Hong Kong Company Registration: 100% Online and in 3–5 Business Days
Written by Vivian Au, TCSP Director·
Launch your Hong Kong limited company remotely, no visit required. We handle incorporation and company formation end-to-end as a Company Service Provider (TCSP), consistently rated among the most reliable providers.
Air Corporate offers a straightforward process for company incorporation in Hong Kong, with an all-in-one service that makes setting up your business simple and hassle-free. This Hongkong company registration page is written for international founders.
100% online process
Government fees included
Company secretary +local registered address (12mo)
One fixed price includes government fees, company secretary, registered address, and bank support. No hidden costs.
Fastest Incorporation
Online filing with Companies Registry. Most companies registered in 3-5 business days total, including hand-over of company documents and bank account setup.
100% Remote Setup
No need to visit Hong Kong. Manage everything online from anywhere. You can securely access all company information and official documents through the online dashboard.
Risk-Free Guarantee
Not satisfied? Full refund within 30 days. We're confident you'll love our service.
What is Hong Kong Company Incorporation?
Under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), formation, incorporation, and registration are related terms, but they refer to different steps in the HK company formation journey.
01
Company formation
The full setup journey: planning, incorporation filing, and post-incorporation compliance setup.
02
Incorporation
The legal act of creating the company with the Hong Kong Companies Registry.
03
Business registration
Tax/business registration with the Inland Revenue Department for lawful operation after incorporation.
Benefits of Hong Kong Company Registration
The world's most business-friendly jurisdiction for entrepreneurs
Join thousands of successful entrepreneurs who’ve chosen Hong Kong as their business hub. Experience unmatched freedom, low taxes, and access to the world’s fastest-growing markets.
Hong Kong is especially popular for private limited companies and offshore company structures, making it attractive for a wide range of business needs, including those of foreign entrepreneurs seeking flexibility and credibility.
World's freest economy
Ranked #1 by Heritage Foundation for 25 consecutive years. No restrictions, no red tape.
Lowest tax
rates in Asia
Hong Kong’s corporate income tax system is territorial, meaning only profits sourced within Hong Kong are subject to tax.
The corporate income tax rate is 8.25% on the first HKD 2 million of profits and 16.5% on profits above that amount.
Foreign-sourced income is exempt from corporate income tax.
Offshore tax is 0%.
Additionally, there is no sales tax, import tax, capital gains tax, or tax on dividends and interest.
Gateway to $30T Asian market
Direct access to China's 1.4B consumers. Strategic location. World-class logistics.
100% foreign ownership
Own and control everything. Any nationality. No local partner needed. Manage remotely.
Top financial hub
75+ international banks. Advanced fintech. Free capital flow. No forex controls.
Incorporate in 3 days
Fastest company registration in Asia. Fully digital. E-signatures accepted. The whole registration process is streamlined and can often be completed within a single day.
Hong Kong Company Formation Process: How to Set Up a Company in Hong Kong (Step-by-Step)
How to set up or open a company in Hong Kong in 3-5 business days
1
Choose your company name & appoint a company secretary
10 minutes
What you do:
Prepare 2-3 backup company names (in case the first is unavailable)
Appoint a company secretary — mandatory for all HK companies. If you choose us, select a package that suits your needs
Decide share capital and currency (most clients use HKD)
Confirm directors, shareholders, and business activities
Pay securely online (credit card, bank transfer, Airwallex)
Receive instant confirmation email
What happens next:
Account created in our portal
Document checklist sent to email
Welcome email with next steps
2
Prepare & submit KYC documents
30 minutes
What you do:
Upload passport (certified copy)
Upload proof of address (certified copy)
Record 10-second video with passport
Fill in company details form (names, directors, shareholders, UBOs, business activities)
What happens next:
Our team reviews within 24 hours
We check name availability
We certify your documents for you
We confirm document quality
Request any missing items if needed
Confirm what's included (company secretary + registered address) and your timeline
Pro tip:
We provide certification services included in our packages for passport and proof of address!
3
File with the Companies Registry
1-3 days
What we do:
Prepare incorporation forms (NNC1/IRBR1)
Draft Articles of Association
Reserve your company name
Prepare all government documents
Provide company secretary + registered office address (if included)
Set up statutory registers and Significant Controllers Register (SCR)
What you do:
Sign documents electronically (via email link - takes 5 minutes)
Additionally, all packages provide support for obtaining the necessary business licenses and maintaining statutory records to ensure full compliance with Hong Kong company registration requirements.
Not sure which package is right? Compare packages
Compare all features side-by-side or speak with our experts for personalized guidance
How Much Does Hong Kong Company Registration Cost?
No hidden fees
See exactly what you pay vs. DIY costs
What you need
If you DIY
With Air Corporate
Government fees
HKD 3,745
(≈ USD 480)
Included
Company secretary (12 months)
$300-800
Included
Registered address (12 months)
$200-600
Included
Company chops (3 pieces)
$100-200
Included
Bank account support
$200-500
Included
Your time (20+ hours of research)
$500-2,000
We handle it
Total cost
$1,780-$3,880
+ stress & confusion
$1,070
Save up to $2,810
Note: The above pricing includes the business registration fee and registration fee required for Hong Kong company registration. For 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2026, government fees total HKD 3,745 (≈ USD 480).
The registration fee also covers all documents registered with the Companies Registry and other government departments, ensuring your personal and company information is properly submitted and compliant with regulatory requirements.
We stand behind our service with industry-leading guarantees
Your success is our success. We're so confident in our service that we back it with real guarantees, not just promises.
Money-back guarantee
Not satisfied within 30 days? Full refund, no questions asked. We're confident you'll be thrilled. 1,000+ happy clients prove it.
3-day incorporation
Your company registered in 3 business days. Target: 3-5 business days from complete documents to incorporation certificate.
Bank support
We support you until you get a bank account opened. 95%+ of our clients successfully open accounts with our guidance.
They succeeded with Air Corporate
Trusted by 1,000+ entrepreneurs and SMEs
Offshore Company Setup in Hong Kong
How non-residents can set up an offshore-structured HK company remotely.
Case study
Thomas K.
German entrepreneur
Living in: Bali, Indonesia
Business: E-commerce (Dropshipping)
"I'm a German citizen living in Bali. Registered my HK company in 4 days without leaving Indonesia. Now I have 0% tax on my e-commerce profits and access to Asian suppliers. Air Corporate made it incredibly simple."
0%
Offshore Tax
3
Days to incorporate
100%
Remote process
Full control
Own 100% of shares. Be the sole director. No local partner needed.
Own 100% of shares
Be sole director
No local partner required
Zero residency
Live anywhere. Manage remotely. Never visit Hong Kong.
Live anywhere in the world
Never visit Hong Kong
Perfect for digital nomads
Any nationality
We've registered companies for entrepreneurs from 25+ countries.
USAUKAustraliaIndiaArgentinaFranceMorocco+19 more
Simple requirements
Just 3 things needed. We handle everything else.
1
Passport (certified copy)
2
Proof of address (bank/utility bill)
3
10-second video verification
Is it true I don't need to visit Hong Kong?
100% yes. The entire process is online:
Upload documents via portal
All incorporation documents submitted digitally
Sign electronically via DocuSign
Legally binding e-signatures
Receive digital certificates
Instant delivery to your email
Manage company via dashboard
24/7 access to your company info
Even after incorporation, you can manage everything remotely. We've registered 1,000+ companies for clients who've never been to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Company Formation with Bank Account Opening
After incorporation, you need a business account. We help you choose the right bank for your business type.
Online Banks
Recommended for Startups & New Companies
Perfect for:
Perfect if you have a new company (0-2 years), non-resident directors/shareholders, need fast account opening (1-2 weeks), want 100% remote application, and need multi-currency accounts.
Choose the right Hong Kong company structure for your business needs
⭐RECOMMENDED FOR 99% OF BUSINESSES
Private Limited Company (Ltd)
A separate legal entity with limited liability protection. Shareholders are only liable up to their investment amount. This is the most popular structure for foreign entrepreneurs in Hong Kong.
All Air Corporate packages are for Private Limited Company, the best structure for foreign entrepreneurs starting a business in Hong Kong.
Other business structures in Hong Kong
Representative Office
For market research only
An extension of a foreign parent company for market research, liaison, and promotional activities. Cannot conduct business or generate revenue.
Pros:
Quick setup (2-3 days)
Lower costs
Cons:
Cannot trade
No bank account
Branch Office
For foreign company expansion
An extension of a foreign company that can conduct business in Hong Kong. The parent company is fully liable for all branch activities.
Pros:
Can trade & invoice
Same name as parent
Cons:
Unlimited liability
3-4 weeks setup
Sole Proprietorship
For individual business owners
A business owned and operated by one person with no legal distinction between the owner and the business. Requires a Hong Kong resident owner.
Pros:
Simple setup
Full control
Cons:
Unlimited liability
HK resident only
Partnership
For 2+ business partners
A business owned by two or more individuals who share profits and losses. General partnerships have unlimited liability; limited partnerships offer some protection.
Pros:
Shared resources
Easy formation
Cons:
Joint liability
Partner disputes
Quick comparison of Hong Kong business structures
Structure
Foreign ownership
Liability
Can trade
Setup time
Best for
Private Limited⭐ Best
100%
Limited
1-5 days
99% of businesses
Representative Office
Yes
N/A
2-3 days
Market research only
Branch Office
Yes
Unlimited
3-4 weeks
Foreign company expansion
Sole Proprietorship
No (HK resident)
Unlimited
1-2 days
Individual HK residents
Partnership
Varies
Unlimited/Limited
1-2 weeks
Regulated professionals
Our Hong Kong company formation and registration services
We're not just a form-filling service. We're your long-term partner in Hong Kong.
10+
Years of experience
1,000+
Companies incorporated
95%+
Bank account opening success rate
24h
Support response time
TCSP Licensed & Regulated
We are fully licensed by the Hong Kong government as a Trust or Company Service Provider. Your data and business are safe with us. License: TC008778.
Fastest Process in Town
Our digital-first approach means no paperwork delays. We process applications faster than traditional agencies.
Real Human Support
Technology drives our process, but humans drive our service. You get a dedicated account manager who knows your name.
Growth Partner
From banking connections to audit referrals, we help you grow beyond just incorporation. We're here for the long haul.
Next steps
Beyond Incorporation
Keep your Hong Kong company compliant and growing with our ongoing services.
Everything you need to know about setting up your company in Hong Kong
Categories
General questions
Company formation is the full setup journey. Incorporation is the legal creation of your company with the Companies Registry. Business registration is the separate registration with the Inland Revenue Department so the company can operate lawfully.
Hong Kong offers a unique combination of low taxes (8.25-16.5%), world-class banking, and access to Asian markets. It's a prestigious jurisdiction that is fully compliant with global standards, making it better than traditional tax havens for doing real business.
Yes, it is 100% remote. You do not need to visit Hong Kong to incorporate, open a bank account, or manage your company. We handle everything digitally. Fintech bank account opening can also be done remotely. Some traditional banks may require an in-person meeting, but we can guide you to remote-friendly options.
Absolutely. Hong Kong allows 100% foreign ownership. You do not need a local partner or director.
A limited company is a separate legal entity with limited liability and higher credibility for cross-border business. A sole proprietorship is simpler to start, but the owner has unlimited personal liability.
The Companies Registry is the government department responsible for the incorporation of companies in Hong Kong. After incorporation, you must register your business with the Business Registration Office, which operates under the Inland Revenue Department. The Business Registration Office handles the issuance of the Business Registration Certificate, collection of registration fees, and maintenance of business records. The Inland Revenue Department oversees tax compliance, annual filing requirements, and ensures that all businesses meet legal and tax obligations. Registering with these government departments is mandatory for all companies operating in Hong Kong.
In Hong Kong, every company receives a company registration number, a unique 7-digit identifier issued by the Companies Registry upon incorporation and displayed on the Certificate of Incorporation. Separately, all businesses must obtain a business registration number, which is an 8-digit identifier issued by the Inland Revenue Department and shown on the Business Registration Certificate. The company registration number signifies that a business is officially recognized as a separate legal entity under the Companies Ordinance, while the business registration number is essential for ongoing operations, legal compliance, and communication with government authorities. Both numbers are mandatory for operating a business in Hong Kong. Starting from December 27, 2023, the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) will replace the company registration number for most legal and government purposes, streamlining processes with a single official identifier.
Process & timeline
Incorporation usually takes 3–5 business days after we receive your signed documents (depending on registry workload). Express filing may be available for an additional fee.
We'll help you check name availability and suggest alternatives. If your first choice is unavailable, you can submit a second/third option and we’ll proceed with the first available name.
Immediately after payment, you'll receive a welcome email with a link to our secure portal. There, you'll upload your passport and proof of address. We'll then prepare the incorporation documents for your e-signature.
We use DocuSign for all document signing. It's secure, legally binding, and can be done from your phone or computer.
Requirements
To register a company in Hongkong, choose your company name, appoint director/shareholder/company secretary, prepare incorporation documents, file with the Companies Registry, then complete business registration with the Inland Revenue Department.
For individual shareholders, we just need: 1) A certified copy of your passport, and 2) A certified proof of address (bank statement or utility bill within last 3 months).
Yes, documents must be in English or Chinese. If they are in another language, they must be translated by a certified translator.
The minimum issued share capital is HK$1. Most clients start with HK$10,000 to look more professional, but you don't need to pay this money into the company account immediately.
Yes, every company must have a registered office address in Hong Kong. This address cannot be a P.O. Box and is used for official correspondence and for maintaining statutory records. Many service providers offer registered office address services to help companies meet this requirement without leasing a physical office.
You do not need a local director. However, every Hong Kong company must appoint a company secretary who is either an HK resident individual or an HK-incorporated corporate service provider.
Statutory records include documents such as registers of directors, members, and secretaries, as well as minutes of meetings and the significant controllers register. These records must be kept at the company's registered office address in Hong Kong and be available for inspection as required by law.
Under Hong Kong law, all companies incorporated in Hong Kong are required to identify persons or entities who have significant control over the company (significant controllers) and maintain a significant controllers register. The register must be kept at the registered office address and be available for inspection by law enforcement officers. Failure to comply with these requirements, such as not identifying significant controllers or not maintaining the register, can result in substantial penalties for the company and its officers.
Banking & Payments
While no provider can legally guarantee a bank account (as it's the bank's decision), we have a 99% success rate with our partner banks like Airwallex, Statrys, and NEAT. Traditional banks like HSBC are harder but possible if you visit in person.
Yes, our fintech partners (Airwallex, Currenxie, Statrys) allow 100% remote account opening. Traditional banks typically require a visit.
You can hold multi-currency accounts including USD, EUR, GBP, AUD, SGD, CNY, and many others.
Tax & Accounting
Profits up to HK$2 million are taxed at 8.25%. Profits above that are taxed at 16.5%. However, if your profits are generated outside of Hong Kong, you can apply for 0% offshore tax exemption.
Yes, every HK company must file an Annual Return (NAR1) and obtain a Business Registration Certificate renewal each year. We handle both of these in our renewal package.
Yes, all HK limited companies are required to have their accounts audited annually by a HK CPA. We can introduce you to affordable audit partners when the time comes.
Read our articles about company registration in Hong Kong
Guides and resources to help you set up and run your Hong Kong company.
