Register Hong Kong Company

Register Hong Kong Company | Bestar

Register Hong Kong Company

To register a company in Hong Kong, you must complete the "one-stop company incorporation and business registration" process through the Hong Kong Companies Registry. This involves submitting the required documents and paying the necessary fees. The process is relatively straightforward and can be completed by foreigners.

Requirements for a Private Limited Company

A private limited company is the most common business structure in Hong Kong. To register one, you must meet the following requirements:

• Company Name: The name must be unique and not identical to any existing company or trademark in Hong Kong. You can conduct a name search on the Companies Registry website. The name can be in Traditional Chinese, English, or both, but cannot be a mix of the two. An English name must end with the word "Limited," and a Chinese name must end with "有限公司."

  
  

• Registered Address: A physical office address in Hong Kong is required. A P.O. box is not permitted. This is where official government notices and legal documents will be sent.

  
  

• Directors & Shareholders: You need at least one director and one shareholder, who can be the same person. They must be at least 18 years old. There is no residency requirement, meaning directors and shareholders can be of any nationality. A company can also be a shareholder.

  
  

• Company Secretary: A local company secretary is mandatory. This person or corporate entity must be a Hong Kong resident or a Hong Kong-registered service provider. The company secretary is responsible for ensuring the company complies with local regulations, including filing tax returns. The sole director or shareholder cannot also be the company secretary.

  
  

• Share Capital: There is no minimum or maximum share capital requirement, and a company can be incorporated with a share capital of HK$1 or more.

Registration Process

The registration process combines both company incorporation and business registration. You can do this yourself or use a professional service provider.

• Step 1: Prepare Documents: Gather the required documents, which typically include:

  
  

  • Incorporation Form: Form NNC1 for a company limited by shares.

  • Articles of Association: This document outlines the company's internal rules and governance.

  • Notice to Business Registration Office: Form IRBR1, which initiates the business registration.

  • Identification Documents: Copies of passports for non-Hong Kong resident directors and shareholders, or Hong Kong ID cards for residents. Proof of residential address is also required.

    
    

• Step 2: Submit Application: You can submit the documents and pay the fees either electronically or in hard copy.

  
  

  • Electronic Submission: The fastest way is through the Companies Registry's "e-Registry" portal. This method can process the application in as little as one hour.

  • Hard Copy Submission: You can submit the documents in person or by mail. This process typically takes about four working days.

    
    

• Step 3: Receive Certificates: Once approved, the Companies Registry will issue two documents:

  
  

  • Certificate of Incorporation (CI): This proves the company's legal existence.

  • Business Registration Certificate (BRC): Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), this is mandatory for all businesses operating in Hong Kong. It must be displayed prominently at the business location.

Fees

The fees consist of government charges for both incorporation and business registration. Electronic submissions are slightly cheaper than hard copies. As of late 2025, the government fees are approximately:

• Electronic Submission: HK1,545 for the incorporation fee and approximately HK2,200 for a one-year business registration certificate, or more for a three-year certificate.

  
  

• Hard Copy Submission: HK$1,720 for the incorporation fee and the same business registration fee.

Note that professional service providers charge additional fees for their services, which can range from a few hundred to several thousand Hong Kong dollars depending on the package.

Bestar Professional Service Fees

Engaging a professional service provider to register a company in Hong Kong is a popular choice, especially for non-residents. Bestar handles the entire process, ensuring all legal requirements are met, and often provide additional essential services. The fees for our services vary depending on the package of services included.

Common Services and Fees

An all-in-one package from Bestar includes the following:

• Company Incorporation and Business Registration: This is the core service, covering the preparation and filing of all necessary documents with the Hong Kong Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department. Bestar's fee is in addition to the government fees (approximately HK$4,000 for one-year registration).

  
  

• Company Secretary Services: As a company secretary is a mandatory requirement for a Hong Kong company, this is included in the initial package. The fees for this service are paid annually.

  
  

  • Annual Fees: These can range from HK$400 to over HK$7,000 per year, depending on the scope of services. Bestar offers a HK$0 fee for the first year.

  • Services Included: The annual fee usually covers filing the Annual Return (NAR1), maintaining statutory records, and providing advice on compliance with the Companies Ordinance.

    
    

• Registered Office Address: A local physical address is required. Bestar offers this service, which is particularly useful for companies without a physical office in Hong Kong.

  
  

  • Annual Fees: Our fees can vary from HK$350 to HK$3,000 or more per year.

    
    

• Preparation of Company Kit: This includes preparing and providing the company's official documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, Articles of Association, and statutory books (e.g., registers of directors and shareholders). Our packages also include company seals and stamps.

  
  

Example Package Costs

The total cost for a professional service package in Hong Kong can vary, but here is a general breakdown:

• Basic Package: A no-frills package costs around HK$5,000 to HK$7,000. This covers the government fees, Bestar's fee for incorporation, the first year of company secretary and registered address services. and providing a company kit with seals and stamps.

  
  

• Standard Package: These packages, costing around HK$8,000 to HK$12,000, include additional services such as assistance with opening a corporate bank account, preparing the Significant Controllers Register, and providing a company kit with seals and stamps.

  
  

• Premium or Comprehensive Package: These can range from HK$14,000 to over HK$20,000 and include a wider range of services, such as:

  
  

  • CPA or Certified Public Accountant certification of incorporation documents.

  • Bank account opening support.

  • Initial tax and accounting consultations.

Important Considerations

• Bank Account Opening: While Bestar assists with this, we cannot guarantee a successful bank account opening. The final decision rests with the bank, which will conduct its own due diligence. Bestar charges a separate, non-refundable fee for this service.

  
  

• Ongoing Fees: Remember that company registration is not a one-time cost. There are recurring annual fees for the company secretary, registered address, and filing the annual return. These can add up to several thousand Hong Kong dollars per year.

How Bestar can Help

For many entrepreneurs, especially those who are not residents of Hong Kong, using a professional service provider to register a company is not just a convenience but a necessity. Bestar offers expertise and a comprehensive suite of services that go far beyond just filing paperwork.

Here’s a breakdown of how Bestar can help:

1. Navigating Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Expert Knowledge: Hong Kong's legal framework, while straightforward, has specific requirements. Bestar is well-versed in the Companies Ordinance and other relevant laws. We ensure all documents are prepared accurately and that the application meets all criteria, minimizing the risk of delays or rejection.

  
  

• Mandatory Requirements: We can fulfill the two essential requirements for a Hong Kong company:

  
  

  • Company Secretary: By law, a private limited company must appoint a company secretary who is a Hong Kong resident or a corporate service provider. Bestar acts as your company secretary, handling all compliance-related matters.

    
    

  • Registered Office Address: Every company must have a physical address in Hong Kong. Bestar offers this as part of our package, providing a credible and compliant address for official government correspondence.

    
    

2. Streamlining the Registration Process

• Efficiency and Speed: While you can register a company yourself, Bestar can significantly speed up the process. With our experience and established relationships with government agencies, we can submit applications efficiently. An online submission can be processed in as little as an hour, and Bestar can ensure all the necessary information is ready for a quick turnaround.

  
  

• Reduced Administrative Burden: The entire process—from name checks and document preparation to filing and obtaining the necessary certificates—is handled for you. This frees up your time to focus on developing your business, product, and marketing strategy.

  
  

• Error Prevention: Even a small mistake on an application form can lead to a rejection and costly delays. Bestar meticulously reviews all documents, ensuring a high level of accuracy and a smooth submission process.

  
  

3. Comprehensive Ongoing Support

Company registration is just the first step. Bestar offers a range of post-incorporation services to ensure long-term compliance:

• Annual Compliance: We will manage mandatory annual filings, such as the Annual Return (NAR1) with the Companies Registry and the renewal of the Business Registration Certificate. We send automated reminders to ensure you never miss a deadline.

  
  

• Statutory Records Maintenance: A Hong Kong company is required to maintain various registers, including a Register of Directors and a Significant Controllers Register. Bestar will ensure these records are kept up-to-date and are readily available for inspection by law enforcement.

  
  

• Accounting and Tax Filing: Bestar offers a full suite of services that include bookkeeping, accounting, and tax filing assistance, which is crucial for meeting tax obligations with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

  
  

• Bank Account Opening Assistance: Opening a corporate bank account in Hong Kong can be challenging, especially for non-residents. Bestar can help by preparing the necessary documents, such as certified true copies of incorporation documents, and can introduce you to partner banks to streamline the application process. While we can't guarantee a successful outcome, our assistance significantly increases your chances.

  
  

4. Strategic Advice

Beyond the transactional aspects, Bestar provides valuable strategic advice. We can help you:

• Choose the Right Structure: While a private limited company is the most common choice, we can advise if another structure, like a representative office or a sole proprietorship, is more suitable for your business model.

  
  

• Understand Tax Implications: We can provide an initial consultation on Hong Kong's simple tax system, including the low profits tax rate and the non-taxable nature of offshore income. This helps in long-term financial planning.

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