Setting Up a Company in Hong Kong - The Easiest Way in 2025

Setting up a company in Hong Kong should be simple. But if you’ve ever tried to follow the official guides or asked around in founder circles, you know the reality can be overwhelming, with too many forms, too many rules, and too many “what do I do next?” moments.

The good news is that starting a business in Hong Kong is more accessible than ever in 2025, and you don’t need to be a legal expert to do it right. 

This guide simplifies the Hong Kong company registration process with just the facts, key steps, and essentials you need, whether you're starting a new business or expanding into Asia from overseas.

In this article, you’ll discover:

✅ How the Hong Kong company formation process really works (in plain English)

✅ What every founder needs to get started, from documents to deadlines

✅ How to open a business bank account

✅ Curated list of helpful resources and guides for everything related to business in Hong Kong

If all of this sounds good to you, let’s get started!

The process is straightforward and can be completed in just a few working days, even if you’re not based in Hong Kong. Let's examine each step in detail.

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.

• 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.
• 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. It’s a low-cost option but offers no liability protection.
• 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. The most common form is a General Partnership, where all partners share liability equally unless stated otherwise in a partnership agreement.

Choosing a company name is a critical part of the incorporation process. If the Hong Kong authorities do not approve the name, you may have to restart the entire application process. The name must follow the Companies Registry’s rules and must not be identical to any existing registered name in Hong Kong.

The company name should:

• Be in English, Traditional Chinese, or both, but you cannot mix the two languages within the same name. For example, Global Trading 有限公司" would be rejected, while “Global Trading Limited” or “環球貿易有限公司” would be accepted.
• Names cannot be reserved in advance, and their availability can change quickly. You should prepare at least 2–3 backup options.
• May be rejected if they are too similar to existing names or deemed offensive.

To check whether your desired name is available, use the e-Search Services on the Companies Registry’s e-Services Portal or visit the e-Services Centre in person on the 13th floor of the Queensway Government Offices. This name search service is free of charge.

Use the "Exact Name Search" function, and be sure to input your intended company name in full, including:

• All punctuation marks and spaces
• Ending terms such as “Limited”, “Company Limited”, “有限公司”, “公司”, etc.

Only English or traditional Chinese characters should be used in your search. Inputting simplified Chinese characters or other languages may return inaccurate results or “no matching record found.”

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 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 Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for foreigners.
• Articles of Association: A document outlining the company’s internal governance rules, such as 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 to indicate your business registration details, mainly whether you choose a 1-year or 3-year certificate. 

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 the e-Registry Portal
• Send by mail to the Companies Registry’s address at 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, you will receive two documents evidencing your company's incorporation. If you apply online, the certificates will be issued electronically within one hour. For applications made in person or by mail, hard copies will be delivered within four business days. Both formats hold equal legal validity. 

Those documents are:

1. Certificate of Incorporation: Issued by the Companies Registry once at the time of company formation, this document serves as official proof of your company’s legal existence and remains valid during the entire lifetime of the company.

1. Business Registration Certificate: This is issued by the Business Registration Office (part of the IRD) to confirm your company is authorised to conduct business in Hong Kong. Valid for one or three years, the BRC must be renewed annually within one month of your company’s incorporation anniversary to avoid penalties.

Once your Hong Kong company is officially registered, there are a few critical steps you must complete to ensure your business is fully operational and compliant with local regulations.

One of the first tasks after incorporation is to issue a share certificate to each shareholder. This certificate serves as formal proof of ownership and must be signed by the company’s authorised officers. If your company has adopted a common seal, it should also be stamped accordingly. This is typically handled by the company secretary and should be completed promptly as part of the company’s statutory records.

Below is a checklist of the other most important post-registration actions to take:

Once your company is incorporated, the next step is to open a business account to manage your company’s transactions. This account is essential for sending and receiving payments, issuing invoices, and preparing for future audits.

Opening a business account in Hong Kong typically requires the following:

• Business registration documents
• Identification documents for directors and shareholders
• Proof of business operations (such as contracts, invoices, or a website)
• In some cases, a business plan or details of your source of funds

Traditional banks often require an in-person meeting, which may delay your operations, especially if you're not based in Hong Kong. Some businesses may wait 2–4 weeks or longer to complete this process.

To save time, you can work with a service provider like Statrys, which helps newly registered companies apply for a multi-currency business account remotely. This option is especially useful for overseas founders and SMEs that want to avoid unnecessary delays.

Under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, every company registered in Hong Kong must maintain a Significant Controller Register (SCR). This register identifies any individual or legal entity that holds significant control over the company, typically more than 25% of shares or voting rights.

The SCR must be kept and displayed at the company’s registered office (or another authorised location) and made available to law enforcement upon request. You are also required to appoint a designated representative to assist with SCR-related matters and liaise with authorities if needed.

After 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.

Once your company is registered, staying compliant with local regulations is essential. Here are the main deadlines you need to be aware of:

Yes, foreigners can register a company in Hong Kong, and the process is relatively straightforward. 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.

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions I receive from foreign entrepreneurs looking to set up their businesses in Hong Kong.

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, using a virtual office or partnering with a service provider is a popular option. These services provide a local business address and mail forwarding services.

Yes. You can set up a Hong Kong company entirely online without visiting in person. The process is accessible to international founders through digital systems and service providers. This flexibility is one of the reasons why Hong Kong remains a popular destination for international entrepreneurs, freelancers, and investors.

You don’t need a visa or residency to register a company. All you need is a valid passport and proof of address.

However, if you plan to live or work in Hong Kong, you’ll need an Investment Visa (for owners/investors) or an Employment Visa (if hiring or working in your own company). Processing can take a few weeks, so plan ahead if needed.

Choosing whether to register your company yourself or work with a professional company formation service provider depends on your experience, available time, and comfort with legal documentation.

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

If you're confident navigating government systems and handling paperwork, the DIY route can save money. However, for most founders, especially those based overseas, a hassle-free registration service like Statrys offers a more efficient and reliable way to complete the Hong Kong company registration process.

If you want to dive deeper into company setup and business management in Hong Kong, explore these additional guides from Statrys. Each resource is designed to help you understand your options, avoid pitfalls, and make confident decisions at every stage.

Setting up a company in Hong Kong doesn’t have to be complicated, especially in 2025. By following the steps in this guide, you can avoid common mistakes, stay compliant, and get your business off the ground with confidence. 

If you'd rather not go it alone, using a trusted service provider like Statrys can save you time and stress. With bundled packages that include incorporation, a registered address, and company secretary services, you’ll have everything covered from day one.

Your all-in-one package includes:

• Company registration with all filings and government fees
• One year of company secretary service
• Registered office address for one year, including mail scanning and forwarding
• 24/7 access to your company portal
• A fast-track business account application (subject to approval)
• Discounted renewal rate

We’ll make sure everything is in place so your business is ready to get up and running.