Starting a business in Hong Kong? You’ll need to register your business first. Every business in Hong Kong is required to get a Business Registration Certificate within ONE month of starting operations. 

The business registration process is simple if you know how to apply and have your registration documents ready. Here’s the updated checklist to keep track of what you need, depending on your business type – Limited Company, Sole Proprietorship, Partnership or Branch of a Foreign Company.

For Limited Company

Where to register：

The Companies Registry

Required Documents:

Hong Kong has a one-stop company and business registration service. This means that when you apply to incorporate a local limited company with the Companies Registry, you are simultaneously deemed to have made a business registration application.

• Form NNC1 (for a company limited by shares) OR Form NNC1G (for a company not limited by shares).
• Articles of Association – Your company’s constitution.
• A Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR1)

If you’re engaging a company formation agent such as HKWJ Tax Law, or need to open a bank account, you will need to provide them with:

• Certified True Copies of ID (passport/HKID) for all directors and shareholders.
• Proof of Residential Address for all directors and shareholders (e.g. utility bill).
• Business Plan
• Business Proof (e.g. invoices)

For Sole Proprietorship

Where to register：

Business Registration Office of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD)

Required Documents:

• Application Form 1(a)
• ID Proof – Hong Kong ID card for locals, or passport for foreigners.

If you’re a non-resident and appointing an agent such as HKWJ Tax Law, you’ll need to provide Form IRBR177 or an appointment letter.

You generally do not need to provide separate proof of address to the IRD for registration. The declaration on the form is usually sufficient for initial registration, but the address must be legitimate for official correspondence.

Also, if you’re under 18, you may need a guardian’s consent to register as a sole proprietor.

For Partnership (Other than Limited Partnership)

Where to register：

Business Registration Office of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD)

Required Documents:

•  Application Form 1(c)
•  ID Proof for All Partners – HKID or passport.
•  Proof of Business Address
•  A well-drafted Partnership Agreement

If any of the partners are not residing in Hong Kong, the partnership is usually required to appoint a local resident individual as an agent for business registration purposes. In this case, you will also need to submit the following:

• Form IRBR177 (Appointment of an Agent for the Purpose of Business Registration) OR an appointment letter stating the full particulars of the agent (name, HKID, residential address). 
• A copy of the agent’s Hong Kong Identity Card.

Similar to sole proprietorships, you do not need to provide separate proof of address to the IRD for registration.

For Branch of a Foreign Company

Where to register：

The Companies Registry (e-Services Portal)

Registering a branch of a foreign company in Hong Kong means you’re extending your existing overseas company here, not creating a brand new one.

You’ll primarily work with the Companies Registry to register as a “Non-Hong Kong Company,” and this step also covers your business registration with the Inland Revenue Department.

Required Documents:

• Application Form NN1
• Form IRBR2 (Notice to Business Registration Office)
• Certified Copy of the Parent Company’s Certificate of Incorporation
• Certified Copy of the Parent Company’s Constitution Documents (e.g. Memorandum and Articles of Association)
• Certified Copy of the Parent Company’s Latest Published Accounts (if applicable)
• Certified Copies of Passports/IDs and Residential Addresses – for all directors and company secretary (if any) of the parent company)

If the foreign company is required by the law of its place of incorporation to publish accounts, a certified copy of its latest published accounts (audited, if required in its home jurisdiction) must be submitted.

As with local limited companies, Hong Kong operates a one-stop service for the registration of Non-Hong Kong Companies and business registration. Make sure all documents not in English or Chinese must be translated and certified.

How to Submit Your Registration Documents?

You can submit your business registration documents in three ways:

In Person: 

• 2nd floor, Inland Revenue Centre, 5 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon, Hong Kong (for Business Registration Office Address)
• 14th floor, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong (for Companies Registry Address)

By Post: 

• P.O. Box 29015, Concorde Road Post Office, Kowloon, Hong Kong. (for Business Registration Office)
• 14th floor, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong (for Companies Registry)

Online: 

• Submit online via eTAX at GovHK (for sole-proprietorship, partnership)
• e-Services Portal (for limited company, branch of a foreign company)

Best Ways to Register a Business in Hong Kong

DoubleCheck Your Registration Documents: 

Missing or incorrect documents are the most common reason for delays.

Use a Physical Address:

Virtual offices are fine if they provide mail handling, but P.O. Boxes are not accepted.

Keep Copies: 

Always keep copies of all documents you submit.

Get Professional Help: 

If you’re unsure, consider using a corporate service provider (e.g. HKWJ Tax Law). They can help you gather the right documents and act as your company secretary or registered address.

FAQ: Business Registration Documents

Can foreigners register a business in Hong Kong?

Almost anyone can register a business in Hong Kong, whether you’re a local or a foreigner.  Foreigners can own 100% of a Hong Kong business. The only musthave is a local business address (not a P.O. Box).

Do I need a company secretary?  

Yes. Limited companies are required to have a company secretary. If you don’t have one in-house, you can use a professional company secretary service to meet this requirement.

What are certified true copies?

It means the copies are attested as genuine copies by a professional like a solicitor, certified public accountant, or notary public.