A complete guide to the Hong Kong company registration process
3 mins read l Published: February 25, 2025 l Updated: February 25, 2025
A complete guide to the Hong Kong company registration process: how to easily start a company from scratch
1. Introduction
As an international business center, Hong Kong has attracted countless entrepreneurs and business people with its low tax rates, simple tax system, free economic environment and sound legal system. Whether you are a local entrepreneur or a foreign investor, registering a company in Hong Kong is the first step towards success. However, for first-time entrepreneurs, the company registration process can seem complicated and time-consuming. This article will analyze every step of Hong Kong company registration in detail, help you start a company easily, and provide professional advice to ensure that your entrepreneurial journey is smooth.
2. Preparations before starting a company
2.1 Determine the company type
In Hong Kong, the most common type of company is a limited company, as its shareholders' liability is limited to their capital contributions and the risk is lower. In addition, there are options such as "Unlimited Company" and "Branch Company". A limited company is suitable for most small and medium-sized enterprises, while an unlimited company is suitable for sole proprietorships or partnerships. Choosing the right type of company is the first step to success.
2.2 Choose a company name
The company name is the face of the enterprise and must comply with the regulations of the Hong Kong Companies Registry. The name cannot be the same as that of an existing company, nor can it contain sensitive words (such as "bank", "insurance" and other unauthorized words). It is recommended that you check the availability of the name through the Companies Registry's online search system before submitting your application.
2.3 Prepare the registered address
Hong Kong companies must have a local registered address for receiving government correspondence and legal documents. If you don’t have a physical office, consider using a virtual office service, which typically includes a registered address and mail forwarding services.
2.4 Determine the company structure
Every Hong Kong company requires at least one director and one shareholder (can be the same person), and a company secretary. Directors and shareholders can be individuals or companies, and there is no nationality restriction. The company secretary is responsible for ensuring that the company complies with legal requirements and is usually performed by a professional secretarial firm.
3. Detailed explanation of the Hong Kong company registration process
3.1 Submit company registration application
Company registration applications can be submitted through the Hong Kong Companies Registry's online system or in paper form. The required documents include:
Articles of Association: These are the basic rules of the company and are usually drafted by professionals.
Identification documents of directors and shareholders: such as copies of passports or ID cards, Proof of residential address: such as telephone bill, water bill or electricity bill, etc.
3.2 Payment of registration fee
When you submit your application, you will be required to pay a government registration fee. As of February 2025, the government fee for filing is HK$3,920. The fee includes the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate.
3.3 Waiting for approval
Generally speaking, electronic applications can be approved within 1-2 working days, while paper applications take longer. You can check the status of your application through the Companies Registry's online system.
3.4 Collection of Certificate of Incorporation
After approval, you can collect the company registration certificate and business registration certificate. These documents are proof of the company's legal existence and must be kept safe.
4. Necessary matters after company registration
4.1 Opening a corporate bank account
Once the company registration is complete, the next step is to open a bank account. All major banks in Hong Kong provide company account services. The required documents usually include: Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, Articles of Association, Identification documents of directors and shareholders
4.2 Apply for business registration certificate
A business registration certificate is a necessary document for a company to operate legally and is valid for one or three years. You can apply for it when you register your company, or separately at a later date.
4.3 Appointment of Company Secretary
Under Hong Kong law, every company must appoint a company secretary. The company secretary is responsible for handling company compliance matters, such as filing annual returns and convening shareholder meetings. Professional secretarial companies can provide comprehensive support to ensure that the company complies with legal requirements.
4.4 Start accounting and tax filing
Hong Kong companies are required to keep proper financial records and file profits tax returns every year. Even if the company is not operating, it is still required to submit a "zero declaration". Professional accounting firms can help you handle matters such as bookkeeping, tax filing and auditing to ensure compliance and optimize tax arrangements.
5. FAQ
5.1 How long does it take to register a company?
Applications usually take around 7 business days.
5.2 Can foreigners register a company in Hong Kong?
Yes, Hong Kong has no restrictions on the nationality of company directors and shareholders.
5.3 What is the minimum capital requirement for registering a company?
There is no minimum capital requirement in Hong Kong, and a company can usually be registered with HK$1.
5.4 Can I register a company without a local address?
Yes, you can use Virtual Office service as your registered address.
5.5 What fees do I need to pay after company registration?
In addition to the registration fee, you will also need to pay for the business registration certificate fee and annual company secretarial and accounting service fees.
6. How can a professional accounting firm help you?
Registering a company is only the first step in starting a business; subsequent financial and tax management are equally important. Professional accounting firms can provide you with one-stop services, including:
Company registration and account opening: simplify the process and save time.
Bookkeeping and tax filing: Ensure compliance and optimize tax arrangements.
Company Secretarial Services: We take care of compliance matters, allowing you to focus on business development.
7. Conclusion
Although the Hong Kong company registration process is simple, it involves many details and legal requirements. With the help of a professional accounting firm, you can avoid common mistakes and ensure that your company is successfully registered and operates in compliance with regulations. If you have any questions about starting a company, please feel free to contact us. We will provide you with free consulting services to help you easily embark on the road to entrepreneurship!
For detail procedures and frequently asked questions (FAQ) of hong kong limited company formation, please visit our web page link at Hong Kong Company Formation.