Who this is for
- Founders and SMEs who need a Hong Kong entity to trade, invoice or receive payments
- Mainland Chinese and overseas founders (directors and shareholders do not need to be Hong Kong residents)
- Cross-border e-commerce, trading, consulting and technology businesses
- Groups setting up a Hong Kong subsidiary with a corporate shareholder
What's included / not included
Included
- Company name search and an initial check against naming rules (English, Chinese, or both)
- Customer due diligence (KYC), as required of a licensed TCSP
- Preparation of the incorporation form (NNC1), articles of association and business registration application (IRBR1), with e-signing arranged
- Electronic filing via the Companies Registry e-Services Portal
- Electronic Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate
- Company kit: first board resolutions, registers of members, directors and company secretaries, share certificates
- Initial Significant Controllers Register (SCR)
Optional add-ons (quoted separately): company secretary, registered office address, designated representative, bank account opening assistance
Not included
- Government fees (incorporation fee, business registration fee and levy)
- Bank account opening (available as a separate service; approval is at the bank's discretion and not guaranteed)
- Bookkeeping, audit and tax filing (see Related services)
- Legal advice, shareholders' agreements, licences for regulated activities
- Translation, certification or notarisation costs
Government fees
| Item | HK$ | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incorporation (NNC1), electronic filing | 1,545 | HK$1,280 refundable on application if unsuccessful | cr.gov.hk |
| Incorporation (NNC1), hard-copy filing | 1,720 | HK$1,425 refundable on application if unsuccessful | Same |
| Business registration fee and levy, 1-year certificate | 2,350 | Fee 2,200 + levy 150; incorporation submissions made 1 Apr 2026 – 31 Mar 2027 | ird.gov.hk |
| Business registration fee and levy, 3-year certificate | 6,170 | Fee 5,720 + levy 450; same period | Same |
| Total: e-filing + 1-year BR | 3,895 | 1,545 + 2,350 | — |
The amount payable for the first BR certificate is set by the date the incorporation application is submitted to the Companies Registry. Government fees are subject to the latest official announcements.
Documents required
This is a general document checklist; confirm the applicable items and secure handover arrangements at consultation. Please do not send identity or accounting records through the website form; your consultant will arrange a secure handover.
Individual shareholders / directors
- Identity document: HKID card, or passport for non-residents (Mainland residents may also provide their PRC ID card)
- Proof of residential address dated within the last 3 months (bank statement, utility bill, etc.)
- Email address and phone number
- Proposed company name(s) — we suggest 2–3 options — and nature of business
- Share structure: number of shares, price per share and currency
Corporate shareholders
- Certificate of incorporation and business registration (or local equivalent)
- Current constitution and registers of shareholders / directors
- Board resolution approving the investment and appointing an authorised representative
- Ownership chart up to the ultimate beneficial owner(s)
- ID and address proof of the ultimate beneficial owner(s) and the authorised representative
- Documents not in English or Chinese must be translated; certification may be required
Process and timeline
Case timing is confirmed during consultation and depends on documents, authorities and third parties. No completion or approval time is guaranteed; statutory deadlines require separate checking.
| Step | What happens | Who | Typical time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Requirements call, name search and initial checks | HKESC | Confirmed for the case at consultation |
| 2 | KYC and document collection | You + HKESC | Confirmed for the case at consultation |
| 3 | Prepare NNC1, articles and IRBR1; you e-sign | HKESC + you | Confirmed for the case at consultation |
| 4 | E-filing with the Companies Registry | HKESC → CR | Electronic certificates are normally issued within 1 hour of submission (CR performance pledge, 90% target) |
| 5 | Company kit delivered (resolutions, registers, share certificates, SCR) | HKESC | Confirmed for the case at consultation |
- Hard-copy filing: certificates are normally issued within 4 working days.
- Timings assume complete documents. Name rejections, requests for further information or restricted words will take longer.
Ongoing obligations
- Annual return (NAR1): file within 42 days after each anniversary of incorporation. The on-time fee is HK$105; late fees range from HK$870 to HK$3,480.
- Business registration renewal: renew yearly (or every three years). The IRD sends a demand note around the middle of the month before the new certificate starts.
- Significant Controllers Register (SCR): keep it at the registered office or another place in Hong Kong, and appoint at least one designated representative.
- Company secretary: must be an individual ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, or a body corporate with its registered office or a place of business in Hong Kong. A sole director cannot also act as company secretary.
- Changes: changes of directors, company secretary or registered office generally must be filed within 15 days.
- Statutory records: keep registers, minutes and resolutions up to date.
- Accounts, audit and tax: see Related services.
FAQ
Can non-residents form a Hong Kong company?
Yes. The Companies Ordinance does not require directors to be Hong Kong residents, and there are no nationality or residency rules for shareholders. However, the company secretary must be a Hong Kong-resident individual or a body corporate with an office in Hong Kong, and the registered office must be in Hong Kong.
What is the minimum number of directors and shareholders?
A private company needs at least one shareholder (member) and one director, who must be an individual. The same person can fill both roles. You also need a company secretary; if the company has only one director, that director cannot also be the secretary.
Is there a minimum share capital?
No. The Companies Ordinance sets no minimum paid-up capital and no minimum number of shares. Choose a share structure that suits the business.
Can the company have only a Chinese name?
Yes. A company can register an English name only, a Chinese name only, or both. A single name cannot mix English and Chinese characters. English names must end with "Limited", Chinese names must end with "有限公司", and Chinese names must use Traditional characters.
How long does incorporation take?
Once documents are complete and filed electronically, the Companies Registry normally issues the electronic Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate within 1 hour (90% performance-pledge target). Including name search, KYC and document preparation, the whole process usually takes a few working days.
What are the recurring government costs?
Mainly the annual return fee of HK$105 (if filed on time) and the business registration fee (currently HK$2,350 for a 1-year certificate). You should also budget for company secretary, registered address, bookkeeping, audit and tax-filing services.
Will I definitely be able to open a bank account?
Not necessarily. Each bank decides based on its own risk policies and will usually review the business's substance, source of funds and shareholder background. We can help you prepare, but we cannot guarantee that an account will be opened.