Hong Kong

• Subsidiary Private Limited : The most common structure, offering limited liability and flexibility in management. It must have at least one shareholder and one director while incorporating, these may be normal individuals or entities.
• Branch Office: For foreign companies to operate in Hong Kong without establishing a separate legal entity. Foreign company is liable for the losses and liabilities of the Branch Office.
• Representative Office: For foreign companies to conduct market research and promote their business without engaging in direct commercial activities.
• Partnership : A partnership is preferred by businesses, who want to run a business together without having to go through the complexity of a private limited incorporation. Partnership has more flexibility in management as the business is owned by partners involved in day-to-day operations.

Private Limited Company:

• Benefits: Limited liability for shareholders, flexibility in management, and favorable tax regime.
• Suitable For: Most small to medium-sized businesses and startups.

Public Limited Company:

• Benefits: Ability to raise capital through public offerings, limited liability, and higher company profile.
• Suitable For: Larger businesses or those intending to raise capital publicly.

• Choose a Company Name approved by Hong Kong Companies Registry.
• Choice of business structure.
• Directors and Shareholders meeting minimum requirements.
• Share Capital (often nominal such as HKD 1).
• Registered Office address in Hong Kong.
• Preparation of documents including IDs, proof of address, and Articles of Association.
• Submission of application with the Companies Registry.
• Appointing a company secretary.
• Obtain Business Registration Certificate from Inland Revenue Department.
• Open a Hong Kong business bank account.

• Passport and ID card of directors and shareholders.
• Proof of address (utility bill or bank statement).
• Corporate documents for corporate shareholders/directors.
• Description of business activities.
• Details of resident company secretary.
• Liability of members.
• Share capital particulars and number of shares.
• Proposed company name.
• Proof of local Hong Kong address.
• Completed incorporation forms and Articles of Association.

• Directors: At least one director; can be individual or entity. Non-resident directors allowed.
• Shareholders: At least one shareholder; individuals or entities; residents or non-residents.

No minimum share capital requirement. Commonly set at HKD 1 or a nominal amount.

Yes, a local Hong Kong address is required for the registered office and official correspondence.

There is no minimum capital requirement; nominal share capital such as HKD 1 is sufficient.

Yes, non-residents and foreigners can act as directors and shareholders. At least one director must be a natural person.

Companies Registry is the authority responsible for company incorporation and regulation in Hong Kong.

Yes, opening a bank account is necessary for operational and financial transactions.

Typically 1–2 weeks, depending on name approval and completeness of documentation.

Yes, appointment of a company secretary is mandatory. The secretary must be a Hong Kong resident or a Hong Kong-based corporate entity.

• Annual Return filing within 42 days of incorporation anniversary.
• Annual tax return filing with Inland Revenue Department.
• Preparation and filing of audited financial statements where applicable.

• Corporate tax rate of 16.5% on assessable profits.
• Reduced rate of 8.25% on profits under HKD 2 million.
• No VAT or GST in Hong Kong.

• A supportive government
• Premier business hub in Asia
• Low, simple & competitive tax system
• Multicultural talent pool
• Open business environment
• Vibrant city living
• World-class infrastructure