COMPANY FORMATION · HONG KONG
Hong Kong, the gateway that still works fast.
A common-law system, a simple two-tier profits tax and certificates issued within about an hour online: Hong Kong remains a practical base for trading and holding companies with interests in Asia.
AT A GLANCE
The essentials, October 2026.
Indicative figures checked against official and specialist sources. Always confirm with licensed advisers.
- Typical structure
- Private company limited by shares
- Registry
- Companies Registry
- Incorporation fee
- HK$1,545 online (HK$1,720 on paper), plus business registration fee and levy
- Speed
- Online certificates usually issued within about an hour
- Profits tax
- Two-tier: 8.25% on the first HK$2 million, 16.5% above, for corporations
- Sales tax / VAT
- None
STRUCTURES
Key requirements
| Type | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Director | At least one individual director | No residency requirement; corporate directors also permitted alongside |
| Company secretary | Required | An individual ordinarily resident in Hong Kong, or a company with its office in Hong Kong; a sole director cannot also be the secretary |
| Registered office | An address in Hong Kong | Usually provided by a licensed trust or company service provider |
| Shareholders | From one | No nationality restrictions |
The right structure, in the right place.
ATLAS MAISON · Business concierge
COSTS
What to budget for.
Indicative only. Packages and government fees change; your advisers confirm the exact figures.
- Companies Registry: HK$1,545 for online incorporation, HK$1,720 on paper.
- Business registration fee and levy are paid separately with the incorporation documents.
- Company secretary and registered address services are charged by licensed providers.
- Annual audit is required for Hong Kong companies; budget for accounting and audit fees.
THE PROCESS
Four clear steps.
- 1
Name & structure
Check the name and agree shareholders, director and secretary.
- 2
Incorporation
File online with the Companies Registry together with the business registration application.
- 3
Registers & filings
Significant controllers register, statutory books and annual returns.
- 4
Banking
Open a corporate account, which often takes longer than incorporation.
IMPORTANT
This guide is general information, checked in October 2026, and not legal, tax or immigration advice. Fees, thresholds and rules change; licensed professionals confirm what applies to you. ATLAS MAISON coordinates the process and introduces licensed corporate service providers, lawyers and accountants.
Questions, answered
How much does it cost to set up a company in Hong Kong?
The Companies Registry fee is HK$1,545 online or HK$1,720 on paper, plus the business registration fee and levy. Secretary, address and accounting services are separate.
Do I need to live in Hong Kong to own a company there?
No. Directors and shareholders can live anywhere, but the company secretary must be resident in Hong Kong or a Hong Kong company.
How fast is incorporation in Hong Kong?
Online applications are usually processed within about an hour; paper applications within about four working days.
What tax does a Hong Kong company pay?
Profits tax on Hong Kong-sourced profits, at 8.25% on the first HK$2 million and 16.5% above for corporations. There is no VAT or sales tax.
COMPANY FORMATION
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