How to Register a Company in Hong Kong: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
How to Register a Company in Hong Kong (2026 Step-by-Step Guide & Fees)
Learn how to register a limited company in Hong Kong in 4 steps. Compare 2026 Companies Registry fees (HK$3,895 total online), NNC1 forms, timelines, and compliance rules.
How to Register a Company in Hong Kong: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Quick Answer (Snippet):
To register a local limited company in Hong Kong, choose a unique company name, prepare your Incorporation Form (Form NNC1), Articles of Association, and Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR1), and submit them online via the Companies Registry e-Services Portal. Online applications cost HK$3,895 in total government fees (HK$1,545 incorporation fee + HK$2,350 one-year Business Registration fee) and are typically approved within 1 hour.
Setting up a business in Hong Kong gives founders 100% foreign ownership, a low two-tiered profits tax regime (8.25% on the first HK$2 million), and streamlined digital incorporation under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622).
While the official Hong Kong Companies Registry (cr.gov.hk) outlines the statutory procedure, this guide breaks down the exact steps, 2026 government fees, mandatory statutory roles, and post-incorporation compliance requirements so you can incorporate without rejections or costly delays.
Hong Kong Company Registration at a Glance (2026)
Feature | Local Private Company Limited by Shares | Registered Non-Hong Kong Company (Branch) |
|---|---|---|
Governing Law | Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) | Companies Ordinance (Part 16, Cap. 622) |
Primary Application Form | Form NNC1 (or NNC1G for guarantee) | Form NN1 + Certified Overseas Docs |
Business Registration Form | Form IRBR1 (One-stop simultaneous filing) | Form IRBR2 (If not yet registered) |
Online Government Fee | HK$1,545 (Reduced e-filing rate) | HK$1,545 (Includes HK$265 lodgment fee) |
Hard-Copy Government Fee | HK$1,720 (Includes HK$295 lodgment fee) | HK$1,720 (Includes HK$295 lodgment fee) |
Business Registration Fee (1-Yr) | HK$2,350 (Includes HK$150 levy restored Apr 2026) | HK$2,350 (1-year) / HK$6,170 (3-year) |
Total Online Startup Cost | HK$3,895 (1-year BR) / HK$7,715 (3-year BR) | HK$3,895 (1-year BR) / HK$7,715 (3-year BR) |
Standard Processing Time | ~1 hour (Online) / 4 working days (Paper) | ~9 working days |
Minimum Structure | 1 Director, 1 Shareholder, 1 Company Secretary | 1 Authorized Representative (HK resident/firm) |
Pre-Incorporation Checklist: Statutory Requirements
Before accessing the Companies Registry portal, confirm your company meets four statutory requirements under Hong Kong law:
Company Name: Must be in English, Traditional Chinese, or both (you cannot mix English and Chinese characters within a single name). English names must end with "Limited" and Chinese names with 「有限公司」.
Directors: At least one natural person director aged 18 or older (any nationality, no Hong Kong residency required). Corporate directors are permitted only alongside at least one individual director.
Shareholders (Founder Members): At least one shareholder (individual or corporate, up to 50 for a private company). A sole director may also act as the sole shareholder.
Company Secretary: Mandatory statutory officer. Must be either an individual who ordinarily resides in Hong Kong or a corporate body with a registered office/place of business in Hong Kong (holding a valid TCSP license). Note: A sole director cannot act as the company secretary.
Registered Office Address: A physical street address in Hong Kong for receiving statutory notices (P.O. boxes are not accepted).
Step-by-Step: How to Incorporate a Local Limited Company in Hong Kong
Step 1: Choose Your Company Type and Verify Your Company Name
First, select the legal entity structure that matches your operational goals:
Company Limited by Shares (Most Common): Ideal for commercial businesses. Shareholders' liability is limited to any amount unpaid on the shares they hold.
Company Limited by Guarantee: Has no share capital; members undertake to contribute a fixed amount upon winding up. Typically used by non-profit organizations, charities, and clubs.
How to Check Name Availability:
Conduct a free search via the e-Search Services on the Companies Registry e-Services Portal (or at the e-Services Centre on the 13th floor, Queensway Government Offices).
Select "Exact Name Search" mode and enter your exact proposed name (using Traditional Chinese characters for Chinese names).
Cross-check the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) Trademark Register (ipsearch.ipd.gov.hk) to ensure your name does not infringe third-party trademarks, which can trigger civil or criminal liability.
Rejection Warning: The Companies Registry only confirms name registrability after you pay and submit. If your name is identical to an existing registered company or contains restricted words without prior approval, your application will be rejected and the HK$265 / HK$295 lodgment fee is non-refundable.
Step 2: Prepare and Deliver Your Incorporation Documents
Under Hong Kong's one-stop company incorporation and business registration regime, you file your incorporation and tax registration simultaneously.
Required Documents:
Incorporation Form: Form NNC1 (for a company limited by shares) or Form NNC1G (for a company limited by guarantee).
Articles of Association: Your company’s internal constitution. You can adopt the Companies Registry’s standard sample Articles available directly inside the e-Services Portal.
Notice to Business Registration Office: Form IRBR1 (electing either a 1-year or 3-year Business Registration Certificate).
How to Submit:
Online (Recommended): Log in to the Companies Registry e-Services Portal (e-services.cr.gov.hk) under e-Filing Services. You save HK$175 on incorporation fees and receive digital certificates within an hour.
In Person (Hard Copy): Deliver physical copies and a cheque/cash payment to the Shroff on the 14th floor, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.
Director Consent Rule (Form NNC3):
If the founder member signing Form NNC1 is also a director, they sign the "Consent to Act as Director" directly on Form NNC1. Any additional first directors must either sign the consent block on Form NNC1 or file Form NNC3 within 15 days after the date of incorporation. Failing to file Form NNC3 on time is a criminal offense carrying daily default fines.
Step 3: Collect Your Incorporation & Business Registration Certificates
Once approved, the Companies Registry issues two foundational legal documents simultaneously (bearing your Unified Business Identifier [UBI], which is your 8-digit Business Registration Number):
Certificate of Incorporation (CI): Issued by the Registrar of Companies, proving your company’s legal existence.
Business Registration Certificate (BRC): Issued on behalf of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for tax compliance.
Electronic Filers: Download official PDFs directly from your e-Services Portal message box. Electronic certificates carry the exact same legal validity as paper originals.
Paper Filers: Collect physical certificates in person at the Companies Registry upon email/fax notification (written authorization is required if collected by a representative).
Step 4: Obtain Additional Sector Licenses & Complete Post-Incorporation Setup
Incorporation grants legal entity status, not operational licensing. Before trading, verify whether your industry requires additional permits via the Trade and Industry Department’s Business Licence Information Service (e.g., restaurants, travel agents, financial services, education, or import/export).
Immediate Post-Incorporation Tasks:
Open a Corporate Bank Account: Present your CI, BRC, Articles of Association, NNC1, and KYC/business proof to a Hong Kong traditional bank or virtual bank (e.g., Airwallex, Statrys, ZA Bank).
Establish a Significant Controllers Register (SCR): Every Hong Kong company (except listed companies) must maintain an SCR at its registered office identifying individuals/entities with >25% ownership or control, and appoint a Designated Representative.
Register as an Employer (If Hiring): Enroll staff aged 18–64 in an MPF scheme within 60 days, obtain Employees' Compensation Insurance before day one, and file Form IR56E with the IRD within 3 months.
Registering an Overseas Company in Hong Kong (Non-Hong Kong Company)
If an overseas-incorporated company establishes a physical place of business in Hong Kong, it must register under Part 16 of the Companies Ordinance within 1 month of establishing that place of business:
Documents Required:
Form NN1 (Application for Registration as Registered Non-Hong Kong Company)
Certified copy of the overseas constitutional instrument (Charter, Statutes, or Memorandum & Articles)
Certified copy of the overseas Certificate of Incorporation (or equivalent)
Certified copy of the company’s latest published accounts (unless exempt)
Form IRBR2 (Notice to Business Registration Office)
Authorized Representative: You must appoint at least one Hong Kong resident individual, solicitor firm, or CPA firm authorized to accept legal notices on the company's behalf.
Timeline & Fees: Processing takes approximately 9 working days. Online filing costs HK$1,545 (plus the applicable Business Registration fee and levy).
(Note: Under the Companies (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance 2025, eligible overseas companies can also apply to transfer their domicile directly to Hong Kong under the Company Re-domiciliation Regime rather than operating as a branch.)
Ongoing Annual Compliance Deadlines
Keeping your Hong Kong company in good standing requires meeting four recurring obligations:
Compliance Filing | Authority | Deadline | Government Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Annual Return (Form NAR1) | Companies Registry | Within 42 days of incorporation anniversary | HK$105 (Late fees escalate from HK$870 to HK$3,480) |
Business Registration Renewal | Inland Revenue Dept (IRD) | 1 month before BRC expiry (annual or every 3 yrs) | HK$2,350 (1-yr) / HK$6,170 (3-yr) |
Profits Tax Return (PTR) | Inland Revenue Dept (IRD) | First return issued ~18 months after incorporation | Tax rate: 8.25% (first HK$2M) / 16.5% (thereafter) |
Statutory Financial Audit | Certified Public Accountant | Annually (supporting Profits Tax Return) | Professional CPA fee applies |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to register a company in Hong Kong in 2026?
The minimum government cost to incorporate a private limited company online in Hong Kong in 2026 is HK$3,895. This includes the HK$1,545 Companies Registry electronic incorporation fee and the HK$2,350 one-year Business Registration fee (which includes the HK$150 Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund levy reinstated on 1 April 2026). Choosing a three-year Business Registration Certificate brings the total to **HK$7,715.
How long does it take to register a company in Hong Kong?
When submitted electronically via the Companies Registry e-Services Portal using standard sample Articles of Association, incorporation typically takes less than 1 hour. Hard-copy paper applications delivered in person take approximately 4 working days.
Can a foreigner register a company in Hong Kong without living there?
Yes. Foreigners of any nationality can own 100% of a Hong Kong company and serve as its sole director and shareholder without residing in or visiting Hong Kong. However, you must appoint a Hong Kong-based Company Secretary and maintain a physical Hong Kong registered office address.
What is the difference between a Certificate of Incorporation and a Business Registration Certificate?
The Certificate of Incorporation (CI) is issued by the Companies Registry and proves your company is legally formed as a corporate entity. The Business Registration Certificate (BRC) is issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and serves as your mandatory tax registration license to conduct business. Both are issued together during incorporation.
Ready to Incorporate Your Hong Kong Company?
DIY Filing: Access the official Companies Registry e-Services Portal (e-services.cr.gov.hk) with your HKID/passport details, digital Articles of Association, and credit card/e-Payment method ready.
Need a Local Company Secretary & Registered Office? Compare licensed Hong Kong Corporate Service Providers (TCSPs) to bundle statutory secretarial compliance, registered address mail handling, and automated NAR1 annual filing reminders.
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Bestar Hong Kong: Your Licensed Corporate Service Provider (TCSP Licence No. TC007650)
How to Register a Company in Hong Kong: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
Bestar Hong Kong: Licensed TCSP Corporate Service Provider (TC007650)
Incorporate and manage your Hong Kong company 100% remotely with Bestar (TCSP Licence No. TC007650). All-inclusive packages from HK$6,950 covering CR fees, Company Secretary & SCR.
Quick Answer (Snippet):
Bestar is a Hong Kong Companies Registry-licensed Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP Licence No. TC007650) offering end-to-end company incorporation, statutory company secretarial services, Central Hong Kong registered office addresses, Significant Controllers Register (SCR) maintenance, cloud accounting, CPA statutory audit coordination, and profits tax filing. All-inclusive remote incorporation starts from HK$6,950 (inclusive of 2026 government fees) and completes within 1 to 4 business days.
Setting up and maintaining a compliant business in Hong Kong requires more than filing an online form. Under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) and the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), every Hong Kong private limited company must appoint a qualified local Company Secretary and maintain a physical Registered Office Address—and any commercial firm providing those services must hold an active TCSP Licence.
Unlike fragmented online incorporation platforms that outsource accounting or charge surprise renewal markups, Bestar combines TCSP-licensed corporate governance (TC007650) with full-lifecycle CPA audit, tax, bookkeeping, and cross-border APAC advisory under one roof.
Why TCSP Licensing Matters When Choosing a Hong Kong Corporate Service Provider
Under Cap. 615 of the Laws of Hong Kong, operating a corporate secretarial, company formation, or registered office business without a valid Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) licence is a criminal offense punishable by a HK$100,000 fine and 6 months' imprisonment.
Before appointing any corporate secretary in Hong Kong, founders should verify three compliance benchmarks—all of which Bestar meets:
Public Register Verification: Bestar is officially registered on the Hong Kong Companies Registry Register of TCSP Licensees under Licence No. TC007650, having passed mandatory "fit and proper" regulatory vetting.
Sole Director Compliance (Section 475, Cap. 622): Hong Kong law prohibits a sole director from acting as their own company secretary. Appointing Bestar immediately satisfies this statutory requirement without hiring a full-time local employee.
AML/KYC & SCR Protection: Every Hong Kong company (except listed entities) must maintain a Significant Controllers Register (SCR) and appoint a Designated Representative to liaise with law enforcement. Failure to maintain an SCR carries fines up to HK$25,000 plus daily default penalties. Bestar acts as your Designated Representative and maintains your SCR automatically.
Bestar vs. DIY Registration vs. Budget Online Agents
Many founders compare self-filing (cr.gov.hk), low-cost tech-only incorporation apps, and full-service licensed firms. Here is how Bestar compares across total first-year cost, compliance coverage, and long-term scalability:
Evaluation Criteria | Bestar (Licensed TCSP: TC007650) | Budget Online Incorporation Apps | DIY Self-Registration (cr.gov.hk) |
|---|---|---|---|
All-Inclusive Setup Price | From HK$6,950 (All govt fees + 1-yr CoSec included) | HK$5,500–HK$8,500+ (Often excludes NAR1/SCR add-ons) | HK$3,895 (Govt fees only; no CoSec or address) |
2026 Government Fees Included | Yes (HK$1,545 CI + HK$2,350 1-yr BRC included) | Usually included | Paid directly by founder |
Dedicated Company Secretary | 1 Year Included (HK$2,100 value) | Included (Automated ticket queue) | Must hire separately (HK$3,000–HK$6,000/yr) |
Central / Sheung Wan HK Address | Available (+HK$1,800/yr) with mail scanning | Virtual mailroom add-on (HK$2,000–HK$3,500/yr) | Must lease physical HK commercial premises |
SCR & Designated Representative | Included & Maintained Automatically | Often billed as extra compliance fee | Self-managed (Up to HK$25,000 fine risk) |
Annual Return (Form NAR1) Prep | Included (Excludes HK$105 govt fee) | Extra annual renewal charge | Self-filed within 42 days |
In-House Tax, Bookkeeping & Audit | Full CPA & Tax Advisory Ecosystem | Outsourced to third-party marketplaces | Must source separate CPA firm |
Cross-Border APAC Presence | Direct HK & Singapore (+852 / +65) Teams | Single-market software platform | None |
Corporate Banking Fast-Track | Dedicated Airwallex / Aspire & Traditional Bank Intro | Self-serve referral links | Independent application (2–8 week wait) |
Transparent 2026 Hong Kong Incorporation Package (HK$6,950 All-In)
Bestar eliminates hidden disbursement markups with a single, transparent incorporation bundle built for both overseas entrepreneurs and local Hong Kong SMEs:
Total Package Fee: HK$6,950 (No hidden checkout surcharges)
Included Statutory & Service Deliverables:
Certificate of Incorporation (CI): Covers the mandatory HK$1,545 Companies Registry electronic filing fee.
Business Registration Certificate (BRC): Covers the HK$2,350 Inland Revenue Department 1-year fee (inclusive of the April 2026 reinstated HK$150 levy).
12 Months of Licensed Company Secretary Services: Full governance coverage under TCSP Licence TC007650.
Annual Return (Form NAR1) Preparation & Filing: Timely anniversary filing (excludes the HK$105 government fee).
Significant Controllers Register (SCR) & Designated Representative: Full setup and ongoing statutory custody.
Digital Corporate Kit: Certified electronic copies of your CI, BRC, Form NNC1, Articles of Association, share certificates, and first board minutes.
Business Account Fast-Track: Direct onboarding introductions to digital corporate accounts (Airwallex, Aspire) and traditional Hong Kong banks.
Optional Add-On: Central / Sheung Wan Registered Office Address at 288 Des Voeux Road Central for +HK$1,800/year (includes government mail receipt, scanning, and forwarding).
Complete Corporate Lifecycle Services Under One Roof
Most founders outgrow basic incorporation providers within 12 months when their first Profits Tax Return (PTR) and statutory financial audit fall due. Bestar manages your entire corporate lifecycle from a single point of contact:
1. Corporate Secretarial & Governance Compliance
Preparation and filing of Annual Returns (Form NAR1) within the strict 42-day statutory window (avoiding escalating late penalties up to HK$3,480).
Corporate structural changes: appointment/resignation of directors (Form ND2A), change of registered office (Form NR1), share allotments, share transfers, and company name changes.
Drafting Annual General Meeting (AGM) notices, written board resolutions, and statutory registers of members, directors, and charges.
Accelerated shelf company ownership transfers (1–2 business days) and compliant company deregistration / liquidation.
2. Cloud Bookkeeping, Accounting & Statutory Audit Support
Monthly or quarterly cloud accounting tailored to Hong Kong Financial Reporting Standards (HKFRS / SME-FRS).
Preparation of audit-ready management accounts, general ledgers, and trial balances.
Seamless coordination with Hong Kong Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) for your mandatory annual statutory audit.
3. Hong Kong Profits Tax Advisory & IRD Filings
Preparation and e-filing of annual Profits Tax Returns (Form BIR51 / BIR52) with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
Tax optimization under Hong Kong’s two-tiered profits tax regime (8.25% on the first HK$2 million of assessable profits; 16.5% thereafter) and Offshore Profits Tax Exemption claims for foreign-sourced income.
Employer tax compliance (Form IR56B / IR56E / IR56F), payroll outsourcing, and MPF administration.
4. Regional Cross-Border Expansion & Advisory (Hong Kong & Singapore)
Cross-Border Structuring: Dual-hub incorporation and intercompany advisory across Hong Kong and Singapore.
Strategic Corporate Finance: Independent company valuation, financial due diligence, M&A advisory, and ESG reporting software and advisory.
Work Visa & Immigration Support: Hong Kong employment pass and investment visa applications for relocating founders and executives.
How to Incorporate Your Company with Bestar in 4 Simple Steps (100% Remote)
You do not need to travel to Hong Kong to incorporate or appoint Bestar as your Company Secretary. The entire onboarding workflow is completed digitally:
Step 1 – Free Name Check & Consultation: Share 2–3 preferred company names with Bestar’s advisory team. We conduct an immediate exact-match search on the Companies Registry Cyber Search Centre and verify naming compliance under Cap. 622.
Step 2 – 100% Remote Digital KYC: Upload your passport copy and proof of residential address (dated within 3 months) for all directors and shareholders via our secure onboarding channel—no notarized overseas mailings or physical visits required.
Step 3 – Electronic Government Filing: Bestar drafts your Form NNC1, Articles of Association, and Form IRBR1, and submits them electronically to the Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department.
Step 4 – Receive Digital Certificates & Open Bank Account (1–4 Business Days): Receive your official Certificate of Incorporation (CI), Business Registration Certificate (BRC), and statutory registers by email, followed by fast-track introductions to open your multi-currency business account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bestar a licensed Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) in Hong Kong?
Yes. Bestar is officially licensed by the Hong Kong Companies Registry under TCSP Licence No. TC007650 pursuant to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615). You can verify Bestar directly on the Companies Registry’s public Register of TCSP Licensees.
How much does Bestar charge to register a company in Hong Kong?
Bestar’s all-inclusive Hong Kong company incorporation package is HK$6,950. This covers the HK$1,545 Companies Registry incorporation fee, the HK$2,350 one-year Business Registration Certificate fee, 12 months of licensed Company Secretary services, Annual Return (NAR1) filing preparation, and Significant Controllers Register (SCR) maintenance.
Can foreigners register a Hong Kong company through Bestar without visiting Hong Kong?
Yes. Foreigners of any nationality can own 100% of a Hong Kong private limited company and act as its sole director and shareholder without living in or visiting Hong Kong. Bestar completes all identity verification (KYC) and government filings 100% remotely within 1 to 4 business days.
Can Bestar provide a Hong Kong registered office address?
Yes. Bestar provides a commercial registered office address in Sheung Wan / Central, Hong Kong (Flat D, 20/F, Eton Building, 288 Des Voeux Road Central) for HK$1,800 per year, fulfilling Section 658 of the Companies Ordinance while handling official government correspondence.
What happens after my Hong Kong company is incorporated with Bestar?
After incorporation, Bestar sets up your Significant Controllers Register (SCR), assists with multi-currency corporate bank account onboarding (such as Airwallex or Aspire), tracks your statutory deadlines, and provides ongoing bookkeeping, CPA audit coordination, and IRD profits tax filing services.
Start Your Hong Kong Company with a Licensed TCSP Partner
Whether you are launching a new Asia-Pacific venture, setting up a cross-border holding structure, or switching from an unresponsive company secretary, Bestar’s licensed governance team is ready to assist.
Hong Kong Office: Flat D, 20/F, Eton Building, 288 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
TCSP Licence Number: TC007650 (Hong Kong Companies Registry)
Direct Phone / WhatsApp: +852 3565 1861 (Hong Kong) | +65 8836 4489 (Singapore)
Email: admin@bestar-asia.com
Next Step: Request your Free Company Name Availability Check or book a 15-minute incorporation & tax structuring consultation today.
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