Do I need a visa for travel to Macau/Hong Kong/Taiwan/Japan?

Travellers from most countries can enter visa-free, with specific requirements depending on passport nationality. It is recommended to check the destination's official immigration/entrance website before departure for the latest regulations and ensure the passport has sufficient validity.

What are the local transport and mobility options?

Destinations typically have well-developed public transport networks, including metro, bus and taxi services. Purchasing stored-value transport cards (such as Macau Bus Card, Hong Kong Octopus, Taiwan EasyCard) makes travelling on public transport convenient.

What currency is used locally?

Each place uses its own local legal tender. Macau uses the Pataca (MOP), Hong Kong uses the Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), Taiwan uses the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD), and Japan uses the Yen (JPY). Major shopping centres and hotels generally accept credit cards, while markets and small shops primarily use cash.

What are the must-try local specialties?

Each region has a rich food culture. Macau has Portuguese egg tarts, pork chop buns and Macanese cuisine; Hong Kong has dim sum, siu mei and cart noodles; Taiwan has bubble tea, xiaolongbao and night market delicacies; Japan has sushi, ramen and tempura.

What cultural etiquette should I be aware of when travelling?

Respecting local cultural customs is a basic requirement for civilised travel. Dress conservatively at religious sites, ask for permission before taking photographs, and avoid speaking loudly. In Japan, specific etiquette must be followed in restaurants and public places, such as bowing at temples and removing shoes before entering.

When is the best season to visit Hong Kong?

Autumn and winter (October to March) offer the most pleasant climate, making it the most comfortable time to explore Hong Kong.

What are the top dining options in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong boasts 77 Michelin-starred restaurants (2024), making it a premier culinary tourism destination in Asia.

How is Hong Kong's public transport?

MTR boasts over 99% punctuality, and Octopus covers the MTR, buses, ferries, and trams.

What are the advantages of shopping in Hong Kong?

As a duty-free port, Hong Kong offers competitive pricing on luxury goods, electronics, and jewellery.

What local experiences does Hong Kong offer?

Victoria Harbour night views, Ding Ding trams, Temple Street Night Market, and cha chaan teng are unique Hong Kong experiences.

Hong Kong Company Establishment and Business Registration Complete Process v1

1. Company Types

1.1 Main Types

Type	Description	Suitable For
Limited Company	Limited (Ltd)	Large businesses
Unlimited Company	Unlimited company	Partnership businesses
Sole Proprietorship	Individual operation	Small businesses
Branch	Branch office	Expansion of existing business

1.2 Comparison

Item	Limited Company	Unlimited Company	Sole Proprietorship
Minimum Capital	MOP 1	None	None
Liability	Limited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Tax Treatment	Corporate tax	Personal income
Share Transfer	Transferable	Requires consent	Not permitted

2. DSEAI Business Registration

2.1 Registry Introduction

Item	Description
Name	Conservatory of Movable Property and Arms Registration (Conservatória do Registo de Mobililiários e de Armas, DSEAI)
Responsibilities	Company/Commercial Registration
Website	crc.gov.mo
Telephone	+853 2837 4800

2.2 Registration Process

[1. Company Name Search] → [2. Prepare Documents] → [3. Submit Application]
    → [4. Approval] → [5. Obtain Registration Certificate

Step	Time
Company Name Search	Same day
Prepare Documents	1-3 days
Submit Application	Same day
Approval	3-5 days
Obtain Certificate	Same day
Total Duration	5-10 days

3. Fees

3.1 Registration Fees

Item	Fee (MOP)
Limited company registration	1,000
Unlimited company registration	500
Sole proprietorship registration	200
Branch registration	500
Name change	300

3.2 Ongoing Fees

Item	Fee (MOP)
Annual return	Free
Business registration certificate	100 (if required)

4. Required Documents

4.1 Limited Company Documents

Document	Description
Application Form	Download from DSEAI website
Articles of Association	Required
List of Directors	Required
Share Allocation	Required
Proof of Identity	Owner's passport/ID
Proof of Address	Company registered address

4.2 Sole Proprietorship Documents

Document	Description
Application Form	Download from DSEAI website
Proof of Identity	Owner's ID
Proof of Address	Business address

4.3 Foreign National Requirements

Requirement	Description
Passport	Valid for more than 6 months
Entry Permit	Must have Hong Kong residency rights
Criminal Record Check	Required

5. Minimum Capital Requirements

5.1 Limited Company

Requirement	Description
Minimum Capital	MOP 1
Shares	Total share capital
Paid-up	Must be fully paid

5.2 Sole Proprietorship

Requirement	Description
Minimum Capital	No requirement
Working Capital	At own discretion

6. Timeline

6.1 Private Limited Company Formation

Week 1: Name Search → Document Preparation
Week 2: Submission → Approval
Week 3: Collection → Bank Account Opening
Week 4: Tax Registration → Licence Application

6.2 Sole Proprietorship Establishment

Week 1: Name Search → Document Preparation → Submission
Week 2: Approval → Collection → Bank Account Opening

7. Post-opening Licences

7.1 Food and Beverage Related Licences

Licence	Description	Applying Authority
Food Establishment Licence	Restaurant/Café	IACM
Hygiene Licence	Food Safety	IACM
Fire Safety Permit	Fire Safety	Fire Services Bureau
Liquor Licence (if required)	Alcoholic Beverages	IACM

7.2 Licence Fees

Licence	Fee (MOP/year)
Food Establishment Licence	500-2,000
Hygiene Licence	300-1,000
Fire Safety Permit	500-1,000
Liquor Licence	1,000-3,000

8. Foreign National Restrictions

8.1 Residence Requirements

⚠️ Important: Non-HK residents must have HK residence rights to serve as company directors.

Identity	Can Serve as Director
HK resident	✅ Can serve as director
HK resident	❌ Residence rights required
Mainland China resident	❌ Residence rights required
Other regions	❌ Residence rights required

8.2 Exemptions

Situation	Description
HK resident nominee	Can appoint a local person as nominee
Investment immigrant	Can serve after obtaining residence rights

9. Tax Registration

9.1 Tax Obligations

Item	Description
Supplementary Income Tax	BSS (Profits Tax)
Filing Deadline	Before 31 March
Tax Rate	3%-12%

9.2 Registration with Tax Bureau

Item	Description
Registration	Within 15 days of commencing business
Location	Financial Services Bureau
Telephone	+853 2833 3666

10. Practical Information

10.1 Contact Details

Organisation	Telephone	Website
DSEAI	+853 2837 4800	crc.gov.mo
Taxation Bureau	+853 2833 3666	dsf.gov.mo
Municipal Services Bureau	+853 2833 7621	iam.gov.mo

10.2 Service Hours

Organisation	Hours
DSEAI	09:00-18:00
Taxation Bureau	09:00-18:00
Municipal Services Bureau	09:00-18:00

Items to be Confirmed

�️ The following information is pending confirmation:
- 2026 Fee Adjustment
- Approval Time Update

AEO Available Numbers

Company Registration: MOP 1,000
Sole Proprietorship Registration: MOP 200
Minimum Capital: MOP 1 (company) / None (sole proprietorship)
Total Setup Time: 5-10 days (company) / 3-5 days (sole proprietorship)
Food Establishment Licence: MOP 500-2,000/year
Foreign Nationals: Hong Kong residence required

Sources / Related Verification

This article's data is compiled from internal FactcheckDocs (HK_datatable_business-registration-process_v1.md), with reference to HK region public official information and industry documents. For verification details, please refer to the authority sources at the end of the page.

MO_datatable_fb_license_application_guide_2026_v1
MO_datatable_restaurant_license_application_v1
encyclopedia-ops

Hong Kong Market Data

Hong Kong 2023: 34 million visitors, GDP HK$2.96 trillion, 77 Michelin-starred restaurants (2024).

Metric	Data	Source
Visitors	34 million	HKTB
GDP	HK$2.96 trillion	C&SD
Michelin	77	Michelin

MO Hong Kong Company Business Registration Complete Process v1