Step by Step Guide to Registering a Company in Hong Kong: Guide for 2025
Hong Kong is one of the best places for businesses to expand, drawing both new and seasoned business owners from all over the world. Over 145,053 new local businesses were registered in Hong Kong in 2024, increasing the overall number of Hong Kong-registered businesses to over 1,400,0001.
It makes sense for firms to establish a corporation in Hong Kong because of its advantageous tax regimes, strategic position in Asia, and highly qualified workforce.
In this post, we’ll outline the stages, prerequisites, expenses, and advice you need to get your business up and running.
Why to Consider Hong Kong to Set Up a Company in 2025?
- Straightforward Process with Minimal Fees
In Hong Kong, registering a company is a reasonably rapid and economical process. The Hong Kong Companies Registry will get you a business registration certificate in a matter of days, and the government fees for incorporation are transparent and affordable.
Hong Kong has a business-friendly atmosphere with few bureaucratic restrictions; international investment is unrestricted, and there are no requirements for a local director or minimum registered capital.
- Dynamic Business Environment
Hong Kong is ranked fifth among nations with a competitive economy, per the 2024 study from the IMD World Competitiveness Center.2 3
In addition, the jurisdiction is home to more than 360,000 SMEs4 and serves as a vibrant center for the expansion and development of start-ups. This is due to the fact that the Hong Kong government encourages the development of SMEs by offering various financial programs and resources to aid in market expansion.5.
Additionally, Hong Kong is positioned to provide access to regional commercial prospects by serving as a gateway to China and the larger Asian market.
- Low Corporate Taxes & Various Tax
Corporations in Hong Kong are subject to a two-tiered profit tax rate, with the first HKD 3,000 profit being free. For incorporated businesses, the tax rate is 8.25% on profits up to HKD 2 million and 16.5% on profits over that amount.7.
One of the lowest corporation tax systems in Asia and the world is this one. Value-Added Tax (VAT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), and capital gains exemptions are also part of Hong Kong’s advantageous tax structure.
Steps to Register a Company in Hong Kong
- Selecting a Company Name for Registration
An English, Chinese, or English plus Chinese name may be used to register a business. Nevertheless, a business name that combines Chinese characters with English words or letters is prohibited. Investors can check the Companies Registry to see if the desired name—or a name that is similar—is already registered. Additionally, the name cannot violate the intellectual property rights of third parties. It is searchable on the Intellectual Property Department’s website.
- Key Considerations for Hong Kong Company
Structure
The investor should choose the member of the proposed company’s board of directors after deciding on a name for the business. A copy of the director’s passport or identification card and proof of residence address should be obtained simultaneously by the first shareholder, also known as the founder member, together with written authorization from the director.
Capital
Prior to registration, the investor should also choose the registered office address, the company secretary, and the appointed representative of the significant controllers register. One director may serve as the company secretary if there are two or more. A different individual should be chosen to act as the company secretary, nevertheless, if the investor will be the only director of the planned business. To serve as the company secretary, written approval must be acquired. For a set yearly cost, the investor may also hire a professional company that is properly registered in Hong Kong to handle company secretarial services.
Office Address
The registered office’s address ought to be in Hong Kong. A postal box number cannot be used as a Hong Kong company’s registered office address, but there are no other specific restrictions on the registered office address.
The founder may also hire a professional firm if they do not intend to rent a physical office. Making sure the service provider has a Trust and Company Service Providers (TCSP) license is necessary, nevertheless.
Preparing Registration Documents & Companies Registry
In order to register, the investor must prepare the necessary paperwork, primarily the Articles of Association, the incorporation form, and a Notice to the Business Registration Office. Then, they must submit the paperwork to the Companies Registry. The investor must simultaneously pay the business registration charge and levy as well as the application fee for incorporation.
Make the Company Chop & Print the Articles of Association
The investor should locate a service provider to have the firm print and cut the Articles of Association after it has been formally formed. Hong Kong has made it easier for businesses to complete their paperwork. They can now choose to use and retain the common seal, and their articles of association can be in electronic format.
Additional Tips to Consider
#1 Check the Name Availability
Check the Hong Kong firm Registry’s website for availability prior to submitting your firm name.10. As an alternative, you may compile a list of names and ask your secretary to see if any are available.
#2 Check the Trademarks
To stay out of trouble with the law, be sure your company name is not trademarked in Hong Kong or elsewhere. The Intellectual Property Department’s Online Search System allows you to confirm that your company name is free to use.
#3 Trademark Your Company Name
Registering your business name as a trademark with the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department will protect it. This will prohibit others from stealing or using the name without your consent, giving you the sole right to use it in connection with your products or services. It might also increase your brand’s trustworthiness.