What to Prepare Before Applying
Your company must be registered and operating in Hong Kong, with a simple ownership structure.
All directors, shareholders, and partners must hold a valid Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID).
Prepare certified copies of HKID, proof of address, business registration documents, and business proof (such as invoices or contracts).
Application is 100% online if all parties have an HKID; otherwise, processing will be offline.
If you run a business in Hong Kong and want a fully digital banking experience, ZA Bank offers a fast, paperless way to open a business account, often in just one working day. With no branch visits required, it’s a convenient option for startups and SMEs looking to set up quickly.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the full application process, from eligibility to each step you’ll complete online.
Disclaimer: Information in this article is accurate as of 18 June 2025, but it may be subject to change. We recommend checking ZA Bank’s official website for the latest details.
Here’s a quick overview before you get started:
| Key Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligible Location | Hong Kong only (company must be registered and operating locally) |
| Accepted Company Types | Sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited company |
| Application Method | 100% online (only if all connected parties hold a valid HKID) |
| Time to Complete Application | Around 10 minutes (to fill the form online) |
| Average Opening Time | As fast as 1 business day (if eligible and verified online) |
| Account Opening Fee | HKD 1,500 (one-time fee for online application) |
| Initial Deposit | Not required for most businesses (except some special company types) |
| Need to Know | – All connected parties must have an HKID – Businesses under 1 year old are accepted – Non-eligible cases may be processed offline |
| Alternative Option | If your company has overseas directors or lacks HKID holders, Statrys is a flexible alternative. You can apply fully online without a Hong Kong ID and access multi-currency features for cross-border business. |
Why Open a Business Account with ZA Bank?
ZA Bank was the first virtual bank licensed in Hong Kong and remains one of the most widely used, with over 800,000 users as of mid-2024. Its business account is designed with small companies in mind, offering a simple setup and features that support everyday financial operations.
Rather than dealing with in-branch paperwork or long approval times, businesses can apply entirely online and manage payments, payroll, and foreign currency from a single app.
Key Features of the ZA Bank Business Account
- Online application with no in-person steps
- Support for HKD, USD, and CNY
- Local and overseas transfers (FPS, CHATS, SWIFT)
- Currency exchange and time deposits
- Batch payments and payroll tools
- Digital statements and e-signatures
💡 Tip: Want a closer look at the features? Read our ZA Bank Business Account Review.
Who Can Open a ZA Bank Business Account?
To open a business account with ZA Bank online, your company must be registered in Hong Kong and meet certain eligibility criteria. The bank only accepts applications from businesses with a simple ownership structure, and all key individuals must hold a valid Hong Kong Identity Card.
Here’s a summary of the requirements based on company type:
| Company Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Sole Proprietorship |
– Registered and operating in Hong Kong – Sole proprietor must hold a valid HKID and be a Hong Kong tax resident – Must be at least 18 years old |
| Partnership |
– Registered and operating in Hong Kong – Maximum of 3 general partners, all HKID holders and aged 18+ – Only natural persons accepted (not legal entities) – All partners must be Hong Kong tax residents |
| Limited Company |
– Incorporated and operating in Hong Kong – Maximum of 4 shareholders/directors, all HKID holders and aged 18+ – Only natural persons accepted – All parties must be Hong Kong tax residents |
What You Need to Open a ZA Bank Business Account
The documents you need depend on your company type, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited company. In general, you’ll be asked to provide certified copies of ID and business documents. These should be certified by a professional, like a solicitor or accountant.
ZA Bank might also request extra documents depending on your situation.
Below is a summary of the key documents required for each type of business:
Sole Proprietorship
Partnership
Limited Company
You can also refer to ZA Bank’s official Document Checklist for Business Account Opening for more detailed requirements.
How To Open a ZA Bank Business Account Online
Here’s a step-by-step look at what to expect:
Step 1: Register the Contact Person
Start the process at the ZA Bank Business page and click “Apply Now”. The contact person must be:
- The sole proprietor, or
- A shareholder with 25% or more shares, or
- A director or partner of the business
You’ll need to enter the contact person’s full name (matching the HKID), email, and mobile number to receive OTP codes for verification.
Tip: Only individuals holding a valid Hong Kong Identity Card can apply online.
Step 2: Provide Company and Connected Parties’ Details
Next, you’ll fill out the company’s basic information, including:
- Business registration details
- Business and mailing address
- Tax residency
- Information on all connected parties (e.g. shareholders, directors, or partners)
ZA Bank will notify connected parties directly to complete identity verification via the ZA Bank app.
Note: Applications not meeting online eligibility may be redirected to offline processing by a Relationship Manager.
Opening an Account via Relationship Manager
Step 3: Complete Identity Verification via the ZA Bank App
Each connected party must:
- Use the ZA Bank App to perform identity verification
- Provide a valid HKID
- Complete a selfie check
- Sign the application electronically
Step 4: Join the KYC Call
ZA Bank will contact the registered contact person via phone (from (852) 3665 3665) to verify submitted details and complete KYC requirements.
Step 5: Receive Confirmation & Set Up
If your application is approved, you’ll receive an email confirming account activation, along with instructions on managing and using your business account.
Note: A one-time HKD 1,500 account opening fee applies. Incomplete applications are kept for up to 90 days.
Need Help During the Process?
Not Eligible for ZA Bank? Try Statrys
If your business doesn’t meet ZA Bank’s online application requirements, such as needing a Hong Kong ID for all connected parties, Statrys offers a flexible alternative.
This is especially useful if your company has overseas directors, a more complex ownership structure, or simply doesn’t fit within ZA Bank’s current onboarding limits. The good news? There are still options available.
Statrys is a licensed payment service provider based in Hong Kong, designed for SMEs and startups with cross-border operations. All applications are completed online, and each client is assigned a dedicated account manager for personalised support.
Here’s a quick look at what you get with a Statrys business account:
FAQs
Can I open a ZA Bank business account if I’m not in Hong Kong?
Yes, as long as all connected parties have valid HKID cards, identity verification can be completed digitally from outside Hong Kong.
What happens if my application doesn’t meet the online criteria?
Is ZA Bank a licensed and regulated bank?
How long does it take to open an account?
What businesses are eligible to apply?
Disclaimer
Statrys competes directly with ZA Bank in the payment industry. However, we're committed to providing an unbiased, thorough review to help you make an informed choice.
