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FAQ for HK Company Formation

Foreigners’ guide to Hong Kong company formation – FAQs answered, process explained, support guaranteed, we’ve got your back always.

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Can a foreigner or non-resident start a company in Hong Kong?

Yes. Hong Kong is foreigner-friendly and allows 100% foreign ownership, local directors or shareholders are not required.

What documents are required by Get Started to register my company in Hong Kong?

To register your company in Hong Kong, we require two key documents: a valid passport and proof of your residential address.

The passport must be current and not expired.

For address verification, the document must be issued within the last three months and can be in the form of a bank statement, utility bill, phone bill, or internet bill. Please ensure that the proof reflects your home address rather than an office or business address.

Can national identity card be used in place of a passport?

No. If you are not from Hong Kong, you must provide a valid passport. If you do not currently hold one, you will need to apply for a passport before proceeding with company registration. Please note that GSHK system can detect fraudulent passports, and any fraudulent activity identified will be reported directly to the relevant government authorities.

What are the language requirements and restrictions for Hong Kong company names?

When choosing a company name in Hong Kong, there are three important rules to follow:

English Naming: English names must end with the word “Limited” and use standard English letters.

No Combined Languages: You cannot combine English words and Chinese characters in a single version of the name. You must have one purely English name and/or one purely Chinese name.

Traditional Chinese Only: If you choose a Chinese name, it must be written in Traditional Chinese characters (Simplified Chinese is not accepted).

Can the last word of the English company name be “Ltd” or “LLC”?

No. Hong Kong Companies Ordinance states that company name must end with the word “Limited”.

Can I change the name of the company after incorporation?

Yes. You can change the name after incorporation. Process takes around 1 – 2 weeks.

Once the company name is updated, the Companies Registry will issue a name change certificate and the Inland Revenue Department will issue a new business license.

What are the minimum requirements for Hong Kong company formation?

To form a company in Hong Kong, the minimum requirements are straightforward. You must appoint at least one director and one shareholder, provide a registered address (which Get Started HK can supply), and engage a local company secretary (Get Started HK can act in this role). At least one share must be issued, and the incorporation details must be properly completed, including submission of Form NNC1 & Articles of association.

Why do I need a Company Secretary in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, a company secretary is required by law. They serve as the company’s compliance officer and the primary liaison between your business and the Hong Kong government. Mandated by The Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, every private limited company must appoint a Company Secretary.

What exactly does a Company Secretary do?

Depending on client’s needs, company secretary often guide directors in calling general meetings, preparing and submitting board resolutions in various matters, including but not limited to, director appointments, director removal and share allotments. 

Is a Hong Kong office address required for company registration?

Yes, it is necessary to have a registered office address in Hong Kong. We can provide this service, and because we serve many expatriates, we understand their needs well. We also offer mail scanning and forwarding services, ensuring that all official notices are promptly delivered to you by email. This means that expatriates can conveniently manage their company matters anytime and anywhere in the world, with reliable communication guaranteed.

Am I allowed to adjust the shareholder structure of my company?

Yes, you can change the shareholder structure of your company. After incorporation, you may introduce new shareholders or transfer your shares to other parties at any time. This flexibility allows you to adjust ownership as your business grows or circumstances change.

What is the par or nominal value of shares in a Hong Kong limited company?

The concept of par value (or nominal value) has been officially abolished by the Hong Kong government. However, in practice, most companies still adopt a standard of HK$1 per share as the norm. While shares can technically be denominated in any currency, it is generally recommended to follow the conventional approach of issuing shares at HK$1 each for simplicity and consistency.

Is there a minimum share capital requirement for Hong Kong limited companies?

In general, the minimum share capital requirement is HK$1. A Hong Kong company must issue at least one share with HK$1 capital. For practical reference, however, the common norm in Hong Kong is to issue 10,000 shares with HK$10,000 capital. While it is legally acceptable to register with only HK$1, such a low capital may give the impression that the company is not genuinely invested. To align with local practice and convey credibility, it is recommended to follow the standard of 10,000 shares at HK$10,000 capital.

How do I maintain a Hong Kong company?

A Hong Kong company is required to renew its Business Registration Certificate and file the Annual Return (Form NAR1) each year. Our team will typically contact you about one month before your company’s incorporation anniversary. We will then guide you through the renewal process step by step and assist with preparing and submitting all necessary documents to ensure compliance.

What is the corporate profit tax rate in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong adopt a territorial source principle of taxation. Only profits which are sourced in Hong Kong are taxable. In other words, you must not have customers, suppliers and employees in Hong Kong. If you apply for offshore status, the tax rate is 0%.

If you do not apply for the offshore status, the profit tax rate is 8.25% for the first HK$2 million in profit. Rest of the profit is taxed at 16.5%.

Does Get Started HK offer bookkeeping and tax filing services?

Yes, we are a CPA firm, and we provide accounting, auditing and tax filing services. In addition to company incorporation, we support clients with ongoing compliance such as bookkeeping, preparation of financial statements, and filing of annual returns and profit tax.

Do I have to pay accounting fee upfront?

No. In Hong Kong, the government only requires your first audit or offshore report 18 months after incorporation. It means that accounting fees are payable 18 months later — not upfront. Some foreign‑owned firms may demand fees 18 months in advance, tying up your cash unnecessarily. With Get Started HK, there’s no need to pay accounting fee on day one, you can keep every dollar working for your business, focus on development, and start generating profit before any accounting costs are due. Founders understand founders, and we know cash flow is king.

What is the reason some firms collect accounting fees in advance?

Only a small number of firms (some foreign‑owned firms) particularly those not firmly established in Hong Kong, use tactics to persuade clients to pay up to 18 months of fees in advance, often offering only a minor discount in return. As founders ourselves, we recognize that cash flow is vital for entrepreneurs. It is also worth noting that some foreign‑owned firms do not follow the standard practices in Hong Kong and depend heavily on upfront payments simply to keep their operations running.

At what point must I file the initial accounting and audit report?

The first Profit Tax Return is issued about 18 months after the company’s incorporation date. The Inland Revenue Department then grants an additional 3 months to prepare the required reports, this means you have up to 21 months to finalize your records.

In other words, you shall prepare and pay for the accounting and auditing fee 18 months later. Once the first report has been filed, audit records must be submitted annually.

How long does it take to register a company in Hong Kong?

The official processing time is 24–48 hours, depending on your needs. If you’re in a rush, let us know, we can expedite the process. For companies with more complex structures or multiple investors, careful planning is required to ensure everything is set up smoothly. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a group of investors, our team has the expertise and experience to guide you through the entire journey and make incorporation seamless.

What documents will I receive after my company is formed?

Upon company formation, you will receive five key documents:

  1. Certificate of Incorporation
  2. Business Registration Certificate (business license)
  3. Incorporation Form NNC1
  4. Articles of Association
  5. Certificate of Incumbency

All of these items are included in our incorporation packages.