What Conditions Must Mainland Chinese Individuals Meet, What Steps Are Involved, and How Can They Actually Establish a Company in Hong Kong?

For Mainland Chinese residents seeking to register a company in Hong Kong, the process is actually not as complicated as many assume-but it certainly shouldn’t be undertaken impulsively or without due diligence. It is neither necessary nor mandatory to travel to Hong Kong in person to complete registration, nor is it required to appoint local shareholders or directors-a common misconception held by many.

In 2025, the Hong Kong Companies Registry continues to enhance its electronic services the average processing time for newly incorporated companies has been reduced to just one working day-provided all application materials are correctly completed and duly signed/stamped in compliance with requirements.

In practice, most applicants encounter bottlenecks at three key points (1) notarization requirements for identity documents; (2) regulatory compliance concerning registered office address “address-holding” arrangements; and (3) knowledge gaps regarding post-incorporation tax filing obligations.

Requirements for Mainland Chinese Residents Registering a Company in Hong Kong

1. At least one natural-person shareholder, aged 18 or above, holding a valid Mainland Chinese Resident Identity Card and either a Mainland Travel Permit for Hong Kong and Macao (commonly known as the “Hong Kong-Macao Exit-Entry Permit”) or a passport;

2. At least one director, who may also serve as a shareholder; no Hong Kong residency status or local identity is required;

3. Appointment of a company secretary is mandatory if an individual, the secretary must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong; if a corporate entity, the secretary must maintain a physical business address in Hong Kong and hold the requisite statutory license(s);

4. A local registered office address in Hong Kong must be provided (a P.O. Box is not acceptable), serving as the official address for receiving government correspondence and legal documents;

5. The company name must include the words “Limited” or “” (“Limited Company”), must not duplicate any existing registered company name, and must avoid restricted terms (e.g., “Bank” or “Insurance”)-use of such terms requires additional licensing approval.

How to Register a Company in Hong Kong

The core principle is “compliance + practical execution.” There is no minimum capital requirement, nor is capital verification mandatory. However, the authorized share capital must be clearly declared upon registration (typically starting from HK$10,000, with no requirement for actual paid-up capital). Success hinges on thorough preparation of three categories of documents

1. Color scanned copies of valid identity documents for all shareholders and directors (Mainland Resident Identity Card plus both sides of the Hong Kong-Macao Exit-Entry Permit-or passport), clear and legible;

2. Notarized identity documents a notarial certificate titled “Declaration” issued by a Mainland notary public, explicitly stating the purpose as “intended incorporation of a company in Hong Kong,” bearing the official steel seal and seam stamp;

3. Proof of registered address provided by a licensed registered office service provider, including a formal address confirmation letter bearing the actual street address and the official seal of the building management office (for registration purposes only-not equivalent to formal office lease registration).

How to Register a Company “in Hong Kong”

“Going to Hong Kong” does not mean physically entering Hong Kong. Currently, over 95% of new company incorporations are fully completed online

1. Sign a power of attorney authorizing a licensed Hong Kong company secretary firm to submit the registration application on your behalf (permitted under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance);

2. Submit Form NNC1 and supporting documents via the Hong Kong Companies Registry’s “e-Registry” online service platform; the system automatically verifies name availability;

3. Pay the applicable fees (HK$1,720 for company registration; HK$250 for the Business Registration Certificate). Upon successful payment, electronic versions of the Certificate of Incorporation (CI) and Business Registration Certificate (BR) are generated instantly;

4. The appointed company secretary concurrently prepares statutory documents-including the Articles of Association, Share Register, and Register of Directors-and dispatches the full “Green Hard-Case Company Kit,” containing company chops (seals), share certificates, and other essential items;

5. Should physical presence be required-for example, opening a corporate bank account-it is advisable to schedule appointments in advance with Bank of China (Hong Kong), HSBC, or Standard Chartered through their dedicated “Non-Resident Corporate Account Opening Channels.” Certain branches support video-based remote account opening, eliminating the need for personal entry into Hong Kong.

Important Notes

Starting April 2025, the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD) will intensify scrutiny of applications for Offshore Income Exemption (OSI). Businesses must retain comprehensive, verifiable evidence chains documenting genuine commercial activities-including contracts, logistics documentation, and payment records. Mere “shell company” registration alone no longer satisfies substantive operational requirements.

Additionally, effective December 2025, all Hong Kong-registered companies will be required to file annual updates to their Significant Controllers Register (SCR). While SCR information is not publicly accessible, it remains subject to lawful inspection by authorized enforcement agencies.

The above outlines the fundamental pathway and current practical considerations for Mainland Chinese residents registering a company in Hong Kong-and we hope this information proves helpful.