How to Register a Branch Office in Hong Kong in 2025

Expanding your business into Hong Kong?

Setting up a branch office is one way to establish a local presence without forming a new company.

However, you must register as a non-Hong Kong Company with the Companies Registry and meet local rules.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the legal structure of a branch office, steps to register, and what to expect after setup.

What’s inside?

✅ What a branch office is and how it works 

✅ How it compares to a subsidiary structure  

✅ Step-by-step registration process and required documents  

✅ Key compliance obligations after registration

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

What Is a Branch Office in Hong Kong?

A branch office in Hong Kong is the extension of a foreign-incorporated company, not a separate legal entity. It allows an overseas business to carry out operations in Hong Kong while remaining legally and financially tied to the parent company.

Under Part 16 of the Companies Ordinance, any foreign company that establishes a place of business in Hong Kong must register as a Non-Hong Kong Company with the Companies Registry, which is the legal classification for a branch office.

Branch offices suit businesses that want to keep business operations centralised, especially those that want to maintain the same brand and structure across countries.

However, this setup comes with specific obligations in Hong Kong, including:

• Filing annual returns
• Maintaining a local authorised representative, and
• Notifying the Companies Registry of any changes to company particulars

Should You Choose a Branch Office or a Subsidiary?

Before proceeding, it’s important to consider whether a branch office or a subsidiary better suits your goals.

Here’s a simple breakdown of the key differences between these two business structures.

If you want to expand into Hong Kong while keeping everything under your overseas company, with the same name, the same control, and limited local formalities, a branch office is likely the better fit. It’s faster to set up and easier to manage if your main goal is extending existing operations without legal separation.

On the other hand, if you're planning to build a long-term presence, hire locally, apply for licences, or reduce risk exposure for your head office, a subsidiary offers greater flexibility and legal protection. It’s also the preferred option if you want your Hong Kong operations to run independently or raise funds locally.

How To Register a Branch Office in Hong Kong

Under the Company Ordinance, a branch office is registered as a “non-Hong Kong company” that has established a place of business in Hong Kong. Follow these 6 steps to register your branch office.

Step 1 - Check Name Availability

Your branch must use the same name as your foreign parent company. If the name is already in use or considered misleading, you may be required to make minor adjustments to how it appears publicly (e.g. adding the jurisdiction of origin).

Step 3 - Prepare Your Documents

To register your branch office, gather and prepare the following documents:

• Form NN1 (application form)
• Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR2).
• Certificate of incorporation of the parent company
• Certified copies of the company’s constitution documents (e.g. Articles of Association)
• Latest financial statements (if required by your home country)
• Certified translations if documents are not in English or Chinese
• Details of directors and company secretary (if any)
• Registered address in Hong Kong

Step 4 - Submit the Application

Once everything is ready, you’ll submit Form NN1 and IRBR2 to the Companies Registry, along with the required documents.

The registration fee is HKD 1,545 (if you submit online) or HKD 1,720 (if you submit in hard copy form). Processing typically takes 10–14 days. 

If everything checks out, you’ll receive a Certificate of Registration confirming your branch is officially recognised in Hong Kong.

What to Do After Your Branch Office Is Registered

Once your branch office is set up, you’ll need to meet several ongoing obligations to stay in good standing:

• Maintain a local authorised representative: This person or entity must remain active and based in Hong Kong.
• File annual returns (Form NN3): Submit yearly updates to the Companies Registry within 42 days after each registration anniversary.
• Report company changes (Form NN6): Notify the Companies Registry of any updates to directors, business addresses, or company particulars within 1 month of the changes.
• Display company details: At business premises and on official documents.
• Renew the Business Registration Certificate: Annually or every 3 years, depending on your registration option.

Final Note

A branch office is a practical route for foreign companies to enter the Hong Kong market without setting up a new legal entity. But it comes with regulatory responsibilities.

If you’re unsure about eligibility, documentation, or compliance, working with a trusted service provider like Statrys can make the process faster and more secure.