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The number of registered companies in Hong Kong hit an all-time high of 1.56 million in 2025.
As we step into 2026, Hong Kong is making headlines once again, continuing to affirm its status as Asia’s premier business destination. This is more than just a statistic; it underscores Hong Kong’s enduring allure as the go-to hub for business in Asia. This unprecedented scale silences a persistent question that has lingered in global boardrooms in recent years: the status of Hong Kong. And now it provides a powerful, objective answer: Hong Kong remains Asia’s premier business destination.
Fueling Innovation: A 11% Surge
The granular data, released recently, makes this conclusion inescapable. The 2025 Annual Survey of Companies in Hong Kong with Parent Companies Located Outside Hong Kong and the 2025 Startup Survey reveal the dynamic engines behind this growth:
- Up 96,609 new company registrations compared to 2024.
- A 11% year-on-year increase in overseas and Mainland-parented companies, a key indicator of global investment, bringing the total to 11,070.
- Parallel growth of 11% in the startup sector, a vital segment for innovation, now numbering 5,221 firms.
These figures are a tangible growing vote of global confidence. They affirm the city’s incomparable attractiveness for enterprises and entrepreneurs from around the world to establish, expand, and innovate. This confidence is deeply rooted in the city’s unique advantages under “One Country, Two Systems,” which provide the stable and strategic framework for this remarkable expansion.
Over the past five years, particularly during the height of the pandemic, comparisons with other global hubs—such as Singapore, Thailand, and Dubai—have fueled intense debates. Yet, the 1.56 million milestone represents a collective calculated verdict by the market, cutting through speculative narratives. It shows that for a vast and growing array of enterprises, from multinationals to nimble startups, Hong Kong’s foundational strengths offer a combination of security, talent, and opportunity that is unmatched in the region.
The Dual Gateway: Where the World Meets China
At the heart of this resurgence is Hong Kong’s irreplaceable role as a dual gateway. For international firms eager to tap into China’s vast market, Hong Kong is the trusted entry point. Its robust financial markets, common law system, and open exchange of information create a safe space for global businesses to thrive. Conversely, for Mainland companies looking to expand internationally, particularly those aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong is the launching pad they need.
This dynamic two-way exchange of business is a powerful engine like no other city can offer.
A New Era: How Resilience and Community Shape the Business Landscape
But let’s not forget that a burgeoning market of 1.56 million entities also means fierce competition and relentless innovation. The landscape isn’t just about established industries anymore; it’s increasingly shaped by a wave of passionate entrepreneurs and innovators driven to create new market opportunities in areas like green finance, artificial intelligence, and biotech.
This shift requires more than savvy policies; it demands a mindset rooted in resilience and community. Businesses that thrive here are increasingly those that contribute to society’s broader needs—from sustainability initiatives to talent development. This focus on lasting value creates an ecosystem where both companies and communities can grow together.
The evidence speaks for itself. The 1.56 million companies are not just numbers—they’re the active players writing Hong Kong’s next chapter. In 2026, the city is more than a hub; it’s a continually evolving platform, leveraging its pivotal position between China and the world while ambitiously crafting future capabilities.
Hong Kong’s premier status isn’t just about tradition; it’s about reinvention and resilience. As it continues to adapt and grow, the story that emerges from these statistics is one of a vibrant and confident future—one where Hong Kong reaffirms its role as a beacon of opportunity for enterprises across the globe.
Key Takeaway
- Record Company Growth: Hong Kong reached 1.56 million registered companies in 2025, solidifying its role as Asia’s top business hub.
- Rise in Innovation: 11% increase in foreign and Mainland companies as well as startups, showing strong global interest in Hong Kong.
- Gateway to China: A key entry point for international firms looking to access China’s market and help Mainland companies expand globally.
- Community Focus: Business landscape is shifting towards innovation and sustainability, with companies increasingly prioritizing community impact and collaboration.
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