A Comprehensive Guide to Setting Up a Company in Hong Kong

Thinking of setting up a company in Hong Kong? Here is the detailed process you must know!

In recent years, as an international financial center and business hub, Hong Kong's position has become increasingly consolidated, attracting more and more entrepreneurs and investors to choose to establish companies here. Whether engaged in trade, technology, or service industries, Hong Kong provides excellent business environment and convenient registration procedures. However, for mainland entrepreneurs who are new to the Hong Kong market, understanding the registration process is crucial. This article will combine recent news reports to provide you with a detailed introduction to the specific steps of setting up a company in Hong Kong.

I. Clarify Company Type and Target Market

Before starting the registration, it is necessary to first determine your company type and business scope. Hong Kong allows the establishment of various types of companies, including Limited Companies, Unlimited Companies, and Branch Offices. Among them, Limited Company is the most common choice because it has the characteristics of limited liability and enjoys high legal protection.

According to the latest data, as of the third quarter of 2025, Hong Kong has a total of about 1.4 million registered companies, most of which are private limited companies. These companies are thriving in various fields, from financial technology to e-commerce, to cultural and creative industries, fully demonstrating the diversified features of Hong Kong's economy. When planning the company structure, it is recommended that you combine your own advantages and market demand to reasonably choose your own business direction.

II. Prepare Necessary Documents and Submit Application

Once the company type and business scope are clarified, the next step is to prepare relevant documents and formally submit the application. According to the provisions of the Company Ordinance, newly established companies must submit the following core materials to the Hong Kong Companies Registry

Company Name Approval Notice;

Formation Document MA Form NAR1;

Shareholders' and Directors' identity proof documents;

Proof of registered address;

Minutes of the first board meeting.

It is worth noting that since 2025, Hong Kong has launched an electronic registration platform, greatly simplifying the traditional paper submission method. Through this system, applicants can complete most of the procedures online and track the approval progress in real time. According to statistics released by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, currently more than 95% of new enterprises have adopted this method for registration, significantly improving efficiency.

To ensure compliance, all shareholders and directors must provide valid identity proof documents. If you are a resident of the mainland, you usually need to provide copies of your passport or scanned copies of your ID card. At the same time, the registered address must be located in Hong Kong locally and cannot use a virtual office address.

III. Pay Fees and Collect Certificates

After completing the above steps, you also need to pay certain registration fees. The specific amount depends on the size of the company and the capital amount. Generally speaking, the minimum registered capital is HKD 1, but the actual payment amount can be adjusted according to the actual situation. According to the current charging standards, the registration fee for new companies ranges from HKD 1,720 to HKD 2,500.

After successfully submitting all materials and passing the review, you can obtain the company registration certificate and business registration certificate within approximately 7 to 10 working days. These two documents are important credentials for the legal operation of the company, so they must be properly kept. Meanwhile, you can continue to handle subsequent matters such as bank account opening.

IV. Comply with Tax Declaration Requirements

In addition to the registration process, newly established companies also need to pay attention to tax regulations. Hong Kong implements a territorial source tax system, meaning that only income generated within Hong Kong is taxed. The main taxes include profits tax, salary tax, and personal income tax. The first tax filing time is 18 months after the company's establishment, and then it is done regularly every year.

Recent media reports pointed out that the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department is promoting digital service platforms, encouraging enterprises to submit tax return forms through the online system. This measure not only improves efficiency but also reduces the risk of delays caused by mailing errors. Before officially opening for business, please consult a professional accounting team in advance to ensure timely fulfillment of all obligations.

V. Obtain Other Essential Licenses or Permits

The last point, which is often overlooked, is the additional licenses or permits required for specific industries. For example, businesses engaged in the catering industry may need to apply for licenses issued by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department; companies involved in import and export business need to register with the customs department. Although these details seem trivial, they directly affect the smoothness of daily operations.

Summary

In summary, although the company registration process in Hong Kong is relatively simple and transparent, it still requires a certain amount of time and effort to prepare. It is hoped that this article can help those who intend to start a business in Hong Kong to clarify their thoughts and complete the registration work smoothly. As South China Morning Post said, Hong Kong has always been a place full of opportunities. With adequate preparation, I believe every entrepreneur can realize their dreams here!

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact local professional service agencies for assistance. Wishing everyone success in their careers!