Merritt is an international network of privately held companies that provides corporate services, legal consultancy, and residency-related support across several jurisdictions. With a current presence in Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States, Merritt’s development reflects a measured and multilingual approach to international business needs.
What began as a modest corporate services firm in Asia has evolved into a cross-continental structure offering administrative, legal, and resident support services to entrepreneurs and businesses alike. The roots of the Merritt network trace back to Hong Kong in 1998.
Initially known under the name “Asia Services,” the company was founded by four accountants from Hong Kong and Mainland China. These founding members focused on company formation and related services, targeting a growing need for business incorporation in Hong Kong’s then-thriving corporate landscape.
In the early 2000s, the firm briefly operated under the name “Hai Yang” before transitioning into what would become the foundation of the Merritt group. A turning point came in 2004 with the introduction of French-speaking services.
This decision was driven by rising demand from European clients, particularly those seeking access to Hong Kong’s favorable business environment but requiring support in their native language. Five years later, in 2009, Spanish-speaking services were also introduced, expanding the company’s linguistic and geographic reach.
Also in 2009, the network began its expansion into the Middle East by opening offices in Dubai, UAE. This move aligned with the UAE’s increasing appeal as a regional hub for international business. With its favorable regulatory environment and strategic time zone, Dubai provided a strong base to serve European, African, and Asian clients.
By 2012, Merritt centralized all of its French and Spanish-speaking services in Dubai. The rationale was both practical and strategic: Dubai’s working hours aligned better with clients based in Europe, enabling real-time support and communication.
In 2017, Merritt took its next step in international expansion by establishing a presence in the United States. The launch of Merritt USA LLC in Orlando, Florida, extended the network’s footprint into North America.
This office was designed to serve U.S.-based entrepreneurs as well as international clients looking to access the U.S. market through a localized corporate service provider. The U.S. expansion brought further jurisdictional diversification to Merritt’s offerings, complementing the capabilities already available in Asia and the Middle East.
The year 2019 marked a major internal shift within the network. All of the founding members officially retired, and in response, a foundation was created to consolidate the various companies operating under the network.
This foundation structure served to ensure continuity, strategic alignment, and oversight across Merritt’s global operations. With this structural change came a unified branding initiative: the network adopted the name “Merritt” across all of its offices in Hong Kong, the UAE, and the United States.
Merritt today operates as a coordinated network rather than a single legal entity. Each regional office continues to function under its own registered structure, including Merritt Asia Limited (based in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong), Merritt Middle East DMCC (in Dubai, UAE), Merritt Legal Consultants FZ-LLC (in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE), and Merritt USA LLC (in Orlando, Florida).
Each entity plays a specific role in delivering corporate, legal, and resident-related services according to the jurisdictional context. The group’s core services include company formation and administrative maintenance, such as license renewals and share transfers. These services are provided across all three regions.
In addition to its service portfolio, Merritt has earned recognition within official and community networks. Merritt Asia Limited, for instance, is listed as a Company Secretary on Hong Kong’s official Trust or Company Service Providers (TCSP) portal.
In Dubai, Merritt Legal Consultants is listed on the website of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs under French-speaking lawyers, as well as on community-focused directories like DubaiMadame.com.
The group’s expansion has been gradual but strategic, underpinned by a foundation-driven structure and an emphasis on regional specialization. Through this model, Merritt continues to support a growing number of international entrepreneurs and companies as they navigate the administrative and legal requirements of global business.
