Hong Kong Focus
With over 9,000 businesses and companies having chosen Hong Kong as their home, no other city has ever quite succeeded in stealing the show from Hong Kong in the contest to win the much coveted title “Asia’s World City”. Lauded for its economic freedom, competitiveness, opportunity and ease of doing business, and for its role as an international financial centre and the key gateway to China, Hong Kong is truly one of a kind.
A stable, low and straightforward tax system
Free trade and free market
Free flow of capital without foreign exchange controls
English as the lingua franca of business
One of the most advanced business infrastructures in the world
Strong trade and economic ties with the Mainland China and other international markets
Registering a Company in Hong Kong
Choose the Type of Company
Company Limited by Shares: This type of company limits each member’s financial liability to the unpaid portion of the shares they hold, as stipulated in the articles of association.
Company Limited by Guarantee: This structure does not involve share capital. Instead, members agree, as set out in the articles of association, to contribute a specified amount towards the company’s assets if it is wound up. This form is commonly adopted by non-profit entities.
Select a Suitable Name for Your Company
It is advisable to consult the Guideline on Registration of Company Names for Hong Kong Companies for important considerations when deciding on a company name.
Please note that any proposed name identical to one already listed in the Registrar of Companies’ index of company names will not be accepted. Additionally, it is important to avoid selecting a name that may infringe on the intellectual property rights of others. Unauthorized use of protected intellectual property may result in legal consequences, including criminal or civil liability, both in Hong Kong and other jurisdictions. To mitigate this risk, a search should be conducted in the Trademark Register maintained by the Intellectual Property Department at http://ipsearch.ipd.gov.hk.
Prepare the Required Information for the Incorporation Form (NNC1)
Before completing Form NNC1, gather all essential information about the company. This includes its type (private or public), proposed business nature, registered office address in Hong Kong, contact details, and share capital structure—such as the type and number of shares, currency, and capital subscribed by founder members. You must also prepare details of the founder members, first directors, and company secretary, including names, identification details, addresses, and consent to act.
In addition, prepare the company’s articles of association, which outline its internal rules and governance structure. The articles must be signed by all founder members and submitted together with Form NNC1. If you are using a standard template, samples are available on the Companies Registry’s e-Services Portal. Ensure that the information in Form NNC1 is consistent with the contents of the articles. For directors and company secretaries who are natural persons, their full identification number—and for directors, their usual residential address—must be reported separately on Form PI-NNC1, which is confidential and not publicly accessible.
Submit the Incorporation Documents and Pay the Required Fees
Once you have completed Form NNC1 and prepared the company’s articles of association, you must submit all required documents together with the prescribed fees. This can be done electronically via the e-Filing Services on the Companies Registry’s e-Services Portal or by delivering hard copies to the Shroff on the 14th floor of the Queensway Government Offices.
The documents to be submitted include:
Form NNC1 (for a company limited by shares) or Form NNC1G (for a company not limited by shares);
A copy of the articles of association signed by all founder members;
The Notice to Business Registration Office (Form IRBR1), required for issuance of the Business Registration Certificate.
Collect the Certificates
Once your application is approved, you will receive two key documents: the Certificate of Incorporation and the Business Registration Certificate. These certificates will be issued in electronic or hard copy form, depending on how your application was submitted. Both formats carry the same legal validity.
For Electronic Applications:
Electronic certificates for private companies limited by shares are typically issued within 1 hour. The registered user who submitted the application will receive an email notification and can download the certificates via their message box on the e-Services Portal.For Hard Copy Applications:
Certificates are generally issued within 4 working days. The presentor will be notified by email or fax once the documents are ready for collection. They must be collected in person at the Companies Registry, with the relevant notification and identification. If a representative is sent, a written authorisation and the stated ID must be presented.
Obtain Other Permits or Licences
After incorporation, you may need to apply for additional permits, licences, or approvals depending on your business nature. This is especially relevant for businesses engaged in import, export, regulated services, or specific professions.
Visit the Trade and Industry Department’s website for detailed information on the necessary licences and regulatory requirements for different industries in Hong Kong. It is important to ensure full compliance before commencing operations.
Open a Corporate Bank Account
After your company has been successfully incorporated and the necessary certificates have been issued, the next important step is to open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong. This account will enable your company to carry out business transactions, receive payments, and meet regulatory and operational requirements.
To open a business account, most banks will require:
A certified true copy of the Certificate of Incorporation
A copy of the Business Registration Certificate
The company’s articles of association
A board resolution authorizing the opening of the account
Identification and address proof of directors, shareholders, and authorized signatories
Details of the company’s business activities and structure
Each bank may have its own due diligence requirements and onboarding process, particularly regarding Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and anti-money laundering (AML) checks. It is advisable to contact the bank in advance to confirm their requirements, and to consider whether a multi-currency or offshore-friendly account is needed depending on your business model.
Set Up Your Accounting and Bookkeeping Framework
Once your company is incorporated, it’s essential to establish a reliable accounting and bookkeeping system to ensure both operational efficiency and compliance with Hong Kong’s financial reporting requirements. All companies must maintain proper financial records, prepare annual accounts, and meet statutory obligations such as profit tax filings and audits.
You may choose to:
Use cloud-based accounting software (e.g. Xero, QuickBooks) for real-time financial tracking and automated reporting.
Outsource accounting and compliance functions to a licensed CPA firm, particularly if your business involves cross-border activities, complex tax arrangements, or if you prefer a hands-off approach.
Adopt a hybrid model, where internal staff handle routine data entry and external professionals manage oversight, tax computation, and statutory filings.
Selecting the right system or service provider will ensure timely and accurate reporting—and will lay the foundation for effective long-term record keeping and financial governance.
Our Company Incorporation Package
Filing Incorporation Documents and Application for the Business Registration
- Preparing and filing of documents for appointment of first directors and secretary and if necessary, allotment of company shares
- Applying on your behalf of the business registration certificate of the company
Provision of named secretary
- Acting as named Company Secretary
- Updating of your company statutory records (Statutory records include Register of Directors, Register of Members and Register of Company Secretaries only)
- Handling Companies Registry’s correspondence
- Attending Business Registration matters
Provision of registered office address
- A registered address to be filled with the Companies Registry of Hong Kong
- Notification of arrival of government correspondence
- Display your company name on electronic signboard at the registered office
Acting as a named designated representative of Significant Controllers Register ("SCR")
- Identify the company’s significant controllers and obtain the required information for filing
- Acting as your Hong Kong-based designated representative for law enforcement officers
- Making the SCR available for inspection and taking of copies by a law enforcement officer
Assist in opening a corporate bank account
- Prepare KYC (“Know Your Client”) and application documents* required by the bank
- Liaise with the bank officers about the bank account opening
- Assist in responding to the bank officer’s questions regarding the account opening during the application process
- Arrange bank interview (Director’s and Bank Signatories’ presence is required)
- Prepare a bank account opening portfolio and return it to the Company for record after the bank account is opened
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ Disclaimer:
The provided questions and answers below are not meant to encompass all possible inquiries and should not be considered as personalized professional advice for your specific questions, issues, or concerns. These responses do not establish any obligation on our part to provide assistance. We invite you to reach out to us for a more comprehensive discussion about your individual matters or areas of focus.
