kiểm tra trước khi cấp phép. Công ty nên đặt lịch kiểm tra sớm và chuẩn bị đầy đủ để đáp ứng các tiêu chuẩn.
Khi được chấp thuận, doanh nghiệp sẽ nhận giấy phép qua bưu điện hoặc trực tuyến.
Doanh nghiệp cần giấy phép y tế địa phương nếu hoạt động của doanh nghiệp liên quan đến việc chế biến, xử lý hoặc phân phối thực phẩm.
Giấy phép y tế thường thuộc thẩm quyền của sở y tế quận (County health department), và doanh nghiệp nên liên hệ với cơ quan để tìm hiểu các yêu cầu địa phương.
Ở một số khu vực pháp lý, những doanh nghiệp có hoạt động tiếp xúc trực tiếp với cơ thể người (như tiệm nail hoặc tiệm mát-xa) cũng sẽ cần giấy phép y tế, tương tự như các cơ sở sức khỏe như hồ bơi và spa.
Sở y tế sẽ muốn kiểm tra cơ sở vật chất của doanh nghiệp trước khi cấp giấy phép và có thể sẽ tiến hành kiểm tra định kỳ hằng năm sau đó.
Nếu doanh nghiệp đang vận hành một nhà hàng hoặc hoạt động kinh doanh chế biến thực phẩm khác, doanh nghiệp cũng có thể cần hoàn thành khóa học về an toàn thực phẩm và duy trì chứng nhận đó.
Nếu doanh nghiệp bán hàng hóa hoặc dịch vụ — dù trực tuyến hay trực tiếp — và bang nơi công ty thành lập hay bán hàng yêu cầu thu thuế bán hàng, doanh nghiệp sẽ cần xin giấy phép thuế bán hàng (còn gọi là giấy phép người bán). C
Các bang thường yêu cầu doanh nghiệp nộp lại thuế bán hàng đã thu theo quý hoặc hàng tháng.
Một số khu vực pháp lý yêu cầu doanh nghiệp phải xin giấy phép trước khi treo bảng hiệu.
Quy định địa phương cũng có thể đưa ra các yêu cầu rất cụ thể về kích thước bảng hiệu, cách chiếu sáng và vị trí được phép đặt. Một số thị trấn thậm chí còn cấm hoàn toàn biển hiệu neon.
Nhiều khu vực pháp lý yêu cầu một số doanh nghiệp phải xin giấy phép đặc biệt liên quan đến kiểm soát ô nhiễm.
Nếu hoạt động kinh doanh của doanh nghiệp liên quan đến việc đốt cháy vật liệu, sử dụng sản phẩm tạo khí (như bình phun sơn) hoặc bằng cách nào đó xả chất gây ô nhiễm vào không khí hoặc nước, doanh nghiệp rất có thể sẽ cần xin giấy phép đặc biệt từ cơ quan thành phố hoặc quận.
Doanh nghiệp sẽ cần xin giấy phép đặc biệt của bang nếu hoạt động kinh doanh liên quan đến việc bán rượu, vé số, xăng hoặc súng đạn.
Những giấy phép này thường chứng minh rằng doanh nghiệp và nhân viên đã đáp ứng các tiêu chuẩn do bang quy định về việc bán các loại hàng hóa này.
Các sản phẩm cần giấy phép bao gồm:
Rượu: Doanh nghiệp cần liên hệ với Cục Thuế và Thương mại Rượu và Thuốc lá Liên bang (TTB).
Vé số: Các nhà bán lẻ cần được phê duyệt từ cơ quan quản lý cờ bạc (state gambling agencies) của bang trước khi bán vé số hoặc lắp đặt máy trò chơi điện tử.
Xăng: Doanh nghiệp nên kiểm tra thêm trên trang web của Thư ký Bang (Secretary of State ) để biết chi tiết.
Súng đạn: Giấy phép đại lý súng được quản lý ở cấp liên bang bởi Cục Rượu, Thuốc lá, Súng đạn và Chất nổ (ATF). Một số bang có thể yêu cầu doanh nghiệp xin thêm giấy phép cấp bang hoặc hoàn thành khóa học an toàn súng đạn trước khi bán súng trong khu vực.
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