Why Register a Company in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong Company Registration remains one of the world’s top destinations for business registration, offering entrepreneurs:
✅ 8.25-16.5% corporate tax rate (one of Asia’s lowest)
✅ 100% foreign ownership permitted with no restrictions
✅ 1-day online registration (fastest in Asia)
✅ No capital controls – free movement of funds
✅ Common law system with strong IP protection
Did You Know? Over 1.4 million active businesses operate in Hong Kong, with 15,000+ new companies registering monthly.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
1. Choose Your Business Structure
| Type | Best For | Liability | Minimum Capital | Setup Time |
| Private Limited | Most businesses | Limited | HKD 1 | 1 day |
| Branch Office | Foreign companies | Unlimited | None | 2 weeks |
| Representative Office | Market research | Cannot trade | None | 1 week |
Expert Tip: 95% choose Private Limited for liability protection.
2. Select & Reserve Your Company Name
Key Requirements:
✔ Must include “Limited” for English names
✔ Chinese names optional
✔ Check availability via Companies Registry
✔ Avoid restricted words (“Bank”, “Trust”)
Pro Tip: Reserve names for 120 days (HKD 415).
See also: Codewave’s Human-Centric Approach to Technology Solutions
3. Prepare Required Documents
Must-Haves:
- Passport copies (notarized if foreign)
- Proof of address (<3 months old)
- HK registered address
- Company secretary (HK resident/company)
Time Saver: Agents can prepare docs in under 2 hours.
4. Submit Your Application
Two Options:
1️⃣ DIY Online (HKD 1,720)
- 1-3 business day processing
2️⃣ Through an Agent (HKD 3,000-8,000)
- As fast as 4-hour approval
- Includes registered address & secretary
2024 Update: 92% of complete applications approved in 24 hours.
5. Receive Registration Certificates
You’ll get:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Business Registration (BR)
- Articles of Association
Critical: Needed for banking and legal operations.
Post-Registration Essentials
1. Open a Business Bank Account
Best 2024 Options:
- Traditional: HSBC (3-4 weeks)
- Digital: ZA Bank (48 hours)
- EMI: Airwallex (5 days)
2. Stay Compliant
| Requirement | Deadline | Penalty |
| Annual Return | 42 days | HKD 870+ |
| Profits Tax | 18 months | Up to HKD 10k |
| Secretary | Ongoing | Deregistration |
Smart Move: 78% use compliance services.
Cost Breakdown (2024)
| Expense | Government Fee | Professional Fee |
| Incorporation | HKD 1,720 | HKD 0-5,000 |
| BR Certificate | HKD 2,250 | Included |
| Secretary | – | HKD 1,800-6,000/yr |
| Address | – | HKD 1,200-5,000/yr |
| Total | HKD 3,970 | HKD 3,000-16,000 |
Savings Tip: All-inclusive packages from HKD 5,800.
5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
1️⃣ Using residential addresses
2️⃣ Incorrect SIC codes
3️⃣ Missing notarizations
4️⃣ Bank account delays
5️⃣ Missed compliance filings
Real Case: Saved client HKD 18k by fixing docs early.
Hong Kong vs Singapore
| Factor | HK | SG |
| Tax Rate | 8.25-16.5% | 17% |
| Setup Time | 1 day | 1-2 days |
| China Access | Best | Limited |
Verdict: HK for China, SG for SEA.
FAQs
Q: Can I register remotely?
✅ Yes – 100% online.
Q: Minimum capital?
💰 HKD 1 (US$0.13).
Q: Director requirements?
👨💼 One needed (any nationality).
