What are the advantages of using limited companies to engage in commercial activities in Hong Kong?
A1. Limited companies are companies with limited liabilities. From a legal perspective, a limited company is a separate legal entity and thus has the capacity to institute proceedings against others or vice versa. Since the liability of shareholders is limited to the nominal value of their shareholdings, the maximum possible loss of the shareholders could only be the total sum of their investments. Generally speaking, the directors and shareholders of the companies are not personally liable for the debts of the company. Where the investors prefer to adopt other forms, such as sole proprietor or partnership, to run their businesses, the liabilities of the investors are unlimited. The creditors can hence institute legal proceedings directly against the investors. Where the investors cannot repay the debts, the investors are forced into personal bankruptcy. Nevertheless, incorporating and running a limited company is comparatively more costly.
