Setting up in Hong Kong
Getting started in Hong Kong is quick and easy. Setup costs are low and the overall environment encourages businesses to thrive.
1. Decide Your Company Type and Name
Company TypesDifferent company types are available for different business requirements:
A Limited Company:- This is the most common company type
- This is a company which is incorporated in Hong Kong
- Owners can take advantage of all the tax benefits and concessions available to any fully incorporated business
- They can enjoy benefits such as the Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement (CEPA), a free trade agreement with Mainland China.
A Branch Office of a Parent Company:
- This is for companies that are incorporated outside of Hong Kong and establish a place of business in Hong Kong
- They must register with the Companies Registry as a ‘Registered Non-Hong Kong Company’ within one month of establishment
- Unlike a subsidiary limited company, a branch office is not a separate legal entity from the parent and can leverage funds off the credit rating of its owner.
Representative Office:
- They cannot engage in profit-making activities and can only fulfil limited functions
- They are useful for companies looking to explore the Hong Kong market before making a larger investment
- If a decision is made to enter into a transaction which creates a legal obligation, it must change the business to a limited company or branch office.
2. Incorporate Your Company
You can enjoy a seamless company incorporation and business registration with the Hong Kong Companies Registry (CR).
Easy ApplicationAny application for company incorporation will include a simultaneous application for business registration.
How to ApplyThere are three ways to submit your application:
- Online via the 24-hour portal e-Registry
- Online via the “CR eFiling” mobile application
- Delivering the documents in hard copy to the CR with the correct fees
Required Documents:
- Incorporation Form (Form NNC1 for company limited by shares) or Form NNC1G (for company not limited by shares)
- A copy of the company’s Articles of Association
- A Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR1)
Fees The fees for incorporating a company limited by shares are:
- Incorporation Company Registration Fee:
Please refer to the Companies Registry for the latest fees details. - Business Registration Fee and Levy:
Please refer to the Inland Revenue Department’s business registration fee & levy table for the latest fees details.
- Online applications: Within 1 hour
- Hard copy applications: Within 4 working days
3. Register Your Business
Businesses must be registered with the Business Registration Office of the Inland Revenue Department within one month of starting business. Once you have registered your business, you must display your Business Registration Certificate at your business location.
Easy Registration- A Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR1)
- Business registration fee: Please refer to the business registration fee and levy table for current charges.
- Levy to the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund: HK$150 for a one-year certificate; HK$450 for a three-year certificate
*Please note there might be some concessions from time to time.
Processing Times
- Over the counter: in 30 minutes
- By post: 2 working days
- Online applications: Within 1 hour
- Hard copy applications: Within 4 working days