Hong Kong is renowned for its business-friendly environment, low tax regime and straightforward business registration process. No matter you are about to start a business or register a company in a Hong Kong, it is an exciting prospect! And in 2025, the landscape offers even more streamlined processes and strategic advantages.

This guide gives you a clear, step-by-step way to set up your business in Hong Kong quickly and legally, so you can start seizing opportunities without delay. Keep reading to learn exactly what steps you need to take.

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Types of Business Registration in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, business registration includes three main types:

• Sole proprietorship
• Partnership
• Company

Company registration is just one type of business registration. When setting up a company in Hong Kong, the most common structure is a private limited company.

This type of company formation offers limited liability protection to its shareholders and is a separate legal entity from its owners.

Once your company completes the incorporation process and receives the Certificate of Incorporation, the next step is to obtain the Business Registration Certificate (BRC).

In most cases, if you register through the online e-Registry or via a professional service provider, the BRC is issued automatically together with the Certificate of Incorporation as part of a single application.

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 Certificate of Incorporation v.s. Business Registration Certificate

When setting up a company in Hong Kong, two key documents are issued: the Certificate of Incorporation and the Business Registration Certificate (BRC).

The Certificate of Incorporation is issued by the Companies Registry and confirms that a company (limited or unlimited) has been legally formed as a separate legal entity. It marks the official birth of the company.

On the other hand, the Business Registration Certificate is issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and allows the business to legally operate and be recognized for tax purposes.

There are several legal steps and requirements to getting a business registration certificate and being officially incorporated in Hong Kong.

To ensure you have everything in order for a seamless process, refer to our comprehensive Company Registration Documents Checklist for Hong Kong Businesses.

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Company Registration – Legal Requirements

In accordance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, each Hong Kong Limited should have at least:

Shareholders

• At least one shareholder with a designated share allotment of at least one share.

Directors

• At least one director, who must be an individual.

Company Secretary

• A company secretary, who must be a Hong Kong incorporated company or an individual who is a Hong Kong resident.

Age and Residency

• Shareholders and directors must be of legal age and can be of any nationality. They do not need to be Hong Kong residents. They must provide a passport or ID card and a recent address proof

Corporate Director

• A service provider like Triple Eight, within the HKWJ Group, can offer the service of a corporate director if required.

Requirement	Details
Minimum Shareholders	At least one shareholder
Minimum Directors	At least one individual director
Company Secretary	A Hong Kong resident (individual or HK-incorporated company)
Age of Shareholders/Directors	Must be of legal age (18 years old)
Nationality/Residency	No restrictions on nationality or residency for shareholders or directors
Share Capital	No minimum requirement. Minimum one share

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Key Steps in the Company Registration Process

The process of registering a company in Hong Kong involves several key steps:

1. Choose a Company Name

Select a unique name that does not infringe on existing trademarks or company names.

2. Prepare and Submit Incorporation Documents

Complete the incorporation form NNC1 and prepare the Articles of Association.

Submit these documents to the Companies Registry.

Approval and issuance of the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate typically take about 4 working days.

3. Appoint Directors, Shareholders, and Company Secretary

A Hong Kong company must have at least one director (who must be a natural person) and one shareholder.

Appointment of a company secretary—either a Hong Kong resident or a Hong Kong-registered company—is also mandatory.

4. Registered Address

Provide a local registered address in Hong Kong (P.O. Boxes are not accepted).

5. Order Company Chops and Documents

Arrange for company chops, a seal (if required), a set of Articles of Association, and share certificates. This process usually takes 1-2 working days.

6. Prepare Internal Resolutions

Draft internal resolutions in accordance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.

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Business Registration Fee 2025-2026

The Business Registration Fee is a fee payable to the Inland Revenue Department of Hong Kong and either relates to a governmental fee for registering a business or a branch in Hong Kong.

As of April 1, 2025, the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department has set the following fees:

• One-year Business Registration Certificate: HK$2,200
• Three-year Business Registration Certificate: HK$5,720
• One-year Branch Registration Certificate: HK$80
• Three-year Branch Registration Certificate: HK$208

Fee Type	One-Year Option	Three-Year Option	Notes
Business Registration Certificate	HK$2,200	HK$5,720	Payable to Inland Revenue Department (as of April 1, 2025).
Branch Registration Certificate	HK$80	HK$208	For branches of existing businesses.
Annual Return Fee	HK$105	N/A	For on-time filing with Companies Registry.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to obtain or renew a Business Registration Certificate can result in significant penalties, including fines and possible prosecution.

It is essential for all businesses operating in Hong Kong to comply with the relevant regulations to avoid legal issues.

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Post-Registration Steps

Once you have your Business Registration Certificate, the next steps are crucial. Open a business bank account and obtain any necessary permits and licenses to ensure smooth operations.

Business Bank Account Opening

After incorporating your Hong Kong company, you can open a business bank account. The required documents include:

• Business Plan / Information of Products / Company Operation
• Audited Report / Financial Statement of the Previous Financial Year (if any)
• Invoices / Receipts / Contracts / Agreements / Bill of Lading (upcoming)
• Company Group Chart
• Due Diligence information on Shareholder(s), Director(s), and any other Account Signatory (initial scan copies of their passport and address proof)
• Original minutes of meetings approving the opening of the bank account, appointment of director(s), business registration certificate, certificate of incorporation, and a copy of the articles of association.

HKWJ Tax Law can also assist you in setting up a business in Mainland China. This process has quite different steps as it is a different jurisdiction within the People’s Republic of China.

Get other Relevant Permits and Licenses

Your business may require permits and/or licenses before it can start to operate. This depends on the nature of the products and services your business will offer. More information to determine which licenses or permits you may need can be found on the Licensing & Permits section of GovHK and the Business License Information Service.

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FAQs – Business Registration 

1. Can a Hong Kong Limited Company be incorporated if shareholders or directors cannot be present in Hong Kong?

Yes, as long as all completed due diligence documentation and payment are received upfront. Two options are available:

• Incorporate the company first under the service provider’s name and subsequently transfer the directorship and shareholding rights.
• Appoint the director(s) and shareholder(s) directly by sending the documentation by courier for signing and returning.

2. Can a company be incorporated quickly if shareholders or directors have limited time in Hong Kong?

Yes, by incorporating the company first under the service provider’s name, all relevant resolutions can be prepared, and directorship or shares can be transferred on the day the client is in Hong Kong.

However, booking an appointment for opening a business account may not be possible due to banks’ due diligence processes.

3. Is it necessary for both the director and shareholder to be present during the business account opening?

It depends on the bank. Some banks only require the director, who is the signatory to the banking documents, to be present. Account signatories must be present at all times.

4. How much does it cost to register a business in Hong Kong?

The cost varies depending on the business structure and services used.

For a Hong Kong Limited Company, the government Business Registration (BR) fee is HK$2,200 for a one−year certificate $or\; HK\$$5,720 for a three-year certificate (as of April 1, 2025).

Additional costs may include the incorporation fee$(e.g.,foracompany\; secretary\; oragent$) and optional items like company chops or seals.

There is no minimum share capit     al requirement, which keeps initial costs low.

5. Can foreigners start a business in Hong Kong?

Yes, foreigners can start a business in Hong Kong without any restrictions on nationality or residency. Shareholders and directors can be from anywhere in the world, as long as they are of legal age and provide valid identification (e.g., passport) and address proof.

However, the company must appoint a local company secretary (a Hong Kong resident or incorporated entity) to comply with the Companies Ordinance.

6. What is the difference between Business Registration Number (BRN) and Company Registration Number (CRN) in Hong Kong?

The Business Registration Number (BRN) is an 8-digit number issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) upon business registration, required for all businesses operating in Hong Kong (including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and companies). It is used for tax and regulatory purposes.

The Company Registration Number (CRN) is a unique 7- or 8-digit number issued by the Companies Registry specifically to incorporated companies (e.g., limited companies) upon incorporation.

In essence, all companies have both a CRN (for company-specific matters) and a BRN (for business operations), but non-company businesses only have a BRN.

7. What is the minimum capital for a company in Hong Kong?

There is no statutory minimum share capital requirement for a Hong Kong Limited Company under the Companies Ordinance.

However, the company must issue at least one share to at least one shareholder upon incorporation. The nominal value of shares can be as low as HK$0.01, making it flexible and cost−effective to start.

$Many\; companiesincorporatewith\; astandardissuedcapitalofHK\$$10,000 (e.g. 10,000 shares at HK$1 each), but this is not mandatory.

8. How many directors does a Hong Kong company need?

A Hong Kong Limited Company must have at least one director, who must be a natural person (individual) of at least 18 years old.

There is no upper limit on the number of directors, and they can be of any nationality or residency. Directors are responsible for the company’s management and compliance with the Companies Ordinance.

Note: The information provided is up-to-date as of the time of writing. For the most current information, please contact us at [email protected]