Hong Kong Legal Insights Blog Archive | Ask.Legal
Read Ask.Legal guides and insights on Hong Kong law and legal technology.
- How Ask.Legal Is Revolutionising Legal Research in Hong Kong with AI
- Arbitration vs Litigation in Hong Kong: Which Is Right for Your Commercial Dispute?
- Buying Property in Hong Kong as a Non-Permanent Resident: Stamp Duty and Legal Steps 2026
- Hong Kong Fintech Regulations Guide 2026
- CEPA Benefits for Hong Kong Businesses 2026
- Data Privacy in Hong Kong: What Businesses Must Do Under PDPO in 2026
- AI and the Law in Hong Kong: Who Is Liable When an AI System Causes Harm?
- Disclosure Letters in Hong Kong Acquisitions – Why They Matter
- Hong Kong Will and Probate: Common Mistakes That Invalidate Your Will in 2026
- Personal Injury Claims in Hong Kong: Time Limits, Damages and How to Proceed in 2026
- Sexual Harassment at Work in Hong Kong: What Employees and Employers Must Know in 2026
- Dismissed Without Warning in Hong Kong? Your Rights Under the Employment Ordinance in 2026
- Crypto Fraud in Hong Kong: Can You Get Your Money Back in 2026?
- Divorce in Hong Kong for Expats: Jurisdiction, Process and Costs in 2026
- Hong Kong Work Visa 2026: New Online System, Processing Times and Common Refusals
- Director Duties and Personal Liability in Hong Kong Company Insolvency (2026 Guide)
- Landlord and Tenant Disputes in Hong Kong 2026: Rent, Deposits and Illegal Evictions
- Trade Union Rights in Hong Kong After the January 2026 Legislative Amendments
- Consumer Debt and Bankruptcy in Hong Kong: What Happens When You Cannot Pay Your Bills
- Intellectual Property Protection in Hong Kong for Tech Startups: Patents, Trademarks and Trade Secrets 2026
- Same-Sex Couples and Legal Rights in Hong Kong After the Failed Recognition Bill
- Restrictive Covenants in Hong Kong Employment Contracts: Are They Enforceable in 2026?
- Enforcing a Mainland China Judgment in Hong Kong: The 2026 Practical Guide
- Cross-Border Insolvency Between Hong Kong and Mainland China: What Creditors Need to Know
- What to Do If You Encounter a Traffic Accident in Hong Kong – A Practical Legal Guide
- Forgery and Using a False Instrument in Hong Kong – What Counts as a Crime?
- How can homeowners recover their losses when a high-rise residential building is undergoing renovation and a fire breaks out?
- What is a brand ambassador agreement? What should it include?
- Bankruptcy in Hong Kong: How It Works & What Happens After 4 Years?
- How to Apply for a Divorce in Hong Kong – A Practical Step-by-Step Guide
- Hong Kong Permanent Residents vs Non-Permanent Residents: Complete Guide to Requirements, Family Reunion & Key Benefits
- What constitute Perverting the Course of Justice in Hong Kong?
- Ask.Legal For Small Business in Hong Kong
- How should I report a work-related injury or occupational disease to the Commissioner for Labour?
- Supply of Services in Hong Kong: FAQs for SMEs and Entrepreneurs
- ESG Regulations for Hong Kong SMEs 2025
- Copyright Assignment Agreement
- The Best Free AI Legal Platform for Hong Kong Law
- Can Foreigners Own a Hong Kong Company? Key Steps for SMEs
- Do Unit Owners Need Their Own Fire Insurance If the Building Already Has a Fire Insurance Policy?
- Online Defamation in Hong Kong - Can I Sue Someone If They Post an Untrue Message About Me Online?
- What To Do After Being Defrauded in Hong Kong (Online, Telephone & Investment Scams)?
- Water Dripping From the Ceiling in Hong Kong – Legal Remedies, Responsibilities & Practical Steps
- How can SMEs find reliable general legal advice in Hong Kong?（香港常用的法律資源：企業及個人的常見問題））
- What are the key Hong Kong immigration laws for professionals in 2025?
- Hong Kong Family Visa Rules 2025
- Can Tenants Reduce Fitting-Out Costs? Lease Terms Explained
- How should I handle compensation claims after my employee has sustained work-related injury?
- Understanding Fire Insurance in Hong Kong - Scope, Responsibility and Key Facts
- If my employee sustains a work-related injury that was partly caused by his/her own negligence and partly my fault, would the compensation be reduced? If so, how would the percentage or level of such a reduction be determined?
- How Can Hong Kong SMEs Conduct a Privacy Audit for PDPO Compliance?
- “Sin 11” in Hong Kong: Unlawful Sexual Intercourse with Underage Girl
- My employee got injured at work. Is the legal procedure for my employees’ compensation claim against myself the same as the legal procedure for his/her personal injury claim regarding the same injury against the other relevant parties?
- Mortgage Deed on Real Property
- Permanent Residency in Hong Kong: A 2025 Guide
- Hong Kong PDPO: Using Public Data for Marketing in 2025
- Theft in Hong Kong: What Counts as Stealing? A Clear Guide to the Law, Penalties & Defences
- How should I handle a workplace injury as an employer?
- What if a person died without a Will? Hong Kong Intestacy Rules – Guide to Estate Distribution and Priority
- What happens if the contract doesn’t say when the service must be completed?
- Hong Kong Criminal Property Damage Law: A Practical Guide
- How to deal with unpaid invoices in Hong Kong?
- Top General Legal Resources in Hong Kong: FAQs for Businesses and Individuals
- Provisional Sales & Purchase Agreement for Property
- What is a continuous contract? What benefits should I provide to my employees who are under a continuous contract?
- Due Diligence Checklist for Startup
- Notice for Termination of Contract for Services
- Deed of Adherence to Agreement
- Request to Revise Tax Assessment
- How often do I need to hold a board meeting? Can companies hold virtual board meetings?
- SFC and HKMA’S Joint Circular On Intermediaries’ Virtual Asset-Related Activities
- What happens to an employee’s annual leave if the employer intends to close down their business?
- What is the difference between equity and debt financing?
- What is Debt Financing? What are the common types of Debt Financing?
- Director’s Service Agreement
- How to Comply with the Personal Data Privacy Ordinance (PDPO) for an Online Business?
- What is a breach of contract?
- Notice to Insurer (District Court Personal Injury Proceedings)
- What is due diligence in a commercial real estate transaction?
- The lease requires me to pay for fitting-out works to the premises, but the actual costs are much higher than I expected. Can I negotiate to reduce these costs or ask the landlord to share the expenses?
- How much could my personal injury claim be worth?
- Options for Managing a Mentally Incapacitated Spouse in Hong Kong
- Shipping Policy
- What is the difference between franchise and distribution?
- Late Stamping Penalty in Hong Kong: Rules and Remission Options
- Click-wrap, End User Licence Agreement
- What are common legal issues in businesses and how to avoid them?
- What are the types of government funding and grants that are available to small businesses in Hong Kong?
- What are exclusion clauses in a contract? Are they valid in Hong Kong?
- When does the title to the goods pass to the buyer?
- What are the different forms of funding for a start-up or a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME)?
- Contract (Bought and Sold) Notes
- What do I need to know about Small Business Loans?
- What is personal injury?
- What is a Formal Sale and Purchase Agreement? Will I be bound to it?
- Work From Home Policy/ Telecommuting Policy
- What initial costs will I pay when taking a lease? What on-going costs should I look out for?
- Memorandum of Understanding
- Internal Privacy Policy/ Personal Data Protection Policy
- Who pays the stamp duty in Hong Kong? And how much is paid?
- Assets Acquisition Agreement
- Freelance / Independent Contractor Agreement – Simple Job
- Can I check my employee’s browsing history?
- Employee Termination Letter / Employment Termination Letter
- Does the employment contract need to be in writing?
- What licence(s) do I need to start a business?
- Shareholders Agreement
- How to Apply Your Promotion Code on Ask.Legal
- Ask.Legal Analysis: Hong Kong ‘Lawyer’ Arrested After Woman Left With HK$80,000 Dinner Bill
- Novation Agreement
- Ask.Legal Guide: How to Ask Questions Clearly for Reliable Legal Analysis
- When can I and how do I make a claim for personal injury?
- Can I be fined for paying wages to my employees late?
- Factoring Agreement
- How does the legal system work in Hong Kong?
- Early Termination in relation to Tenancy/Lease
- Board Minutes of Meeting of Directors
- Employee, Sole Proprietor, Independent Contractor, Freelancer: What is the difference?
- What are the main steps typically involved in a business/company purchase transaction and what legal documents are required?
- What should I do if I am involved in a business dispute? What kinds of legal action can I take?
- What do I need to consider before having business dealings with foreign companies?
- Can I receive payment from a third party who is not my customer for my goods and services? Would there be any money laundering issues from receiving third-party payments?
- Do I need a license to engage in cryptocurrency-related investment activities?
- Advisor Agreement (for Service Fee)
- Notice to Insurer (District Court Personal Injury Proceedings)
- What are the steps in an arbitration process?
- Anti-Harassment and Bullying Policy
- SME IP protection Hong Kong: Who owns the copyright when I hire a freelancer to design my company logo?
- Do I automatically own the software my employee developed during office hours?
- Do I have to use the head of terms/memorandum of understanding/terms sheet when purchasing another business? Is it legally binding?
- What should I do after my lease has ended, and I do not intend to renew it?
- What is the Third Party risks insurance? Who should purchase them for the property?
- How do I renew my office lease?
- Assignment Agreement
- Can the landlord terminate a commercial lease?
- Notice for Termination of Contract for Services
- General Power of Attorney
- 2025 Guide to Social Media Marketing Under Hong Kong PDPO
- What is a business registration certificate? If my business is owned by a company, do I need to register my business in Hong Kong?
- When hiring a person, do I need to complete a form for taxation purposes?
- Can I ask a job applicant if he/she has a criminal record?
- Dropshipping Agreement
- Can Tenants Enforce Vague Lease Renewal Options in Hong Kong?
- Referral Fee Agreement
- Can I claim payment from the customer for goods and services provided without a written contract?
- Do I need written consent to share my customer list with a marketing partner?
- Employment Agreement (Junior Employee)
- Arbitration Agreement
- 10 Essential Business Contracts for Startups and Small Businesses (with Templates)
- What is the minimum wage in Hong Kong? Can I be exempted from paying my employees the minimum wage?
- Payment Reminder for Goods and Services
- What are the ways in which a contract of employment can be terminated?
- Company Incorporation Questionnaire / Checklist
- What is a Provisional Sale and Purchase agreement? Is it binding?
- Privacy Policy (with GDPR)
- What do I do if my customer has not paid me for my delivered goods and services?
- Refund Policy
- What is severance payment? Who is eligible for severance? How to calculate severance?
- How different is Singapore's new Copyright Act, 2021 from HK's Copyright Ordinance?
- Weight List
- What are board resolutions and shareholder resolutions? What is the distinction between an ordinary resolution and a special resolution?
- Do I have to worry about Money Laundering when I am receiving payment?
- What is the difference between board resolution and board minutes?
- Who is responsible for the maintenance of a leased property?
- What are the methods for resolving a business dispute?
- What to consider when employees work remotely?
- Internship offer – Employer to Candidate
- Packing List
- What is misrepresentation? What are the remedies?
- Board Minutes of Meeting of Directors
- Are Garden leaves enforceable in Hong Kong?
- Heads of Agreement (HOA) / Heads of Terms (HOT) – Sale of Business
- Partnership Agreement
- How do I close my business in Hong Kong?
- Broker Agreement
- What is a Purchase Order? What information should be on a Purchase Order?
- Commercial Loan Agreement (Corporate Borrower)
- What is a joint venture?
- Is it illegal to discriminate against someone in the workplace based on age?
- Your Rights on Security Deposit Deductions in Hong Kong Leases
- Can I use my customers’ phone numbers or email addresses to send them promotions?
- What is a distribution agreement? What should I look for in a distribution agreement?
- Manufacturing Services Agreement – Subcontracting by Consignment
- SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity)
- Can I hire students? Do I need to pay them minimum wage?
- What is an Indemnification Clause and why is it important for my business?
- Notice of General Meeting
- What is an annual general meeting? Do I need to hold one every year? Does it need to be a physical meeting?
- What is long-service payment? Do I need to pay a long-service payment?
- Can You Forfeit a Lease for Unauthorised Subletting in Hong Kong?
- What is a variation of an employment contract?
- Arbitration Agreement
- Can I hire foreigners?
- Mastering M&A in Hong Kong: Key Agreements Every Business Should Know
- NDA / Confidentiality Agreement for Transaction (Two way / Mutual)
- Arbitration Agreement
- What are the rights of shareholders in a private company?
- Do I need to buy Employees’ Compensation Insurance for all my employees?
- NDA / Confidentiality Agreement for Business (Three way / Mutual)
- What remedies are available to the seller if the buyer refuses to pay for the goods?
- How do I appoint/remove a director?
- Sale of Product Agreement
- What is the difference between the board of directors and the management?
- Tenant and Landlord Signed Multiple Copies — Do All Copies Need Stamping?
- Can You Enforce an Oral Lease in Hong Kong? 2025 Guide
- If I don’t sell to the EU, can I ignore GDPR?
- Employment Rights of Working on Holidays
- What to consider when my business is accepting online payments?
- Hong Kong data protection laws: a 2025 guide
- Do I have the right to sue in Hong Kong if the other party has breached a cross-border contract?
- Non-compete and Non-solicitation Agreement for Business
- Purchase Order (PO)
- What legal procedures are involved in personal injury proceedings?
- Mutual Referral Agreement
- How do I start an online business?
- Cease and Desist Letter (with Undertaking)
- How to register a sole proprietorship and partnership in Hong Kong?
- Board Minutes of Meeting of Directors
- What is a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE)?
- Cookie Policy for Website
- How do I appoint Arbitrators or Mediators in Hong Kong?
- Business Expense Reimbursement Policy
- Share Sales and Purchase Agreements: What should SMEs look out for?
- Terms and Conditions for Sale of Goods
- Representations and Warranties: What are they, and why do they matter?
- Payment Reminder for Goods and Services
- Marketing or Unsolicited Spam Mail? Guide to Email Advertising Management
- Can I deduct my employee’s salary for damages or losses that they have caused to my business?
- What is the role of a brand ambassador?
- Confidentiality / Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) for Business (Two way / Mutual)
- Invoice for Purchase
- What is an unfair contract term?
- What are the key legal obligations for suppliers under Hong Kong's Supply of Services (Implied Terms) Ordinance?
- What do I need to understand about agency relationships in a business?
- How do I change the company name and business address after incorporation?
- Do I need a money lenders license to lend money?
- Company Acquisition Agreement – Simple
- Proforma Invoice
- How can I ensure my product name and logo do not infringe on someone else's rights?
- How do I issue/transfer shares?
- What rights do gig workers have in Hong Kong in 2025?
- What types of problems does a purchase order prevent?
- Hire and Purchase Agreement
- Can I act as a Data Protection Officer if I run a small business?
- How long can I keep the personal record for an old employee or an unsuccessful job applicant?
- Founder Advisor Agreement
- Can MPF contribution be used to offset part of the severance payment/ long service payment payable to an employee on termination of the employment contract?
- Shares Sale and Purchase Agreement
- When will a director be held responsible for company debts?
- Notice of Meeting of Directors
- What is a Partnership Agreement and How to Make One (with Template for Download)?
- Waiver Request of Late Payment Interest
- What is the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)? Do I, as an employer, need to make an MPF contribution?
- Tenancy Agreement – Domestic / Residential Property
- Employer’s Guide to Basic Employment Contract (Template)
- Are there any legal issues about human resource management that I have to be aware of when running my own business?
- Inspection Certificate
- What is the difference between Shareholders’ Agreement and Articles of Association?
- What is the difference between an asset purchase and a share purchase?
- What is considered full-time and part-time in Hong Kong? What is the maximum work hours?
- What changes has the Discrimination Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Ordinance 2020 made to the existing workplace discrimination law?
- Can I ask my employee to work on a statutory holiday?
- What is the difference between the board of directors and shareholders?
- How do I close a company that is unable to pay its debts?
- Terms and Conditions of Service
- COVID-19 Safety Protocol and Liability Disclaimer / Waiver / Declaration from Customer
- Carpark Rental Agreement
- Understanding More About National Security Law
- Investment Agreement – Single Investor
- What are “personal guarantees” and “bank guarantees”?
- Articles of Association
- Can I use my personal bank account for my business?
- What is the difference between an employee and an independent contractor (or self-employed person)?
- Trademark Policy
- Do I need to appoint a Data Protection Officer for my company in Hong Kong?
- What can I do if I paid for a service, but it was done poorly or without care?
- Demand Letter (Payment Reminder for Goods and Services)
- How do I initiate a litigation in Hong Kong for a business dispute? Which court or tribunal should I go to?
- Trademark Registration
- Do I need a license to give investment advice?
- How can a contract of employment be terminated by notice? Does the termination notice need to be in writing? Do I need to mention the reason for termination in the notice for termination?
- Sub-Contracting Master Agreement
- Disclaimers for Website / Application / Email
- Can I terminate an employment contract without notice or payment in lieu of notice?
- Are non-competes enforceable in Hong Kong?
- Work Injury: How can I claim Compensation?
- What is a Referral Agreement and when does my business need one?
- Grievance Policy and Procedure
- Unfair Deposit Deductions: What Tenants Can Do?
- Disciplinary Policy
- What do I need to do to hire an employee in Hong Kong?
- Board Minutes of Meeting of Directors
- Reply to HKIRD’s enquiry on Disposal of Property within 6-12 Months of Acquisition
- 香港法律最佳免費ai法律平台
- What is the process for sale/purchase of a commercial property in Hong Kong?
- What is employment discrimination and what is workplace discrimination?
- What is an NDA and when do I need one?
- Mediation Agreement
- What is a business name? Is it necessary to have one? How can I change it?
- Anti-subletting Clauses and Forfeiting a Lease in Hong Kong
- When does risk in relation to the goods pass to the buyer?
- What can employers do to comply with Hong Kong’s anti-discrimination law?
- What should I do if my employee has made a complaint of unlawful discrimination?
- Tenant Rights Under Redevelopment Clause in Hong Kong Leases
- Covid-19 Vaccination Policy for Employees
- What are the different types of joint ventures?
- What are the employee’s entitlements on termination (termination payment)? When should they be paid?
- What is Occupiers Liability? What is the common duty of care in the Occupier’s Liability? Who is responsible in case a third party suffers an injury?
- What is a Commercial Lease and How to Negotiate one?
- Tenancy Agreement – Commercial
- What are the key elements for making a valid contract?
- Employee Handbook / Manual
- Copyright Policy
- Collaborative IP rights HK: Who owns the intellectual property created when working with another company to develop a mobile app?
- Time Apportionment Application
- What are the main remedies for breach of a sale of goods contract?
- Everything You Need to Know About Hong Kong PDPO Rules in 2025
- What is a Memorandum of Understanding? Why and when do I need one?
- NDA / Confidentiality Agreement for Business (One way / Unilateral)
- What are the things I need to know before signing a Commercial Lease Agreement?
- What are the documents needed for International Trade?
- Special Resolution
- What is the difference between a Tenancy Agreement and Lease Agreement?
- What are sole proprietorships, partnerships and limited companies? What are the pros and cons of each type of business?
- What is a Convertible Bond?
- Joint Venture / Consortium Agreement to Supply Products
- Terms and Conditions for Online Marketplace
- Avoid Data Breach Fines in Hong Kong: Expert Tips
- Directors or Shareholder Loan Agreement
- Non-compete and Non-Solicitation Agreement for Employment
- Hong Kong Gig Economy Laws for Employers 2025
- Shareholders Agreement
- Mediation Agreement
- Are there any restrictions on what a company can or cannot do? Is the company still bound by its objects under the memorandum of association?
- Will the following situations break the continuity of employment?
- What is annual leave? How many days of annual leave in a year should I give my employees?
- Is there a maximum interest rate that can be applied to a loan?
- Employment Agreement for Junior/Mid Level Staff (simple form)
- Welcome to Ask. Legal
- What is due diligence and what does it include?
- Late Stamping Penalties & Remission Rules in Hong Kong
- What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?
- What might my employee do if they allege that they have been discriminated against in the workplace?
- Application for Employees’ Compensation
- Does your business need a Memorandum of Understanding?
- Can a private limited company have a sole shareholder who may also be the sole director? If so, would the company still be regarded as a separate legal entity?
- How Can Hong Kong SMEs Comply with PDPO for Cross-Border Data Transfers?
- What constitutes unreasonable/unlawful dismissal?
- Board Minutes of Meeting of Directors
- What does it mean to purchase an existing business?
- Shareholders Agreement – Equal Shares in Company
- What are the rights of an employee who is dismissed unreasonably/ unlawfully by the employer?
- What is the difference between discrimination and harassment in the workplace?
- Board Minutes of Meeting of Directors
- How does a Purchase Order work?
- When can shareholders be responsible for company debt?
- Copyright Licence Agreement
- Shares Certificate Template
- Service Agreement – Consulting Work
- Joint Venture / Consortium Agreement to Provide Service
- Trademark Licence Agreement
- How do I register a company in Hong Kong?
- AI for Legal Research in Hong Kong