Can a Foreigner who works in Hong Kong serve as a Company Director?

2 min read|Last Updated: August 28, 2024|

When establishing a company in Hong Kong, many entrepreneurs wonder whether a foreigner working in the city can serve as a company director. Hong Kong’s business-friendly environment, along with its strategic location and robust legal framework, makes it an attractive destination for both local and foreign business owners. This article explores the regulations for appointing foreign directors in Hong Kong companies, highlighting opportunities and responsibilities.

Responsibilities of Company Director

Among the responsibilities of the company director are:

  • To act in a manner which is of most benefit to the company in question
  • Use the powers bestowed upon the director to best serve the members of the company
  • Avoid conflicts between the interests of the company and personal interests
  • Use the information the property of the company legally and ethically, and many others

Company directors of Hong Kong companies are considered the most significant figures in a company because they are the ones who decide the future direction of the company and its business activities.

Who can be a Hong Kong company director?

In Hong Kong, a company director can be either a corporate director or an individual. According to Hong Kong’s company law, a company director does not have to be a Hong Konger. Anyone can be the company director as long as he/she is a natural person. Therefore, it can be seen that it is legally permissible for a foreigner to serve as the director of a Hong Kong company based on this regulation.

The absence of restrictions on foreign directors attracts global entrepreneurs to start companies in Hong Kong.

If you are one of the entrepreneurs or investors who would like to start a business in Hong Kong, Paul Hype Page & Co can help! We understand a great deal about the incorporation of a Hong Kong company and will therefore be able to serve your needs regarding the matter, whatever those needs may happen to be.

Requirement: Hong Kong Company Director

If unfamiliar with Hong Kong’s company laws, you might assume a company director must be a shareholder. However, this is not the case; there is no requirement for any directors of a Hong Kong company to also be among the shareholders of the company.

Nominee corporate directors can be appointed to serve alongside a company’s existing directors if needed. Board meetings should be held regularly to assess the company’s current situation effectively.
Hong Kong allows board meetings to be held anywhere, whether in Hong Kong or internationally, with no geographical restrictions. This flexibility has drawn many a foreign company director to take up the role in a Hong Kong company.

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FAQs

Who can be a company director in Hong Kong?2020-11-02T02:50:32+08:00

A company director can be either a corporate director or an individual in Hong Kong. 

Is the company director in Hong Kong must be one of the company’s shareholder?2020-11-02T02:50:16+08:00

No. there is no requirement for any directors of a Hong Kong company to also be among the shareholders of the company. 

I went bankrupt last year. Can I be the Company Director?2020-11-02T02:50:02+08:00

Unfortunately, you are not allowed to be the company director in Hong Kong if you are bankrupt. 

I am 21 years old. Can I be the Company Director of a Hong Kong’s company?2020-11-02T02:43:10+08:00

Yes. You can be a Company Director in Hong Kong as long as you are 18 years old and above. 

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