Incorporate a Hong Kong company
Setting up a Hong Kong company is fast and simple: at least 1 director + 1 company secretary + 1 local registered address; online submission usually issues the certificate in 1–7 days, with the Business Registration Certificate obtained at the same time (about HK$2,200/year, adjusted by the government from time to time). The hard part isn't the registration — it's what comes after: opening a bank account, the shareholding structure, and the annual audit and tax filing all need to be thought through in advance.
You are sure you need a Hong Kong company (to receive foreign currency, go cross-border, go global, or raise capital / list) and want to get the registration right the first time, with fewer detours.
You only do mainland business with no cross-border or foreign-currency needs — a Shenzhen company may be all you need. Read 'Shenzhen vs Hong Kong' before deciding whether to set one up.
Companies Registry e-Registry[S22]
The official online registration channel — company registration + business registration handled in one place.
Who it's for: Those who want to DIY and save on agent fees
InvestHK free one-on-one[S18]
Free set-up consultation for overseas and mainland companies, plus an official directory of service providers.
Who it's for: First-timers in Hong Kong who want to map out the path first
SME Link SME portal[S38]
The government's one-stop portal, with guides on starting up and opening a bank account.
Who it's for: SMEs wanting a systematic view of the process
- 1
Decide the company type and shareholding structure
Most choose a private company limited by shares; think through the shareholders and shareholding ratios — they directly affect your eligibility for funding such as BUD and your cross-border structure later on.
Pitfall: Filling in the structure carelessly, then finding you have to redo it when applying for funding or building a cross-border structure.
See:Shenzhen company vs Hong Kong company: how to choose, how to run bothBUD Fund
- 2
Reserve a name + submit the registration online
Submit via the Companies Registry's e-Registry or a one-stop service: company name, articles of association, and details of directors / shareholders / secretary / registered address.
Pitfall: Using a purely virtual address can cause trouble later with account opening, receiving mail, and audits.
- 3
Obtain the Business Registration Certificate
Apply to the IRD at the same time as registration; it is issued together with the Certificate of Incorporation.
- 4
Post-setup follow-up
Open a corporate bank account (the biggest bottleneck — prepare documents early), arrange a company secretary / audit, and note the dates for the annual return and tax filing.
Pitfall: Thinking it's over once you're registered; the audit, tax filing, and annual return are ongoing yearly costs.
A purely virtual address brings trouble down the line· First-hand insight in the works
It can hold up account opening, BUD applications (which require a physical office), and receiving government mail; get a physical address if you can
Registration is cheap, upkeep is not· First-hand insight in the works
The company secretary, audit, tax filing, and annual return are fixed yearly costs; factor them in before you incorporate
Think through the shareholding structure first· First-hand insight in the works
It affects BUD eligibility, cross-border ODI / FDI filings, and future fundraising; changing the structure later costs far more than getting it right at the start
Don't set up a Hong Kong company just to look impressive· First-hand insight in the works
Without cross-border or foreign-currency needs, a Hong Kong company just means an extra annual audit bill and account-opening headaches
- 01First confirm you really need a Hong Kong company → read 'Shenzhen vs Hong Kong' and don't waste money.
- 02Want to DIY → use the Companies Registry e-Registry and handle registration + business registration together.
- 03While registering → start preparing your account-opening documents right away; don't wait for the certificate to think about banking.
The government adjusts the business registration fee from time to time (including waiver arrangements); refer to the IRD's latest announcement.