Hong Kong, as a major global international financial center, offers a superior business environment and a well-established legal system, attracting a significant amount of foreign investment and entrepreneurs. Whether you are from Asia, Europe, or America, if you plan to set up a company in Hong Kong, the simple registration process, low tax policies, and entrepreneur-friendly legal system will provide you with abundant opportunities to start your business.
So, how can you register a company in Hong Kong? Don’t worry, Capital Business Center will comprehensively answer various questions regarding company registration, helping you expand your business in the most convenient way!
As Asia’s financial hub, Hong Kong attracts entrepreneurs from all over the world with its efficient business environment, robust legal system, and low tax rates. Moreover, Hong Kong serves as an important bridge between China and global markets, offering businesses a unique strategic location to thrive in the competitive global marketplace.
In addition to its longstanding business advantages, Hong Kong provides the following benefits to create a perfect business environment for entrepreneurs:
Simple and Fast Company Registration Process: The registration process is straightforward, with no cumbersome bureaucratic procedures, and most of the formalities can be completed online.
Tax Incentives: Hong Kong has a simple and low tax regime. Corporate tax rates are relatively low, and there is no taxation on global income, which is particularly attractive to multinational companies.
Strong Legal Framework: Hong Kong boasts a world-class judicial system that treats both foreign and local businesses equally, offering investors strong legal protection.
Geographical and Logistical Advantages: As a trading hub in Asia, Hong Kong has a favorable geographical location with advanced ports and air transport facilities, making it ideal for international trade.
While there are many benefits to setting up a company in Hong Kong, entrepreneurs must ensure that their business venture is set up correctly. The first step is to understand the process and key elements involved in registering a company in Hong Kong. Of course, you can also directly contact Capital, where our professional team will design comprehensive entrepreneurial solutions tailored to your needs.
Step 1: Choose Company Type and Name
■ Choosing the Company Type
When registering a company in Hong Kong, the first step is to select the appropriate company type based on your business needs. If you have any doubts about the types of companies, it is advisable to consult with a professional registration agency.
Currently, the main types of companies in Hong Kong are sole proprietorships, partnerships, and limited companies. Among limited companies, there are further categories such as private limited companies, public limited companies (which can be listed), and companies limited by guarantee (mainly used for non-profit organizations). In addition, Hong Kong also has representative offices and branches for foreign companies operating in Hong Kong.
■ Registering the Company Name
Choosing the company name is a critical part of the registration process. According to the Hong Kong Companies Registry, the company name must meet the following requirements:
The name must be unique and not identical or similar to any existing company names.
The name must not contain inappropriate words or logos and must not infringe on others’ trademarks or intellectual property rights.
To check if your chosen company name is available, you can search the Companies Registry’s electronic service website. You should also conduct thorough intellectual property searches before submitting your application.
Step 2: Submit Application Materials
Once you have decided on the company type and name, the next step is to prepare the required documents for company registration, such as filling out the incorporation forms. If you are applying for a limited company, you need to submit the “Incorporation Form NNC1”; for other types of companies, submit the “Incorporation Form NNC1G.” Additionally, you must attach the company’s Articles of Association and the “Notice IRBR1” to be submitted to the Business Registration Office.
You can submit the registration application in one of two ways:
■ Online Submission: Submit your application through the Hong Kong Companies Registry’s electronic service platform.
■ Physical Submission: Submit all materials to the Government Secretariat in Admiralty, or mail them to the designated address.
After submission, you will need to pay the corresponding registration fees, which are typically HK$1,545 for electronic submissions or HK$1,720 for paper submissions. Additionally, the Business Registration Certificate fee is HK$2,200 for a one-year term or HK$6,020 for a three-year term (effective from April 2025).
Step 3: Receive the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate
Once your application is approved, you will receive the Certificate of Incorporation and the Business Registration Certificate. The Certificate of Incorporation proves that your company is legally registered and authorized to conduct business in Hong Kong, while the Business Registration Certificate confirms your company’s legitimacy to engage in business activities and is the basis for paying business taxes.
It’s important to note that if you submit your application electronically, the certificates will be sent electronically to your registered user inbox and email address. If you submit by paper, you will need to collect the certificates in person at the Companies Registry after receiving a pickup notice, or you can appoint someone else to collect them (with a power of attorney and relevant documents).
Step 4: Apply for Additional Permits or Licenses
In addition to the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate, depending on the nature and scope of your business, you may also need to apply for additional permits, licenses, certificates, or approvals from other relevant authorities. For example, a company engaged in import and export business will need to apply for an import/export license, while a company involved in food business will need to apply for a food hygiene permit. These permits or licenses must be obtained before you begin your operations, and you must comply with relevant regulations during business operations.
Step 5: Open a Company Bank Account
After your company is registered, you will need to open a company bank account in Hong Kong to carry out normal financial transactions and operations. The materials required for account opening may vary depending on the bank but generally include:
■ Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate.
■ Company’s Articles of Association and a list of directors.
■ Identification documents of shareholders and directors.
In general, while there are many benefits to registering a company in Hong Kong, you must follow certain regulations and procedures. As long as you understand the specific requirements for each step and prepare the necessary materials, the registration process will proceed smoothly, allowing you to start your business quickly. If you have any questions about the registration process or need professional legal and financial advice, it is recommended to seek the services of a professional company registration agency or contact us directly. This will save time and help avoid errors during the registration process, ensuring the successful launch of your business in Hong Kong.