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Investment Holding Vehicle

Updated: Jan 2



An investment holding vehicle (IHV) is a company that is set up to hold investments. IHVs are often used by wealthy individuals and families to hold their assets in a tax-efficient manner.


In Hong Kong, there are a number of different types of IHVs that can be set up. The most common type of IHV in Hong Kong is a private company limited by shares (Ltd). Ltds are relatively easy to set up and manage, and they offer a number of tax benefits.


Other types of IHVs that can be set up in Hong Kong include:


  • Trusts: Trusts are a popular way to hold investments in Hong Kong. Trusts can be set up in a variety of ways, and they offer a number of tax benefits.

  • Foundations: Foundations are a type of legal entity that is often used to hold assets for charitable purposes. Foundations can also be used as IHVs, and they offer a number of tax benefits.


The choice of which type of IHV to set up in Hong Kong will depend on the specific needs of the individual or family. However, Ltds are the most common type of IHV in Hong Kong, and they offer a number of tax benefits.


Here are some of the benefits of setting up an IHV in Hong Kong:


  • Tax benefits: IHVs can offer a number of tax benefits, such as zero tax rates on dividends and capital gains.

  • Flexibility: IHVs can be structured in a variety of ways to meet the specific needs of the individual or family.


Why Investment Holding Vehicle in Hong Kong


There are a number of reasons why you might want to set up an investment holding vehicle (IHV) in Hong Kong. Here are a few of the most common reasons:


  • Tax benefits. Hong Kong has a zero tax rate on dividends and capital gains, which can save you money on your investment income.

  • Flexibility. IHVs can be structured in a variety of ways to meet the specific needs of the individual or family.

  • Convenience. Hong Kong is a well-regulated jurisdiction with a strong legal system, which can provide peace of mind for investors.


Of course, there are also some challenges to setting up an IHV in Hong Kong. The cost of setting up an IHV can be relatively high, and the regulations can be complex. However, if you are willing to put in the effort, you can set up a successful IHV in Hong Kong.


Here are some additional benefits of setting up an IHV in Hong Kong:


  • Access to a pool of talented professionals. Hong Kong is home to a large pool of talented professionals who can help you manage your IHV.

  • A strong economy. The economy in Hong Kong is strong, which means that there is a good chance that your investment will appreciate in value.

  • A strategic location. Hong Kong is located in a strategic location, which makes it a good place to base your IHV. You will be able to easily reach investors in mainland China, Southeast Asia, and other parts of the world.


If you are considering setting up an IHV, consider Hong Kong as a potential location. With its tax benefits, flexibility, and convenient location, Hong Kong can be a great place to set up your IHV.


Here are some of the things to consider when setting up an IHV in Hong Kong:


  • The type of IHV: There are a number of different types of IHVs that can be set up in Hong Kong. The type of IHV that you choose will depend on your specific needs.

  • The structure of the IHV: The structure of the IHV will also depend on your specific needs. You will need to decide how many shareholders the IHV will have, and what their rights will be.

  • The tax implications: You will need to consider the tax implications of setting up an IHV in Hong Kong. You will need to pay taxes on the income of the IHV, and you may also need to pay taxes on the transfer of assets to the IHV.

  • The costs involved: There are a number of costs involved in setting up an IHV in Hong Kong. You will need to pay the registration fee, the annual filing fee, and the stamp duty. You may also need to pay legal fees and accounting fees.


Setting Up an Investment Holding Vehicle


Setting up an investment holding vehicle (IHV) in Hong Kong can be a complex process, but it can offer a number of tax benefits and other advantages. Here are the basic steps involved in setting up an IHV in Hong Kong:


  1. Choose a business structure. You can choose to set up your IHV as a private company limited by shares (Ltd), a trust, or another type of legal entity. The type of business structure that you choose will depend on your specific needs and objectives.

  2. Obtain the necessary licenses and permits. You will need to obtain a business registration certificate from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), and you may also need to obtain other licenses and permits, depending on the specific activities that your IHV will be engaged in.

  3. Open a bank account. You will need to open a bank account for your IHV. This will allow you to receive and manage the funds of your IHV.

  4. Transfer assets to the IHV. You will need to transfer the assets that you want to hold in your IHV to the IHV. This can be done by way of a share transfer, a trust deed, or another legal instrument.

  5. Appoint directors and officers. You will need to appoint directors and officers for your IHV. The directors and officers will be responsible for managing the affairs of the IHV.

  6. Adopt a constitution or by-laws. You will need to adopt a constitution or by-laws for your IHV. This will set out the rules and procedures that will govern the operation of the IHV.

  7. File the necessary documents with the IRD. You will need to file the necessary documents with the IRD, including the business registration certificate, the constitution or by-laws, and the list of directors and officers.


Once you have completed these steps, your IHV will be set up and ready to operate.


Here are some of the costs involved in setting up an IHV in Hong Kong:


  • Business registration fee: HKD 2,150

  • Annual filing fee: HKD 105

  • Stamp duty: Varies depending on the value of the assets being transferred to the IHV

  • Legal fees: Varies depending on the complexity of the IHV

  • Accounting fees: Varies depending on the size and complexity of the IHV


How Bestar can Help


Bestar is a company formation consultant that can help you set up an investment holding vehicle (IHV) in Hong Kong. We can help you with the following:


  • Choose the right business structure. Bestar can help you choose the right business structure for your IHV, taking into account your personal circumstances and the specific needs of your business.

  • Obtain the necessary licenses and permits. Bestar can help you apply for the necessary licenses and permits from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), and other government agencies.

  • Open a bank account. Bestar can help you open a bank account for your IHV. This will allow you to receive and manage the funds of your IHV.

  • Transfer assets to the IHV. Bestar can help you transfer the assets that you want to hold in your IHV to the IHV. This can be done by way of a share transfer, a trust deed, or another legal instrument.

  • Adopt a constitution or by-laws. Bestar can help you adopt a constitution or by-laws for your IHV. This will set out the rules and procedures that will govern the operation of the IHV.

  • File the necessary documents with the IRD. Bestar can help you file the necessary documents with the IRD, including the business registration certificate, the constitution or by-laws, and the list of directors and officers.


Bestar has a team of experienced consultants who can help you with all aspects of setting up an IHV in Hong Kong. They can provide you with the guidance and support you need to make your dream of setting up an IHV a reality.


Here are some of the benefits of using Bestar to set up an IHV in Hong Kong:


  • Expertise. Bestar has a team of experienced consultants who have helped many people set up successful IHVs in Hong Kong.

  • Convenience. Bestar can handle all of the paperwork and red tape involved in setting up an IHV, so you can focus on your business.

  • Peace of mind. Knowing that you have a team of experienced professionals who can help you every step of the way can give you peace of mind.


If you are considering setting up an IHV in Hong Kong, contact Bestar to see how they can help you.


Here are some of the services that Bestar offers for setting up an IHV in Hong Kong:


  • Business registration. Bestar can help you register your IHV with the IRD and other government agencies.

  • Licenses and permits. Bestar can help you apply for the necessary licenses and permits for your IHV.

  • Company secretarial services. Bestar can provide you with company secretarial services, such as maintaining your company records and filing your annual returns.

  • Accounting services. Bestar can provide you with accounting services, such as preparing your financial statements and managing your taxes.

  • Tax planning. Bestar can help you with tax planning for your IHV, to ensure that you are paying the minimum amount of tax possible.


If you are interested in setting up an IHV in Hong Kong, contact Bestar to discuss your specific needs. We can help you choose the right business structure, and obtain the necessary licenses and permits.



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