Company Formation in Hong Kong: A Comprehensive Guide to Process, Fees, and Documents

Company Formation in Hong Kong: A Comprehensive Guide to Process, Fees, and Documents | Bestar

Company Formation in Hong Kong: A Comprehensive Guide to Process, Fees, and Documents

Hong Kong is a premier global business hub, celebrated for its strategic location, pro-business environment, and robust legal framework. These factors make it a highly attractive destination for entrepreneurs and companies looking to establish a presence in Asia. The process of forming a company in Hong Kong is notably efficient and straightforward, offering benefits such as low tax rates, access to international markets, and streamlined administrative procedures.

To ensure a smooth company formation process, it is essential to understand the required documents, associated fees, and procedural steps. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully set up your business in Hong Kong.

Company Formation Process

The company formation process in Hong Kong is designed for efficiency and ease, making it a popular choice for global businesses. Here are the key steps:

1. Choose a Company Type The first step is to select the appropriate company structure. The most common types include:

• Private Limited Company: This is the most popular choice, offering limited liability to its shareholders, which means their personal assets are protected from business debts.

  
  

• Public Limited Company: This type is typically for larger businesses that intend to offer shares to the public or list on a stock exchange. It involves a more complex setup and stricter regulations.

  
  

• Unlimited Company: A less common option where shareholders have unlimited liability, making them personally responsible for the company's debts.

  
  

• Branch or Representative Office: Foreign companies can establish these entities to conduct business or market products without forming a separate legal entity in Hong Kong.

2. Select a Company Name The chosen company name must be unique and not be similar to any existing company registered in Hong Kong. The name should also comply with the Hong Kong Companies Registry's guidelines, avoiding any prohibited words or phrases. It is also advisable to check for the availability of corresponding domain names and trademarks to prevent future conflicts.

3. Appoint a Company Secretary All companies in Hong Kong are required by law to appoint a company secretary within six months of incorporation. The secretary, who can be an individual or a corporate entity, must be a Hong Kong resident. The role of the company secretary is to ensure the company adheres to all legal and regulatory obligations and maintains accurate records.

4. Prepare Incorporation Documents Essential documents must be prepared for the company registration process. These include:

• Incorporation Form: This form requires details such as the proposed company name, type of company, and information on shareholders and directors.

  
  

• Articles of Association: This document outlines the company’s internal regulations, including its business nature, the liabilities of members, and how the company will be governed.

  
  

• Notice to the Business Registration Office: This notice includes the proposed registered office address in Hong Kong and other key administrative details.

5. Register the Company and Obtain the Business Registration Certificate Once the incorporation documents are prepared, they must be submitted to the Hong Kong Companies Registry. This can be done electronically via the e-services portal or in person.

After incorporation, it is mandatory to obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department. This certificate is required for all businesses, regardless of size or type, and is typically issued within two working days.

6. Open a Corporate Bank Account The final step is to set up a corporate bank account to manage company finances. Banks will require a set of documents, including the Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, Articles of Association, and identification for all directors and signatories. The application process can vary in duration depending on the bank and the complexity of the business.

Required Documents for Company Formation

To register a company in Hong Kong, the following documents must be submitted, either electronically or in hard copy, to the Companies Registry:

• Incorporation Form: A completed form providing key details of the proposed company.

  
  

• Articles of Association: A copy of the company’s articles, detailing its internal rules and structure.

  
  

• Notice to the Business Registration Office: A formal notice containing the company's proposed registered address and other administrative information.

  
  

Upon successful submission and payment of fees, a Certificate of Incorporation will be issued, officially registering the company.

Company Formation Fees

As of September 1, 2025, company formation fees for electronic submissions are reduced by 10%. The fees are categorized into one-time registration fees and recurring costs.

1. One-Time Company Registration Fee

Submission Type	Electronic Submission	Hard Copy Submission
Incorporation Fee (Share Capital)	HK$1,545	HK$1,720
Refundable Registration Fee	HK$1,280	HK$1,425
Non-refundable Lodgment Fee	HK$265	HK$295

For a Company Limited by Guarantee, the fees are based on the number of members:

• Electronic Submission: HK$155 for up to 25 members, with an increasing scale for larger numbers, up to a maximum of HK$925.

  
  

• Hard Copy Submission: HK$170 for up to 25 members, with an increasing scale for larger numbers, up to a maximum of HK$1,025.

2. Annual Business Registration Fee This fee is approximately HK$2,200 and must be renewed annually.

3. Company Secretary Fee Since a local company secretary is a mandatory requirement, fees for this service vary depending on the provider and the level of support offered.

4. Registered Office Address Fee All companies must have a registered office address in Hong Kong. For businesses without a local address, this service is often included in company formation packages, with costs depending on the service provider.

Professional Fees

In Hong Kong company formation, professional fees are the charges incurred for using third-party service providers, such as Bestar, to handle the incorporation and ongoing compliance requirements. These fees are separate from mandatory government fees.

Breakdown of Professional Fees

Professional fees for company formation in Hong Kong include:

• Company Secretary Services: All Hong Kong companies must have a company secretary who is a Hong Kong resident or a corporate entity. Our professional fees for this service range from HK$1,000 to HK$5,000 per year, depending on the scope of services included. A company secretary ensures the company complies with statutory obligations, such as filing annual returns and maintaining company records.

  
  

• Registered Office Address: Every company must have a physical registered office address in Hong Kong. If you don't have one, Bestar offers this service. The cost for a registered office address is between HK$1,000 and HK$3,000 per year.

  
  

• Incorporation Service Fee: This is the fee for Bestar to handle the entire company registration process, including preparing and submitting all necessary documents to the Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department. This one-time fee can range from HK$1,000 to over HK$10,000, depending on the complexity of the case.

  
  

• Bank Account Opening Assistance: Bestar offers services to help you open a corporate bank account, a process that can be challenging for non-residents. Fees for this service can vary significantly, from a few hundred to several thousand Hong Kong dollars.

  
  

• Additional Services: Other optional but often useful services come with professional fees, such as:

  
  

  • Accounting and Auditing: Mandatory for most companies, with costs based on the company's size, turnover, and number of transactions.

  • Visa and Immigration Services: Assistance for entrepreneurs and employees who need to relocate to Hong Kong.

Our professional fees are in addition to the mandatory government fees for company formation and business registration, which are non-negotiable.

How Bestar can Help

Company Formation in Hong Kong: A Comprehensive Guide to Process, Fees, and Documents

For anyone looking to establish a company in Hong Kong, hiring a professional service provider is not just a convenience—it's a strategic move that can save time, money, and stress. Here's how Bestar can help throughout the company formation process:

1. Expertise and Guidance

• Understanding Legal Requirements: Hong Kong's company law, while straightforward, has specific requirements. Professionals, such as Bestar, possess deep knowledge of these regulations. We can provide advice on the most suitable company structure for your business goals, ensuring you meet all legal obligations from the start.

  
  

• Compliance: We ensure your company stays compliant with the Companies Ordinance and other relevant laws, helping you avoid costly fines and penalties for non-compliance. This includes managing statutory records, filing annual returns, and handling changes to company particulars.

2. Time and Efficiency Savings

• Streamlined Process: Bestar handles all the administrative work, from preparing and filing the incorporation documents to communicating with the Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department. This saves you significant time and effort, allowing you to focus on developing your business, product, and market strategy.

  
  

• Faster Registration: With a professional on your side, the registration process can be completed efficiently, often within a few business days, as we have established procedures and direct communication channels with the relevant government bodies.

3. Fulfilling Mandatory Requirements

• Company Secretary: By law, every Hong Kong company must have a company secretary who is a resident of Hong Kong or a corporate entity. Bestar can act as your company secretary, fulfilling this mandatory requirement and handling all the associated compliance duties.

  
  

• Registered Office Address: A registered address in Hong Kong is also a legal requirement. Bestar can provide a registered office address, saving you the expense and hassle of renting a physical office space before your business is operational.

  
  

4. Added-Value Services

• Bank Account Opening Assistance: Opening a corporate bank account in Hong Kong can be a complex and time-consuming process for non-residents. Bestar has established relationships with local and international banks, offering assistance to fast-track the application process and increase the likelihood of success.

  
  

• Ongoing Business Support: Beyond the initial setup, Bestar offers a full suite of services to support your business as it grows. These can include accounting and bookkeeping, tax filing and advisory, payroll management, and assistance with visa and immigration matters for foreign employees.

  
  

In essence, hiring Bestar for Hong Kong company formation provides a one-stop solution that navigates the legal complexities, handles administrative burdens, and ensures your company is set up for long-term compliance and success.

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