Interested to register a company in Hong Kong?

Foreign companies and citizens usually consider the following types for company formation in Hong Kong:

1. A private or public company limited by shares: there is no minimum share capital required by the Companies Ordinance of a company. 
2. Company limited by guarantee
3. Branch or representative of foreign company
4. Partnership
5. Sole proprietorship

Company registration documents to be submitted depend on the type of legal entity you choose from.

It usually takes 1-2 weeks depending on the form of business you choose to set up.

Tips: If you file an application online, then the certificate of incorporation is generated electronically and becomes available once the application is fully completed.

The documents and information necessary for preparing application documents are as follows:

Identification document

• Certified International Passport Copy

Address Proof

• Certified Utility bill no older than 3 months. If this document is not in English, certified translation should be provided

Agreement

• Signed Nominee (Trust) agreement

Certification/Translation

• Certification: organization regulated by professional body – notary, lawyer, auditor or bank
• Translation: by translating company with name, seal and publicly available records (certificate issued by regulating body or can be found on internet)

Once the above documents are ready, it is necessary to prepare the following documents for filing to the Companies Registry:

• incorporation form (Form NNC1 or Form NNC1G depending on the type of the company);
• a copy of the company’s articles of association; and
• a notice to business registration office.

There are standard official templates of Model Articles for public companies limited by shares, private companies limited by shares and companies limited by guarantee. It is possible to adopt the Model Articles for your company. However, if you wish to make any amendments, then you are advisable to seek advice with lawyers, as there are mandatory provisions that should be included in the articles of association, such as the company name, capital and initial shareholdings, etc.

The company name in Hong Kong must be approved by the Registrar of Companies before the company is registered. A company name will not be registered if:

• it is the same as a name appearing in the Index of Companies Names of Hong Kong;
• it implies a connection in any way with the Central People’s Government or the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or any department or agency of either government;
• it is the same as that of a body corporate incorporated or established under the Companies Ordinance;
• its use would constitute a criminal offence; 
• it is offensive or otherwise contrary to the public interest;
• the words “Bank”, “Stock Exchange”, “Unified Exchange”, “chamber of commerce”, “kaifong”, “levy”, “savings”, “tourist board”, “tourist association”, “trust”, “trustee” or any variations are subject to prior approval.

Company name can be in English or Chinese or both English and Chinese. However, it is not permitted to combine English words and letters with Chinese characters.

It is not possible to use such additions as HK or Far East for wholly owned subsidiary of a foreign corporation. It is advisable to make a company name search at the Companies Registrar to check whether the proposed name is not similar to any existing company name.

Tips: your company name is the cornerstone of your brand and this is how you make your first impression. So, you should think how it works on your logo, website, and advertisements. It is essential to check whether there is no registered trademark that has identical name. You should try to avoid such similarities; otherwise you will fail to protect your IP rights.

It is required to appoint a company’s secretary in Hong Kong. A company secretary should be a resident individual or a company having its registered office or a place of business in Hong Kong. A private company having only one director cannot have its sole director to act as the secretary.

Registered address is an official address of a company in Hong Kong used for registration purposes. The registered address is used for official correspondence. That is why, all Hong Kong companies are required to have a registered address in the country.

The certificate of incorporation contains facts held in the official register, including company number, names of shareholders, names of directors, name of secretary, registered office address.

The company certificate of incorporation in Hong Kong is issued in a digital copy once the company is incorporated. The incorporation certificate is accompanied by the business registration certificate if the company’s legal form is limited by shares. The certificates in hard copy can only be obtained in person at the Registrar’s Office. It should be the same person who submitted the incorporation form. Or it can be a person with written authorization to collect the certificate. For this reason, many clients use the services of agents who file and receive documents on behalf of a client.

Alternatively, it is possible to apply for an electronic form of certificate. In this case the certificates will be issued in digital forms. It would be required to apply for hard copies separately, if such certificates need to be certified or apostilled. 

We can assist you with obtaining the certificate of incorporation in Hong Kong, including translation, certified copies and apostille.

The official fee for incorporation a Hong Kong company having a share capital is HK$1,720. It is possible to apply for a refund of HK$1,425, if the incorporation is unsuccessful. The registration fee for incorporation of a company limited by guarantee is calculated according to the number of members of the company. The registration fee is HK$170 for up to 25 members, and HK$170 for 26-100 members, and HK$20 for every additional 50 members.

Business registration fee is HK$2,000 for one-year certificate and HK$5,200 for a three-year certificate.

The company should also have annual maintenance costs.

In order to register a company in Hong Kong, it is required to follow these steps:

• preparing articles of association;
• identifying a number of founder members;
• renting an office or using nominal services of registered office address in Hong Kong;
• appointing director(s) and secretary, alternatively using nominal services of director(s) and nominal shareholder(s);
• receiving director(s) Consent to Act as Director in the incorporation form;
• paying registration fees;
• submitting documents to the Registrar of Companies;
• receiving company incorporation certificate and business certificate;
• receiving tax identification number (TIN);
• opening a bank account.

In order to register a company in Hong Kong, it is possible to use this checklist for company formation in Hong Kong:

• preparing articles of association;
• identifying a number of founder members;
• renting an office or using nominal services of registered office address in Hong Kong;
• appointing director(s) and secretary, alternatively using nominal services of director(s) and nominal shareholder(s);
• receiving each director’s Consent to Act as Director in the incorporation form;
• paying registration fees;
• submitting documents to the Registrar of Companies;
• receiving company incorporation certificate and business certificate;
• receiving tax identification number (TIN);
• opening a bank account.

The Registrar of Companies Hong Kong is the official government body of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It is responsible for incorporation of local and foreign companies. The Registrar of Companies provides the services for obtaining company information contained in the Companies Register. It also receives statutory returns from Hong Kong companies. Besides, the Registrar of Companies is responsible for granting licenses to trust and company service providers. Certain services of this governmental body can be accessed online.

A Hong Kong companies have at least one shareholder whose name is contained in the official record. Shareholders are not required to be residents or citizens of Hong Kong. It can be an individual or a corporation either registered in Hong Kong or overseas.

A company must have minimum one director. If the company has only one director, that director must be an individual and not a corporate director. It is required to appoint as the company’s secretary a Hong Kong resident individual or a company having its registered office or a place of business in Hong Kong. A private company having only one director cannot have its sole director to act as the secretary.

Tips: Nominee services are allowed, in which case the beneficial owners are not revealed.

All companies in Hong Kong are required to keep proper accounting records which must be open for inspection. Financial statements are prepared in accordance with Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards and are in compliance with IFRS. Financial statements are presented by company’s director before annual general shareholders meeting once per year. The Companies Ordinance also sets forth the disclosure requirements relating to the balance sheet and the profit and loss account (income statement) set out in the financial statements for a company.

All companies incorporated in Hong Kong must appoint one or more independent auditors. An auditor must be a member of the HKICPA and hold a practicing certificate. The requirement of auditor does not apply to a branch of a foreign corporation. In the meantime, the branch is required to file a profits tax return annually and the official authorities may require audited accounts of the foreign corporation to be presented.

Tips: A company may hold the account records at a place outside of Hong Kong. As per request, it must send accounts to Hong Kong for inspection.

All incorporation procedures in Hong Kong takes 2 days. The total term of company formation in Hong Kong with opening a bank account is 2-3 weeks, provided that the bank does not request for additional documents as a part of an identity check. The process of opening a bank account starts after the company is incorporated.

A private company limited by shares is the most commonly used type for company formation in Hong Kong. PLC company formation in Hong Kong allows the shareholders to avoid personal liability for company obligations as each shareholder is responsible within the limits of its share. Further, there is no minimum share capital required by the Companies Ordinance.

Company formation in Hong Kong is a rapid and simple procedure, as all documents are submitted online through a convenient governmental portal. If you plan to incorporate a company by yourself, then it is advisable to follow official guidelines or read our articles about rapid company formation in Hong Kong. Additionally, you may require additional services, such as registered address or translation services which would simplify the whole process. 

You can use our checklist for rapid company formation in Hong Kong which allows you to prepare all necessary documents and information as quickly as possible:

• check the proposed company name with trademark register to ensure your company name is unique;
• obtain a registered address in Hong Kong;
• define categories of business activities;
• prepare all sets of documents for registration, including certified copy of passport of each shareholder, address confirmation document of each shareholder.

Company formation in Hong Kong is available for residents and non-residents. The set of necessary documents to be submitted for registration is similar for any citizens or residents. However, non-residents are required to translate documents into English with a notary certification, if such documents are in a foreign language.

It is not required to visit Hong Kong for company incorporation as all procedures are done online. All filings are done online at the Registrar’s Office website.

If you have any questions with company formation in Hong Kong, including with the preparation of necessary documents, please feel free to contact us for further details.

When starting a business in Hong Kong, it is possible to choose between incorporation of a new company or buying a shelf company incorporated in Hong Kong. A shelf company is a ready-made company that has a history, but didn’t have any operations since its incorporation. 

However, buying a ready-made company or shelf company is no longer practicable in Hong Kong, since online formation of a new company is much cheaper, faster and safer procedure. When establishing a new company in Hong Kong, it is possible to set it up based on your business needs. For instance, you are free to choose any company name, choose your preferred address, etc.

That’s said, if you are considering to start your business in Hong Kong, then it is advisable to incorporate a new company.

Hong Kong has low registration fees and tax benefits for non-resident companies incorporated in the country. Any profit received from countries other than Hong Kong are not taxed. Thus, this is a perfect destination for international business and companies looking for low tax solutions. In the meantime, it is one of the largest financial and business centers offering excellent business infrastructure and high qualified personnel. If you are interested in Asian market, then it could be a convenient headquarter for your business.

In contrast to other jurisdictions, a company doing business outside of Hong Kong is not considered as an offshore company. So, it is not correct to refer to an offshore company formation services in Hong Kong. However, the low taxes in Hong Kong makes this country not less competitive as other offshore jurisdictions. 

Hong Kong offers excellent advantages for offshore companies incorporated in this country, including:

• nominal services in Hong Kong
• lowest taxes 
• low operation fees
• access to Asian markets, including the Mainland of China

Ecompany.ltd provides online company formation services in Hong Kong. We offer nominal services, including registered address in Hong Kong. Our flexible company incorporation services in Hong Kong include:

• Low registration fees
• Nominal services, including registered address in Hong Kong
• Accounting, tax and legal services
• Company formation for non-residents in Hong Kong
• Opening a bank account 
• VAT registration in Hong Kong

To purchase a ready-made company in Hong Kong and worldwide, please contact us for further details.

An individual or company of any residency can set up a company in Hong Kong and be a 100% owner of an Hong Kong company.

There is no necessity to visit Hong Kong to register the company. All registration is processed in the e-registry governmental system, that allows you to submit and receive all documents, operate your established company, submit reports and pay taxes. You will not be required to visit Hong Kong during the registration and thereafter.

In Hong Kong company formation procedure is regulated in a way that allows you to easily and quickly set up a company online. If you choose eCompany.ltd, then you will find effective solutions that would simplify your company’s operations in Hong Kong.

With many options to choose from, it is always better to find a reliable and professional agent that has a track record of previous registrations in Hong Kong. Many businessmen are looking for account opening solutions and nominee services for their companies in addition to company registration in Hong Kong. eCompany.ltd assists its clients with company set up, account opening in payment institutions, and with all possible post-formation issues in Hong Kong and other countries. 

When looking for an agent in Hong Kong, it is advisable to make sure that the agent provides all necessary services for company formation in Hong Kong, including local address, nominee services as well as tax and legal solutions. When searching for an agent, you should check whether the agent is able to provide these services.

Being one of largest financial centers in the world, Hong Kong houses all major international banks. In addition to traditional banks, entrepreneurs can open online accounts to process quick and secure payments in several accounts. With such local payment institutions, you can access Chinese payment platforms such as Alipay, WeChat. 

Hong Kong provides a variety of banks and digital solutions for merchants, ecommerce, IT and other businesses. The good thing with Hong Kong is that you can easily find the solution that would best suit your business needs. Whether you need a traditional bank among major financial institutions, or a modern bank with developed payment technologies, Hong Kong is the right place to open a business account.

It is very simple to find banking services for financial institutions in Hong Kong as this country has one of the largest number of payment providers for banks with access to global financial networks. Its financial institutions provide all necessary infrastructure for banking and payment institutions operating in Hong Kong.

The cost of company incorporation in Hong Kong is Euro.