Company registration in Hong Kong (Private Company Limited by Shares)
We assist with company registration in Hong Kong (Private Company Limited by Shares), including consultation, preparation of incorporation documents, and submission to the Companies Registry. Registration takes up to 5 business days. Ongoing accounting support is available after incorporation
WoBorders is an independent private consulting company. We provide advisory and administrative support and are not affiliated with any government authority or official registry
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What type of business is a Hong Kong company suitable for
A Hong Kong company is most commonly used for international trade, online businesses, and service-based models working with clients across different countries. Below are typical use cases
Advantages of a Hong Kong company for international business
Hong Kong combines English as a working language, a separate legal system, and a clear corporate structure. Below are key advantages that are especially valuable for international business operations
English as a working language
English is widely used in the legal, corporate, and business environments in Hong Kong. This makes it easier to work with documents, contracts, and international communication
Separate legal system
Hong Kong operates under the “one country, two systems” model and has its own legal system, distinct from that of mainland China. For international businesses, this provides legal clarity and a familiar common law framework
Clear corporate structure
A Private Company Limited by Shares is the most common company structure used for operational activities, contractual work, and building international business structures. It is a well-understood format for B2B cooperation and daily business operations
Convenient structure for international operations
Hong Kong companies are often used to work with clients, partners, and contractors across different countries. This structure is well-suited for international contracts, invoicing, and cross-border operations
Still have questions about opening a company in Hong Kong?
Taxes and reporting for companies in Hong Kong
Hong Kong has one of the most transparent and business-friendly tax systems for international companies. Below are the key tax rates, taxation principles, and basic accounting and reporting requirements.
👉 You can read more about Hong Kong taxes and the territorial taxation principle in our separate article.
Which company structure to choose in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, the most common legal structure is a Private Company Limited by Shares — a limited liability company similar to an LLC. This format is used by most international businessesthat work with clients outside Hong Kong. It is the standard company structure for international business, IT, e-commerce, and consulting.
Private Company Limited by Shares is the most widely used company structure in Hong Kong for international businesses, including e-commerce, IT companies, consulting firms, and trading businesses. It is typically chosen when a company works with clients in multiple countries.
Key things to know about this structure:
Shareholders’ liability is limited to the amount of their contributions, and the company cannot publicly offer its shares. It is a standard private structure used for operational activities, contractual work, and international transactions.
Basic registration requirements:
To register a company, only one director and one shareholder are required, and they may be the same person. There are no residency requirements for the director, but a company secretary, a registered address in Hong Kong, and a share capital of HKD 1 or more are mandatory.
Who it is suitable for:
This structure is commonly used by e-commerce businesses, IT companies, consulting firms, agency models, and international trading companies.
Launch format:
Both the incorporation process and the ongoing management of the company can be handled remotely.
What is required to register a company in Hong Kong
To register a company in Hong Kong, you must prepare a basic set of documents and information about the founders and the future business activity. If you plan to open a company in Hong Kong, it is important to define the business structure in advance and prepare the information required for submission to the Companies Registry.
How long does it take to register a company in Hong Kong?
Company registration in Hong Kong (Private Company Limited by Shares) usually takes up to 5 business days after the documents are prepared and the application is submitted to the registry.
Planning to register a company in Hong Kong?
Get a consultation regarding the company structure, required documents, registration timeline, and accounting support
Stages of company registration in Hong Kong
The process of registering a company in Hong Kong usually takes several business days and includes preparing documents, submitting them to the Companies Registry in Hong Kong, and obtaining corporate certificates. After incorporation, the company receives two key documents: the Certificate of Incorporation and the Business Registration Certificate (BRC), which confirms the company’s tax registration in Hong Kong.
👉 You can learn more about the Business Registration Certificate (BRC) and its role in company operations in our article.
Company registration cost in Hong Kong and support packages
The cost of registering a company in Hong Kong starts at € 1,600. The final price depends on the selected support package, corporate services, and the chosen method of opening a business account. Below are the main registration and support packages.
BASIC
Best for entrepreneurs exploring international operations through Hong Kong
- Initial consultation (30 min)
- Company registration including all administrative forms, document package, and Business Registration Certificate (BRC)
- Corporate secretary for 1 year and legal address
- Consultation on international payment solutions such as Payoneer
STANDARD
Optimal option for businesses with international operations
- Everything included in the Basic package, plus:
- Certified and apostilled package of company registration documents issued through the Home Affairs Department*
*This document package may be required to open a bank account, pass KYC checks, or register companies in other jurisdictions. The apostille confirms the legal validity of the documents outside Hong Kong.
PRO
Comprehensive solution for businesses requiring support in Hong Kong
- Everything included in the Basic and Standard packages, plus:
- CFC notification filing (for Ukrainians only)
- Opening a business account with Airwallex
We will help you choose the registration format and estimate the cost
Your consultant
Ivan Chebotarov
CEO & co-Founder
Describe your request or ask a question
We usually reply within 15 minutes during business hours. No obligation
Frequently asked questions about company registration in Hong Kong
Can foreign nationals own 100% of a Hong Kong company?
Yes. Foreign nationals can own 100% of the shares of a Hong Kong company and act as the sole director and shareholder. There are no citizenship restrictions for company owners.
Is a local director required to register a company in Hong Kong?
No, a local director is not required to register a company in Hong Kong. A foreign national can act as a director, but the company must have at least one individual director, a corporate secretary, and a registered address in Hong Kong. If the secretary is an individual, they must usually reside in Hong Kong. If it is a company, its registered or principal office must be located in Hong Kong.
Can a bank account for a Hong Kong company be opened remotely?
Opening an account in traditional Hong Kong banks can be difficult for non-residents and often requires physical presence and business connections with Hong Kong. For this reason, many companies use international fintech platforms, such as Airwallex, Payoneer , or Wise, which allows businesses to operate in major currencies and process international payments.
Is Hong Kong considered an offshore jurisdiction, and are there associated risks for conducting business there?
No, Hong Kong is not considered a classic offshore jurisdiction. It is an international financial center with transparent regulation and a stable legal system. However, in some countries, including Ukraine, Hong Kong may be included in lists of low-tax jurisdictions for tax control purposes.
Is it true that foreign income is not taxed in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong applies the territorial taxation principle, meaning only income generated within Hong Kong is subject to tax. If a company conducts its activities outside the territory and can prove it, such income may not be taxable.
This may apply if:
– the company has no clients or suppliers in Hong Kong
– company management is conducted outside Hong Kong
– goods or services are not provided within Hong Kong
– key business decisions are made outside Hong Kong
Offshore income status is confirmed during the tax reporting process.
What tax does a company pay if operating in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong applies a two-tier profits tax system. The first HKD 2 million of profit is taxed at 8.25%, while the remaining profit is taxed at 16.5%. At the same time, Hong Kong does not impose VAT, dividend tax, or capital gains tax.
👉 👉 You can read more about Hong Kong taxes and the territorial taxation principle in our separate article.
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Ongoing support for Hong Kong companies
