Setting up a Company in Hong Kong the Easy Way in 2025

Starting a business in Hong Kong should feel exciting, not overwhelming. But many entrepreneurs pause their plans because they don’t know what step comes next, get lost in outdated advice, or aren’t sure where to turn for help.

If you’re in the same position—ready to launch but unsure how to move forward—this guide is for you.

At Statrys, we’ve helped hundreds of business owners, many of them first-time founders, set up their Hong Kong companies with ease. Whether you’re doing this from overseas or based in Hong Kong, we’ll show you how to register your company the right way.

To get your business up and running legally in Hong Kong and benefit from its favourable corporate tax regime and potential offshore tax exemptions, you’ll need to incorporate your company with both the Hong Kong Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

You can register the company yourself through the Companies Registry’s website as long as you meet the requirements and have the necessary documents prepared. 

Here's a checklist of what you'll need to set up and maintain a new company:

Another alternative is to partner with a professional company incorporation service. These service providers handle all the necessary paperwork, filings, and ongoing compliance requirements. This option can be helpful if you have limited time and resources to dedicate to the process.

If you choose to do it yourself, here are the 10 steps to follow. 

When setting up your company, you will primarily need to engage with two government departments:

1. Companies Registry: The Companies Registry is the Hong Kong government’s business registration office. It is responsible for overseeing company incorporation and compliance with corporate laws and regulations, following the Companies Ordinance guidelines. It also issues a Certificate of Incorporation, a document that establishes a company as a legal entity.
2. Inland Revenue Department (IRD): The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) in Hong Kong is a government department responsible for administering taxes and duties, where you must file your company tax return every year. The IRD is the issuer of Business Registration Certificates, which grant tax IDs for businesses. 

The first real step in the registration process is choosing your company structure. This decision is crucial, as it will influence how you name your company, your tax obligations, the flexibility you have in running the business, and the extent of your legal liability. 

Here are the 3 main business structures in Hong Kong.

1. Private Limited Company
   This type of company is owned by a limited number of shareholders and cannot raise capital by selling shares to the public. The company must file an annual profits tax return with the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD), reporting its income and paying corporate tax. This structure is the most popular and common legal entity in Hong Kong because of its limited liability, share-based structure, and convenient share transfer process.
2. Sole Proprietorship
   A business that is owned and operated by a single individual. The owner must file an annual tax return under personal income tax.
3. Partnership
   A business entity that is formed by two or more individuals who agree to share the profits and losses of the business. Each partner is required to declare their share of the profits on their personal tax return. You may choose to register as a Limited Liability Partnership (LLP), which is the most common type of partnership.

Other common structures include a representative office, which is a non-commercial entity set up by a foreign company to conduct market research or liaise with clients. A branch office is another option. It acts as an extension of a foreign company, is allowed to conduct business and generate income locally, and is subject to Hong Kong profits tax. However, both structures are not considered separate legal entities in Hong Kong and remain legally tied to the parent company overseas.

Once you’ve chosen your business entity, you’ll need to define the structure. For a limited company in Hong Kong, the basic requirements include:

• At least one director, who can be of any nationality but must be a natural person (not a corporate entity)
• At least one shareholder (can be a person or corporate entity)
• A company secretary based in Hong Kong

The minimum share capital is HKD 1, though regulated sectors (e.g. finance) may have higher requirements.

Choosing a company name is an important step, as it must comply with specific regulations. If the name is considered offensive or too similar to an existing registered company, your registration may be rejected, and you’ll need to restart the process.

Your company names can be in Chinese, English, or both, but you cannot mix Chinese and English characters within the same name. 

Here’s what to do and what to avoid when naming your company.

It is mandatory for all companies in Hong Kong to appoint a local company secretary when registering your company, as they are the main point of contact with local authorities and play a key role in keeping your business compliant with regulatory obligations.

Most businesses choose to hire an outsourced company secretary. While that’s common, it adds an extra cost on top of government fees. That’s why the easier and often more cost-effective option is to use a professional service that handles both company registration and secretarial services in one package.

Your company secretary must be either:

• A Hong Kong resident individual, or
• A company secretarial service licensed under the Trust and Corporate Service Provider (TCSP) regime with a local address.

A director can also serve as the company secretary, but only under certain conditions. If your company has more than one director, one of them can take on the secretary role. However, if your company has only one director, that person cannot also act as the company secretary.

A company secretary in Hong Kong is not just an administrative assistant. They play a crucial role in ensuring that your company is compliant with corporate laws and regulations, including fulfilling the annual compliance requirements. 

Here are some of the key responsibilities of a company secretary:

• Maintaining your company records, such as the register of directors, the register of shareholders, the share certificates, and the significant controller register
• Organising, preparing the agendas for, and taking minutes of your board and annual general meetings
• Arranging your tax filings
• Monitoring changes in relevant legislation and the regulatory environment and taking appropriate action

Your registered office address is where government departments will send all official correspondence. It must be accessible to your company secretary, who handles legal documents and government notices. That’s why many companies use their secretary’s address as the registered office.

If you do not have a physical office in Hong Kong, you can opt for a service provider that provides a registered business address or virtual office services to receive mail and packages without needing to rent office space. Just make sure the address is a physical location and not a P.O. Box.

It’s also important to note that certain business activities and industries, like food and beverage, may not be eligible to use a virtual office for their registered address.

In Hong Kong, the company incorporation process is streamlined, with a clear set of required documents outlined by the government. 

Here are the required documents for company incorporation: 

• Identification Documents: Copies of the identification documents for the directors, shareholders, and company secretary, typically Hong Kong ID cards for Hong Kong residents and passports certified by a CPA for foreigners.
• Articles of Association: A document outlining the company’s internal governance rules, such as a director appointment and financial management. It also includes information on the share capital amount. 
• Proof of Address: Documentation confirming the residential addresses of directors and shareholders, such as recent utility bills issued within the last three months.
• NNC1 or NNC1G Form: These are company incorporation forms that require information like the proposed company name, the nature of the business, and the director’s information. The NNC1 form is used for companies limited by shares, while the NNC1G is for companies that are not limited by shares.
• IRBR1 Form: A notice that will be sent to the Business Registration Office.

The forms can be found and downloaded on the Companies Registry's official website. The website also provides examples of Articles of Association, including a simplified form and model articles for private limited companies.

If you're registering your company online, you don't need to download the NNC1, NNC1G, or IRBR1 forms. Simply fill in the required information on the website, and these documents will be automatically generated.

Once you have prepared all the necessary information and documents, you can submit the incorporation documents in one of the following ways:

• Online submission through e-Registry Portal
• Send by mail to the Companies Registry’s address to 14/F, Queensway Government Offices, or
• In person at the Shroff Counters at the Companies Registry office.

You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see this sign!

Once the application is approved, the Companies Registry will issue two documents evidencing your company's incorporation. The document will be delivered within 4 business days for hard copy delivery and within 1 hour for electronic delivery. Those documents are:

The certificate of incorporation is issued only once when your company is set up and serves as the official proof of your company's formation. It remains valid during the entire lifetime of the company.

The business registration certificate (BRC) confirms that your company is officially registered to conduct business. It is only valid for one or three years, depending on the option you choose at the time of registration. The BRC must be renewed every year within one month following the anniversary date of your company's establishment (otherwise, fines will be issued).

At the time you submit the incorporation documents to the Companies Registry, you will be required to pay the applicable government fee.

Below are the incorporation fees for Hong Kong private limited companies. Please refer to the Companies Registry’s official website for other related service fees.

Businesses in certain industries are required to apply for licences and permits to operate, such as restaurants, selling liquors, money service operators, and import and export. Some types of businesses might need more than one licence. 

For example, if you’re opening a restaurant, you must obtain a General Restaurant Licence, a Provisional General Restaurant Licence, and a Liquor Licence from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.

You can visit the Trade and Industry Department website to find out which licences, permits, certificates, and approvals are needed for certain businesses.

At the time of incorporation, the Companies Registry will automatically report your company's existence to the Inland Revenue Department, so you don’t have to do everything twice. 

However, it is your responsibility to keep up with your financial reporting. Typically, your company secretary should handle your reporting and tax notifications, as well as communicate with you on this matter, depending on the level of service your company secretary provides. 

For more information and updates regarding the rules and regulations for tax in Hong Kong, you can check this guide to the Hong Kong tax system and the Hong Kong Government’s website.

If you’ve decided to register a company in Hong Kong, you likely already know why it’s a top choice. Still, here’s a quick recap of the four reasons why it’s still a standout jurisdiction in 2025.

1. Straightforward process with minimal fees
   Company registration is fast, affordable, and open to foreign entrepreneurs. There’s no minimum capital requirement, and most applications are processed within a few days.
2. Dynamic business environment
   With over 360,000 SMEs and strong government support, Hong Kong is a hub for start-up growth and market expansion. Its location also makes it a gateway to China and the broader Asian market.
3. Low corporate tax rates and good incentives
   Hong Kong’s two-tiered profit tax system is among the most competitive in Asia and globally. The first HKD 2 million of profit is taxed at 8.25%, and profits above that are taxed at 16.5%. The first HKD 3,000 is fully exempt. There’s also no VAT, no GST, and no capital gains tax, and offshore income is generally exempt under Hong Kong’s territorial tax regime.
4. Full ownership for foreigners
   Foreigners can fully own and operate companies without restrictions—whether as sole proprietors, partnerships, or limited companies. No local director is required.

Establishing a company in Hong Kong as a foreigner is relatively straightforward, and many of the procedures are the same as those for local entrepreneurs. However, certain considerations can make the process more challenging for non-residents, including having a registered business address in Hong Kong and appointing a Hong Kong-based company secretary.

In this section, we answer some frequently asked questions for foreign entrepreneurs looking to set up their business in Hong Kong.

Do You Need a Local Director?

No, Hong Kong does not require a local director for foreign-owned companies. Hong Kong law mandates that every company must have at least one director, but this director can be of any nationality and does not need to be a Hong Kong resident. As long as you have a qualified director, you can manage your company remotely without the need for a local director. However, you will need a company secretary who is a resident and is based in Hong Kong to assist with handling the legal documentation.

Do You Need a Physical Office? 

The answer is no—Hong Kong law does not require businesses to have physical office space. What is required, however, is a registered business address. This is the address where official correspondence from the government and tax authorities will be sent. For foreign business owners, virtual office solutions are a popular option. These services provide a local business address and mail forwarding services.

Can You Register Remotely?

Yes, it is entirely possible to register a company in Hong Kong without being physically present. Whether you are based in another country or operating remotely, Hong Kong’s online systems and the availability of service providers mean you can complete all necessary steps without having to travel to Hong Kong in person. This flexibility is one of the reasons why Hong Kong remains a popular destination for international entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors.

What Is the Visa/Residency Requirements?

Foreigners can set up a company in Hong Kong without the need for a visa or residency. You'll only need a passport and proof of address. However, only if you plan to live and work in Hong Kong, you'll need an “Investment Visa” for those setting up or investing in a business, or an “Employment Visa” if you plan to hire employees or work for your own company. The visa application process can take several weeks, so it's advisable to start early if you need one.

Is It Cheaper to Do It Yourself?

It depends. At first glance, handling company registration yourself might seem like the cheaper option. You’ll pay the basic registration fees, but you’ll also need to arrange for a company secretary and a registered address and ensure that all documents are correctly prepared and submitted. 

According to Statrys' survey study of 120 entrepreneurs, the overall process typically costs around HKD 9,053.

If you're unfamiliar with the process, the time and effort involved, plus the risk of costly mistakes, can quickly outweigh the savings. In most cases, working with a company formation agent is a more efficient and often more reliable choice.

By now, you might be thinking the company setup process is simple enough to handle on your own, and in many ways, it is. However, there are a few challenges that can catch new founders off guard, especially when it comes to ongoing obligations and hidden costs beyond the initial registration pricing.

Company setup doesn’t end once your business is registered. You’ll need to manage annual returns, maintain statutory records, and stay compliant with tax and reporting requirements.

Many first-time entrepreneurs overlook this, which can lead to missed deadlines, penalties, or even deregistration. That’s why choosing the right company secretary from the start, ideally, one that offers continued support beyond setup, is just as important as choosing the right pricing package.

Having a business account is key for tracking your finances and preparing audit reports. However, setting one up in Hong Kong can be more challenging than expected, especially for foreign-owned companies.

Opening a business account in Hong Kong with traditional banks often requires in-person meetings, extensive documentation, and proof of local operations. Depending on the bank, this can delay your launch by several weeks. 

Whether you’re managing everything from abroad or simply want to avoid the paperwork, Statrys makes company setup easy. For HKD 7,700, you get everything you need to launch your business: company registration, a company secretary, government fees, and an online business account (subject to approval).

If you’re ready to get started, this is the best way—done right, from the beginning.

Simply follow these steps:

1. Visit https://statrys.com/hong-kong-company-registration
2. Click on “Get Started”
3. Fill in your details – it only takes less than 5 minutes
4. Complete the payment

And we’ll do the rest! Here's what’s included in your all-in-one package:

Incorporation Services

• Company name check and preparation of incorporation documents
• Articles of Association and official filings
• Government fees included (HKD 3,970)
• Certificate of Incorporation and 1-year Business Registration Certificate
• Company chops (corporate seals)

Company Secretary Services

• Provision of a Company Secretary and Designated Representative (1 year)
• Filing of Annual Return (NAR1) and AGM preparation
• Maintenance of statutory records and significant controller register
• Automated deadline reminders
• 24/7 online access to all compliance documents

Registered Address in Hong Kong

• A registered address for one year
• Scanning and forwarding of mail

Business Account Application

• Get a fast-track application to open a business account with Statrys (Subject to approval)