Foreign companies wishing to carry on business in Hong Kong would have to establish a legal presence. The most common forms are:

• Formation of a Hong Kong limited liability company
  A Hong Kong limited liability company could be private or public, limited by shares or guarantees. This company would be a separate legal entity and could be a subsidiary or sister company of the foreign company, or have other suitable ownership structures.
• Branch office of a foreign company
  Foreign companies may choose to register a branch in Hong Kong. A branch office would be the same legal entity as the foreign company and would have within 1 month of the establishment of the place of business, to apply to the Companies Registry for registration. A Business Registration Certificate has to be obtained.
• Representative office of a foreign company
  Foreign companies that wish to establish a presence in Hong Kong for liaison, marketing and promotion may choose to obtain a Business Registration Certificate only. This is often referred to as a representative office. This office is the same legal entity as the foreign company and must not transact any business that will create legal obligations in Hong Kong except for the purposes only to set up the office.
• Sole proprietorship and partnerships
  These forms of business are not common as the individuals of a sole proprietorship or partnership are subject to unlimited liability.