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Want to start a company in Hong Kong? Drawing on over 20 years of company registration experience, General Accounting has prepared the 2026 Hong Kong Company Incorporation Guide, summarising the key information entrepreneurs need to know and addressing common FAQs.
Note: The Business Registration Certificate fee will be adjusted to HK$ 2,350 on April 1, 2026. If you complete the company application on or before March 31, 2026, the business registration fee and levy are HK$ 2,200.
Pre-incorporation Preparation
First, understand these 7 key points to prepare before incorporating a company in Hong Kong:
- Company type: Limited company or unlimited company?
- Company name and name search
- Company structure: directors, shareholders, company secretary, and designated representative for significant controllers
- Share capital / shareholding ratio
- Registered office address / business address
- Open Company Account
- For new company registration, use an agent or do it yourself?
Next, follow the step-by-step guide below:
Starting a Company in Hong Kong: Laws, Legal Status Liability Explained
First, understand Hong Kong company types, which mainly fall into two categories:
Limited company: company limited by shares (Company limited by shares) and company limited by guarantee (Limited by Guarantee). For profit-making businesses, most choose a company limited by shares. In this article, “limited company” refers to a company limited by shares.
Unlimited company: sole proprietorship (sole proprietorship) and partnership (Partnership).
These two are fundamentally different in legal terms. The table below compares them based on Hong Kong Cap. 622 and Cap. 310:
Hong Kong Company Types and Relevant Legislation
Entrepreneurs often struggle most with registration fees, but professional advice is to prioritise industry risk and legal status.
| Item | Limited Company | Unlimited Company |
|---|---|---|
| Legal basis for incorporation | Incorporated under Hong Kong Cap. 622, the Companies Ordinance. | Established under Hong Kong Cap. 310, the Business Registration Ordinance. |
| Legal Entity Status | Has separate legal personality. The company is regarded as an “independent entity” in law and may hold assets, sign contracts, or initiate/defend legal proceedings in its own name. |
Does not have separate legal personality. The business identity overlaps with the proprietor (individual) or partners, and business must be conducted in the proprietor’s or partners’ personal names. |
| Number of persons required | Directors: at least 1; Company secretary: at least 1; Shareholders: 1 to 50. A corporate entity may be appointed as director, company secretary, or shareholder, but at least 1 director must be a natural person. |
Partners must be natural persons. Sole proprietorship: 1 proprietor; Partnership: 2–20 partners. |
| Liability | Limited liability: Liability is capped at the company’s share capital. |
Unlimited liability: Liability is unlimited and is tied to the proprietor or partners. |
| Risk isolation | If the company becomes insolvent, shareholders’ personal assets (e.g., property, deposits) are protected and they are not liable for debts beyond their share capital. | If the business owes debts, the proprietor or partners must assume all liabilities with no cap. |
| Business closure (winding up) | If operations fail, the company may apply for liquidation (Liquidation), and legal liability is limited to the share capital. | If the business becomes insolvent, the proprietor must repay all debts before applying to close the business, and may even face personal bankruptcy. |
Company type: Limited company or unlimited company?
This is the most important consideration before starting a business. The company type affects personal risk, procedures, costs, and ongoing compliance. Use the comparison table below to analyse which structure best suits your needs.
Setting up a limited company in Hong Kong
The biggest advantages of registering a Hong Kong limited company are limited liability and separate legal personality. Investors (shareholders) are liable only up to their share capital.
In addition, Hong Kong limited companies are protected under Hong Kong Cap. 622, the Companies Ordinance. The regime is well established, making it easy for overseas investors to understand how Hong Kong limited companies operate and more willing to work with Hong Kong companies.
Therefore, registering a Hong Kong limited company is suitable for all industries and risk management. The company’s liabilities are separated from shareholders’ personal liabilities, so you need not worry that business failure will affect personal assets. A limited company can also facilitate share transfers, making asset management and financing more convenient.
Learn more about the benefits of setting up a Hong Kong limited company:
[Benefits of a Limited Company] Why Set Up a Hong Kong Limited Company? 10 Key Benefits of Incorporation
Hong Kong Unlimited Company (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership)
An unlimited company is suitable for low-risk, simple structures and low-cost industries, such as small online shops or newspaper stands. In Hong Kong, the procedures are straightforward and the incorporation requirements are simple, with no need to appoint a company secretary. From incorporation steps and costs to structure and closure, it is generally simpler than registering a limited company.
Comparison of Pros and Cons: Limited vs Unlimited Companies
| Comparison item | Limited (Limited) | Unlimited (Unlimited) | Professional analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liability | 🟢 Wins (limited liability) | 🔴 Unlimited liability | Limited company assets are protected by law |
| Separate legal personality | 🟢 Wins (separate legal personality) | ⚪ No | A limited company can sign contracts independently |
| Legal risk | 🟢 Wins (lower risk) | 🔴 Higher | Risks are separated from personal assets |
| Latest 2026 tax rates# | 🟡 Tie First HK$2 million of assessable profits: 8.25% Above HK$2 million: 16.5% |
🟡 Tie First HK$2 million of assessable profits: 7.5% Above HK$2 million: 15% |
Unlimited companies have a slightly lower rate, but the difference is minimal |
| Transfer/succession | 🟢 Wins (shares transferable) | ⚪ No | Facilitates asset management and financing |
| Liquidation procedure | 🟢 Wins (can apply for liquidation) | ⚪ No | Provides a final firewall if operations fail |
| Registration costs | 🔴 Higher | 🟢 Wins (lower) | Unlimited companies have simpler procedures and lower costs |
| Opening a business bank account | 🔴 More difficult | 🟢 Wins (easier) | It is recommended to consult professionals for account-opening support |
| Closing the business | 🔴 Complex | 🟢 Wins (easy) | Unlimited companies generally have a faster closure process |
Remarks
# According to the 2026–27 Budget, 100% of profits tax, salaries tax and personal assessment for the year of assessment 2025/26 will be subject to a concession, capped at HK$ 3,000 per case. (This proposal is subject to legislative approval before implementation.)
Want to learn more about the comparison between limited vs unlimited companies?
Core Entrepreneurial Decision: Limited Company or Unlimited Company?
A Complete Breakdown of Key Considerations
Many entrepreneurs struggle at the start over “registration fees” or “accounting fees”, but General Accounting’s 20+ years of incorporation experience shows that incorporation costs are fixed and controllable, while operating risks are unknown and potentially unlimited.
Therefore, when deciding on a company structure, you should assess it according to the following priority order:
Priority Table for Company Incorporation Decisions (2026 Professional Recommendation)
| Consideration | Priority | Key impact on the business |
|---|---|---|
| Industry risk | 🔴 Extremely high | The higher the risk (e.g., trading, logistics), the greater the risk that losses will affect personal assets |
| Investment amount | 🔴 Extremely high | With substantial capital投入, without legal separation the risk becomes unlimited |
| Personal liability exposure | 🔴 Extremely high | Proprietors/partners of an unlimited company bear unlimited personal liability for business debts and may even face bankruptcy |
| Separate legal personality | 🔴 Extremely high | A limited company has separate legal status, fully separating the company from personal identity |
| Shareholding structure | 🔵 High | Where multiple parties are involved or shares may be transferred, a limited company has clear legal foundations |
| Credit and financing | 🔵 High | With a clear structure, limited companies generally have a higher success rate in bank financing approvals |
| Tax planning | 🟢 Medium | Professional accountants can legally optimise tax arrangements based on the company type |
| Registration and maintenance costs | 🟢 Medium | Although limited companies cost more, these are known and controllable ongoing expenses |
Cannot decide whether to set up a limited company or an unlimited company?
Separate legal personality, industry risk, investment amount, and personal liability exposure all relate to personal responsibility and assets, with uncertain and unpredictable outcomes, so they are the core factors in choosing between limited vs unlimited. For example, if a company invests in oil futures with a large investment amount, setting up a limited company is the best choice to avoid losses affecting personal assets.
Shareholding structure, operating model, and credit financing are secondary factors, unless multiple parties are investing together or substantial borrowing is required.
Future costs, tax matters, ongoing compliance work, and incorporation costs are known and controllable factors and should be considered last.
Therefore, before choosing between a limited company vs an unlimited company, you may first consider the appropriate company type based on the factors, priorities, and impacts listed above.
Comparison of Hong Kong Company Tax Filing
Tax rates
Limited company: first HK$2 million of assessable profits: 8.25%; portion above HK$2 million: 16.5%
Unlimited company: first HK$2 million of assessable profits: 7.5%; portion above HK$2 million: 15%
Tax returns
Sole proprietorship (unlimited): Individual Tax Return (BIR60). As there is no separate entity, the business and the individual file the same tax return.
Partnership (unlimited): Profits Tax Return (BIR52).
Limited company: Profits Tax Return – Corporations (BIR51). Company and personal taxes are handled separately.
Tax filing documents
Limited company: An audit report is required, together with a balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and tax computation.
Unlimited company: Balance sheet, profit and loss statement, and tax computation.
Company name and name search
Before registration, you should propose Chinese and English company names and conduct a name search, ensuring compliance with the following requirements:
- Must be composed of Traditional Chinese characters, numbers, or English letters.
- The Chinese name must end with “有限公司” and the English name must end with “Limited”.
- You may combine numbers with Chinese or numbers with English, but you may not mix Chinese and English in the same name.
- The name must not imply or resemble a government department or authority.
- The name must not be identical. Adding “Company” to an English company name will not be regarded as a new name.
- Certain words require approval from the Registrar of Companies, such as trustee, trust, travel association, tourism board, chamber of commerce, neighbourhood, levy, savings, etc.
Company structure: directors, shareholders, company secretary, significant controllers and designated representative
Company directors
Directors are elected by shareholders and are primarily responsible for day-to-day operations and decision-making. They also act on behalf of the company and may be the same person as a shareholder.
Further reading:[Company Directors] What Are the Responsibilities and Duties of a Hong Kong Company Director? Director Change Procedures
Founding members (shareholders)
Founding members are investors who contribute capital to establish the company. They may also serve as directors, or be silent shareholders who do not participate in operations.
Further reading: What Is the Difference Between Directors and Shareholders? A Complete Guide to Shareholder Rights, Responsibilities and Tax Implications
Hong Kong company secretary
The company secretary is mainly responsible for corporate governance and may be an individual or a corporate entity. If the director and shareholder are the same person, a third party must be appointed as company secretary.
The Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) licensing regime has been in effect since March 1, 2018. Under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance, anyone carrying on a trust or company service business in Hong Kong must hold a TCSP licence and is regulated under the TCSP Registry licensing regime.
More details on company secretaries: Company Secretary Licence, Qualifications, Legal Liability and Duties
Significant Controllers and SCR Designated Representative
Under the Companies (Amendment) Ordinance 2018 implemented on March 1, 2018, companies must keep a Significant Controllers Register and appoint a designated representative to handle it.
Significant controller: The company must keep a Significant Controllers Register recording persons who hold 25% or more of shares or voting rights (including beneficial owners in trust arrangements).
SCR designated representative: You must appoint at least one Hong Kong resident or a limited company as the designated representative for significant controllers, responsible for keeping the SCR up to date.
Share capital / shareholding ratio
Registered share capital is a core consideration when choosing to set up a limited company in Hong Kong
A limited company’s share capital represents the financial liability that founding members assume. The purpose of setting up a limited company is to protect shareholders with limited liability. Therefore, most Hong Kong companies set their share capital at HK$1 to HK$ 10,000.
However, in special cases the share capital must be higher. For example, to apply for a travel agent licence, the Travel Industry Authority requires applications to be made by a limited company with a minimum share capital of HK$ 500,000. For each additional branch business address, the share capital must be increased by HK$ 250,000.
Shareholding ratio
The shareholding ratio can be regarded as the proportion of equity and the total ownership interest. Shareholders share ownership and benefits based on the number of shares they hold.
Example of share capital:
Registered share capital of HK$ 10,000 with two founding members. If each shareholder contributes HK$ 5,000, each holds 50% ownership and benefits in the company.
Registered office address / business address
A Hong Kong limited company must provide a registered office address. The registered address must be a commercial address or mixed commercial-residential. Public rental housing or subsidised housing cannot be used as a company address, as this would breach subsidised housing guidelines.
The Business Registration Certificate shows the business address for both limited and unlimited companies. If you do not have a suitable company address, you may consider General Accounting’s virtual office service.
Company bank account
A business bank account is a crucial part of starting a company in Hong Kong. You should choose a suitable bank in advance based on your business needs.
You must prepare thoroughly in advance. As banks’ anti-money laundering measures become increasingly stringent, you should understand the required documents and supporting information for opening an account to avoid delays.
Further reading:
Limited Company Incorporation Process
Below are the 8 key steps to incorporate a Hong Kong company:
Step 1: Company name search
A limited company name must be unique and cannot be duplicated. Before incorporation, you must conduct a company name search to confirm whether the Chinese and English names can be used.
Detailed step-by-step guide: Company Name Search Guide | Step-by-Step: CR e-Services on the Companies Registry Website
Step 2: Complete incorporation documents
NNC1 Incorporation Form
Fill in details such as the company name, registered office address, directors, and founding members.
Articles of association
The Articles of Association are a key document for setting up a limited company. They include founding member details, share capital, directors’ powers, and the company’s operating rules.
You may tailor the Articles of Association to your needs, but most companies use the sample provided by the Companies Registry, as follows:
Sample A Articles of Association for a Private Company Limited by Shares<Simplified Format>
Sample B Model Articles of Association for a Private Company Limited by Shares
Sample C Model Articles of Association for a Public Company Limited by Shares
IRBR1 Notice to Business Registration Office
The IRBR1 Notice to Business Registration Office is used when incorporating a company to select and pay for a 1-year or 3-year Business Registration Certificate.
NNC3 Consent to Act as First Director
When incorporating, a director may choose to sign and confirm appointment as the first director on the NNC1 form, or complete and sign the NNC3 form within 15 days after incorporation.
For a detailed, step-by-step guide to the incorporation forms, please refer to another article: Comprehensive Guide to Company Registration Documents | Latest NNC1
Step 3: Fees for incorporation forms
2026 Limited Company Registration Fee
有限公司註冊費分為兩部份包括: 公司註冊費和商業登記費及徵費
有限公司註冊費
| 紙本成立方式 | 電子成立方式 | |
|---|---|---|
| 申請公司註冊費 | HK$ 1,720 | HK$ 1,545 |
| 申請不批准退款 | HK$ 1,425 | HK$ 1,280 |
Business registration fee and levy (on or after April 1, 2026)
商業登記費及徵費 2026
| BR 有效期 | 商業登記費 | 徵費 | 商業登記證費用（總數） |
|---|---|---|---|
| 一年 | HK$ 2,200 | HK$ 150 | HK$ 2,350 |
| 三年 | HK$ 5,720 | HK$ 450 | HK$ 6,170 |
資料來源: https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/pdf/brfee_table.pdf
Step 4: Submit incorporation forms and collect the Business Registration Certificate and Certificate of Incorporation
Under the Companies Ordinance, electronic certificates for the Business Registration Certificate and Certificate of Incorporation have the same legal effect as printed certificates.
Electronic incorporation
Apply for a limited company via the Companies Registry e-Services website http://www.e-services.cr.gov.hk. One hour after successful submission, you can download the “electronic Certificate of Incorporation” and “electronic Business Registration Certificate” from the CR website. Simply print the electronic BR and display it prominently at the business premises; it has the same legal effect as the printed certificate (original).
More step-by-step guidance for incorporating from home: [Online Company Incorporation] What Is Electronic Incorporation? Same-Day Limited Company Setup Guide
Paper application
Submit the completed and signed forms, together with the fee of HK$ 4,070 (fees applicable after April 1, 2026), to the Companies Registry. Approval is generally completed in 4–7 working days. The submitter must bring the collection slip and HKID or company chop to collect the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration in person at the Companies Registry.
If you authorise a third party to collect on your behalf, the collector must bring a copy of the submitter’s identity document and a signed authorisation letter.
Companies Registry address: 14/F, High Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
Office hours: Monday to Friday 8:45 AM–12:30 PM and 2:00 PM–5:00 PM
Step 5: File IRBR200 Notice of Commencement of Business for Corporations
As the company has not yet commenced operations, the business nature on the Business Registration Certificate is “Corp”. You must submit a Notice of Commencement of Business to inform the Inland Revenue Department of the commencement date and business nature.
Important!! This step is critical. We have had clients seek help because they incorporated on their own and did not file IRBR200. With BR business nature shown as Corp , their bank account application was rejected.
Step 6: Make a company chop or green box
At a minimum, you will need a small round company chop and a signature chop for daily operations, such as issuing invoices and signing tenancy agreements. You may also customise a company green box , which includes 3 chops, the Articles of Association, and the company records book.
Step 7: Open a company bank account
After successful incorporation, you can book an appointment with a bank to open a company account. Directors and shareholders must attend in person and bring the following documents:
- Business Registration Certificate (IRBR200 filed and business nature updated)
- Company registration certificate
- Incorporation documents: Articles of Association, NNC1, IRBR1 and NNC3 (if applicable)
- Company chop or company green box
- Identity documents and address proof of directors and shareholders
- Business plan
- Others: such as invoices and background proof of company members—please check with the bank in advance
Note: Account opening requirements and fees vary by bank. It is recommended to consult the bank in advance regarding account opening fees, company search fees, and supporting documents required.
Further reading: Bank Account Opening Process, Required Documents, Requirements and Fees
Step 8: Apply for licences and permits
After opening a company bank account, the limited company incorporation process is essentially complete. Except for specific industries, companies may conduct business freely in Hong Kong. For details on licences and permits in Hong Kong, please refer to: GovHK One-Stop Portal: Registration Licensing
Annual Compliance After Company Registration
Annual General Meeting
An Annual General Meeting is the shareholders’ annual meeting required under the Companies Ordinance. Directors and shareholders mainly discuss matters such as appointment/removal of the company secretary and directors, dividends, financial statements, and resolutions/voting.
Under the amended Companies Ordinance section 612(2)(a), if a company has only one member, it may dispense with holding an AGM without passing a resolution.
Annual return
Within 42 days after each anniversary of incorporation, the company must file the Annual Return. The fee is HK$105. If it is not filed within 42 days, the registration fee will increase significantly to HK$870–HK$3,480, and the company may be prosecuted by the Companies Registry.
Further reading: [Annual Return Penalties] Late Filing of NAR1Why Do You Need to Go to Court? Includes 10 Common Mistakes and the Correct Filing Method
Business registration renewal
The Business Registration Certificate is valid for one or three years. A new BR will be sent to the registered address about one month before expiry. You must renew the business registration before the payment deadline and display a valid Business Registration Certificate at the registered address.
employer filings
Every April, the Inland Revenue Department issues Employer’s Returns (BIR 56A and 56B forms) to companies. The company must file employees’ tax returns within one month.
Further reading: Employers’ Filing Obligations
Accounting and Tax Filing
Directors are responsible for keeping and preparing accounting records and arranging an audit report for profits tax filing and to keep shareholders informed of the company’s financial position. The first Profits Tax Return is usually issued 18 months after incorporation, and thereafter the Profits Tax Return (BIR51) is issued every April. The filing deadline varies depending on the company’s accounting year-end.
For new company registration, use an agent or do it yourself?
It is recommended to engage a reputable company formation agent that holds a TCSP licence. Time is money—unless you already have experience in company registration, there is no need to spend time researching the procedures yourself.
Further reading: 8 Key Things to Note When Starting a Company in Hong Kong! DIY vs Using a Company Formation Service
General Accounting One-Stop New Company Registration vs DIY Incorporation
| 比較項目 | 將軍會計 (代辦服務) | 自己註冊公司 (DIY) | 💡 將軍會計專業分析 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 政府註冊費 2026年4月1日後 | 平 HK$ 4,070 | 平 HK$ 4,070 | 無論經誰辦理，政府規費均一致。 |
| 投入時間 | 勝 極速高效 | 🔴 花費大量時間學習與往返 | 省下至少 10 小時研究流程與交通時間。 |
| 服務費用 | 🔴 HK$ 500 - 1,000 | 勝 零收費 | DIY 雖免服務費，但需承擔隱藏的時間與風險成本。 |
| 訂製印章/綠盒 | 勝 已包含在服務內 | 🔴 需另加 HK$ 300 - 800 | 自行訂製費已抵銷代辦服務費的 50%以上。 |
| 流程舒適度 | 勝 在家坐等證書 | 🔴需奔波註冊處與登記署 | 我們代您處理所有文書，您只需簽名即可。 |
| 出錯率 | 勝 20年經驗零失誤 | 🔴 容易因不熟程序被退件 | 退件不單浪費時間，嚴重者更需重新繳費申請。 |
| 往後跟進 | 勝 合規提醒服務 | 🔴易遲交申報導致罰款 | 逾期申報（如 NAR1）罰款最高可達 HK$ 3,480。 |
Real Case Study
A client from Kunming once sought our help. He had completed the limited company incorporation process himself, but his bank account application was rejected because the business nature on the Business Registration Certificate was CORP and he had not prepared the register of shareholders, register of directors, and Significant Controllers Register, failing to meet the bank’s KYC requirements.
Although we ultimately rectified the issues and successfully assisted with opening the company bank account, the client still lost time and incurred hotel and flight change costs—truly not worth it.
Why choose “General Accounting” as your entrepreneurial partner?
While you can incorporate a company DIY, in 2026 banks’ reviews for “anti-money laundering” and KYC are extremely stringent. General Accounting’s company registration advantages are as follows:
- 20 years of hands-on experience: We have over 20 years of practical experience in company registration and tax consulting, and understand every detail of Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial environment.
- Statutory licence assurance: General Accounting holds a government-recognised Trust or Company Service Provider licence (TCSP licence no.: TC002940), ensuring your company secretarial services are lawful and compliant—never an unlicensed “white-label” agent.
- One-stop expert team: From company incorporation and bank account opening guidance to ongoing accounting, auditing and tax filing, we provide comprehensive concierge-style services so your business has a solid compliance foundation from day one.
- Transparent pricing, no traps: We insist on open and transparent pricing, with absolutely no hidden charges behind “$1 company incorporation” offers—giving you peace of mind as you start your business.
On the entrepreneurial journey, you need more than an agent—you need a professional partner who can grow with you. Do not let tedious administrative matters become an obstacle to your success.
📢 Take the first step to success—contact General Accounting now!
Let our experts conduct a free company name search for you and provide the most professional structuring advice tailored to your business plan.
Important Notes for Company Incorporation
Engage a qualified company secretary firm
Choose a secretary firm with a TCSP licence and verify its background to ensure it is not an unlicensed “white-label” company secretary.
Further reading:[Registering a Hong Kong Company] Beware of 5 Major Traps! How to Choose a One-Stop Hong Kong Company Registration Agent
Ultra-cheap, $1, or even free company incorporation
There is no such thing as a free lunch. Behind unreasonable “ultra-cheap” offers, there are usually hidden charges or prepaid service fees.
Further reading:[$1 Company Incorporation] Revealing the Truth Behind “Free” Company Registration: Hidden Charges Entrepreneurs Must Know
Limited vs unlimited company—which is better?
There is no absolute answer. It depends on each person’s circumstances, background, and case. You should consult a professional.
General Accounting has been established for over 20 years and can provide a free initial consultation on comparing limited and unlimited companies.
Additional service fees that may arise when incorporating a company in Hong Kong
In addition to incorporation service fees and government fees, there may be additional costs depending on your needs, such as:
- Virtual Office Services
- Acting as the designated representative for the Significant Controllers Register
- Appointment as company secretary
- Service fees and company search fees for opening a company bank account
- Accounting and Tax Filing
- Personal tax planning
Even if the company name search is passed, it does not mean the application will definitely be approved
Because the Registrar of Companies may reject applications with names that are too similar.
Example: A name that is too similar to a world-famous brand
A client once wanted to register “LeXX Production Limited 樂X製作”. Although we advised that it might not be approved, the client wanted to try. The registration ultimately failed because the company name was too similar to “LeXX 樂X”.
Therefore, you should consult a professional company secretary firm before applying. General Accounting provides a free company name search and assistance service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Starting a Company
How much are the government fees for starting a company in Hong Kong in 2026?
On or after April 1, 2026, the business registration fee and levy will be adjusted to HK$2,350. Fees are as follows:
Limited company (paper): company registration fee HK$1,720 and business registration fee HK$ 2,350, total HK$ 4,070.
Limited company (online): company registration fee HK$1,545 and business registration fee HK$ 2,350, total HK$ 3,895.
Unlimited company: business registration fee HK$ 2,350.
After incorporation, is it mandatory to open a company bank account? Can I receive payments using the director’s account?
After incorporation, it is not mandatory to open a company bank account. However, it is not recommended to use a director’s or shareholder’s personal account to receive company payments or handle business transactions. Using a personal account for business purposes violates personal account usage rules and may result in the bank freezing the account or, in serious cases, closing it.
Further reading: What to Do If Your Bank Account Is Frozen/Closed? 10 Key Reasons, How to Unfreeze, and Prevention Guide
Is a shelf company a limited company or an unlimited company?
A shelf company is a limited company. Only a limited company can be transferred.
Can I set up an offshore company in Hong Kong?
Yes. You can complete the offshore company incorporation procedures in Hong Kong and open an offshore company business account. General Accounting provides registration services for Cayman Islands companies, BVI companies, and Seychelles companies.
How long does it take to incorporate a company online?
Electronic incorporation can be completed as fast as the same day, including obtaining the BR.
Can non-Hong Kong residents start a company in Hong Kong?
Yes. Shareholders and directors may be foreign nationals. However, it is more difficult for non-residents to set up an unlimited company. For details, please refer to: [Requirements for Starting a Company] Can Non-Hong Kong Residents Start a Company?
Do I need to file tax returns if the company makes a loss?
Yes. However, losses can be carried forward to offset profits in the following year.
Further reading: [Company Tax Filing] Unlimited/Limited Company Tax Filing Guide | Latest Guide to Tax Rates, Fees and Procedures
Conclusion
The first step on the entrepreneurial journey is always full of anticipation, but choosing the right company type is the key to building a long-term foundation. In the 2026 business environment, rather than focusing on minor differences in registration or accounting fees, entrepreneurs should prioritise core factors such as industry risk, investment amount, and personal liability exposure.
Although DIY registration may appear to save service fees, the hidden time cost (at least 10 hours) and the risks of unfamiliarity with regulations (such as failing to file IRBR200 or maintain the SCR Significant Controllers Register) can often lead to failed bank account opening or substantial penalties—making it not worth the trade-off.
General Accounting has over 20 years of hands-on experience in company incorporation and holds a government-recognised Trust or Company Service Provider licence (licence no.: TC002940). We insist on transparent pricing, with absolutely no hidden traps behind “$1 company incorporation” offers. We are committed to providing one-stop expert services from company registration and account opening guidance to accounting and tax filing, so you can focus on business development without worrying about tedious compliance matters.
If you have any questions about starting a company in Hong Kong, our professional customer service managers can provide free initial assistance and enquiries on company registration.
Would you like to experience our efficient service? I can first conduct a free company name search for you to ensure your preferred name is available.
Further Reading:
[Shelf Company] 5 Key Benefits of Shelf Companies | 8 Important Things to Note When Buying a Company
References:
1. “Businesses” required to register and application for business registration
https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/tax/bre_abr.htm#a1
2. Hong Kong Cap. 622 Companies Ordinance
https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap622!en?xpid=ID_1438403540228_004&INDEX_CS=N
3. Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310)
https://www.elegislation.gov.hk/hk/cap310!en?INDEX_CS=N
4. Trust and Company Service Providers Registry
https://www.tcsp.cr.gov.hk/tcspls/index?lang=en
5. Companies Registry – Significant Controllers Register
https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/legislation/scr/faq.htm
6. Hong Kong Company Name Registration Guidelines
https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/companies_ordinance/docs/Guide_RegCompName-e.pdf
7. Travel Industry Authority – Capital Requirements
https://www.tia.org.hk/en/licensing/travel-agents/licensing-and-renewal-criteria/capital-requirement.html
8. Profits tax rates
https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/taxes/taxfiling/taxrates/profitsrates.htm
9. Salaries tax and personal assessment rates https://www.gov.hk/en/residents/taxes/taxfiling/taxrates/salariesrates.htm#pr
