Having the right information and documents on hand makes starting a business in Hong Kong faster and smoother. Whether you're a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, this checklist will guide you through the essentials to complete before you officially register your company.
What Do You Need Before Registering a Company in Hong Kong?
Before initiating the registration process for your Hong Kong company, ensure you have the following information and documents prepared:
Choose a Business Structure
Hong Kong offers several types of business structures. The most common is the private limited company, which protects your personal assets and offers credibility.
Other options include:
- Sole proprietorship – Simple and low-cost, suitable for solo operations.
- Partnership – For businesses with two or more owners sharing responsibilities.
Each structure has different compliance, tax, and legal obligations, so pick one that suits your goals.
Pick a Company Name
Your company name must be:
- Unique (check availability on the Companies Registry).
- In English, Chinese, or both.
- Free of restricted words like "bank," "insurance," or "university" unless authorized.
Tip: Check domain availability and potential trademark conflicts to avoid legal issues later.
Appoint Key Personnel
To incorporate a company in Hong Kong, you must appoint:
| Role | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Director | At least one (can be a local or foreign individual) |
| Shareholder | At least one (up to 50 allowed; can also be a director) |
| Company Secretary | Must be a Hong Kong resident or local corporate entity. Cannot be the same person as the sole director. |
Ensure you have:
- Full names
- Contact information
- Residential address
- Identity proof (passport and/or HKID)
For corporate shareholders/directors, prepare certified copies of:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Certificate of Incumbency or Good Standing (if applicable)
- Register of Directors and Shareholders
- Certified passport copies of beneficial owners holding 20% or more
Decide on Share Structure
You must issue at least one share to form a company, but there’s no minimum capital requirement.
Specify:
- Number of shares to be issued
- Value per share and currency
- Paid-up capital (amount paid by shareholders)
Provide a Registered Office Address
Every company in Hong Kong must maintain a local registered address for receiving official correspondence. It cannot be a P.O. box.
If you don't have a physical office, consider using a licensed service provider for a virtual address.
Prepare for Registration
Have the following information and documents ready:
- Proposed company name
- Business description
- Director and shareholder details
- Company secretary details
- Share capital details
- Registered office address
Organizing these in advance can reduce delays and help ensure compliance.
After Incorporation: What’s Next?
Once your company is successfully registered, consider the following next steps:
- Open a Business Bank Account – Required for all financial transactions.
- Apply for Business Licenses or Permits – Depending on your industry.
- Apply for an Entrepreneur Visa – If you're a foreign national planning to relocate and manage the business in Hong Kong.
How Long Does Business Registration Take in Hong Kong?
| Submission Method | Certificate Issuance Time |
|---|---|
| Electronic | 30 minutes to 1 day |
| In-person | 30 minutes at counter |
| Hard copy (by mail) | ~4 working days |
| Mail delivery (after approval) | ~2 additional days |
Hong Kong Business Registration Fees (2025)
| Company Type | Submission Method | Incorporation Fee (HKD) | BR Certificate (1 Year) (HKD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Company Limited by Shares | Electronic | 1,545 | 2,200 |
| Private Company Limited by Shares | Hard Copy | 1,720 | 2,200 |
| Company Limited by Guarantee (≤25) | Electronic | 155 | 2,200 |
| Company Limited by Guarantee (>25) | Electronic | 305 + HKD18 per 50 extra members | 2,200 |
Note: The current business registration fee as of 2025 is HKD2,200 for all company types.
Conclusion
Starting a business in Hong Kong can be a smooth and rewarding experience if you take the time to prepare properly. With the right structure, documents, and support, you can launch smoothly and stay compliant.
Need help registering your Hong Kong company?
Air Corporate takes care of the entire setup process! From name reservation to filing and post-incorporation support, so you can focus on growing your business.
Get started with Air Corporate today and launch your company with confidence.
