How to Register a Branch Office in Hong Kong in 2025

2025-06-26

5 minute read

Registering a branch office in Hong Kong

Key Takeaways

A branch office is legally part of the foreign parent company and not a separate entity in Hong Kong.

To register, you must file Form NN1, submit certified documents, and appoint a local authorised representative to the Company Registry (CR).

Once approved, you’ll obtain a Business Registration Certificate.

Branch offices must file annual returns and notify CR of any changes to stay compliant.

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
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Important: Branch offices must pay Hong Kong corporate tax on income earned from business activities in Hong Kong.

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.

Feature Branch Office Subsidiary
Separate Legal Entity
Liability The parent company bears full liability Limited Liability
Business Activities Full commercial operations Full commercial operations
Name Must be the same as the parent company Can differ from the parent company
Ownership 100% owned by the parent company Can be 100% foreign or locally owned
Setup Process Register as a Non-Hong Kong Company (Form NN1) Incorporate as a new Hong Kong company
Key Local Requirement Authorised representative required Company secretary required
Annual Return Filing
Suitable For Expansion with centralised control Long-term growth with local autonomy

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.

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Helpful: Learn more about a private limited company in Hong Kong with our guide.

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).

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Tip: Discover the requirements of company names in Hong Kong..

Even though a company secretary isn’t mandatory, I always advise clients to appoint one. Branch offices still need to file annual returns and maintain proper internal records, and having someone in Hong Kong to handle it gives you peace of mind.

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Nestor Garcia
Head of Company Creation Services

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
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Tip: If your company was incorporated within the last 18 months and hasn’t published financials yet, you can submit a declaration instead.

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.

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Note: If your application is unsuccessful, you might get a refund of around 80% of the registration fee.

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.

⚠️ Fact: Failure to meet these requirements may result in penalties, including

  • Late filing of Form NN3: Fine up to HKD 1,500
  • Failure to report changes: Possible prosecution under Companies Ordinance Sections 792–793
  • Non-compliance may result in deregistration or loss of legal standing in Hong Kong
It’s advisable to set up internal reminders or engage a corporate service provider to manage your filings.

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.

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You fill out one form. We take care of the setup, filings, and compliance. Completely remote.

Illustration of a hand signing a document with a blue pen, symbolising agreement, contract signing, or official company registration.

FAQs

Who can register a branch office in Hong Kong?

Any company incorporated outside Hong Kong that plans to establish a place of business in the city can register a branch office. This includes companies involved in trading, consulting, or service activities. You’ll need to provide certified corporate documents and appoint an authorised local representative to proceed with registration.

Do I need a separate company to open a branch office in Hong Kong?

How long does it take to register a branch office in Hong Kong?

Is a company secretary required for a branch office?

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