Structure Your E-Commerce Brand Offshore
The most scalable e-commerce operators use a two-entity structure: a holding company for IP and brand ownership, and an operating entity for marketplace sales and banking. Here is how to build it.
Who this is for
- Multi-brand Amazon, Shopify, or Etsy sellers looking to professionalise their structure
- E-commerce entrepreneurs planning to sell or exit a brand in the next 2–5 years
- Operators running multiple DTC brands who need clean IP separation
- International sellers entering the US market who need a US entity for Stripe and Amazon
- Aggregators acquiring e-commerce brands who need a clean holding wrapper
Service fee covers both entity formations. Government filing fees in each jurisdiction are billed separately.
Form HK Ltd + US LLC BundleWhat's included
- Hong Kong Ltd formation - the operating entity for Asia-Pacific sourcing and sales
- US LLC formation - the operating entity for Amazon US, Stripe, and USD billing
- Registered office / registered agent service (year one) in each jurisdiction
- Incorporation documents for both entities
- Brand IP holding structure guidance (trademark assignment to holding entity)
- Dashboard tracking and direct message support throughout
How it works
Structure design
We review your brand portfolio, marketplace mix, and exit goals to recommend the right holding + operating entity combination.
Entity formation
We file both entities concurrently - HK Ltd (1–3 days) and US LLC (1–3 days) - to minimise total setup time.
Documents delivered
Full incorporation pack for both entities, ready for bank account opening and marketplace registration.
IP structure setup
We provide guidance on assigning or licensing brand IP (trademarks, domain names) to the holding entity correctly.
Frequently asked questions
Why use a two-entity structure for e-commerce?
Separating IP ownership from operations protects brand value in a sale, limits liability across brands, and allows you to sell individual operating entities without moving the IP. It also creates a cleaner audit trail for potential acquirers or aggregators.
Why Hong Kong for e-commerce operations?
Hong Kong has a territorial tax system (profits from outside HK are often untaxed), a strong banking infrastructure, no VAT/GST, and is the preferred jurisdiction for sourcing from mainland China. It is widely accepted by Alibaba, Global Sources, and other Asian B2B platforms.
Do I need both entities or just one?
If you only sell on Amazon US and need Stripe, a single US LLC is often sufficient to start. The two-entity structure makes more sense once you have multiple brands, significant IP value, or are planning for an exit. We review your situation and recommend the right starting point.
Can I register trademarks in the name of my holding company?
Yes. Registering trademarks in the name of a holding entity is common practice in e-commerce. The operating entity then licenses the brand from the holding company. This isolates IP from operational risk and simplifies brand valuation in a sale. Trademark registration itself is a separate step handled by a trademark attorney.
Review before you continue
Check the listed scope, requirements, price note, and FAQs. Final decisions remain with the relevant bank, government authority, or institution.
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