This question has puzzled many sellers interested in Takealot. The answer isn’t “which one is better,” but rather “which one is right for your situation.” This article will help you decide based on three factors.

💡 Not sure whether your business entity is suitable for direct registration or if you need to register a Hong Kong company first? Add us on WeChat at qcygscszk or call 18676749275, and send 【Entity Assessment】 to receive a free one-on-one evaluation.

I. Takealot’s Basic Approach to Reviews

Mainland Chinese Companies: Takealot accepts applications, but its review requirements are relatively stricter. You’ll need to provide an English-language notarized document, and some product categories may require additional supporting materials. The review process typically takes 1 to 2 weeks longer than for Hong Kong companies.

Hong Kong Limited Company: Takealot specializes in this area; its review team is very familiar with Hong Kong company documents. The required materials are straightforward—just the Business Registration Certificate and Certificate of Incorporation. Overall, the approval rate is higher and the process is faster.

II. Comparison of Tax Costs

Mainland Chinese Companies: In South Africa, repatriating income to China requires using either the trade payment or dividend distribution channels; due to foreign exchange controls, the process is relatively complex.

Hong Kong companies: Capital flows between Hong Kong and South Africa are relatively unrestricted, and Hong Kong companies have low profit margins (a corporate tax rate of 16.5%, with a rate of just 8.25% on the first 2 million HKD of profits), making them well-suited to serve as an intermediary layer for receiving funds from overseas.

From a tax structure perspective, a Hong Kong company is typically the better choice for cross-border sellers targeting South Africa; especially when your monthly turnover exceeds 50,000 RMB, the tax savings will gradually become apparent.

III. Comparison of Maintenance Costs

Mainland Chinese Companies: You can set up a Takealot store, but an English-language notarized document is required. If you already have the registration costs covered, no additional fees are needed. Annual maintenance follows the standard domestic annual review process; you can use a domestic bank account to open a bank account. Repatriating funds is relatively complex, and taxes are levied at domestic rates.

Hong Kong Limited Company: Takealot gives priority to new applicants. Registration costs range from approximately 4,000 to 8,000 yuan (for new registrations), and annual maintenance fees—including annual filing and secretarial fees—range from approximately 2,000 to 4,000 yuan. Bank accounts are opened in Hong Kong (at HSBC, ICBC Asia, etc.), allowing for relatively flexible capital repatriation and benefiting from Hong Kong’s low tax rates.

📌 Want to calculate how much tax you can save by using a Hong Kong company and compare the overall costs of the two business structures? Add WeChat ID qcygscszk and send 【Tax Calculation】 to get a one-on-one comparison.

Conclusion: Most sellers should choose a Hong Kong company.

If you already have a company in mainland China, you can use it to test the waters first; but if you plan to run Takealot seriously for more than six months,Registering a Hong Kong company is a worthwhile upfront investment.——It’s not just a stepping stone for Takealot; it’s also the long-term infrastructure for its cross-border business.

Qicaiying helps more than 10,000 companies complete Hong Kong company registration each year. The entire process, from registration to opening a bank account, takes 7 to 10 business days, and you don’t need to fly to Hong Kong.

📞 Whether you’ve already decided to register a Hong Kong company or are still on the fence, feel free to contact Qicaiying for a personalized solution. Simply send the message 【Hong Kong Registration】 via WeChat to qcygscszk.

WhyWhy Choose Qi Cai Ying?

What Can We Do for You—

South African Company Registration (CIPC): A valid business address that can be verified during on-site KYC checks by the bank; not a virtual or registered-only address.

Opening a Bank Account (FNB, etc.): We’ll help you schedule your remote in-person interview and prepare the necessary documents—so you won’t have to figure it out on your own.

Takealot Cross-Border and Local Store Onboarding: We provide end-to-end support—from KYC documentation to store operations—not just help with submitting documents

South African VAT Registration and Tax Filing: SARS-Compliant Filing and Regular Bookkeeping to Eliminate Potential Tax Risks

Johannesburg Local On-Site Team: Receiving government correspondence, assisting with bank verification, handling emergencies, and maintaining a permanent local presence

Why You Can Trust Us—

Hong Kong Licensing Qualifications: Three licensed secretarial firms certified by the Hong Kong Companies Registry—not ordinary agencies—that possess the qualifications to serve as statutory secretaries.

In-House Accounting Firms: 1 self-operated Hong Kong accounting firm + a Greater Bay Area accounting firm; audit reports are not outsourced

Endorsed by Industry Associations: Vice President Member of the Shenzhen Bookkeeping Services Association; Board Member of the Shenzhen Cross-Border E-Commerce Association

Founded in 2015, we have served over 500,000 small, medium, and micro enterprises with a team of over 400 professionals, including lawyers, CPAs, tax consultants, and cross-border compliance experts. Our core team members have an average of 8 to 15 years of industry experience.

Global Presence: Headquartered in Shenzhen, with branch offices in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, and the United States

For more information on opening a store on Takealot or registering a company in South Africa, please contact Qicaiying:

Cell Phone / WeChat: 18676749275 (WeChat ID: qcygscszk)