Last updated: 10 November 2026
Key Takeaways
- Government fees to register a Hong Kong company are HK$3,895 online: HK$1,545 to the Companies Registry and HK$2,350 for a one-year Business Registration Certificate.
- You need at least one director who is a natural person, one shareholder, a company secretary based in Hong Kong and a Hong Kong registered office. There is no minimum share capital.
- Online incorporation is usually approved within about an hour once your documents are ready.
- Hong Kong applies a two-tier profits tax: 8.25% on the first HK$2 million of qualifying profits and 16.5% above that.
- Ongoing obligations include an annual return within 42 days of each incorporation anniversary, annual business registration renewal, an audit and a profits tax return.
Government fees to register a Hong Kong company are HK$3,895 online (HK$1,545 to the Companies Registry plus HK$2,350 for a one-year Business Registration Certificate), and the Registry usually issues the certificate within about an hour of an electronic filing. Hong Kong is known for its territorial tax system, its international reputation and its efficient corporate environment, which is why entrepreneurs from around the world continue to use it as a base.
At HeySara, we help entrepreneurs, SMEs and international businesses set up Hong Kong companies. This guide, based on our experience incorporating companies in Hong Kong, covers the key steps, requirements and costs of registering a company in Hong Kong. If you are still deciding between Hong Kong and Singapore, read our Singapore vs Hong Kong comparison first.
Why Entrepreneurs Choose Hong Kong
1. A Territorial Tax System
Hong Kong taxes only profits sourced in Hong Kong. Corporations pay a two-tier profits tax: 8.25% on the first HK$2 million of assessable profits and 16.5% on profits above that, subject to the applicable rules. Only one company in a group of connected entities can claim the lower rate. There is no VAT or GST, no capital gains tax and no withholding tax on dividends.
2. 100% Foreign Ownership
Foreigners can fully own a Hong Kong company without a local partner. There is no nationality or residency requirement for directors or shareholders.
3. No Minimum Capital
A Hong Kong company can start with as little as HK$1 in share capital. HK$10,000 is a common starting figure.
4. Access to Mainland China
Hong Kong is a gateway to Mainland China and has an established financial and commercial environment. For a deeper look at how Hong Kong compares with other jurisdictions, see reasons for incorporating a business in Hong Kong.
Step-by-Step Guide to Register a Company in Hong Kong
Step 1: Decide on Your Business Structure
The structure you choose affects liability, tax, compliance and how easily you can raise money. See our guide to choosing the right business structure in Hong Kong for more.
| Structure | Liability | Best for |
| Sole proprietorship | Unlimited personal liability | Freelancers and micro businesses |
| Partnership | Partners share unlimited liability | Professionals or co-founders starting small |
| Private limited company | Limited to the company | Startups, SMEs and growing or international businesses |
| Branch office | The foreign parent is liable | Established overseas companies expanding into Hong Kong |
| Representative office | The foreign parent is liable | Market research and liaison only. It cannot conduct business or earn revenue. |
Most entrepreneurs choose a private limited company for its limited liability, credibility with banks and clients, and ease of scaling. It does require statutory filings and ongoing compliance.
Step 2: Choose a Company Name
Your company name must meet Hong Kong’s naming rules:
- It can be in English, Chinese or both
- An English name includes “Limited” and a Chinese name ends with “有限公司”
- It must not infringe trademarks
- It must be unique and available on the Companies Registry’s records
HeySara can run name checks to confirm your chosen name meets the requirements.
Step 3: Meet the Company Requirements
A Hong Kong private company limited by shares needs:
- Directors: at least one director, who must be a natural person. There is no nationality or residency requirement.
- Shareholders: at least one and at most 50. They can be individuals or corporate entities.
- Company secretary: mandatory. This must be an individual who is ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, or a body corporate with a Hong Kong registered office or place of business. A sole director cannot also act as the company secretary.
- Registered office: a physical address in Hong Kong. P.O. boxes are not accepted.
- Share capital: no minimum. HK$10,000 is a common starting figure.
Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents
For Directors and Shareholders
- Passport copies
- Proof of residential address
- KYC information
For Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of incorporation
- Business profile
- A board resolution approving the setup
Statutory Documents
- Articles of Association
- Incorporation Form (NNC1)
- The business registration application to the Business Registration Office, which can be submitted together with the incorporation application
HeySara can prepare the incorporation documents for you.
Step 5: File for Incorporation
You can incorporate through the Companies Registry’s e-Services Portal or file a hard copy with the Registry.
- Online: the fastest method. The Registry usually issues the certificate within about an hour of an electronic filing once your documents are signed and ready.
- Paper: slower, and the fee is higher.
After approval you receive the Certificate of Incorporation and the Business Registration Certificate, in electronic and printed form.
Government Fees
| Item | Online | Paper |
| Companies Registry incorporation fee | HK$1,545 | HK$1,720 |
| Business Registration Certificate (one year, from 1 April 2026) | HK$2,350 (HK$2,200 fee plus HK$150 levy) | HK$2,350 |
| Total government fees | HK$3,895 | HK$4,070 |
A three-year Business Registration Certificate costs HK$6,170. These are government fees only. A company secretary, registered office and professional fees are additional.
Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account
Opening a bank account in Hong Kong can be challenging because of strict KYC requirements. Banks generally ask for:
- Incorporation documents
- Director and shareholder identification
- Proof of business activities
- A business plan or contracts
Some businesses also use virtual bank or fintech accounts as alternatives to traditional banks, which can onboard faster. HeySara can guide you through the process, and approval remains subject to each bank’s due diligence.
Step 7: Maintain Post-Incorporation Compliance
Annual Requirements
- Annual return (Form NAR1): due within 42 days after each incorporation anniversary. It isn’t due in the year of incorporation. The fee is HK$105 if filed on time, and rises if late.
- Business Registration renewal: renew the certificate each year (or every three years if you chose a three-year certificate).
- Financial statements and audit: prepare financial statements and have them audited by a Hong Kong certified public accountant.
- Profits tax return: file with the Inland Revenue Department when it is issued.
Other Compliance Duties
- Maintain the Significant Controllers Register (SCR)
- Notify the Companies Registry of changes, such as a change of director or company secretary, which generally have a short filing deadline
- Keep proper accounting and tax records
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a company in Hong Kong?
Government fees are HK$3,895 for an online incorporation (HK$1,545 Companies Registry plus HK$2,350 for a one-year Business Registration Certificate), or HK$4,070 for paper filing. A company secretary, registered office and professional fees are additional.
How long does incorporation take?
The Registry usually issues the certificate within about an hour of an electronic filing. Allow additional time to prepare and sign the documents.
Do I need to live in Hong Kong?
No. There is no residency requirement for directors or shareholders. The company secretary, however, must be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong or a body corporate with a Hong Kong presence, and the company needs a Hong Kong registered office.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a Hong Kong company?
Yes. There is no requirement for a local partner or a local director.
What is the profits tax rate?
Corporations pay 8.25% on the first HK$2 million of assessable profits and 16.5% above that, subject to the rules. Hong Kong taxes only Hong Kong-sourced profits.
Should I incorporate in Hong Kong or Singapore?
It depends on your target market and business plans. See our Singapore vs Hong Kong comparison. If you already have a Hong Kong company, see how to move your company from Hong Kong to Singapore.
Why Register Your Hong Kong Company With HeySara?
Registering a Hong Kong company is straightforward when done correctly, but managing compliance, documentation and banking requirements on your own can be time-consuming. HeySara supports you with digital incorporation workflows, experienced company secretaries, compliance support, and cross-border expertise for entrepreneurs with both Singapore and Hong Kong operations. Ready to start? See our Hong Kong company incorporation service.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax or professional advice. Hong Kong fees, requirements and tax rates are set by the Companies Registry, the Inland Revenue Department and other authorities and are subject to change. Verify current requirements with the relevant authority or a qualified professional before making decisions. HeySara accepts no liability for actions taken based on this article.
