Registering a company in Hong Kong is one of the most straightforward business setup processes in Asia, with electronic incorporation completed in as little as one hour. Based on the official Companies Registry (CR) and Inland Revenue Department (IRD) requirements, here is everything you need to know for 2026.
Requirements for HK Company Registration
Under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), a private company limited by shares must meet the following requirements on incorporation:
- At least one shareholder — may be an individual or a body corporate
- At least one director — at least one director must be a natural person (individual). Corporate directors are also permitted for private companies that are not part of a listed group (Cap. 622, ss. 456–457)
- A company secretary — if an individual, must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong; if a body corporate, must have its registered office or place of business in Hong Kong (Cap. 622, s. 475)
- A registered office address in Hong Kong
- Minimum share capital of HK$1 (no minimum capital requirement)
Registration Process
- Choose and check company name availability — search the CR’s public registry to avoid identical or deceptively similar names. There is no name reservation service, so the name is secured only upon submission.
- Prepare incorporation documents — the key form is Form NNC1 (Incorporation Form for a Company Limited by Shares), together with the Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR1) and required supporting documents (e.g. copies of identity documents of directors and shareholders).
- Submit application to the Companies Registry — applications may be delivered electronically via the CR’s e-Registry portal (24/7) or in hard copy at the CR counter (Queensway, Wan Chai).
- Receive Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate — under the one-stop company incorporation and business registration service, both certificates are issued simultaneously by the Registrar of Companies (on behalf of the Commissioner of Inland Revenue).
- Open a corporate bank account — this is typically the longest step. Traditional banks take 3–8 weeks; digital banks and fintech accounts can be opened within 1–5 business days.
Timeline
According to the Companies Registry’s official FAQs, straightforward cases submitted electronically can be incorporated within 1 hour during business hours. Hard copy applications are processed within 4–5 working days. From decision to fully operational (including bank account opening), the realistic timeline is 4–8 weeks.
Government Fees
The following fees are payable to the Companies Registry and the IRD (Companies Registry, Major Fees Table):
| Fee Type | Electronic Submission | Hard Copy |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation fee (share capital) | HK$1,545 | HK$1,720 |
| Refundable registration fee (if application unsuccessful) | HK$1,280 | HK$1,425 |
| Business registration fee (annual) | HK$2,350 (includes levy) | |
Post-Incorporation Compliance Obligations
Once incorporated, a Hong Kong company must comply with the following ongoing obligations under the Companies Ordinance:
- Company secretary appointment — must be appointed within 6 months of incorporation (Cap. 622, s. 474)
- Registered office — a local physical address must be maintained at all times
- Annual return — must be filed with the CR within 42 days of each anniversary of incorporation (Cap. 622, s. 662)
- Accounting records — proper records must be kept for at least 7 years (Cap. 622, s. 373)
- Audited financial statements — required annually regardless of company size
- Profits Tax Return — filed annually with the IRD
- Significant Controllers Register (SCR) — every Hong Kong company must maintain a register of significant controllers (individuals or entities with 25% or more ownership or control) at its registered office, and provide inspection upon request by law enforcement (Cap. 622, Part 12A)
- Annual General Meeting (AGM) — private companies may dispense with AGMs by written resolution or articles of association, but records of all member resolutions must still be maintained for statutory inspection
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a name too similar to an existing company — the CR may reject the application or require a name change after incorporation
- Not appointing a company secretary within 6 months — a breach of Cap. 622, s. 474, carrying potential penalties
- Missing the annual return deadline — late filing fees escalate from HK$870 to HK$3,480 depending on delay period
- Not maintaining proper accounting records — required by law for 7 years; failure to do so is an offence
Deep Blue CPA Limited can handle the entire company registration process for you, from document preparation to post-incorporation compliance setup. Contact us for a consultation.
Source: Companies Registry (公司註冊處), "Electronic Company Incorporation and Business Registration" and "FAQs on e-Services", requirements as of January 2026; Inland Revenue Department (稅務局), "Business Registration" guidance, January 2026.