How to register a company in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has built a reputation as one of Asia’s easiest and most reliable places to start a business. Its appeal lies in a low and predictable tax system, open trade policies, and a streamlined digital registration process. As of mid-2025, more than 1.49 million local companies are registered, with over 84,000 new incorporations recorded in just the first half of the year — proof that the city remains a favourite base for global entrepreneurs and growing SMEs.

Why set up a company in Hong Kong

Starting a company in Hong Kong gives business owners access to one of the world’s most open markets. The corporate profits tax is capped at 16.5%, and small businesses benefit from a two-tier system that reduces the rate on the first HK $2 million (approx. USD $257,000) of profits.

Company formation is remarkably fast, the entire process can be completed online in about an hour. There are no exchange controls, so profits and capital can move freely across borders. Combined with its proximity to China and the wider Asia-Pacific region, Hong Kong remains a strategic location for international trade and investment.

Business structure options

Before you register, decide which structure best fits your goals and risk profile:

• Private company limited by shares: The default choice for most entrepreneurs. It offers limited liability and flexible ownership.
• Company limited by guarantee: Common among charities and non-profit groups that reinvest surplus funds instead of distributing profits.
• Unlimited company: Rarely used, since owners assume full personal liability for all obligations.
• Branch office: Allows an overseas company to operate in Hong Kong under the same legal identity.
• Representative office: Suitable for market research or liaison work but not for commercial trading.
• Subsidiary: A separate legal entity owned by a parent company — ideal for firms seeking local autonomy.
• Registered non-Hong Kong company: For foreign businesses establishing a physical presence or place of business in Hong Kong.

Choosing your company name

Your company name must follow the Companies Registry (CR) guidelines. Use the CR’s e-Search tool to check availability before submitting.

Names can be in English, Chinese (traditional characters), or both. Avoid words that are offensive, misleading, or suggest official status — such as “Royal,” “Bank,” or “Trust” — unless you have specific approval. Private limited companies must end with “Limited” or “有限公司.”

Pro tip: prepare several alternatives. Even though digital checks are fast, names that resemble existing ones (for example, “ABC Ltd” vs “ABC Limited”) may still be rejected.

Preparing and filing documents

To incorporate a company, you’ll need:

• NNC1 / NNC1G: Incorporation form
• Articles of Association: Company constitution
• NNC3: Director consent form
• IRBR1: Notice to the Business Registration Office

Applications can be filed online through the e-Registry (typically processed within an hour) or submitted on paper, which takes about four working days.

Incorporation and registration certificates

Once your application is approved, you’ll receive two key documents:

1. Certificate of Incorporation – the official record of your company’s legal existence.
2. Business Registration Certificate – confirms registration with the Inland Revenue Department and allows business operations.

Together, these serve as proof of your company’s legal standing in Hong Kong.

Director, shareholder, and secretary requirements

Every Hong Kong company must have at least one individual director, who can be of any nationality. The company secretary must be either a Hong Kong resident or a licensed corporate body with a local address.

The roles of director and secretary must be held by different people or entities.

A registered office address in Hong Kong (not a P.O. box) is mandatory.

Shareholders may be individuals or corporations, and one person can serve as both director and shareholder.

Maintaining a Significant Controllers Register (SCR)

Since 2018, non-listed companies in Hong Kong have been required to maintain a Significant Controllers Register — a record of individuals or entities that hold significant control.

Who qualifies as a controller:

• Holds more than 25% of shares or voting rights
• Has the power to appoint or remove most of the board
• Exercises significant influence or control over company decisions

Each company must appoint a designated representative, who is either a Hong Kong resident (director or employee) or a licensed professional such as an accountant, solicitor, or Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP).

The SCR must be stored at the registered office (or another reported location) and updated within seven days of any change.

Failure to maintain or update the register can result in fines of up to HK$300,000 or imprisonment for responsible officers. Many firms use TCSPs to manage SCR obligations and stay compliant.

Post-registration obligations

After incorporation, companies must:

• File an Annual Return (NAR1) with the Companies Registry.
• Renew the Business Registration Certificate every one or three years.
• Hold an Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Appoint an auditor and file audited financial statements.
• Notify the Registry of any changes in directors, address, or share capital.

Opening a business bank account

To open a corporate bank account, banks will ask for:

• Incorporation and registration documents
• Proof of business operations
• Identification of directors and shareholders

Banks conduct Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and anti-money-laundering checks, so processing can take time. Some companies open a secondary account to avoid delays.

Applying for licences and permits

Depending on your business type, you may need additional licences.

Use the Business Licence Information Service online tool to find out what applies to your sector. Common examples include:

• Import/Export licence: Customs and Excise Department (ced.gov.hk)
• Food and Beverage licence: Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (fehd.gov.hk)
• Financial services licence: Securities and Futures Commission (sfc.hk)
• Money lender licence: Office of the Ombudsman
• Telecommunications licence: Office of the Communications Authority (ofca.gov.hk)

Non-compliance can lead to heavy penalties, so apply only after receiving your Business Registration Certificate.

Hong Kong’s digital tools for companies

Hong Kong’s government has digitised almost every step of the compliance process:

• e-Registry Portal: The main platform for registration, filing, and document searches — available 24/7.
• e-Monitoring Service: Sends email alerts for upcoming filing deadlines and renewals.
• Corporate Record Digitisation: From 2025, companies can store Articles of Association and SCRs electronically, and re-domiciled entities can manage all records online.

Costs and timeline

Taxes in Hong Kong

Hong Kong operates a two-tier profits tax:

• First HK$2 million at 8.25%
  
• Remaining profits at 16.5%

Unincorporated businesses pay 7.5% and 15% respectively. Only profits sourced in Hong Kong are taxable; offshore income is exempt. 

There are no VAT, capital gains, dividend, or withholding taxes. Salaries tax is progressive from 2% to 17% (or a flat 15%), and property tax is 15% on net rental value.

From 2025, the OECD Pillar Two minimum tax rule applies to large multinationals, setting a global floor of 15%.

Visa options for non-residents

Foreign entrepreneurs can relocate to Hong Kong under several visa schemes:

• Investment (Entrepreneur) Visa: For owners contributing to Hong Kong’s economy.
• Quality Migrant Admission Scheme: For skilled professionals.
• Top Talent Pass Scheme: For highly qualified or high-income individuals.

Company chop and common seal

Although optional since 2014, many firms still use a company chop — a rubber stamp showing the company name and registration number — for contracts, invoices, and banking documents.

A common seal, once required for formal deeds, is now largely ceremonial but still useful for traditional or overseas transactions.

Using a service provider or registering directly

Entrepreneurs can register a company themselves via the e-Registry, or hire a Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) to handle everything.

Non-residents are advised to use a licensed TCSP. You can verify providers on the Companies Registry’s TCSP Register.