Establishing a physical or virtual office in a new international jurisdiction is a complex undertaking that extends far beyond simply registering a new company. It involves a multitude of practical steps, from navigating local licensing requirements and securing suitable premises to recruiting staff and setting up essential back-office functions. Managing these interdependent tasks efficiently is critical to ensuring a smooth and timely launch, allowing your commercial team to focus on what they do best: serving your customers and growing your business. Zetland Fiduciary Group acts as your dedicated project manager for international office establishment, providing a single point of coordination for all the practical steps involved. We develop a detailed project plan that carefully sequences all dependencies, from legal and regulatory matters to operational and administrative setup, compressing the timeline and mitigating the risk of costly delays. Our service is designed to provide you with a fully functional office, complete with robust governance and efficient operational workflows, from day one. Whether you are establishing a regional headquarters, a sales and marketing office, or a virtual presence, our experienced teams in key global hubs can provide the local knowledge and hands-on support you need to make your expansion a success. We manage the complexity so you can focus on the opportunity. Our holistic approach ensures that all the moving parts of an office launch are perfectly synchronised, from initial entity formation to the final handover of a fully operational workplace. This integrated project management saves valuable management time and ensures that critical path items are addressed proactively, leading to a faster, more predictable, and ultimately more successful market entry.
Hong Kong's strategic location and business-friendly environment make it a top choice for companies expanding into Asia. Our Hong Kong team provides end-to-end project management for establishing your office in this vibrant city. The process typically begins with the incorporation of a Hong Kong limited company, for which we handle all registration formalities. We then assist with applications for any specific business licences that may be required for your industry. A critical early step is securing a commercial space, and we coordinate the search for suitable office premises, whether you require a traditional lease in a Grade A building or a more flexible serviced office solution. We also manage the setup of all essential utilities and telecommunications. Building a local team is paramount, and we provide comprehensive support in this area. We can assist with the initial recruitment process, and once candidates are selected, we manage the setup of a compliant local HR framework. This includes drafting employment contracts that adhere to the Hong Kong Employment Ordinance, enrolling employees in the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme, and arranging for appropriate employee compensation insurance. We also manage the entire payroll setup process. To ensure your office is operationally ready, we coordinate the setup of all necessary back-office functions. This includes managing the opening of local corporate bank accounts, establishing payment processing systems, and implementing a robust accounting and bookkeeping system tailored to your business needs and compliant with local standards. Our coordinated approach ensures that every detail is managed efficiently, delivering a fully operational and compliant Hong Kong office on schedule.
Singapore is a premier global hub for business, offering exceptional infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce. Our Singapore office provides a seamless and efficient service to manage your physical or virtual office setup. After incorporating your Singaporean entity, we manage all necessary applications for business licences and permits. We then coordinate the process of securing your office premises, working with our network of real estate partners to identify suitable locations and negotiating lease terms on your behalf. We also oversee the setup of IT infrastructure and other essential office services. Human resources are a key component of any successful office launch. Our team assists with the establishment of a compliant HR function, including the preparation of employment contracts that meet the requirements of the Singapore Employment Act, and the setup of the Central Provident Fund (CPF) contributions for your local staff. We also manage the payroll setup and can provide ongoing payroll processing services. A fully functional back office is critical for smooth operations. We manage the entire process of setting up your corporate banking facilities in Singapore, a process which requires careful preparation of due diligence documentation. We also establish your chart of accounts and implement your bookkeeping system, ensuring it is configured to handle Goods and Services Tax (GST) correctly from the outset. We coordinate with all third-party vendors, from IT support to office suppliers, to ensure your workspace is ready for your team. Our comprehensive project management provides a single point of accountability, ensuring your Singapore office is established efficiently and is built on a solid foundation of compliance and good governance, ready to support your growth in the region.
London remains a leading global centre for finance and commerce, providing an ideal base for companies looking to access the UK and European markets. Our team offers a coordinated service to manage every aspect of establishing your London office. Following the incorporation of your UK company, we identify and manage any specific regulatory registrations or licences required for your business sector. We then assist in securing your London office premises, whether you are seeking a long-term lease in the City or a flexible workspace in a technology hub. We manage the entire fit-out and setup process, coordinating with designers, contractors, and IT vendors to create a productive work environment. We provide extensive support in establishing your local workforce. This includes setting up a UK-compliant HR framework, drafting employment contracts, and managing the registration for PAYE (Pay As You Earn) with HMRC. We also oversee the setup of your workplace pension scheme, a mandatory requirement for all UK employers, and manage the ongoing payroll administration. To ensure your new office is operationally robust, we handle the setup of all essential back-office functions. We manage the challenging process of opening a UK business bank account, and we establish your accounting system, ensuring it is configured to comply with UK GAAP and to correctly manage Value Added Tax (VAT). From liaising with local authorities to coordinating with service providers, our project management service covers every detail, ensuring your London office is launched smoothly, on time, and on budget, providing a strong foothold for your European operations.
Dubai's strategic location and world-class infrastructure have made it a key hub for business in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. Our team provides expert, hands-on support for establishing your office in this dynamic market. The choice of location—whether in a free zone or on the mainland—is a critical initial decision, and we provide detailed advice on the optimal structure for your specific business activities. We then manage the entire business licensing process with the relevant authority, such as the Department of Economic Development for a mainland LLC or a specific free zone authority (e.g., DIFC, DMCC). We assist with the search for and leasing of suitable office premises that meet the requirements of your chosen jurisdiction and business needs. Building a team in Dubai involves navigating specific local regulations. We manage the setup of your local HR policies in compliance with UAE Labour Law, assist with the visa application process for your employees, and manage the setup of your payroll under the Wage Protection System (WPS). We also ensure that you are correctly registered for the mandatory employee health insurance. A fully functioning back office is essential. We coordinate the opening of your corporate bank accounts, a process which can be complex in the UAE. We also set up your accounting system, ensuring it is configured to manage Value Added Tax (VAT) in compliance with Federal Tax Authority (FTA) regulations. Our comprehensive coordination ensures that all legal, operational, and administrative tasks are sequenced and executed efficiently, delivering a fully compliant and operational Dubai office, ready to serve as your strategic base in the region.
Zetland Fiduciary Group operates a global network of offices to support clients across key international financial hubs. Whether you are seeking guidance on company formation, trust administration, accounting, or cross-border transactions, our local experts in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, and London are ready to assist.
Contact any of our offices directly for tailored advice and seamless service.