Kickstart Your Southeast Asian TikTok Store with a Hong Kong Strategy 

3 minutes
Picture of Premia TNC Hong Kong Team
Premia TNC Hong Kong Team

Author

Table Of Contents

Unlock Opportunities in Southeast Asia’s E-Commerce Market

As of 2025, the Southeast Asian e-commerce market is expected to grow by over 15% annually, with rapid expansion in Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, particularly driven by TikTok Shop. Amidst these changes, domestic sellers and brands are beginning to seriously consider how to enter the Southeast Asian market, and the strategic answer is via a Hong Kong corporation. 

TikTok Shop Should Establish a Hong Kong Subsidiary

TikTok Shop Seller Registration: Foreign Corporations Accepted in Select Countries

Some Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, may restrict the entry of Korean corporations. However, Hong Kong corporations can be wholly foreign-owned and can register on TikTok Shop without a local partner. This allows for rapid expansion into the Southeast Asian market. 

Global Payment Gateway Integration: Hong Kong Access Even When Korean Corporations Are Restricted

While integration with major payment gateways (PGs) like Shopify and Stripe may limit your ability to connect with a Korean corporation, most Hong Kong corporation accounts integrate seamlessly. This allows for greater flexibility in managing earnings and foreign currency. Furthermore, Hong Kong has no foreign exchange controls and supports multi-currency accounts, further enhancing its advantages. 

Favorable Tax Environment and Low Rates

Hong Kong’s corporate tax rate is low, ranging from 8.25% to 16.5%, and its electronic tax filing system is highly efficient. Tax exemptions on foreign-sourced income also provide favorable tax conditions. 

Digital Account Opening: A Convenient Alternative to Local Banks

Hong Kong corporations can quickly open accounts through various digital account services. Integration with Airwallex, Currenxie, and Statrys allows for rapid collection and currency exchange. Accounts can be opened within one to two weeks of incorporation, significantly increasing business efficiency. 

Brand Expansion and Streamlined Cross-Border Logistics

Hong Kong is a hub for Asian logistics, enabling cross-border logistics expansion not only into Southeast Asia but also into the US, Europe, China, and beyond. By leveraging Hong Kong as a hub, you can optimize your global logistics network and leverage fulfillment and B2B hubs, reducing logistics costs and achieving efficient delivery. 

Real-World Examples of Korean Companies Leveraging Hong Kong Corporations

Instances 

Details 

Company A (Fashion Brand) 

TikTok Shop Vietnam, a Hong Kong-based company, successfully launched and integrated with Stripe. 

Company B (Cosmetics Manufacturer) 

Entering TikTokMall Thailand through a Hong Kong subsidiary and simultaneously entering Malaysia. 

Company C (Digital Content) 

Company C (digital content). 

TikTok Shop Entry Process with Hong Kong Incorporation and Global PG Integration

Establish a Hong Kong corporation with Premia TNC in just 2 business days, register as a TikTok Shop seller in your chosen Southeast Asian market, and seamlessly integrate with global payment gateways like Stripe, Payoneer, and Airwallex. Manage sales through a Hong Kong digital account while linking local logistics and fulfillment, and execute advertising strategies to optimize your store’s performance. 

How a Hong Kong Corporation Unlocks Your TikTok Shop Potential

Establishing a Hong Kong corporation is the optimal solution for overcoming the restrictions faced by Korean companies on TikTok Shop. With a Hong Kong entity, you can seamlessly access multiple Southeast Asian markets while leveraging advantages such as tax efficiency, global payment gateway integration, and streamlined foreign currency management. 

Key benefits include secured access to more countries, greater flexibility in payment processing through global PGs, optimized tax and currency management, and strengthened brand credibility, supporting a robust mid- to long-term expansion strategy. 

To Conclude

Premia TNC, a Hong Kong-based consulting firm, provides an all-in-one solution, including TikTok Shop integration, payment gateway setup, incorporation, accounting, and taxation. Our experts, with Korean language support and practical experience in Southeast Asia, will support your successful expansion into Southeast Asia. 

FAQs

1. How are taxes managed after establishing a Hong Kong corporation?

Hong Kong offers a low corporate tax rate (8.25% to 16.5%) and tax exemptions on foreign-sourced income. Furthermore, its electronic tax reporting system allows for highly efficient management. 

In addition to the basic incorporation costs, establishing a Hong Kong company may incur annual accounting and tax service fees. Premia TNC offers a comprehensive service package, transparently guiding you through the post-incorporation management costs. 

Picture of Premia TNC Hong Kong Team
Premia TNC Hong Kong Team

Author

Premia TNC Hong Kong is a dynamic team of experts dedicated to supporting businesses and entrepreneurs as they establish, manage, and grow their presence in Singapore and across the region. Premia TNC Hong Kong specializes in providing tailored corporate services, from company incorporation and compliance to tax planning and accounting. With our extensive experience and deep understanding of the local regulatory environment, we are here to make business operations smoother and more efficient.