Do I need to be in Hong Kong for bank account opening?

Yes. If you want a Hong Kong bank account, you need to be in Hong Kong for account interview.

Can I appoint someone to meet with bankers on my behalf?

No, banks need to meet with the director and shareholder in person.

What is the standard time frame for account opening in Hong Kong?

The approximate time frame is 2 – 3 weeks.

I am a premium account holder. Can bank provide express service?

Bank has no express service. However, you can prepare documents in advance to facilitate the account opening process.

What are the documents to be prepared?

In general, banks want to know your business nature. If you can prepare a business plan and show them your website, they can usually process your application faster.

If bankers ask me for additional supporting documents, is it necessary to provide him?

Banker has full discretion in approving your application. If his request is reasonable, you should follow his instruction to shorten application time. You can contact our incorporation team to learn more about banking culture in Hong Kong and China.

Can GSHK support me for bank account opening?

Yes, we also have bank support pack available. The cost starts at HK$6,000, and it depends on your business nature and years of your business experience.

Can I have account confirmation before I fly to Hong Kong?

Yes. Our bank support pack is a pre-screening service. Documents will be reviewed in advance. Bankers will give an appointment only if the chance is moderate to high.

How fast can I know the result of the Preliminary Checking?

Pre-screening usually takes 1 week. If information is considered to be insufficient, we may ask for more documents for a second round pre-screening.

Is there a chance I pass the preliminary checking but get rejected after meeting bankers in person?

In rare occasion, this is possible. If the information presented during the interview is different to the information listed in your previous pre-screening documents, bankers can refuse to open a bank account. You may need to start the whole application again.

Is it necessary for a Hong Kong company to have a Hong Kong bank account?

No, it is not mandatory to have a Hong Kong bank account. A Hong Kong company can have its bank account in other countries. This is 100% legal.

Can I open a bank account in other jurisdictions?

Yes, you can open a bank account in other jurisdictions. You can refer to our banking page for details.

What documents do I need to open an account outside Hong Kong?

Most overseas banks will ask for apostille documents from the Hong Kong High Court. You can check with bank of your choice directly.

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FAQ for Banking Procedures

Essential FAQs covering the most common banking challenges expats face when opening and managing bank accounts in Hong Kong.

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FAQ for Banking Procedures

Can I open a Hong Kong bank account remotely?

Neobank accounts can be opened 100% remotely, no travel or paperwork headaches. You’ll receive Visa cards with global access, and as a multi‑year top‑ranked banking partner, Get Started HK can connect you directly with a designated bank officer for priority support. However, if you’d prefer a traditional bank account at HSBC, OCBC, DBS, then you need to fly over to HK for a face to face interview.

Can I appoint a representative to meet with bankers on my behalf?

No. Banks in Hong Kong need to meet with the director and shareholder. They do not meet with representatives. That being said, there is no need to worry, opening a neobank account is quick, simple, and fully online. Everything is guided step‑by‑step, so the whole process is fast and hassle‑free.

How long does it take to open a bank account in Hong Kong?

The average account opening time ranges from 3–4 days for neobanks to around 14 days for traditional banks.

Which documents must be submitted to open an account?

Bankers often ask for 5 documents, i.e. the Certificate of incorporation, Business license, Incorporation form NNC1 and articles & associations, and the certificate of incumbency. These items are included in all our incorporation packages.

What are the common questions banks ask?

Banks often ask about the nature of your business, your target customers, the countries you plan to operate in, and the source of funds. They will want details about the products or services you provide, and may inquire about your work or business experience to ensure your answers are consistent and credible.

Do I have to provide supporting documents if requested by the banker?

Yes. Bankers have full discretion when it comes to approving account applications. If they request additional supporting documents, it is important to provide them promptly and accurately. Refusing to submit the required information may result in your application being declined, as banks must comply with specific compliance standards. These documents help the banker verify your business activities, source of funds, and overall credibility. By cooperating and supplying the requested materials, you not only increase the likelihood of approval but also build trust with the bank, ensuring a smoother account opening process.

What are the usual causes of bank rejection?

The most common reason for bank rejection is that clients fail or refuse to provide the necessary supporting documents to substantiate their stated business nature and activities. Banks rely on these documents to verify information and meet compliance requirements, so incomplete or missing evidence often leads to applications being declined.

Could my application be declined by every bank?

It is very rare for all banks to reject an application. Over the years, we have seen fewer than 1% of cases where this has happened. While banks do not disclose specific reasons, such incidents are usually linked to a negative record in another country. For example, if someone has been involved in selling counterfeit goods, payment networks such as Visa or MasterCard may already have flagged refund patterns, and this information is shared across financial institutions worldwide.

Because banks, PayPal, Visa, MasterCard, Shopify, and other platforms exchange data globally, anyone with a high‑risk commercial history, criminal record, or inclusion on anti‑money laundering watch lists will likely face rejection from all banks. In addition, if you are sanctioned by the United Nations or the United States, or if you ever use an account to receive payments from a person or entity sanctioned by the UN or US, your application will be rejected across all banks. We are not saying every rejected case falls into this category, but in our experience, those rare incidents share similar reasons.

What are the leading neobanks in Hong Kong?

The leading neobanks used in Hong Kong include Airwallex, Payoneer, and Currenxie. These platforms are especially popular among startups, SMEs, and international businesses for their digital-first approach, multi-currency accounts, and seamless cross-border payment solutions.

Can Neo Banks provide visa or mastercards?

Yes. Neobanks can provide Visa or Mastercard payment cards. Once issued, the card is typically mailed directly to your registered office address. If needed, we can arrange to forward the card to you securely by post, ensuring safe delivery.

Can GSHK assist me with the bank account opening process?

Yes. GSHK is an expert in the bank account opening process, and we understand the concerns expats often face. Opening a bank account is a crucial step, and we will connect you with our designated bankers at leading neobanks to ensure a smooth experience.

While other CPA firms may also offer referrals, the level of service you receive depends heavily on the partner. For example, GetStarted has been awarded “Partner of the Year” by Airwallex for three consecutive years (the award has only existed for three years). As a result, Airwallex assigns a dedicated team to handle GetStarted referrals, ensuring faster responses and priority treatment.

By contrast, if you are referred by another agent or service provider, the process is similar to walking in without a referral, you may end up waiting in line for days. This is why being referred through GetStarted.HK provides a significantly different and more efficient experience compared to other firms.

How does the usual account application process look?

After your company is registered, we will connect you with our designated banker via email. The banker will guide you step‑by‑step through the account opening form, typically via email or video call. If you have any questions, our own experts are also available to support you. This means you’ll have two dedicated professionals assisting you, one from our team and one from the neobank, ensuring the process is smooth and comfortable for you. “We’ve got your back, so you can move forward.”

Is it required for a Hong Kong company to hold a Hong Kong bank account?

No, it is not mandatory for a Hong Kong company to maintain a local bank account. Many holding or dormant companies are established simply to hold intellectual property and therefore do not require a bank account. A Hong Kong company is fully permitted to open and operate its bank account in other countries, and this practice is 100% legal.

What documentation is needed when opening a bank account outside Hong Kong?

In most cases, overseas banks require apostilled documents issued by the Hong Kong High Court. Once you have the document list from your overseas bank, please let us know and our experts can assist by arranging the necessary apostille from the High Court on your behalf.