How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Hong Kong Company in 2026?
Government fees to incorporate a Hong Kong private company in 2026: HK$1,545 e-filing fee plus HK$2,350 for a one-year business registration — HK$3,895 in total — and the yearly annual return fees, with official sources.
Short answer: in 2026 the minimum government fees to incorporate a Hong Kong private company limited by shares are HK$3,895: HK$1,545 to file the incorporation form electronically with the Companies Registry, plus HK$2,350 for a one-year business registration certificate (fee and levy, for incorporations submitted between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027). Service providers’ fees are extra.
Government fees at incorporation
| Item | HK$ | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation form (NNC1), electronic | 1,545 | HK$1,280 refundable if unsuccessful |
| Incorporation form (NNC1), paper | 1,720 | HK$1,425 refundable if unsuccessful |
| Business registration fee and levy, 1-year | 2,350 | Fee 2,200 + levy 150 |
| Business registration fee and levy, 3-year | 6,170 | Fee 5,720 + levy 450 |
| Electronic filing + 1-year BR | 3,895 | The most common combination |
The first business registration certificate is priced by the date you submit the incorporation application.
Yearly government fees
After incorporation, a company files an annual return (NAR1) and renews its business registration each year:
| Annual return delivered (from the company’s return date) | HK$ |
|---|---|
| Within 42 days | 105 |
| After 42 days, within 3 months | 870 |
| After 3 months, within 6 months | 1,740 |
| After 6 months, within 9 months | 2,610 |
| After 9 months | 3,480 |
Late filing costs more and the company and its officers may be prosecuted. See annual return late filing fees and prosecution.
Other costs to budget for
- Company secretary: every Hong Kong company must appoint one;
- Registered office: must be a Hong Kong address;
- Accounting and audit: audited financial statements and a profits tax return each year;
- Bank account: approved at the bank’s discretion; preparing documents takes time.
Our Company Care Pack covers company secretary, BR renewal and annual return filing for HK$1,500 a year (government fees extra). To set up a company, see Hong Kong company incorporation.
Sources
- Companies Registry, fees: https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/services/fees.htm
- Inland Revenue Department, business registration fee and levy table: https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/pdf/brfee_table.pdf
- Companies Registry, annual returns for private companies: https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/compliance/annual-return/private-company.htm
General information only, not legal or tax advice.