Professional Services
- a22162
- Jun 7
- 7 min read
Updated: Jul 10
Bestar is a professional services firm, offering a wide array of services in Hong Kong.
Here's an overview of the professional services we offer in Hong Kong:
Core Services offered by Bestar:
Audit & Assurance (Partner):
Financial statements audit
Capital market services
Assurance services (e.g., internal controls, regulatory compliance)
Tax:
Business Tax Services
Global Employer Services (personal and employment taxes, immigration)
International Tax advisory
Transfer Pricing
Tax controversy services
Tax compliance and reporting (FATCA/CRS)
Advisory/Consulting: These are broad categories encompassing various specialized areas:
Strategy & Operations:
Growth strategies
Operational efficiency and transformation
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) advisory (pre-planning, due diligence, post-deal integration)
Value creation & crisis management
Restructuring and turnaround strategy
Technology Consulting:
Digital transformation (e.g., AI, blockchain, cloud, big data, automation)
Cybersecurity and privacy
IT Risk Management
Enterprise Technology and Performance
Financial Advisory:
Corporate finance
Deal advisory (transactions)
Valuation
Forensic services
Insolvency and restructuring
Risk Advisory:
Accounting and Internal Controls
Cyber and Strategic Risk
Regulatory Support and Compliance
Financial crime prevention
Human Capital/People Advisory Services:
Workforce transformation
Talent and compensation (e.g., executive search, employee share schemes)
Organizational change management
Areas of Focus of Bestar in Hong Kong
Bestar in Hong Kong demonstrates a comprehensive and specialized approach across various sectors, with a particularly strong emphasis on Financial Services. This includes in-depth expertise in Asset & Wealth Management, Banking & Capital Markets, and Insurance.
The firm's offerings extend to Managed Services tailored for financial entities, encompassing accounting, payroll, secretarial, regulatory compliance, cybersecurity, and cloud infrastructure operations.
Bestar holds a significant presence in Audit & Assurance and Consulting, with its consulting arm notably strong in Digital and Technology consulting. This includes forward-looking areas such as blockchain, robotic process automation, big data, cloud, and machine learning. Furthermore, Bestar is prominent in Strategy Consulting and Financial Advisory, specializing in M&A, Value Creation, and Crisis management.
The firm actively engages with critical "Hot Topics" and initiatives relevant to the Hong Kong and broader regional landscape, including:
Belt & Road Initiative
Cybersecurity and privacy
FinTech
Greater Bay Area
Risk & Regulatory
Climate and Sustainability, with a specific focus on ESG Strategy Consulting and Climate Change and Sustainability Services
Digital Transformation
Bestar also provides specialized services like Bestar Private, catering to family enterprises and the Best Managed Companies program, and expertise in Cross-border Business. Its commitment to innovation and collaboration within Hong Kong is evident.
Beyond these areas, Bestar offers a full spectrum of Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. A dedicated New Economy team specifically serves start-ups, investors, and funds, providing tailored solutions for capital raising, company structuring, and talent & compensation. The firm emphasizes deep industry knowledge, delivering services through dedicated teams across diverse sectors, and has a strong focus on Technology Risk Services and Risk Consulting.
General characteristics of Bestar in Hong Kong:
Global Reach: We leverage our extensive global networks to serve multinational clients and facilitate cross-border transactions.
Industry Expertise: We have specialized teams focusing on various industries such as financial services, consumer and retail, energy and natural resources, government and public services, life sciences and healthcare, and technology, media & telecommunications.
Talent Acquisition: We are employers for graduates and experienced professionals in Hong Kong, offering diverse career paths in professional services.
Market Insights: We regularly publish reports and insights on market trends, regulatory changes, and economic developments relevant to Hong Kong and Greater China.
Fees
Professional Service | Bestar Fees HK$ | Government Fees HK$ | |
Companies Registry | |||
1. | Incorporation of a Company Limited by Shares | 4,600 | Application fee 1,720 |
2. | Company Secretary Services | 2,100 | |
3. | Registered Office Address Service | 1,800 | |
4. | Business Registration | 2,200 | 2,200 |
5. | Bank Account Opening | 2,400 |
Companies Registry
Incorporation of a Company Limited by Shares (Bundled with CoSec)
Company Formation/Incorporation Package:
1. Professional Service Provider Fees:
These are the fees you pay to Bestar for our expertise, time, and services:
Fee: HK$4,600+ for basic incorporation services, including HK$1,720 government Application Fee. Bestar offers "free" annual company secretarial services if you commit to our incorporation.
What's included:
Company name search and reservation.
Preparation of Articles of Association.
Preparation and filing of the NNC1 form.
Obtaining Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate.
Initial consultation and advice.
Includes a set of company chops (round stamp, signature chop) and a common seal.
Package includes a "Green Box" (company kit with statutory records, share certificates).
Factors affecting cost:
Complexity: If you have multiple directors/shareholders from different jurisdictions, the fees might be higher due to additional due diligence and documentation.
2. Company Secretary Services (Bundled Free with Company Incorporation for the First Year)
This is a mandatory ongoing service.
A basic annual company secretarial package in Hong Kong is HK$2,100 per annum, excluding government filing fees.
Basic annual company secretarial package
A basic annual company secretarial package in Hong Kong covers the fundamental compliance requirements for a limited company. Here's a general overview of what you can expect:
Core Services Included:
Acting as Company Secretary: Bestar will officially act as your company's designated company secretary for one year, fulfilling the mandatory legal requirement.
Preparation and Filing of Annual Return (AR1): This is a key annual obligation. The package will cover the preparation of the Annual Return form (NAR1 for local private companies) and its timely submission to the Hong Kong Companies Registry.
Important Note: The government filing fee for the Annual Return (currently HK$105) is excluded from Bestar's fee and will be an additional disbursement.
Preparation of Minutes for Annual General Meeting (AGM) / Written Resolutions in Lieu of AGM: Even if an actual AGM isn't held (which is common for private companies), written resolutions must be prepared to formally approve the financial statements and re-appoint directors/auditors. The package usually covers the preparation of these essential documents.
Maintaining Statutory Registers: This includes:
Register of Members
Register of Directors
Register of Company Secretaries
Significant Controllers Register (SCR) - a mandatory register introduced in 2018, requiring companies to identify and maintain records of their significant controllers. The package includes assistance with the initial setup and ongoing maintenance of this register.
Handling Business Registration Certificate Renewal: While the government fee for the Business Registration Certificate (currently HK$2,200 for a one-year certificate) is excluded, Bestar will manage the renewal process for you.
Basic Advisory on Company Secretarial Matters: You'll get some general advice on standard compliance requirements.
3. Registered Office Address Service
Provision of a registered office address for government mail.
Fee: HK$1,800+ per year.
What's included:
A physical address in Hong Kong for official government correspondence.
Mail collection and forwarding (incur additional postage fees).
Business Registration Fee
Business Registration Fee and Levy (collected by the Companies Registry on behalf of the Inland Revenue Department):
This is a separate, mandatory fee for all businesses operating in Hong Kong.
One-year certificate: HK$2,200
Bank Account Opening
Assistance with bank account opening
Services like certified true copies for bank account opening, bank account introduction/assistance are offered: HK$2,400
Registration of a non-Hong Kong company: Similar fees to local company incorporation.
Company Limited by Guarantee
Government Fees HK$ | |||
1. | Company Limited by Guarantee Incorporation | Incorporation fee:
| |
Company Re-domiciliation: HK$6,050 (electronic), HK$6,725 (hard copy).
II. Business Registration Fee and Levy (collected by the Companies Registry on behalf of the Inland Revenue Department):
This is a separate, mandatory fee for all businesses operating in Hong Kong.
One-year certificate: HK$2,200 (Note: A levy for the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund may apply, though it has been temporarily waived until March 2026).
Three-year certificate: HK$5,870.
Branch registration fees also apply.
III. Annual Filing Fees (Annual Return):
This is a recurring fee due on the anniversary of the company's incorporation or return date. The fee amount depends on the type of company and the timeliness of submission.
Local Private Companies (with share capital) / Companies Limited by Guarantee:
Delivered within 42 days after the company's return date: HK$105
More than 42 days but within 3 months: HK$870
More than 3 months but within 6 months: HK$1,740
More than 6 months but within 9 months: HK$2,610
More than 9 months: HK$3,480
Local Public Companies (with share capital):
Delivered within 42 days after the company's return date: HK$140
More than 42 days but within 3 months: HK$1,200
More than 3 months but within 6 months: HK$2,400
More than 6 months but within 9 months: HK$3,600
More than 9 months: HK$4,800
Note: The Companies Registry has no discretion to waive these higher late filing fees.
IV. Fees for Other Filings and Services:
Registration of change of company name: HK$1,425.
Registration of charges and related documents:
Statement of Particulars of Charge: HK$340
Notification of Payment / Satisfaction of Debt, Release from Charge, etc.: HK$190
Notice of appointment of receiver or manager: HK$40
Notice of mortgagee entering into possession of property: HK$40
Search services:
Company Particulars Search (per company): HK$22
Directors Index Search (Company-based, per company): HK$11
Image Record Search (per document): Varies (e.g., HK$16-21 for online download, HK$18-23 for hard copy).
Certificates / Certified Copies:
Certificate of continuing registration: HK$170
Certifying fee for a copy or extract: HK$130 (does not include the fee for the hard copy itself).
It's important to note that these are the government fees charged by the Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department. If you engage a company formation agent or corporate service provider, they will charge additional service fees for their assistance in preparing and filing the necessary documents.
Annual Return Filing Fee: HK$105 (for private companies).
Other ad-hoc government fees: For specific filings like changing company name (HK$295), increasing share capital, etc.
Auditing and Tax Services: These are separate and ongoing.
Annual Audit Fee: Highly variable, from HK$5,000 to HK$20,000+ for small to medium businesses, depending on the complexity of operations and revenue.
Tax Filing Services: Can be part of accounting packages or charged separately, often ranging from HK$3,000 to HK$10,000+ for basic tax computations and filing.
Labour Department
Fee HK$ | ||
Application for Employment Agency Licence | Licence fee HK$2,000 payable after the application has been approved | |
duplicate licence fee HK $385 each (if applicable) | ||
Comments