Company Formation in Hong Kong

• Essential Incorporation

  • Certificate of Incorporation (CI)
  • Articles of Association
  • Business Registration Certificate (BRC) for 1 year
  • Business bank account
  • Corporate Secretary for 1 year

  HK$3,600HK$1,975 govt fees included

  Get this plan

• All-inclusive Incorporation

  • Certificate of Incorporation (CI)
  • Articles of Association
  • Business Registration Certificate (BRC) for 1 year
  • Business bank account
  • Corporate Secretary for 1 year
  • Corporate actions
  • Registered address for 1 year

  HK$5,000HK$1,975 govt fees included

  Get this plan

1. 

   Start trading quickly

   Make the incorporation process quick and easy by using a local professional who understands what’s required.

2. 

   Supportive experts

   Talk to an expert anytime via chat or phone. They will give you insight on anything that is unclear throughout the company formation process.

3. 

   Setup business banking

   When forming a company with Osome, we include your first year of business banking. Open your account in under 4 minutes, and your business is compliant and ready to trade.

4. 

   Register from anywhere

   Our software automates the company formation services process for you, so you won’t need to complete any of the paperwork yourself.

1. Select your company name and types

   Your company name needs to be 100% unique and not infringe on the intellectual property rights of any other entity. You can check if your preferred name is available on the Companies Registry website and by searching the Trademark Register. Names can be in English or Mandarin, or a combination of both. English names must end with ’Limited’, and Mandarin names must end with [X]’.

   You’ll also need to define the purpose of your company, with a code from the Hong Kong State Industrial Classification (HSIC) to indicate your primary activity. Use our free tool to find the relevant code.

   

2. Submit the documents and applications

   When you’ve decided the type you’re going to register and what it’s going to be called, it’s time to get your documents together. The following documents need to be submitted to the Company Registry. Incorporation Form (NNC1) A copy of the company’s articles of association A Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR1) Osome can support you through company registration.

   

3. Open a bank account

   To open a bank account to get up and running, banks will probably ask to meet you in person. The initial application can be made online and Osome can introduce you to Hong Kong bank account providers. The chosen bank will decide whether they can give you an account based on the documents you provide them:

   • Certificate of Incorporation
   • Articles of Association
   • Documents proving the shareholding structure
   • Incorporation form NNC1
   • The latest Annual return (Form NAR1)
   • Identification documents from all signatories

   Osome can introduce you to local bank account providers.

   

4. Apply for a business license

   Specific types of activities require licences. These are issued by a government department or agency. Here are a number of common examples and the related licence issuing authority: Employment agency: Labor Department Travel agency: Hong Kong Travel Agent’s Registry Restaurant: Food and Environmental Hygiene Department

   

5. Check your annual compliance

   There are several compliance duties you have to complete annually.

   Hold an Annual General Meeting: Meeting minutes must be recorded and filed. Maintain accurate accounting records: This includes receipts, income and expenditure, invoices, bank statements, and a daily record of money received.

   Companies Registry: File an annual return confirming company details. Internal Revenue Department: File an Annual Tax Return, or Profits Tax Return, with your audited accounts.

   Osome’s secretarial services will help you meet deadlines and manage the paperwork so that you stay compliant.

   

FAQ

• What is the formation of a company?

  Forming a company involves registering a new business entity with the local government. In Hong Kong, it’s necessary to register with the Company Registry. By completing the process, you’re setting out who is involved and how the company will be run.

• What are the documents required for formation of a company?

  There are three documents you need to register a company:

  • Incorporation Form (NNC1)
  • A copy of the company’s articles of association
  • A Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR1)

• How long does it take to form a company?

  You can set up a company within 24 hours. A formation agent like Osome can help you with the process making sure you get everything completed correctly.

• Can I form a company in Hong Kong if I am a non-local?

  Yes. Unlike a number of countries in the region, Hong Kong doesn’t require you to have a local director or shareholder. This makes it a great place to register a company and you don’t need to have a local address. Read our guide for entrepreneurs on opening an offshore company if you want to find out more.