Mainland China Residents Full Analysis of HK Company Registration Costs!

How Much Does It Cost for Mainland Chinese to Register a Company in Hong Kong? A Full Breakdown

In recent years, with the accelerated integration of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the growing internationalization of mainland Chinese enterprises, more and more mainland investors are turning their attention to Hong Kong - a global financial hub. As one of the most competitive business environments in the world, Hong Kong attracts many mainland entrepreneurs and companies looking to expand overseas due to its low tax rates, free economy, robust legal system, and efficient financial services.

However, for mainland investors entering the Hong Kong market for the first time, cost remains a major concern - particularly the expenses involved in setting up a company. So, how much does it really cost for mainland individuals to register a company in Hong Kong? This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of registration costs from multiple perspectives, helping prospective entrepreneurs understand the full scope of investment required.

1. Basic Registration Fees From Several Thousand to Over Ten Thousand RMB

According to the Companies Registry in Hong Kong, every company must pay a basic registration fee upon incorporation. As of 2025, the standard fee for registering a limited liability company is HKD 1,720 approximately RMB 1,550, which includes both the company registration fee and the business registration certificate.

This is the most fundamental and mandatory expense in the entire process. If an investor wishes to expedite the registration and complete it within one working day, an additional express service fee of HKD 1,000 around RMB 900 will apply.

2. Agency Service Fees Professional Help Improves Efficiency

While the registration process may seem straightforward, it can be challenging for mainland investors unfamiliar with Hong Kong's regulations and procedures. Therefore, most people choose to use professional agency services to assist with the entire process. These services typically include name searches, document preparation, application submission, license collection, and bank account opening.

Market prices for such services generally range from RMB 3,000 to RMB 8,000, depending on the agent’s qualifications and the extent of service provided. Some premium agencies also offer value-added services like tax consulting, company secretary support, and virtual office address rentals, which may further increase the total cost.

It’s worth noting that some low-cost agencies charge as little as RMB 1,500, but the quality of service varies greatly, and hidden fees or inadequate follow-up support may arise. Investors are advised to choose reputable, experienced agencies with a proven track record.

3. Company Secretary and Registered Address Annual Costs Not to Be Ignored

Under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, every registered company must appoint a statutory company secretary and maintain a valid Hong Kong registered address.

The annual fee for company secretary services typically ranges from HKD 1,500 to HKD 3,000 about RMB 1,350-2,700. The cost of a registered address depends on the location and service provider, usually between HKD 1,000 and HKD 2,500 per year.

These are recurring annual expenses rather than one-time payments. For startups with limited budgets, these should be factored into long-term planning.

4. Bank Account Opening Fees Rising Barriers at Some Banks

After company registration, opening a local Hong Kong bank account is a crucial step for business operations. However, in recent years, due to stricter anti-money laundering regulations, several banks have raised their requirements for new accounts, and some have even stopped opening accounts for newly established mainland-backed companies.

Despite this, many banks still accept applications from mainland investors, including HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank. Potential fees during the account-opening process may include

Opening fee Some banks charge HKD 500-1,000, while others waive it.

Account management fee Varies by bank and account type; some banks offer waived fees for the first few months.

Annual fee Some accounts are free, while others charge a few hundred Hong Kong dollars annually.

The documentation required for account opening is quite extensive, including company registration documents, director identification, business plans, and proof of fund sources. It’s advisable to prepare these in advance and consult a professional advisor if needed.

5. Taxation and Annual Audit Fees Essential Costs for Compliance

Hong Kong operates a low-tax, territorial taxation system. Companies not operating locally may apply for offshore tax exemption, thereby avoiding profits tax. Even so, companies are still required to conduct annual compliance tasks, such as

Submitting an Annual Return to the Companies Registry HKD 105.

Filing a Profits Tax Return with the Inland Revenue Department - even zero returns must be submitted for non-operating companies.

If outsourcing these tasks to an accounting firm, annual fees typically range from HKD 2,000 to HKD 5,000, depending on the complexity of the business.

6. Other Potential Costs Flexible Based on Business Needs

Beyond the fixed costs listed above, businesses may incur additional expenses based on specific needs, such as

Trademark registration Around HKD 2,500-4,000.

Website development and domain registration Initial cost around several thousand RMB.

Human resources costs Including salaries and social security contributions if hiring local staff.

Legal consultation fees Vary depending on the nature of the service, such as contract drafting or compliance reviews.

Conclusion

To sum up, the total cost of setting up a company in Hong Kong for mainland investors - covering basic registration, agency services, annual compliance, and operational expenses - generally falls between RMB 10,000 and RMB 20,000. Exact figures will vary depending on the scale of the business and the level of service selected.

Although the initial investment is not insignificant, Hong Kong’s world-class business environment, favorable tax policies, and access to global markets continue to attract a large number of mainland enterprises. For entrepreneurs aiming to expand internationally, understanding and planning these registration costs in advance - and choosing reliable service providers - can help ensure a smooth and stable business launch.