Establish a Hong Kong Company
Company Formation Fees and Costs
| Fee Item | Limited Company Registration | Unlimited Company Registration |
|---|---|---|
| Business Registration Certificate Fee (1 year) | $2,200 | $2,200 |
| Business Registration Levy (1 year) | $150 | $150 |
| Companies Registry Fee | $1,720 | N/A |
| Other Items | Company seal, signature chop, statutory registers, share certificates, articles of association, and bank account-opening documents | Company seal, signature chop, and bank account-opening documents |
| Company Registration Enquiry | 3579 1619, 3753 1497 | 3579 1619, 3753 1497 |
Procedures and Key Considerations for Establishing a Hong Kong Limited Company
✔️ 1. Decide on the Company Name
- The company name must be unique and must not mislead the public.
- The company name must not contain words or phrases prohibited by law.
- The company name may be entirely in Chinese or entirely in English, or both an English and a Chinese name may be registered.
- The company name should relate to its industry, be easy to read and remember, and be highly recognizable.
✔️ 2. Prepare Company Application Documents
- Incorporation Form (NNC1/NNC1G)
- Articles of Association
- Notification to the Business Registration Office (IRBR1)
✔️ 3. Registered Office
- The registered address of a limited company incorporated in Hong Kong must be in Hong Kong.
- A registered office is the legal address designated for receiving notices and legal process and may differ from the business address.
- The law requires the company to display a sign or screen showing its company name at its registered office.
- If no suitable address is available, consider using the registered office and virtual office services provided by a licensed secretarial company.
✔️ 7. Register of Significant Controllers
From 1 March 2018, companies incorporated in Hong Kong must:
- Maintain a register of significant controllers at the company’s registered office or elsewhere in Hong Kong.
- Allow law enforcement officers to inspect the register of significant controllers. Failure to maintain the register is a criminal offence, and the company and every responsible person may be subject to criminal penalties. When you register a Hong Kong limited company through the NOTES & COINS registration platform, we provide free assistance in managing the register of significant controllers and ensuring compliance.
✔️ 9. Annual Return and Business Registration Certificate Renewal
What information is included in the annual return?
- Detailed information on the company’s issued share capital.
- Names and addresses of directors and the company secretary.
- Names and addresses of registered shareholders.
- Amount guaranteed by any registered charge.
When is the annual return due?
The first annual return must be submitted within 42 days after the first anniversary of incorporation.
✔️ 4. Shareholders and Directors
- Minimum one shareholder, maximum fifty.
- At least one natural person director aged 18+.
- A company or legal entity may be a shareholder or director.
- The same person or company may be both; there is no nationality or domicile restriction.
✔️ 5. Share Capital
- Shareholder liability is limited to the paid-up amount of invested capital.
- The payment timing is determined by agreement and the company’s requirements.
- Multiple share classes may have different dividend and voting rights.
- There is no fixed share-capital amount except in regulated industries.
✔️ 6. Company Secretary
- A company must appoint a company secretary.
- If there is a sole director, that director cannot also be the company secretary; a third party must be appointed.
- If no suitable candidate is available, consider appointing a licensed secretarial company.
- The secretary must be a Hong Kong resident, a licensed accounting or legal professional, or a licensed secretarial company.
✔️ 8. Designated Representative for the Register of Significant Controllers
- Designate at least one shareholder, director, or employee who is a natural person residing in Hong Kong to assist law enforcement officers.
- If no suitable candidate is available, appoint a licensed Hong Kong accounting or legal professional, or a TCSP licensee.
Registering a company in Hong Kong is not complicated; you can handle it yourself as long as you understand the required forms, steps, and fees beforehand. However, if you wish to save more time and effort and register a Hong Kong company in the fastest and simplest way, you can contact the NOTES & COINS Accounting team. We provide one-stop business consulting services, including Hong Kong company registration, bank account opening, virtual office, and secretarial services, allowing you to focus on launching your business!