Setting up a Learning Centre in Hong Kong

A school in Hong Kong is anything with more than eight students at a time. This article shows how to start a school in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s education industry is booming, and there are more ways than ever to get involved. Start your own education business if you’re passionate about education, have an entrepreneurial spirit or both. Anyone with a great idea and the drive to see it through can start a business in education. Let’s talk about what type of education business you should start, what you need to consider, and how others have handled it.

Establishing an educational institute in Hong Kong is frequently regarded as a lucrative venture. As a result, each year, individuals and international institutions establish a number of academic institutions, vocational centres, kindergartens, and nurseries.

Education Businesses in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a popular destination for education businesses, as it offers a number of advantages, including:

• A highly educated workforce
• A strong economy
• A convenient location
• A favorable regulatory environment

There are a number of different types of education businesses that can operate in Hong Kong, including:

• Schools: This includes primary schools, secondary schools, and tertiary institutions.
• Language schools: This includes schools that offer English language courses, Chinese language courses, and other language courses.
• Tutoring centers: This includes centers that offer private tutoring for students of all ages.
• After-school programs: This includes programs that provide academic support, enrichment activities, and other services to students after school.

Special Permits for Education Centers in Hong Kong

If you wish to set up a private limited company for any of the following: a kindergarten, an academic school offering primary and secondary education, a tutorial center, a computer education center, a language school, an enrichment center offering diplomas and certificate courses, or a distance learning center, you will have to obtain a ‘Certificate of Registration of a School’ from the Education Bureau of Hong Kong.

There are a number of special permits that may be required for education centers in Hong Kong, depending on the type of center and the services that it offers. Some of the most common permits include:

• Education Centre License: This is a permit that is required for all education centers that offer courses to students.
• Non-profit organization (NPO) registration: This is a registration that is required for NPO-registered education centers.
• Food safety permit: This is a permit that is required for education centers that serve food.
• Building permit: This is a permit that is required for education centers that make structural changes to a building.

Hong Kong Education Centre License

Before applying for a School Certificate of Registration, certain legal requirements must be fulfilled:

1. Company registration: You need to establish a Hong Kong company and obtain a Certificate of Incorporation from the Hong Kong Companies Registry.
2. Suitable school premises: The chosen premises should be appropriate for operating a kindergarten or academic school. It is preferable to select premises specifically designed and constructed for educational purposes. However, if such premises are not available, you must obtain clearances from relevant authorities like the Town Planning Board, Land Registry, Fire Services Department, Buildings Department, and Housing Department (if applicable).
3. Maximum class size: Kindergarten classes should not exceed 30 students, while primary, secondary, post-secondary, and other educational courses should not exceed 45 students per class
4. School name: The proposed school name should not be identical or similar to that of another registered or canceled school.
5. School manager: A School Manager must be nominated and registered with the Hong Kong Education Bureau. The manager must be at least 18 years old, reside in Hong Kong for a minimum of 9 months each year, and provide a medical certificate if over 70 years of age.
6. Classroom size: Classrooms should be spacious enough to accommodate all students and the instructor. The recommended size is 7.9 m x 6.9 m, but it may vary depending on the expected number of students.
7. Qualified teaching staff: Teaching staff should possess the necessary qualifications to teach relevant courses. Additionally, teaching staff in kindergartens, primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools must be registered with the Education Bureau.

What License Do I Need to Start an Education Business in Hong Kong?

Suppose you want to start any of the following education businesses in Hong Kong. In that case, you must first obtain a Certificate of Registration of a School.

• Kindergarten
• Primary and secondary academic school
• Distance learning centre
• Tutorial centre
• Centre for computer education
• Language school
• Centre for enrichment offering diploma and certificate courses.

Hong Kong’s Education Bureau can issue you a license. Private schools in Hong Kong are classified as:

• Kindergartens and preschools
• Academic schools that offer formal courses and theoretical education.

How to Apply for a License to Start an Education Business in Hong Kong

You must meet the following requirements before submitting your license application:

1. Register your company with the Hong Kong companies registry and obtain a certificate of incorporation
2. Find a suitable location for your school
3. In the event that your proposed premise is not designed or constructed for use as a school, you must obtain clearance from the following organisations before beginning:

• Town planning board
• Land registry
• Buildings department
• Fire services department
• Housing department

4. Students per class cannot exceed the maximum number. The maximum number of students in kindergarten classes cannot exceed 30, and the maximum number of students in primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools cannot surpass 45
5. Propose a name for the school
6. A school manager must be registered with the Hong Kong Bureau of Education
7. A minimum classroom size of 7.9m x 6.9m is recommended (this will vary based on the number of students).
8. Provide qualified teaching staff

Documents to Submit

To obtain a School Registration Certificate, you must follow the application procedure and submit the following documents and information to the Education Bureau:

1. Completed application forms for School Registration and Manager Registration as per the prescribed format.
2. Additional information sheet providing details about the school.
3. Five copies of the proposed layout plan for the school premises.
4. Handover Certificate, Occupation Permit, or Letter of Direct Allocation for the school premises.
5. Details of staff hiring expenditure.
6. Syllabus and a list of textbooks to be used.
7. Class timetables.
8. Documentary proof of the right to use the premises, such as a tenancy agreement, sales and purchase agreement, or authorization from the landlord.
9. Authorization from the person or organization if the school is named after them.
10. For full-time kindergartens, two additional copies of the layout plans and a lunch menu for students.
11. If the school offers computer courses, a layout plan of the computer room meeting specified requirements, including one computer per student and a minimum floor area of 1.5 square meters per student.

Copies of clearances from relevant authorities (Town Planning Board, Land Registry, Fire Services Department, Buildings Department, and Housing Department if applicable) for premises not originally designed and constructed as a school.

After Submitting the Requirements

Once you submit a complete application with all necessary documents, the processing time is generally 10-20 working days. However, any incomplete or incorrect submission may cause delays. Upon approval, the Education Bureau will issue a Certificate of Registration of School.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a business opportunity, then look no further! Education is a challenge that entrepreneurs should take on. Education can be a lucrative business if you are willing to work hard and put in the hours. It can also be extremely frustrating if you don’t know where to begin. We have written this article to help. We will discuss some of the key elements you need to consider as an entrepreneur who wants to set up a business in education in Hong Kong, including aspects like registration of company in India. Get in touch with Vakilsearch so we can help you discover these business opportunities. By doing so, you’ll be able to find business opportunities with low operating costs and then tailor your business plan accordingly.

FAQ

How Do I Get a Teaching License in Hong Kong?

To get a teaching license in Hong Kong, you must meet a number of requirements, such as: Having a bachelor's degree in education or a related field Having a valid teaching license from your home country or another recognized jurisdiction Passing the Hong Kong Diploma of Education (HKDE) or the equivalent Having a satisfactory police clearance certificate To know more, get in touch with our experts right away!

What makes it difficult now to begin a business in Hong Kong?

There are a number of factors that make it difficult to begin a business in Hong Kong, including: The high cost of living in Hong Kong The strict regulatory environment The lack of available land Competition from established businesses

Can Indian do business in Hong Kong?

Yes, Indians can do business in Hong Kong. However, there are a number of regulations that Indian businesses must comply with, such as: The Companies Ordinance The Inland Revenue Ordinance The Employment Ordinance The Trade Marks Ordinance, etc Indian businesses must also obtain the necessary licenses and permits from the relevant government authorities.

How much do international teachers get paid in Hong Kong?

The salary of an international teacher in Hong Kong varies depending on their qualifications, experience, and the school they work for. However, in general, international teachers in Hong Kong can expect to earn a salary of between HK$30,000 and HK$80,000 per month. In addition to their salary, international teachers in Hong Kong may also receive benefits such as housing allowance, medical insurance, and airfare reimbursement.