Hong Kong · Company Registration
Entity types, registration process, required documents, costs, and official registries.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Setting up from abroad
- Usual entity for foreign founders
- Ltd
- Can be completed remotely
- Yes
The Registry suggests appointing a local firm to act for you if you do not often stay in Hong Kong.
Source: cr.gov.hk · checked 2026-10-14
Official registry: cr.gov.hk
Indicative costs and timing — Richbay estimates, not official figures
- Min. capital
- HK$1
- Government fee
- $220
- Typical processing
- 5 business days
- Annual compliance
- $2,000
Territorial basis: foreign-sourced profit is untaxed; first HK$2M profit at the 8.25% concessionary rate.
You register a private company limited by shares with the Companies Registry and obtain the Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department through the one-stop service. The company gets a Certificate of Incorporation and a business registration number; there is no minimum share capital.
Companies are incorporated with the Companies Registry and must also obtain a Business Registration from the Inland Revenue Department; the private company limited by shares is the common form.
- Incorporation is filed with the Companies Registry, often online via e-Registry.
- A Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department is also required.
- One director and a local company secretary and registered office are required.
- 1
Choose a name and company type
Choose a company name (English and/or Chinese) and confirm it is available; the private company limited by shares is the standard form.
- 2
Prepare the incorporation documents
Prepare the articles of association and the incorporation form (NNC1) with the directors, shareholders, company secretary and registered office.
- 3
Register with the Companies Registry
Submit the application to the Companies Registry (online via e-Registry); on approval you receive the Certificate of Incorporation.
- 4
Obtain the Business Registration Certificate
The one-stop service issues the Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department at the same time.
- 5
Set up officers and compliance
Appoint a company secretary (resident or a licensed body corporate) and keep a significant-controllers register.
- 6
Open a bank account and meet ongoing duties
Open a business bank account and file the annual return and profits tax return each year.
- Company name (English and/or Chinese) cleared
- Articles of association + incorporation form (NNC1)
- At least one director + shareholder + company secretary
- Registered office in Hong Kong
- Companies Registry registration → Certificate of Incorporation
- Business Registration Certificate (Inland Revenue Department)
- Significant-controllers register
- Business bank account
- Companies Registry
Company incorporation and registry.
- Inland Revenue Department — Business Registration
Business registration certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum share capital?
No — a Hong Kong private company has no minimum share capital; companies are commonly formed with a nominal amount.
What is the Business Registration Certificate?
It is the certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department that every business must hold; it is issued together with incorporation through the one-stop service.
Do I need a local director?
A private company needs at least one director (who can be non-resident) and a company secretary who is resident in Hong Kong or a licensed body corporate.
Government portals
- GovHK — Hong Kong Government Portal — Single entry point to residency, tax, employment and public services.
- Inland Revenue Department — Salaries tax, profits tax, the tax return cycle and eTAX filing.
- Immigration Department — Visas and entry permits, the Top Talent Pass, right of abode and HKID cards.
- Companies Registry — Company incorporation, annual returns and the public company search.