Hong Kong remains a global hub for business and finance, with its strategic location, favorable tax regime, and business-friendly policies. Registering your company in Hong Kong is a straightforward process that can be completed within a few days. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of registering your company in Hong Kong.
Step 1: Choose your company name
The first step in registering your company in Hong Kong is to choose a unique name for your business. The name should not be identical or similar to any existing registered companies in Hong Kong. You can check the availability of your desired name using the online search function provided by the Companies Registry.
See here for Company Name Guidelines.
Step 2: Decide on your business structure
The next step is to decide on your business structure. The most common types of business structures in Hong Kong are sole proprietorship, partnership, and limited company. A limited company is the most popular option and offers limited liability protection.
Step 3: Choose a business address
All companies registered in Hong Kong must have a registered address, used for official correspondence. You can use a commercial address or a residential address, but it must be a physical address (not a PO Box). A company secretarial service provider (such as Zzzzip) can provide you with a registered office address.
Step 4: Appoint a company secretary and a director
Every company in Hong Kong must appoint a company secretary and at least one director. The company secretary must be a Hong Kong resident, or preferably a licensed Trust and Corporate Services Provider, and is responsible for ensuring that the company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements. The company director can be a foreigner. You can appoint yourself as the director of your company.
Step 5: File the incorporation documents
The next step is to file the incorporation documents with the Companies Registry. The documents include the Articles of Association and the Form NNC1. You can file the documents online (with an e-Registry account) or in person.
Step 6: Obtain a Business Registration Certificate
After your company is incorporated, you must obtain a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) from the Inland Revenue Department. This certificate is required for conducting business in Hong Kong and must be renewed annually. If you incorporate your business online, you can obtain a BRC at the same time.
Step 7: Open a bank account
Finally, you need to open a bank account for your company. You can choose from a range of traditional or online banks in Hong Kong. Each bank has its own strengths and weaknesses so you should do your homework first.
