Written by Sneha Patwari, Corporate Secretary Lead
I've guided hundreds of founders through the incorporation process across Hong Kong and Singapore. The questions are always different; the mistakes are usually the same. I write to help people avoid them.
Last reviewed by August 2026.
Key Takeaways
Most cheap-looking packages exclude mandatory add-ons. Once you include the essentials a non-resident founder needs (government fees, a registered address, and a company secretary) budget HKD 8,000–12,000+, not the headline figure.
Hong Kong's government fees rose on 1 April 2026. The mandatory baseline is now HKD 3,895 (HKD 1,545 incorporation + HKD 2,350 for a one-year Business Registration Certificate), so any package quoting "from HKD 4,980" needs that added on top unless it says otherwise.
Statrys is one of the few providers in Hong Kong that combines incorporation, a business account, and accounting on one platform: a fit if you're building a full operating structure from the start.
Most Hong Kong incorporation services advertise a headline price. What they don't always make clear is what that price excludes. A package starting at HKD 4,980 can look straightforward until you add government fees (now approximately HKD 3,895), a registered address, and a company secretary, at which point the total is often HKD 8,000–10,000 or more.
This guide compares six providers across total pricing, what's included, post-incorporation support, and fit for different business types. The goal is to give you enough information to choose a provider with confidence.
If you're incorporating a straightforward private limited company as a foreign founder, the decision typically comes down to three things: how transparent the pricing is, whether the provider can help you open a business account after setup, and whether they'll handle your ongoing compliance so you don't have to manage it manually. This guide addresses all of that and more.
A note on the numbers: Government fees below reflect the rates in effect from 1 April 2026, checked against the Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department in August 2026. Provider service fees were sourced from each provider's official website as of March 2026. Verify current pricing with the provider before you decide. Statrys operates in the same market as the providers reviewed in this guide, and we've made every effort to present accurate, evidence-based information for each.
Top Incorporation Services Compared
Fees are based on publicly available pricing as of March 2026; government fees reflect the current HKD 3,895 baseline. "From" pricing indicates the minimum, and actual costs depend on your chosen package and add-ons.
| Provider | Pricing | Best for | Business account support |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statrys | HKD 8,750 (gov. fees included) | Remote founders who want incorporation, a business account, and accounting in one place | Yes; in-house multi-currency account (subject to approval) |
| BoardRoom | Quote-based | Businesses expanding across Asia with complex governance or group structures | Bank introductions |
| Encor (formerly FastLane) | From HKD 5,350 (gov. fees ~HKD 3,895 excluded) | SMEs needing accounting + Xero integration alongside incorporation | Bank + fintech introductions (incl. Airwallex) |
| Acclime | Quote-based | International businesses with cross-border or multi-jurisdiction requirements | Bank introductions |
| easyCorp | From HKD 4,980 (gov. fees + registered address excluded) | HK-based founders, or those with an existing address, who want a fast, simple setup | Bank introductions (Hang Seng, HSBC, BOC) |
| Panocean | Quote-based | Businesses wanting a ready-made (shelf) company or personalised long-term service | Bank introductions |
Key Things To Look For
Not all incorporation services are the same. Before comparing providers, it helps to know which criteria actually matter for your situation:
- Transparent total pricing: Look for providers who show what's included (government fees, company secretary, registered address) not just the base service fee. If you have to enquire to find the true cost, that's usually a sign the total is higher than the headline.
- Post-incorporation support: Incorporating is step one. Opening a business account as a non-resident can take weeks at a traditional bank. Providers who maintain active relationships with banks and fintechs, or offer an in-house account, are worth more to a remote founder than those who hand you the certificate and leave the rest to you.
- Ongoing compliance handling: Every Hong Kong company must file an annual return (NAR1), renew its Business Registration Certificate, and undergo an annual audit. If your provider only covers incorporation, you'll need to source those separately. Confirm upfront whether they're included, available as add-ons, or out of scope.
- Online-only capability: If you're setting up remotely, confirm the entire process (from document submission to company delivery) can be done without a physical visit to Hong Kong.
- Service beyond company setup: If you expect to need payroll, accounting, or multi-jurisdiction expansion within 12 months, starting with a provider that covers these avoids a costly switch when you need continuity most.
Statrys
Founded in 2020, Statrys is a licensed Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) offering company incorporation in Hong Kong and Singapore. What sets it apart from others on this list is that Statrys is one of the few providers in Hong Kong that combines company incorporation, accounting, and a business account in one place.
For a founder setting up a Hong Kong company from scratch and expecting to need bookkeeping and tax filing support, Statrys handles the full back-office setup in one place. Other providers that offer all three services require separate onboarding. At Statrys, you only need a single login.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | HKD 8,750. Includes government fees, registered office address, company secretary services (Year 1), and business account application |
| Incorporation markets | Hong Kong and Singapore |
| Business account | In-house multi-currency account available (subject to approval): 11 major currencies, Mastercard® payment cards |
| Accounting | Monthly bookkeeping, payroll, and tax filings available, priced by actual transaction volume |
| Client support | Dedicated account manager via phone, email, WeChat, and WhatsApp |
| Companies incorporated | 1,600+ |
| Customer support | Email: incorporation@statrys.com Phone: +852 2319 4622 WhatsApp: +852 6452 3564 Office hours: 10am–7pm HKT, Mon–Fri |
✅ Good fit if:
- You're setting up remotely and want a 100% online process
- You want incorporation, payments, and accounting handled by one provider
- You value a responsive account manager and human support
- You expect to need a multi-currency business account or FX services after setup
⚠️ Less ideal if:
- You're looking for the lowest possible registration cost
- You need HR, visa, or relocation support alongside incorporation
- You already have an established banking relationship and don't need an account
Boardroom
Founded in 1968, BoardRoom is one of the longest-established corporate services firms in Asia, with a network spanning Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, China, and Australia. With over 50 years of operation, it brings institutional depth to company setup and ongoing governance.
In Hong Kong, BoardRoom supports both local and international companies through registration and post-incorporation compliance. Its strength is governance: the firm handles secretarial records, annual return filing, share registry management, and ESG reporting. This is a strong fit for companies with investor obligations or complex corporate structures. Pricing is quote-based and reflects the firm's tailored approach.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Quote-based. Contact BoardRoom for a tailored proposal |
| Services | Company registration, secretarial services, annual return filing, payroll, accounting, tax, ESG reporting, share registry |
| Regional reach | HK, SG, Malaysia, China, Australia |
| Support | Email: info.hk@boardroomlimited.com Phone: +852 2598 5234 Office hours: 8:45am–5:45pm HKT, Mon–Fri |
✅ Good fit if:
- You need incorporation with strong governance expertise
- Your business has complex shareholding, group structures, or investor reporting requirements
- You're planning to expand across Asia and want one regional partner
⚠️ Less ideal if:
- You're looking for a low-cost or fixed-price incorporation package
- Your company has a simple structure with minimal compliance requirements
FastLane
Note: FastLane Group was acquired by Encor Group on 9 March 2026 and has since been rebranded as Encor and integrated into Encor's platform. If you're considering this provider, confirm current branding, pricing, and service structure directly with the firm before proceeding.
Founded in 2013, the firm (formerly FastLane) is a licensed TCSP and a practice registered with the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA). As a Xero Platinum Partner, it supports over 1,000 clients globally with both company formation and ongoing accounting.
Its Hong Kong incorporation service is fully online. It suits founders who want to combine company setup with accounting from day one, particularly those already using Xero or planning to. Base pricing starts from HKD 5,350 for company secretarial and registered address; government fees are separate.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Base pricing | From HKD 5,350 (company secretarial and registered address included in selected packages; government fees excluded) |
| Government fees | ~HKD 3,895 additional (Companies Registry e-filing ~HKD 1,545 + one-year BRC HKD 2,350) |
| Accounting | Bookkeeping, payroll, tax filings, and audit support via Xero, available separately |
| Add-ons | Payroll, MPF, visa and immigration services, Employer of Record (EOR), and PEO support |
| Banking | Assists with account opening at partner banks and fintechs, including Airwallex |
| Support | Email: enquiry@fastlane-global.com Phone/WhatsApp: +852 3956 3112 Office hours: 9am–6pm HKT, Mon–Fri |
✅ Good fit if:
- You want customisable packages with a wide range of add-on services
- Your business needs visas and employment-related support alongside company setup
- You use or plan to use Xero for your accounting
⚠️ Less ideal if:
- You prefer full cost visibility upfront: government fees are separate
- You're looking for the lowest-cost package in the market
Acclime Hong Kong
Acclime helps companies set up and operate in Hong Kong with services covering incorporation, accounting, tax, HR, and compliance. Part of the wider Acclime Group, which operates across 18 markets in Asia-Pacific, Acclime Hong Kong brings regional depth to cross-border client work.
What distinguishes Acclime is its partner-led service model: senior professionals are closely involved in client engagements, which typically means more personalised guidance on structure and strategy than a pure-volume incorporation firm would provide. Pricing is quote-based.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Quote-based. Contact Acclime for a tailored proposal |
| Services | Incorporation, corporate secretarial, accounting, tax, compliance, HR outsourcing, business licence support, cross-border advisory |
| Specialities | Representative offices, pre-IPO advisory, corporate governance, multi-jurisdiction compliance and reporting |
| Regional reach | 18 markets across Asia-Pacific |
| Support | Email: infohongkong@acclime.com Phone: +852 2151 2260 Office hours: 9am–6pm HKT, Mon–Fri |
✅ Good fit if:
- You are an overseas or established business expanding into Hong Kong
- Your business has a complex structure or cross-border requirements
- You want access to a broad range of compliance, tax, HR, and advisory services
⚠️ Less Ideal if:
- You prefer fixed, upfront pricing
- Your business is a simple limited company
Tip: Read our review of Acclime Hong Kong to find out more.
easyCorp
Founded in 2007, easyCorp is a Hong Kong-based corporate services firm focused on fast, straightforward company registration for local and international founders. It offers onshore and offshore incorporation, company secretarial services, and accounting support, with a base pricing structure that is among the more transparent for standard private limited companies.
One thing to note: easyCorp's base packages start at HKD 4,980 but exclude the government incorporation fees (HKD 3,895) and a registered address (HKD 980/year as an add-on). For a fully remote founder who needs both, the realistic total is closer to HKD 9,850 (worth factoring in before comparing with all-inclusive packages).
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Base pricing | From HKD 4,980 (excludes government fees and registered address) |
| Government fees | ~HKD 3,895 additional (HKD 1,545 Companies Registry e-filing + HKD 2,350 one-year BRC) |
| Add-ons | Registered address: HKD 980/year | Company secretary: HKD 980/year |
| Express option | 1-day incorporation available (additional fee may apply) |
| Banking | Assists with account opening at Hang Seng, HSBC, and Bank of China |
| Other services | Accounting, audit, profits tax return, trademark registration |
| Support | Email: cs@easycorp.com.hk Phone: +852 2115 9253 WhatsApp: +852 6622 0497 Office hours: 10am–5pm HKT, Mon–Fri |
✅ Good fit if:
- You need fast, simple incorporation with transparent base pricing
- You're based in Hong Kong or already have a registered address
- You want flexibility to add services like accounting and trademark support separately
⚠️ Less Ideal if:
- You're a remote founder who needs a registered address bundled in, as the total cost is higher than the base price suggests
- You need expert guidance on complex company structures
- You prefer an all-inclusive package with government fees included
Panocean Secretarial Group
Founded in 1988, Panocean Secretarial Group is one of Hong Kong's most established corporate service providers. The firm handles company incorporation, secretarial duties, accounting, audit, tax filing, and legal document services for both local and overseas clients.
A distinctive feature is its offering of ready-made (shelf) companies: pre-registered entities that can be transferred to a new owner with a name change, enabling a faster start for clients who need an operational structure without waiting for standard registration. Panocean also supports offshore incorporations in the BVI, Cayman Islands, Samoa, and Seychelles.
| Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Pricing | Quote-based. Contact Panocean for pricing |
| Services | HK company incorporation, company secretary, accounting, audit, tax filing, trademark registration, legal document legalisation |
| Shelf companies | Ready-made (shelf) companies available (option to rename after transfer) |
| Offshore support | BVI, Cayman Islands, Samoa, Seychelles |
| Support | Email: services@panoceanhk.com Phone: +852 2851 1823 Office hours: 9:30am–6pm HKT, Mon–Fri |
✅ Good fit if:
- You want a shelf company for faster operational setup
- You prefer a long-established firm with a proven compliance track record
- You need offshore company registration in the BVI, Cayman, or similar jurisdictions
⚠️ Less Ideal if:
- You prefer a fixed-fee, all-inclusive package
- You want a fully digital, remote-first onboarding experience
How to Set Up Remotely
Your provider handles the filing. But as the director or shareholder, you're responsible for making sure the legal requirements are met and for staying compliant after the company is registered. Here's what you need in place.
Key Requirements for Incorporation
- Registered address: Must be a physical Hong Kong address. P.O. boxes are not accepted. If you're setting up remotely, your provider should supply this. Confirm it's included in your package or available as an add-on.
- Company secretary: Must be a Hong Kong resident or a licensed corporate service provider (TCSP). This is a legal requirement and cannot be waived. Most providers include it in Year 1. Check the renewal cost from Year 2.
- Directors and shareholders: At least one director and one shareholder are required, and both can be the same person. There are no residency or nationality restrictions; a foreign national can fully own and direct a Hong Kong company. Legal review is recommended for your specific structure.
- Company name: Must be unique and approved by the Companies Registry. Your provider checks availability and reserves the name during incorporation.
- Articles of Association: A standard constitutional document outlining how the company operates. Your provider prepares this. You don't need to draft it yourself.
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
Once registered, there are four recurring obligations every year:
- Annual Return (NAR1): Filed with the Companies Registry within 42 days of your incorporation anniversary. The government NAR1 fee is HKD 105 if filed on time.
- BRC renewal: Renewed annually with the Inland Revenue Department. As of 1 April 2026, the one-year fee is HKD 2,350 (HKD 2,200 registration fee plus the reinstated HKD 150 levy).
- Annual audit: Required for all Hong Kong companies. You'll need a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to sign off. Many incorporation providers offer this as an add-on.
- Profits Tax Return: Filed with the IRD after your first financial year. Your company secretary or accountant handles this on your behalf.
After incorporation, you'll receive your Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate. Both are required when opening a business account, whether with a traditional bank or a fintech. Most providers on this list can assist or make introductions.
Final Thoughts
The certificate is the easy part. Most providers on this list will get you incorporated within a few days. The harder question is what happens in the months after: who handles your annual return, who supports your business account application, and who files your audit when it's due twelve months from now.
Before you commit to a provider, ask three specific questions:
- What is the total cost, including government fees, company secretary, and registered address?
- What happens to your annual compliance from Year 2 onwards, and what does that cost?
- If you need a business account as a foreign director, what support does the provider actually offer, not just "introductions" in principle?
If you get clear, specific answers to all three, you've found a provider worth signing up with. If the answers are vague, that's the answer too.
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FAQs
What is the best company incorporation service in Hong Kong in 2026?
The best service depends on your situation. Statrys is the strongest option for remote founders who want incorporation, a multi-currency business account, and accounting on a single platform. Encor (formerly FastLane) suits those who need Xero accounting integration. For complex or multi-jurisdiction structures, BoardRoom and Acclime offer greater advisory depth. easyCorp and Panocean are better fits for locally based founders who don't need bundled banking.
Can a foreigner incorporate a Hong Kong company remotely?
Yes. Foreign nationals can fully own and direct a Hong Kong private limited company without any local partners or residency requirements. The entire process can be completed online, including document submission, identity verification, and company delivery. All six providers on this list support fully remote incorporation.
How much does it cost to incorporate a company in Hong Kong?
Government fees alone are approximately HKD 3,895 as of 1 April 2026 (HKD 1,545 for electronic incorporation through the Companies Registry plus HKD 2,350 for a one-year Business Registration Certificate). Service provider fees and a registered office address are additional. For a non-resident founder setting up remotely with all mandatory components, budget HKD 8,000–12,000+, depending on the provider and package.
How long does it take to incorporate a company in Hong Kong?
If your documents are ready, registration with the Companies Registry is fast: electronic applications are normally issued within 1 hour, while hard-copy applications normally take up to 4 working days. Timelines can vary depending on Companies Registry workload and the completeness of documents submitted.
What is a company secretary in Hong Kong and is it mandatory?
A company secretary is a mandatory appointment for every Hong Kong company under the Companies Ordinance. The secretary ensures statutory compliance: filing annual returns, maintaining registers, and keeping company records up to date. The company secretary must be a Hong Kong resident or a licensed TCSP. Most incorporation providers include the first year in their package; Year 2 onwards is typically billed separately.
