Company Registration in Hong Kong – An Overview

Aspect Details
Fees for Company Registration in Hong Kong Starts from USD 1299
Timeline for Hong Kong Business Registration Usually takes about 2 to 3 Weeks
Benefits of Company Registration in Hong Kong Benefits of company registration in Hong Kong include the following:
  • Strategic Location
  • Skilled Workforce
  • Political & Economic Stability
  • Favourable Tax Policies
  • Intellectual Property Protection
  • Foreign Business-Friendly
  • World-Class Infrastructure
  • Unrestricted Investment Policies
Types of Company Formation in Hong Kong Types of company formation in Hong Kong include the following:
  • Private Limited Company (Ltd)
  • Unlimited Company
  • Branch Office
Documents Required for Company Formation in Hong Kong Documents required for company formation in Hong Kong include the following:
  • Unique Business Name
  • Valid ID Proofs
  • Registered Address Proof
  • Articles of Association (AoA)
  • Incorporation Form (Form NNC1/Form NNC1G)
  • A Notice to Business Registration Officer (IRBR1)
Top Businesses for Foreign Entrepreneurs for Company Registration in Hong Kong Some of the top businesses for foreign entrepreneurs in Hong Kong include the following:
  • Dropshipping
  • Warehousing
  • Software Development
  • Restaurant
  • Travel Agency
  • Manufacturing Business
How can we Help You with Company Incorporation in Hong Kong?
  • End-to-end company registration support
  • Pre-and-post-registration assistance
  • Guidance to choose company structure
  • Customized business solutions
  • Support to decode local laws
  • Hong Kong company formation with bank account

Hong Kong Business Registration is a Charm with Enterslice

Get your Hong Kong business registration done and Join the Booming Billion Dollar HK Economy.

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Company Formation in Hong Kong

Company formation in Hong Kong gives businesses a strategic advantage in leveraging its robust economy for profitable gains. Hong Kong-registered strong GDP growth in the last financial year.

If you are an entrepreneur considering company registration in Hong Kong and business expansion, you must know it is a wise idea. With a strong GDP of 382.05 Billion, Hong Kong is one of the wealthiest regions in the world. Hong Kong embraces global entrepreneurs and offers various incentives, such as an investor-friendly ecosystem, robust intellectual property laws and tax benefits.

Speak to consultants at Enterslice for easy, smooth, and timely company formation in Hong Kong.

Low Corporate Tax Rate of 16.5%

Ease of Doing Business

100% Foreign Ownership

Operations Flexibility

0% Tax on Capital Gains/Sales Tax

Zero Value Added Tax (VAT)

Types of Company Incorporation in Hong Kong

Global entrepreneurs seeking company incorporation in Hong Kong, can choose from the many available structures, including private limited companies and branch offices. Each company type has unique features and benefits, and entrepreneurs can select a structure depending on their business needs and suitability.

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Private Limited Company (Ltd)

It is the most common and popular form of company in Hong Kong. The number of shareholders must be in the range of 1 and 50 for private limited company (Ltd). In this form of business structure for company registration in Hong Kong, the liability of shareholders is limited to the amount unpaid on their shares. A minimum of one shareholder and one director is a must to form a private limited company. It is highly recommended for business enthusiasts all over the world.

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Unlimited Company

It is one of the significant business structures for Hong Kong business registration. The liability of members is unlimited. It means they are personally liable for company’s debts and obligations. These Unlimited companies are less common and usually used for specific purposes in cases of certain joint ventures or partnerships.

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Branch Office

A branch office is one of the best types of Hong Kong company setup for global entrepreneurs. A branch office is a legal entity that operates under a parent company. While the parent company is responsible for business debts and obligations, a branch office of a foreign company can operate freely and earn profits in Hong Kong. A branch office is not a subsidiary.

Procedure for Company Registration in Hong Kong

Company registration in Hong Kong involves a series of steps, given below:

Choose a Company Name

The first step for company formation in Hong Kong involves selecting a unique name that complies with Hong Kong’s naming guidelines. The name should be unique to avoid rejection and not infringe on trademarks.

Select the Company Type

One of the most critical steps in company incorporation in Hong Kong is choosing the appropriate company structure that suits the business needs.

Prepare Required Documents

Hong Kong business registration requires the company to submit the documents necessary to initiate the registration process, including Articles of Association (AoA), and proof of registered address.

Submit Application

Businesses can file incorporation documents through the online company registry HK or submit them to the Companies Registry in person.

Obtain Company Incorporation Certificate

The company incorporation HK is complete once the business receives the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate from Hong Kong Companies Registry to start operating legally post company registration in Hong Kong.

Timeline for Hong Kong Company Registration

Depending on the company structure and the time taken to process the application, it takes about 1 week to complete Hong Kong business registration.

Company Name Selection - 1 Working Day

Running a name search and choosing a unique business name takes 1 working day to complete.

Paperwork Preparation - 3 to 5 Working Days

Collecting the necessary documents for company registration in Hong Kong, such as Articles of Association (AoA) and shareholder details, takes 3 to 5 working days.

Application Submission - 1 Working Day

Filing the incorporation documents with the Hong Kong Companies Registry, either online or physically, takes 1 working day.

Approval Process – 5 to 7 Working Days

Once the documents are filed, the Hong Kong Companies Registry takes 5 to 7 days to validate and issue certification of incorporation.

Receive Certificates - 1 Working Day

The certificate of incorporation and Hong Kong company registration enables a business to commence operations legally, and they are received in 1 working day.

Documents Required for Company Registration in Hong Kong

Global entrepreneurs seeking company registration in Hong Kong must submit the required documents, including the following:

Unique Approved Business Name

Proof of Registered Office Address

Articles of Association (AoA)

Valid ID Proof - Legal Representative

Notarized Documents of Shareholders

Passport Copies & Residential Proof - Non-resident Shareholders & Directors

Hong Kong ID Copy & Residential Proof - Local Shareholders & Directors

A Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR1)

Incorporation Form (Form NNC1 for Company Limited by Shares)

Form NNC1G (For Company Not Limited by Shares)

Permits Required for Company Formation in Hong Kong

Company formation in Hong Kong requires businesses to obtain different licenses and permits for hassle-free operations, including the following:

  • Business Registration Certificate :- A business registration certificate through Hongkong company registration is necessary for legal operations.
  • Trade License :- Mandatory to operate in specific industries like import/export, wholesale, and retail trade.
  • Food License :- After company registration in Hong Kong, it is must for businesses engaged in food production, processing, or sale.
  • Employment Agency License :- After company registration in Hong Kong, it is mandatory for businesses operating in recruitment or employment services.
  • Education Permit :- Compulsory for businesses involved in delivering educational or training services.
  • Telecommunications License :- Applicable to businesses offering telecom or broadcasting services.
  • Financial Services License :- Compulsory for businesses offering investment, insurance, or banking services.
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End-to-end Support

Benefits of Company Incorporation in Hong Kong

Global entrepreneurs and investors planning to expand their businesses in Hong Kong can leverage from its booming economy, low inflation, and business-friendly policies to yield profitable results. Benefits of company incorporation in Hong Kong include the following:

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Strategic Location

Entrepreneurs who register company in Hong Kong online benefit from its proximity to mainland China. As a special administrative region of the People's Republic of China, Hong Kong offers businesses a strategic location advantage to access the vast Chinese markets, encouraging trade opportunities between major regional economies.

Skilled Workforce

Hong Kong business registration helps entrepreneurs leverage a highly-skilled, trained and productive workforce to ensure operational efficiency, which in turn, facilitates business growth and innovation.

Political & Economic Stability

Businesses with offshore company formation Hong Kong can benefit from its robust political and economic stability. These factors attract investors from all over the world, making it one of the best business destinations and helping it continue its growth momentum.

Favourable Tax Policies

Company registration in Hong Kong helps entrepreneurs leverage its simple and low-tax regime to attain profitability. Hong Kong boasts a strong legal system, reduced financial burdens, and a transparent business ecosystem, which are significant factors in attracting foreign investment.

Intellectual Property Protection

HK company setup is embraced by global entrepreneurs and investors, thanks to Hong Kong's strict intellectual property laws, which are pivotal in safeguarding innovations and nurturing faith in its business-friendly environment. It is one of the significant benefits of company registration in Nhong Kong.

Business-Friendly for Global Entrepreneurs

Hong Kong business registration is a simple process, facilitating global entrepreneurs' setup of their ventures. Entrepreneurs and investors can obtain a work visa for company registration in Hong Kong and enjoy the freedom to operate their ventures without the need to adhere to complex residency requirements.

World-Class Infrastructure

With offshore company formation Hong Kong, global entrepreneurs can leverage its world-class infrastructure and robust transportation network for seamless connectivity, helping boost efficiency and maximizing profitability.

Unrestricted Investment Policies

Offshore company formation Hong Kong helps businesses leverage its unrestricted investment policies to boost profitability. Hong Kong has bilateral trade agreements with 30+ countries, promoting business expansion and growth for global entrepreneurs.

Prerequisites for Company Registration in Hong Kong

Have a look at the prerequisites for company registration in Hong Kong

  • Choosing a Unique Name :- It is a must to choose a unique business name in accordance with the Guidelines on Registration of Company Names for Hong Kong Companies.
  • Minimum Share Capital :- While there is no minimum capital requirement, businesses must ensure at least one shareholder with at least one company share in any accepted currency.
  • Directors :- The HK company setup mandates businesses to onboard at least one director of any nationality over 18 years of age.
  • Company Secretary :- Company incorporation HK requires businesses to onboard a company secretary (CS) who must be a resident of Hong Kong.
  • Local Address :- Company registration in Hong Kong mandates businesses to acquire a local registered office to facilitate official communication.

Governing Body in HK- Hong Kong Companies Registry

The Hong Kong Companies Registry is the governing body responsible for managing corporate affairs in Hong Kong. Its key accountabilities include company incorporation, maintaining records, ensuring compliance filings, and offering company name search services. The Hong Kong Companies Registry also implements company law, imposing penalties for non-compliance and handling company dissolutions.

Online company registry HK strengthens transparency and accountability through various corporate governance measures. It handles multiple critical tasks to facilitate a streamlined regulatory framework, positioning Hong Kong as a viable regional business hub. Hong Kong Business Registry also enforces legal rights to develop a robust ecosystem, helping businesses thrive.

Top Industries & Businesses for HK Company Setup

Top 10 industries and businesses for foreign entrepreneurs for HK Company setup, promising high returns include the following:

Checklist of Top 10 Industries for HK Company Setup

  • E-Commerce
  • Technology & Innovation
  • Food and Beverages
  • Tourism & Hospitality
  • Logistics & Transportation
  • Education & Learning
  • Health & Wellness
  • Manufacturing
  • Exports
  • Financial Services

Top 10 Businesses for Hong Kong Business Registration

  • Dropshipping & Warehousing
  • Artificial Intelligence & Robotics
  • Restaurant, Bar & Hotel
  • Travel Agency
  • Local Courier & Delivery Services
  • Language Learning Centers
  • Biotech Firms & Wellness Centres
  • Textiles, Clothing & Electronics
  • Machine Parts & Gas Turbines
  • Banking & Insurance

Post Incorporation Compliance for HK Company Setup

HK company setup requires businesses to adhere to post-registration compliance to ensure hassle-free operations and maintain transparency, including:

  • Renewal of business registration certificate
  • Filing annual returns with the Hong Kong Companies Registry
  • Submission of profits tax return
  • Maintaining accounting records
  • Conducting financial audits
  • Holding annual general meetings (AGMs)
  • Maintaining Company Secretary (CS)
  • Notifying the Companies Registry of changes - Directors & Shareholders
  • Paying taxes, tariffs and fees on time
  • Adherence to employment law for hiring
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Why Opt for Enterslice for Company Registration in Hong Kong?

With over 10+ years of experience in global company registrations, Enterslice is proactively working as the best company formation agent in Hong Kong. We are a dedicated and passionate team of consultants, channelling our professional expertise to deliver the best in class Hong Kong company incorporation services. Experience hassle-free and quick company registration in Hong Kong with us. Reasons why you should choose us for Hong Kong company formation-

  • Thorough Understanding of Hong Kong Laws Required for HK Business Setup
  • Assisted 300+ Entrepreneurs with Successful Company Registration in Hong Kong
  • Remarkable Success Rate of 99%, Supreme in the Consulting Space
  • Comprehensive Company Incorporation HK Support
  • Compliance Assistance for Hong Kong Business Registration
  • Customized Hong Kong Business Registration Solutions for Global Clients
  • Rapid Turnaround Time of 30% for Company Incorporation in Hong Kong
  • Cost-effective & Prompt Hong Kong Company Incorporation Services

FAQs on Hong Kong Business Registration

If you have applied for company incorporation in Hong Kong and want to check the status of your application, you can visit the e-services portal of the Companies Registry. You can use the portal to search for current data on registered companies in Hong Kong. The portal also contains records of documents in visual format.

Company formation in Hong Kong is a stepwise process where each step takes a defined period to complete. If there are no discrepancies in the process, company incorporation HK takes 2 to 3 weeks to complete.

Company registration in Hong Kong mandates businesses to adhere to post-registration compliance to ensure hassle-free operations. To facilitate transparency, Hong Kong company setup requires renewing business certifications, filing annual returns, maintaining accounting records, etc.

Entrepreneurs must register their company with the Hong Kong Companies Registry to proceed with Hong Kong company formation with bank account. Once this step is complete, the next one involves selecting a local bank and submitting the incorporation documents, director/shareholder details, and compliance documents to initiate the account opening process. However, it must be noted that entrepreneurs may be required to travel to Hong Kong for in-person verification, depending on their policies.

Choosing the best company formation agent in Hong Kong, like Enterslice, can help you select the best place for investment through offshore company formation Hong Kong. The five best areas for offshore company formation Hong Kong include Central, Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui, Cyberport and East Kowloon.

Entrepreneurs have various options to explore for company registration in Hong Kong. Depending on the nature of the business, capital requirements and other factors, entrepreneurs can register company in Hong Kong online, including Private Limited Company (Ltd), Unlimited Company, and Branch Office.

Yes, Indians can register company in Hong Kong online. However, like other foreign entrepreneurs, they must fulfil the incorporation requirements, such as appointing a company secretary and giving proof of local registered address.

Hong Kong is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. If you are in Hong Kong for work or travel, you must keep the following places in your itinerary:  

  1. Top spots include
  2. Victoria Peak
  3. Disneyland
  4. Ocean Park
  5. Lantau Island
  6. Big Buddha
  7. Avenue of Stars
  8. Temple Street Night Market
  9. Hong Kong Museum of History
  10. Star Ferry
  11. Wong Tai Sin Temple

Yes, foreigners are eligible to own 100% of a business after company registration in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is welcoming and embraces global entrepreneurs through a well-structured, business-friendly ecosystem, making it one of the best business destinations for investment in the world. Since it does not restrict foreign ownership, global entrepreneurs can own a business wholly there.

The online company registry HK requires foreign entrepreneurs to obtain licenses and permits to ensure the smooth operation of their businesses there. Some of the licenses and permits required for company formation in Hong Kong include a Business Registration Certificate. Other sector-specific permits like food, trade, or employment agency licenses may be required depending on the business type.

Hong Kong is a financial hub, and entrepreneurs can leverage company registration in Hong Kong to yield profitable results. Some of the most profitable businesses include logistics, real estate, tourism, e-commerce, fintech, health and wellness. etc.

The Online Company Registry HK, officially known as the Hong Kong Companies Registry, is a government department that oversees the registration and regulations of companies registered there. It facilitates Hongkong company registration, maintains the company's register, and offers the public access to information on companies to encourage transparency. Its role is to ensure adherence to compliance with Companies Ordinance and other regulatory requirements. It is also responsible for maintaining records of filings, such as annual returns and shareholders' and directors' details. By streamlining regulatory process, it plays a pivotal role in driving Hong Kong's investor-friendly ecosystem.

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