Hong Kong's strategic advantages include low taxation and a favorable business environment, making it a top choice for company registration.
Understanding the roles of a company secretary, the Companies Registry, and the Inland Revenue Department is crucial for successful business operations in Hong Kong.
From choosing a unique company name to setting up legal entities and appointing representatives, the registration process involves several key steps for seamless incorporation.
Businesses can choose to register independently or opt for the assistance of a professional company secretary such as Air Corporate.
Hong Kong’s low taxes, strong legal system, and strategic position as a gateway to Mainland China make it a top choice for entrepreneurs and global businesses.
Whether you’re setting up a local venture or an offshore company, the company registration process is simple if you understand the requirements.
What You Need Before You Register a Business in Hong Kong
There are many reasons why many businesses are registered in Hong Kong. According to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2025, Hong Kong now ranks 3rd out of 69 economies globally, up from 5th place in 2024.
Before you begin the company registration process in Hong Kong, make sure you’ve met the legal requirements for Hong Kong company incorporation:
| Choose Your Company Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Company Type Options | Most founders opt for a Private Company Limited by Shares for flexibility and limited liability. Other types include: Company limited by guarantee (for non-profits), public company, and registered non-Hong Kong company (branch office). Note: Sole proprietorships and partnerships are not incorporated with the Companies Registry; they register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). |
| Directors | At least one natural person (not a company). No residency or nationality restrictions. |
| Shareholders | At least one (individual or corporate). Can be the same person as the director. No residency or nationality restrictions. |
| Company Secretary | Must be a Hong Kong resident or a licensed corporate service provider. A sole director cannot act as company secretary. |
| Registered Office Address | Must be a physical address in Hong Kong. P.O. boxes are not accepted. |
| Articles of Association | You may use the Companies Registry’s model or prepare a custom version. |
| Share Capital | No minimum requirement. Par value is abolished. Most companies start with a small paid-up capital, for example HKD 100. |
Hong Kong serves as a 'golden gateway' to Mainland China. It offers businesses direct access to the vast Chinese market through its unique legal system, free trade policies, and proximity to billions of consumers.
Different Methods to Register a Company In Hong Kong
Here are some of the most common methods of Hong Kong company incorporation.
1. Register On Your Own
You can handle the process yourself by preparing and submitting all documents to the Companies Registry and IRD. This is ideal for local entrepreneurs familiar with Hong Kong’s compliance rules.
Pros
Lower cost, direct control over your documents.
Cons
Time-consuming, higher risk of errors.
2. Register Your Company in Hong Kong With an Agency
Using a trusted agency or incorporation platform — like Air Corporate — is the most popular choice for company registration in Hong Kong, especially for international founders.
Having an agency is best for foreign owners, remote setup, or those who want to avoid paperwork.
Pros
Fast, simple, and efficient solution to register your business, as you will get to work with experts who are in the industry. They will help you prepare the documents needed on time and deliver the work without missing anything.
Cons
Not all agencies are experienced with and updated on Hong Kong’s compliance rules and regulations. Some agencies may also charge you more than you need to pay to register a business in Hong Kong.
Now, whether you choose to go the DIY route or work with a professional incorporation service, the process of setting up your company in Hong Kong follows a clear set of steps.
Step-by-Step Guide to Register a Company in Hong Kong
Understanding the company registration process, including the procedures and requirements, is helpful to start a business in one of the world’s most popular economies.
Step 1: Know the Key Government Bodies
Companies Registry (CR)
Incorporation, compliance, and Certificate of Incorporation.
Inland Revenue Department (IRD)
Taxes and Business Registration Certificate (BRC).
The one-stop e-Registry service processes both applications together.
Step 2: Choose the Right Legal Entity
Most founders choose a Private Company Limited by Shares. Other options include:
The next crucial step is to select the right legal structure for your company. This will affect factors such as filing taxes and even how business is done in general.
- Company limited by guarantee (mostly for non-profit organizations)
- Partnerships
- Branch Office of a foreign company
Step 3: Select and Reserve Your Company Name
Naming Rules You Must Follow
| Language | English only, Chinese only, or both (but not mixed in one name) |
|---|---|
| Endings | English name must end with “Limited”. Chinese name must end with 「有限公司」. |
| Availability Checks | ICRIS (Companies Registry) for existing company names and IPD (Intellectual Property Department) for trademarks. |
| Prohibited & Restricted Terms | Use of terms such as Bank, Trust, Insurance, Council, Institute, or government-related expressions requires prior approval or licensing. |
| Misleading Names | Any name suggesting government affiliation or licensed status without proper authorization will be rejected. |
You can search for trade marks, patents, and designs using this link.
Common Mistakes That Delay Applications
| Skipping the trademark check | The name may be available in ICRIS but infringe on an existing trademark. |
|---|---|
| Mixing English and Chinese in one name | Automatically rejected by the Companies Registry. |
| Using restricted words without approval | Likely to cause application delays or outright rejection. |
| Choosing a too-similar name | Even minor variations may be refused if the name is considered confusingly similar. |
Pick 2–3 backup names before applying to avoid delays.
Step 4: Prepare Statutory Details
| Detail | What to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Director(s) & shareholder(s) | Names, roles, and ID details |
| Company secretary | Must meet residency or licensing requirements |
| Registered office address | Must be a Hong Kong physical address |
| Share capital & allotment | Amount and distribution among shareholders |
Step 5: Prepare and Submit Incorporation Documents
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Form NNC1 | For companies limited by shares; signed by a founder member |
| Articles of Association | Internal rules of the company |
| IRBR1 | Business Registration application |
| ID/Passport copies | For directors and shareholders |
Submission Options
- Online via e-Registry
- By mail or in person at the Companies Registry
Step 6: Receive Your Certificates
| Certificate | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Certificate of Incorporation (CI) | Proof of legal existence |
| Business Registration Certificate (BRC) | Since Jan 2024, the BRC shows the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) |
The Unique Business Identifier also works as the Tax Identification Number (TIN)
For simple online filings, e-Certificates can be issued in 1 hour.
If you want more information, check out our blog discussing Hong Kong Business Registration Number and Company Registration Number.
Step 7: Complete Post-Incorporation Tasks
Once your company is incorporated and you’ve received your Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate, there are several important actions to take before you can operate smoothly and stay compliant.
| Open a Business Bank Account | Most banks require in-person verification, though some virtual banks offer remote onboarding. Prepare incorporation documents, proof of address, identification documents, and, where required, a company structure chart. Traditional banks generally apply stricter due diligence, while fintech banks may be more accessible for startups and foreign-owned companies. |
|---|---|
| Maintain a Significant Controllers Register (SCR) | Required for all Hong Kong companies. The SCR must be kept at the registered office or another approved Hong Kong location, updated within 7 days of any change, and made available for inspection. Non-compliance may result in statutory fines. |
| Keep Statutory Registers | Maintain registers of Directors, Members, Charges (if applicable), and the SCR. Many companies appoint a company secretary to manage these registers and ensure statutory deadlines are met. |
| Order Company Chops / Stamps | Not legally required, but still commonly used for contracts, banking, and official documents. |
| Set Up Accounting Systems | Keep accurate accounting records, including invoices, receipts, and bank statements, for at least 7 years to comply with statutory record-keeping requirements. |
Government Fees
The cost of registering a company in Hong Kong is made up of one-time incorporation fees and annual maintenance fees. These are set by the Hong Kong government and apply regardless of whether you register on your own or through an agency.
| Item | Fee (HKD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation (e-file) | 1,545 | Fastest and most cost-effective option; processed via e-Registry |
| Incorporation (paper) | 1,720 | Slightly higher due to manual processing |
| Business Registration Certificate – 1 year | 2,200 | Issued by the IRD; must be renewed annually |
| Business Registration Certificate – 3 years | 6,020 | Saves on renewal paperwork but larger upfront payment |
If your application is unsuccessful, you can apply for a partial refund of the incorporation fee (HKD 1,280 for e-file or HKD 1,425 for paper filings).
Additional Costs to Consider:
- Company secretary services – HKD 2,000–5,000/year
- Registered office address – HKD 1,000–3,000/year
- Accounting, audit, and tax filing services – HKD 8,000+, depending on business size
Late Annual Return Penalties (Private Companies)
Filing your Annual Return (Form NAR1) on time is essential to avoid penalties.
The deadline is 42 days after the anniversary of incorporation each year.
| Delay After Deadline | Penalty (HKD) | Risk/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ≤ 3 months | 870 | Small penalty, but still a sign of non-compliance |
| > 3 to ≤ 6 months | 1,740 | Double the cost compared to the first penalty tier |
| > 6 to ≤ 9 months | 2,610 | Higher penalty and possible compliance scrutiny |
| > 9 months | 3,480 | Maximum penalty; repeated delays can damage your compliance record |
Late filing not only increases fees but may also affect your company’s public standing in the Companies Registry, making due diligence checks less favorable for partners or banks.
Tax and Compliance Timeline
Hong Kong offers one of the simplest tax systems in the world, but there are key compliance dates you must follow.
| Requirement | Frequency / Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First Profits Tax Return (PTR) | Issued ~18 months after incorporation | Covers your first financial period; must file audited accounts with the PTR |
| Subsequent PTR filings | Annually | Based on your chosen financial year-end |
| Two-tier profits tax rates | 8.25% on first HKD 2M; 16.5% thereafter | Applies to corporations; unincorporated businesses pay 7.5% and 15% |
| Territorial taxation | Ongoing | Only profits sourced in Hong Kong are taxable; offshore profits may be exempt if approved by the IRD |
| FSIE regime | Ongoing | Certain foreign-sourced passive income (dividends, interest, gains, IP income) may be taxable unless exemption conditions are met |
| Employer’s Return (BIR56A & IR56B) | Annually if you hire staff | Reports employee income to the IRD |
| Business Registration Certificate renewal | Annually or every 3 years | Must keep valid at all times |
| Annual Return (NAR1) | Annually | Filed with Companies Registry; due within 42 days of incorporation anniversary |
| Audit requirement | Annually | All companies must prepare audited financial statements by a Hong Kong CPA |
Even dormant companies must still file certain compliance documents unless they apply for dormant status with the Companies Registry.
Foreigners: Key Points
Hong Kong is one of the few jurisdictions that allows 100% foreign ownership without requiring a local partner or shareholder. However, there are still some rules to keep in mind.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Local director or shareholder | Not required — you can be the sole director and shareholder as a foreigner |
| Company secretary | Must be a Hong Kong resident (individual) or a corporate body with a registered/principal office in Hong Kong |
| Registered office | Must be a physical address in Hong Kong for government correspondence; cannot be a P.O. box |
| Bank account opening | Remote onboarding is possible, but it depends on bank policy; some require an in-person visit or video KYC (Know Your Customer) |
| Visa requirements | You do not need to be in Hong Kong to register a company; however, to live and work locally, you’ll need an investment visa or other work visa |
| Operating from overseas | You can manage the company entirely from abroad; however, be aware of tax obligations in your home country for foreign-sourced income |
While company registration can be done entirely online, opening a bank account is often the main challenge for foreign owners. Working with Air Corporate to speed up this process.
Register Your Company in Hong Kong — The Simplest Way with Air Corporate
Looking to register your business in Hong Kong? Air Corporate offers you more than just a dedicated accountant and service for incorporation.
Here are other things you can expect from Air Corporate incorporation services for Hong Kong company registration:
Pre-incorporation Service:
- Verify your company’s name with both the Companies Registry and trademark database
- Prepare all incorporation documents accurately and in compliance with Hong Kong law
- File your incorporation application with the Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department
- Receive your Certificate of Incorporation (CI) and Business Registration Certificate (BRC) — valid for one year
- Provide professional business documentation, including Articles of Association and compliance templates
- Supply company chops (stamps) and certified document copies
- Offer secure document scanning and mail forwarding services
Post-incorporation Service:
- Full company secretary services to meet statutory requirements
- Assistance with opening a corporate bank account — locally or remotely (where possible)
- Preparation and maintenance of your Significant Controllers Register (SCR)
- Provision of a registered office address in Hong Kong for official correspondence
- Appointment of a Designated Representative (DR)
- Virtual office solutions for remote business management
- Ongoing compliance support, including Annual Return filing, BRC renewal, and Profits Tax Return guidance
- General advisory and consulting to help your company operate efficiently and meet all legal obligations
Consult with an expert at Air Corporate to see what you need to make your company incorporation successful and cost-effective.
FAQs
The minimum requirements for registering a company in Hong Kong are:
- Any person or organization can register a company in Hong Kong
- Minimum of one shareholder, who can be local or foreign, aged 18 or above
- At least one director, who can be local or foreign, aged 18 or above
- One person can serve as both the director and shareholder
- No minimum share capital is required, but common practice is around HKD 10,000
- A registered address is necessary
- Company secretary required, who must be a Hong Kong resident or an incorporated entity with an office in Hong Kong
- A Designated Representative (DR) is needed to assist with the Significant Controllers Register (SCR) of the company
- Hong Kong's Companies Ordinance (CO) mandates an annual statutory audit of companies' audited financial statements and an annual general meeting (AGM)
Note that it is not necessary to have an address in Hong Kong for your company’s annual general meeting. Because as of April 28, 2023, the Companies (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 has provided increased flexibility for companies to conduct entirely virtual or hybrid general meetings.
To start a business in Hong Kong, you may need certain government licenses, permits, certificates, and approvals. Although not all businesses require licenses, some definitely do. This depends on the specific type of business activity you plan to conduct.
For example, restaurants need a Restaurant License from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. As for travel agencies, they require a Travel Agent License from the Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong. On the other hand, financial services companies — depending on the services offered — may need licenses from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).
Using Business Licence Information Service (BLIS) is a convenient and reliable way to determine the specific licenses you need.
Yes, Hong Kong’s law accepts 100% foreign-owned companies. Thus, as a foreigner, you can register a business in Hong Kong.
It typically takes two to seven working days to register a company in Hong Kong, but it may occasionally take slightly longer, depending on the circumstances.
No, you can run your business from anywhere in the world despite it being incorporated in Hong Kong. However, if you wish to relocate to Hong Kong to manage your registered business, you can do so by applying for an Investment Visa.
To check if a company is registered in Hong Kong, you can use the Companies Registry’s Integrated Companies Registry Information System (ICRIS). This is a public database where you can search for company names, registration numbers, and status.
Visit: www.icris.cr.gov.hk Use the "Company Name Search" or "Document Index Search" to verify registration details.
The difference between BR and CR in Hong Kong is that the Companies Registry (CR) handles company incorporation and legal records, while the Business Registration (BR) is managed by the Inland Revenue Department and is used for tax purposes.
