🇭🇰 Hong Kong Company Registration
Hong Kong operates a common-law system, a free-trade environment and a territorial tax regime: profits arising outside Hong Kong may not be taxable, the standard profits tax rate is 16.5%, and there is no capital gains tax or withholding tax on dividends. It is a widely used jurisdiction for cross-border trading, holding and professional services.
Hong Kong company registration is administered by Companies Registry (CR), the usual entity type is Private limited company, and the standard timeline is 3-7 business days. Please confirm requirements with our advisors before proceeding.
Hong Kong at a glance
Key requirements
- Directors: at least one, of any nationality; corporate directors are permitted but additional requirements may apply.
- Shareholders: at least one; 100% foreign ownership is allowed.
- Company secretary: must be a Hong Kong resident or a TCSP-licensed entity — this is mandatory.
- Registered address: a local Hong Kong address is required.
- Share capital: commonly HK$1 to HK$10,000; no mandatory paid-up requirement.
Registration process
- Name availability check with the Companies Registry (1 business day)
- Preparation and signing of incorporation documents (NNC1 series)
- Filing with the Companies Registry (3-7 business days)
- Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate issued
- Corporate kit: articles, registers, company chop and statutory documents
- Corporate bank account application with a Hong Kong bank
Ongoing obligations
- Annual return (NAR1) filing and renewal of the Business Registration Certificate
- Profits tax return filing; audited accounts are required in most cases
- Maintenance of a TCSP-licensed company secretary and registered address
- Significant Controllers Register (SCR) must be kept and updated
Frequently asked questions
A standard private limited company is typically registered in 3-7 business days. Bank account opening is a separate, longer process — commonly 2-8 weeks depending on the bank and the quality of business documentation provided.
Not automatically. Hong Kong taxes on a territorial basis — profits arising in or derived from Hong Kong are chargeable. Companies with activities elsewhere may apply for offshore profits exemption, which requires supporting evidence and a filing with the IRD.
No — directors can be of any nationality. However, a TCSP-licensed company secretary and a local registered address are both mandatory.