Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Non-Hong Kong residents can incorporate a local limited company in Hong Kong, and directors do not need to be Hong Kong residents. The company must still meet Hong Kong requirements, including having a company secretary and registered office.

For a typical company limited by shares, you need Form NNC1, the company’s Articles of Association and Form IRBR1 for business registration, together with the applicable government fees. The incorporation form must also include the first director(s), company secretary and Hong Kong registered office address.

For a local company having a share capital, the Companies Registry currently charges HK$1,545 for an electronic incorporation application or HK$1,720 for a hard-copy application. Business registration fee and levy are payable in addition. Government charges can change, so check the current official fee schedules before submission.

A straightforward electronic application for a private company limited by shares can normally be completed within about one hour if the proposed name does not require further consideration and the application passes system validation. Extra review, documentation issues or other circumstances can make the process longer.

Yes. A Hong Kong private company must have a company secretary and a registered office in Hong Kong. An individual company secretary must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong, while a corporate secretary must have its registered office or place of business in Hong Kong; a sole director cannot also be the company secretary.

A private company needs at least one director who is a natural person and can be formed with one shareholder. The same individual may generally be both a shareholder and a director, subject to the applicable company requirements.

No. A director of a Hong Kong private company does not need to be a Hong Kong resident. The company must have at least one director who is a natural person.

A Hong Kong private company must have a registered office address in Hong Kong. The address must be stated in the incorporation form and is used for communications and notices.

A company can have an English name, a Chinese name, or both, but English and Chinese characters cannot be mixed in the same name. An English limited company name must end with “Limited”, while a Chinese name must end with “有限公司” and use traditional Chinese characters. The proposed name must also meet the Companies Registry’s restrictions and may need approval in certain cases.

You can use the Companies Registry’s e-Search Services to carry out a free preliminary company name search. The proposed name must still meet the Companies Registry’s registration requirements and receive final acceptance.

No minimum amount of paid-up capital is prescribed under the Companies Ordinance. The appropriate share structure should nevertheless be considered based on the company’s ownership and commercial needs.

Yes. You can submit incorporation documents electronically through the Companies Registry’s e-Services Portal. Hard-copy applications are also permitted, so electronic incorporation is not mandatory.

For a one-year Business Registration Certificate commencing between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027, the current total is HK$2,350, comprising a HK$2,200 registration fee and HK$150 levy. A three-year certificate has a different charge, and these amounts can change, so check the latest IRD fee table before incorporation.

For a company limited by shares, members’ liability is generally limited to any amount unpaid on the shares they hold. A company limited by guarantee does not have share capital; members undertake to contribute a specified amount to the company’s assets if it is wound up. Most commercial businesses are established as companies limited by shares, while guarantee companies are commonly used for organisations that do not require share capital.

Form NNC1 is the incorporation form for a company limited by shares. Form NNC1G is used for a company not limited by shares, including a company limited by guarantee. The correct form depends on the company type being incorporated.

A common seal is optional under the Companies Ordinance. A company may keep one, but it is not required for incorporation. A company chop may still be used for convenience, but it is not a statutory requirement.

Yes. A local private company is generally required to deliver an Annual Return (Form NAR1) each year. The current registration fee is HK$105 if the return is delivered within 42 days after the company’s return date; higher fees apply to late delivery.

The Inland Revenue Department generally issues the first Profits Tax Return about 18 months after incorporation, but the exact issue date can vary depending on the company’s accounting date and the IRD’s issue cycle.

No. Company registration and trademark registration are separate systems. Registering a company name with the Companies Registry does not automatically give trademark protection. Businesses should consider a separate trademark search and registration where brand protection is important.