Hong Kong Post-Incorporation Guide: Essential Steps After Company Setup
- Published: 16 July 2025
- 9 min read
- Starting a Company
Rodney Wong
Author
Rodney helps customers in Hong Kong navigate the details and benefits of our products and services, showing how technology can be a game changer for their business. A strong advocate for the power of the written word, he makes tech topics accessible, relevant, and, above all, practical—empowering entrepreneurs to pursue their big ideas.
Iris Kwong
Reviewer
Iris Kwong is our Corporate Secretary Manager based in the Hong Kong office. With more than 10 years of experience navigating Hong Kong's Companies Ordinance and regulatory requirements, she is our go-to expert on everything from company formation and annual returns to board meetings and shareholder resolutions. She knows the secrets to ensuring smooth business operations and carefully reviews our Hong Kong-focused content, ensuring it's accurate, up-to-date, and packed with useful tips.
Congratulations on incorporating your Hong Kong company! While incorporation marks a significant milestone, several crucial steps need to follow to ensure your business is fully operational and compliant.
This guide details these essential post-incorporation steps specifically for Hong Kong companies, providing a clear roadmap for new business owners.
Key Takeaways
- Securing your Business Registration Certificate (BRC) and opening a corporate bank account are critical first operational steps, with bank account opening often being unexpectedly time-consuming in Hong Kong.
- Appointing a qualified Hong Kong resident or corporate body as Company Secretary and adhering to strict annual-filing deadlines are legal obligations enforced by the Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
- Depending on your business activities, obtaining specific Hong Kong licenses or permits before commencing operations is mandatory and can involve complex applications.
1 Collect Certificates and Documents
Once your Hong Kong company is successfully incorporated, you will receive the official Certificate of Incorporation (issued by the Companies Registry) and the Business Registration Certificate (BRC) (issued by the Inland Revenue Department - IRD). You likely applied for the BRC during incorporation.
The BRC is your tax registration document and must be displayed prominently at your place of business. It also states your Business Registration Number (BRN) that’s essential for all official dealings. These certificates are proof of your company's legal existence and tax registration in Hong Kong.
Navigating Hong Kong's post-incorporation requirements can be complex and time-consuming. Osome simplifies this journey, providing professional and essential services for entrepreneurs. Focus on your business growth – let us handle your compliance in Hong Kong.
2 Open a Corporate Bank Account
Opening a corporate bank account is essential for managing company finances, receiving payments, and paying suppliers/employees. It separates personal and business assets.
This step is often cited as one of the most challenging post-incorporation hurdles. Banks have stringent due diligence, including KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements. You will typically need:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Business Registration Certificate (BRC)
- Incorporation Form (Form NNC1)
- Articles of Association (AA)
- Identification and proof of address for all directors, shareholders (usually >10% beneficial ownership), and authorised signatories (passport, HK ID if resident, recent utility bill/bank statement)
- Proof of business nature/plan (e.g., invoices, contracts, website)
- Official seal (not for all banks)
- Potentially, an in-person interview for all directors/signatories.
Research banks and their requirements beforehand and be prepared for significant documentation and processing time (weeks or even months). Also, consider both traditional and virtual bank options available in Hong Kong.
3 Appoint a Company Secretary
Hong Kong law (Companies Ordinance, Cap. 622) mandates every Hong Kong-incorporated company to have a company secretary. The Secretary must be a natural person who is a Hong Kong resident OR a Hong Kong-registered corporate body. If the company only has one director, the director can not be appointed as the company secretary.
Key responsibilities of a company secretary include:
- Maintaining statutory registers (directors, members, significant controllers).
- Ensuring timely filing of the Annual Return (NAR1 Form) with the Companies Registry.
- Facilitating the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Notifying the Companies Registry of changes (directors, secretary, registered address, share capital).
- Keeping minutes of meetings.
- Ensuring compliance with the Companies Ordinance.
A professional secretary provides expertise and peace of mind, ensuring crucial deadlines aren't missed.
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4 Apply for Business Licenses and Permits
If your business activities fall within regulated sectors, you must obtain the relevant licenses or permits before commencing operations. Here are some specific examples relevant to Hong Kong:
License/Permit Name | Business Activity | Issuing Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Money Lender's License | Conducting lending activities | Companies Registry |
| Travel Agent's License | Operating a travel agency | Travel Industry Authority (TIA) |
| Food Business License | Operating restaurants, food factories, etc. | Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) |
| Education License | Operating a school or tutorial center | Education Bureau (EDB) |
| Stored Value Facilities (SVF) | License Operating e-wallets or payment systems | Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) |
| Employment Agency License | Providing recruitment services | Labour Department |
| Liquor License | Selling or serving alcohol | Liquor Licensing Board |
| Television Programme Service License | Providing television broadcasting services | Communications Authority (CA) |
| Sound Broadcasting License | Providing sound/radio broadcasting services | Communications Authority (CA) |
Requirements vary significantly by license and issuing authority, so do your research thoroughly through the official website or consult professionals. Do note that operating before obtaining necessary licenses can result in fines and prosecution.
5 Ongoing Compliance
To maintain legal compliance and avoid penalties, Hong Kong companies must fulfil several annual obligations. Companies must file the Annual Return (Form NAR1) with the Companies Registry within 42 days of their incorporation anniversary to update key corporate details. Simultaneously, the Business Registration Certificate must be renewed either annually or every three years before its expiration date to prevent late penalties.
Financial and governance requirements include preparing audited financial statements and submitting the Profits Tax Return according to Hong Kong standards, though exemptions may apply for small or dormant companies. All companies must also conduct an Annual General Meeting within the first 18 months of incorporation, followed by yearly meetings to address key governance matters.
Tax compliance is also critical, with companies required to submit annual Profits Tax Returns to the Inland Revenue Department, typically due in April. Timely filing and payment are essential to avoid financial penalties and maintain good standing with Hong Kong authorities.
Proper adherence to these requirements ensures uninterrupted business operations and full regulatory compliance.
6 Other Important Steps
Trademark registration is a valuable post-incorporation step. Protect your brand identity (name, logo, slogan) by registering it with the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department (IPD)so you maintain exclusive rights in Hong Kong and deter infringement.
Hiring an accountant or engaging a service provider is also advisable after company registration. Navigating Hong Kong's tax laws (e.g., Profits Tax, Salaries Tax) and compliance requirements can be challenging. Engaging a professional accountant or corporate service provider (like Osome) ensures accurate bookkeeping, timely tax filing, audit management, and overall compliance, freeing you to focus on your business.
And last but not least is to maintain a Registered Office address. Your company must have a physical registered office address in Hong Kong (not just a PO Box) to receive official government and legal correspondence. This address is public record on the Companies Register. Using a professional registered office service ensures reliable mail handling and privacy.
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We cover everything you need to know about filing, deadlines and how to avoid penalties.
How Osome Can Help With the Post-Incorporation Process in Hong Kong?
Navigating Hong Kong's complex post-incorporation requirements can be daunting. Osome provides comprehensive support to ensure your company meets all legal obligations efficiently. Our services begin with fulfilling your mandatory corporate secretary requirements through experienced Hong Kong-based professionals who handle statutory registers, compliance deadlines, and necessary filings. We also provide a local registered office address for official correspondence.
Beyond basic compliance, we offer complete financial management solutions. Our experts take care of daily transactions, accounting, bookkeeping, and preparation of HKFRS-compliant financial statements. We also facilitate the audit process by connecting you with qualified Hong Kong CPAs and assisting with documentation, while also handling your annual Profits Tax Return preparation and filing with the Inland Revenue Department.
Osome provides end-to-end compliance management, including Annual Return (NAR1) filings and Business Registration renewals. More than just a service provider, we act as your ongoing compliance partner, offering expert guidance on Hong Kong regulations, licensing requirements, and operational best practices to help your business maintain a good standing while you focus on growth.
Summary
Successfully incorporating your company is just the beginning in Hong Kong. The critical post-incorporation steps involve immediately collecting your Certificate of Incorporation and BRC, tackling the often-challenging corporate bank account opening, appointing your mandatory Hong Kong Company Secretary, and securing any necessary business-specific licenses. Crucially, establishing robust systems for ongoing compliance – including Annual Returns, BRC renewal, audited accounts, AGMs, and tax filings – is non-negotiable to avoid penalties and maintain good standing. Leveraging professional services like Osome can streamline this complex process, ensuring you meet all legal obligations efficiently and accurately, allowing you to concentrate on building your business.
Rodney helps customers in Hong Kong navigate the details and benefits of our products and services, showing how technology can be a game changer for their business. A strong advocate for the power of the written word, he makes tech topics accessible, relevant, and, above all, practical—empowering entrepreneurs to pursue their big ideas.
