Online registration through the Companies Registry's e-Registry portal typically takes 1 to 2 working days once all documents are in order. Paper submissions take around 4 working days.
FAQs
Hong Kong company setup questions, answered.
Use these answers to understand timelines, capital, tax, company secretary rules, banking, and ongoing filings.
No. There is no statutory minimum share capital requirement for incorporating a Hong Kong limited company. You must issue at least one share to one shareholder, and the nominal value can be as low as HK$1. In practice, most entrepreneurs choose a standard issued capital of HK$10,000 (10,000 shares at HK$1 each) for a more professional appearance, but this is not a legal requirement.
No. You do not need a local director or shareholder, but every company must appoint at least one director (who can be of any nationality) and a company secretary who is a Hong Kong resident or local entity. If your company has only one director, that director cannot also serve as the company secretary.
Registering a business means obtaining a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) from the Inland Revenue Department.
Incorporating a company means creating a legal entity with the Companies Registry.
If you incorporate a limited company, both steps are completed together.
Yes. Hong Kong allows 100% foreign ownership of companies. You do not need to live in Hong Kong, hold a visa, or have a local partner to incorporate a business. The only local requirement is the appointment of a Company Secretary who must be either a Hong Kong resident or a corporate entity holding a Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) licence.
Yes. The Companies Registry's e-Registry portal supports full online incorporation, including Form NNC1, the Articles of Association, and the Business Registration application. Most service providers, including LingJian, file electronically on behalf of clients and deliver the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate digitally.
A Hong Kong Ltd pays Profits Tax on a two-tiered basis: 8.25% on the first HK$2 million of assessable profits and 16.5% above that. Profits Tax only applies to income sourced in Hong Kong; there is no capital gains tax, no dividend tax, and no withholding tax on dividends paid to shareholders.
Digital business banking partners (ZA Bank, Airwallex, Statrys, and similar) typically onboard a new Hong Kong company in 1 to 2 weeks. Traditional banks (HSBC, Standard Chartered, Hang Seng, BOCHK) usually take 4 to 8 weeks for a new company and often request a face-to-face meeting. Many founders open a digital account first to start trading, then open a traditional bank account in parallel.
The Significant Controllers Register (SCR) is a statutory register every Hong Kong private company must maintain from day 1 of incorporation. It identifies every individual who ultimately owns or controls 25% or more of the company. The SCR must be kept at the company's registered office and made available for inspection by law enforcement agencies upon request.
Ongoing compliance comes down to six annual obligations:
Annual Return (Form NAR1) — filed within 42 days of the incorporation anniversary
Business Registration Certificate renewal — approximately one month before expiry
Profits Tax Return (BIR51) — filed with the IRD
Audited financial statements — prepared annually by a licensed CPA
Significant Controllers Register maintenance — updated as ownership changes
Annual General Meeting (AGM) — held within 9 months after the accounting reference period
Staying on top of these obligations ensures your company remains in good standing and avoids penalties.
This guide is provided by LingJian for informational purposes. While we strive to keep all information accurate and up to date, regulatory requirements may change. Please consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.