HK Company Registration Hong Kong | Deep Blue CPA

At Deep Blue CPA Limited, we provide end-to-end Hong Kong company registration and incorporation services for local and international entrepreneurs. Whether you are launching a startup, establishing a regional headquarters, or setting up a joint venture, our experienced corporate services team guides you through the entire process — from choosing the right company structure to submitting documents with the Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

Hong Kong's simple, low-tax regime, common law legal system, and world-class financial infrastructure make it one of the best places in the world to incorporate a company. Since 2008, we have helped thousands of clients from over 30 countries establish their presence in Hong Kong. Our all-inclusive incorporation packages include company secretary services, registered address, and post-incorporation compliance support so you can focus on running your business.

Benefits of Incorporating in Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers one of the most favourable business environments in the world. Here are the key advantages of incorporating your company here:

• Low corporate tax rates — Profits tax is charged at 8.25% on the first HK$2 million of assessable profits (for corporations) and 16.5% on any remaining profits. The effective rate is one of the lowest among developed economies.
• Territorial tax system — Only profits sourced in Hong Kong are taxable. Offshore profits (profits derived from outside Hong Kong) can be claimed as non-taxable, providing significant savings for businesses with international operations.
• No VAT, GST, or sales tax — Hong Kong has no value-added tax, goods and services tax, or sales tax, simplifying your compliance and cash flow.
• No capital gains tax — Gains from the sale of assets, investments, or shares are not subject to tax in Hong Kong.
• No withholding tax on dividends — Hong Kong does not impose withholding tax on dividend payments, making it an ideal holding company jurisdiction.
• No foreign exchange controls — Capital and profits can be freely repatriated without restriction.
• 100% foreign ownership permitted — No local director or shareholder requirements. Foreigners can own 100% of a Hong Kong company.
• Strategic location — Hong Kong serves as a gateway to Mainland China and the broader Asian market, with excellent transport links and a highly skilled bilingual workforce.

Requirements for Hong Kong Company Registration

To register a Hong Kong limited company, you need to meet the following requirements under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622):

• Minimum 1 shareholder — Shareholders can be individuals (any nationality) or corporate entities. There is no maximum number of shareholders.
• Minimum 1 director — Directors can be individuals of any nationality. Corporate directors are also permitted. There is no requirement for a local resident director.
• Company secretary — Every company must appoint a company secretary. If the secretary is an individual, they must be a Hong Kong resident. If a corporate body, it must have a registered office in Hong Kong. We provide professional company secretary services.
• Registered office address — A physical Hong Kong address is required (not a P.O. box). This is where all official correspondence from the Companies Registry and IRD is sent. We include a registered address in our packages.
• Company name — The name must be approved by the Companies Registry and cannot be identical or too similar to an existing name. It must end with "Limited" (or Chinese equivalent).
• Share capital — Minimum of HK$1. No minimum paid-up capital requirement at incorporation.

Hong Kong Company Registration Process

Our streamlined incorporation process makes registering your Hong Kong company simple and efficient. Most companies are incorporated within 7 to 10 working days, with e-incorporation available for faster processing.

1. Company name reservation — We conduct a name search and reserve your preferred company name with the Companies Registry to ensure availability.
2. Document preparation — We prepare all incorporation documents, including the Articles of Association (公司章程), incorporation form, and consent forms for directors, shareholders, and the company secretary.
3. Submission to Companies Registry — All documents are filed electronically or physically with the Companies Registry. The Certificate of Incorporation (CI) is typically issued within 7 to 10 working days (1 to 3 working days via e-incorporation).
4. Business registration — Upon incorporation, we apply for the Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department. This certificate must be displayed at the registered office address.
5. Company kit preparation — We provide a complete company kit including: Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, company chop (common seal), share certificates, and bound share register.
6. Bank account opening support — We assist with scheduling appointments, preparing the required documentation, and liaising with banks to facilitate corporate account opening.

Documents Required for Incorporation

To begin the incorporation process, we need the following documents from you:

• Passport copy — Clear copy of the passport of each proposed shareholder, director, and ultimate beneficial owner.
• Proof of residential address — Recent utility bill, bank statement, or government-issued document (within the last 3 months) for each individual.
• Proposed company name(s) — English name, Chinese name, or both. We recommend providing 2 to 3 alternatives in case your first choice is unavailable.
• Proposed share capital structure — Number of shares, par value per share, and the proposed allotment among shareholders.
• Brief description of business activities — A short description of the intended business nature (e.g., trading, consultancy, investment holding).
• Bank reference letter — Some banks may require a reference letter from your existing bank when opening a corporate account (this can often be arranged post-incorporation).

Post-Incorporation Compliance and Ongoing Obligations

After your Hong Kong company is incorporated, there are several compliance requirements you must meet to maintain good standing with the Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department:

• Annual Return filing — Your company must file an Annual Return with the Companies Registry within 42 days of the anniversary of incorporation. The filing fee is HK$105 for most companies. Late filing incurs escalating penalties starting at HK$870.
• Business Registration renewal — The Business Registration Certificate must be renewed annually (or once every three years) by paying the prescribed fee to the IRD.
• Audited financial statements — All Hong Kong incorporated companies must prepare audited financial statements annually. The first audit must be completed within 18 months of incorporation. Since April 2023, even small companies must submit audited accounts with their tax return.
• Profits Tax Return filing — The IRD issues Profits Tax Returns annually. Your company must file a completed return together with audited financial statements and a tax computation within the specified deadline (usually 1 month from the issue date, extendable to 3 months if a tax representative is appointed).
• Register of Significant Controllers (SCR) — Your company must maintain a register of individuals with significant control (25% or more ownership or voting rights) at the registered office address, accessible to law enforcement upon request.
• Company name display — Your company name must be displayed at the registered office address and any place of business in Hong Kong.
• Notification of changes — Any changes to directors, company secretary, shareholders, or registered address must be reported to the Companies Registry within the prescribed timeframes.

Deep Blue CPA offers ongoing corporate secretarial and compliance services to help you meet all these obligations on time, every year.

Why Choose Deep Blue CPA for Your HK Company Registration?

• AFRC registered CPA firm — We hold Registration No. M0307 with the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council (AFRC).
• All-inclusive packages — Transparent pricing covering incorporation documents, company secretary (first year), registered address, company chop, and bank account opening support — no hidden fees.
• Trusted since 2008 — Helping entrepreneurs from around the world establish companies in Hong Kong.
• Comprehensive post-incorporation support — From bookkeeping and audit to tax filing and deregistration, we support your company throughout its entire lifecycle.
• Multilingual team — We communicate in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin, making cross-border incorporation seamless.

Deep Blue CPA complies with all Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorist Financing (CTF) requirements under Hong Kong law. We conduct proper due diligence on all beneficial owners and maintain strict confidentiality in accordance with professional standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to register a company in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong company registration costs HK$6,000–10,000, including government fees, registered address, and company secretary.

How long does Hong Kong company registration take?

Standard incorporation takes 7–10 working days. E-incorporation takes 1–3 working days.

Do I need to be a Hong Kong resident to register a company?

No, Hong Kong allows 100% foreign ownership. You need a company secretary who is a HK resident or a corporate body.

What is the minimum paid-up capital?

The minimum paid-up capital is HK$1. Most companies adopt HK$10,000 or HK$1,000,000 share capital.

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Hong Kong company?

Yes, Hong Kong places no restrictions on foreign ownership. A foreigner can own 100% of a HK company.

Do I need a physical office in Hong Kong?

No, a physical office is not required. A registered address is required, which we provide in our package.

What are the ongoing compliance requirements after incorporation?

After incorporation, your company must: (1) File an Annual Return with the Companies Registry within 42 days of each anniversary of incorporation; (2) Renew the Business Registration Certificate annually or triennially; (3) Prepare audited financial statements annually (unless dormant); (4) File a Profits Tax Return with the IRD annually with audited accounts; (5) Maintain a register of significant controllers at the registered office; and (6) Display the company name at the registered office address. We help you manage all of these obligations through our corporate services.

Related Services

Explore our other professional services designed to support your business from incorporation through ongoing operations:

• Non-HK Company Registration in Hong Kong — Registering an overseas company to operate in Hong Kong under Part 16 of the Companies Ordinance.
• Bookkeeping and Accounting Services — Accurate financial record keeping and management accounts for your Hong Kong company.
• Hong Kong Profits Tax Filing — Tax return preparation and compliance for newly incorporated companies.