Open a Company in Hong Kong in 2026

Hong Kong hits an all‑time high in company registrations by the end of 2025 — 1.5 million firms, nearly triple Singapore. This article won’t dwell on why Hong Kong is attractive, but will show you how to open a company in Hong Kong, with practical tips and pitfalls to avoid. With demand rising, even Singapore accounting firms are offering Hong Kong services. But ask yourself: would you trust a foreign agent, or a Hong Kong CPA who knows the local laws to open a company in Hong Kong for you?

Hong Kong remains the go‑to choice for entrepreneurs planning offshore businesses. It’s a gateway to China, and offshore profits are not taxed locally. Still, the process to open a company in Hong Kong can be complex without clear guidance. In this guide, we break down the steps, highlight common challenges, and show how to overcome them.

Reasons to open a company in Hong Kong

What makes Hong Kong such a popular hub for company registration? Despite the China–US tensions and some large corporations relocating their headquarters elsewhere, most SMEs and family offices continue to open a company in Hong Kong. By the end of 2025, registrations hit a record high, the total number is 1.5 millions, nearly triple Singapore’s. Looking ahead to 2026, I’ve summarized 10 key reasons why so many foreigners choose to incorporate in Hong Kong, and why the city will continue to lead globally.

• Simple formation process – straightforward and fast to set up.
• 0% tax on offshore profits – income earned outside Hong Kong is tax‑free.
• Low onshore tax rate – only 8.25% on local profits.
• No dividend tax – keep more of your hard‑earned money.
• No withholding tax, VAT, or sales tax – a clean and simple tax regime.
• Global business hub – Hong Kong is often mentioned alongside New York and London as one of the world’s top three financial centers.
• Gateway for trade – easy to buy directly from China and sell globally using a Hong Kong entity.
• E‑commerce friendly – PayPal setup is far easier compared to many other countries, making online business smoother and faster.
• 100% foreign ownership allowed – unlike Singapore, no local director requirement.
• Efficient banking system – multi‑currency accounts with strong wealth protection.

7 key points to Open a Company in Hong Kong in 2026

In this article, I’ll highlight 7 key points to consider before you open a company in Hong Kong in 2026. We’ll also uncover common tricks used by some service providers, and how you can avoid them. The 7 points cover: preparation before incorporation, methods of registration, costs involved, opening a bank account, taxation in Hong Kong, spotting scams, and finally, how to choose the right agent.

At the start of this guide, we’ll go over essential terms and processes you’ll encounter when you register a company in Hong Kong as a foreigner, and outline what you need to prepare before incorporation. Let’s begin with the first point.

a. Preparation before Incorporation

1. How To Choose Your Company Name

In 2026, disputes over company names are becoming more common. With so many entrepreneurs choosing to open a company in Hong Kong, it’s natural that human creativity often overlaps, and even AI tools tend to generate similar ideas, but with slight variations. To avoid trouble in 2026, the very first step is to understand the rules for creating a unique and distinctive company name.

Company name must end with the word “Limited”

First, a Hong Kong limited company can have its name expressed in English or in Chinese, or with names in both languages. If you adopt an English name, then “Limited” shall be the last word of the name. If you adopt a Chinese name, then it shall end with “有限公司”.

Chinese company name must be in Traditional Chinese characters

It is not necessary to have a chinese company name. Having an english company name is sufficient. However, if you prefer to have a chinese company name, you shall note that there are two types of written Chinese – Traditional and Simplified version. Hong Kong adopts Traditional Chinese while Mainland China uses Simplified Chinese. If you want a Chinese company name in Hong Kong, it must be in Traditional Chinese. The Hong Kong Companies Registry does not recognize simplified Chinese in the application form.

Avoiding Name Disputes in 2026

Your company name must not duplicate any listed in the Registrar’s index, and a quick search through a CPA / Get Started HK can confirm availability within minutes. Names that are offensive or against public interest, such as those referencing “revolution,” “violence,” or “army,” may require special approval, while certain terms like “levy,” “trust,” “savings,” or “chamber of commerce” are generally prohibited. If the Registry rejects your name, only part of the application fee is refunded, so it’s wise to conduct a proper search before submitting your application.

Check the Availability at the Companies Registry

You can check the availability of your Company Name in Companies Registry’s 24×7 Cyber Search Centre. Should you find the process complicated, you can follow our guideline “How to conduct a name search”  to check the availability for registration. Alternatively, you can simply talk to our incorporation expert at info@getstarted.hk or whatsapp +852 5541 0778 for assistance.

2. How to appoint a company secretary

At Get Started HK, we are proud to have over 1,000 Google reviews and more than 100 real video testimonials from satisfied clients. These video testimonials are powerful because they feature genuine customers speaking about their experience, not just anonymous text on a website. When you register a company in Hong Kong, you need to have a “company secretary” who is either a Hong Kong resident or a Hong Kong company. A company secretary is not an administrative role. It is a role to comply with the registration purpose. There are 6 important tips when choosing a company secretary service provider.

Beware of Real vs Fake Reviews

If you need more information about company secretary service, you can visit our company secretary page or contact us at info@getstarted.hk.

Final thoughts in choosing a company secretary 

Finding a trustworthy company secretary or incorporation service in Hong Kong is not always straightforward. Some firms rely on fake reviews, misleading “free incorporation” offers, or gimmicks like “unlimited bookkeeping” that are nothing more than software codes. Many of these providers are not run by qualified Hong Kong CPAs or local owners, meaning they often fail to follow proper Hong Kong norms.

The challenge is that it’s hard to spot them at first glance, their websites look polished because they spend heavily on ads and marketing. Yet behind the glossy presentation, they frequently overcharge for basic services or cut corners that leave clients exposed to fines and compliance risks. Always remember-

• Verify reviews and licenses (see tips above)
• Don’t fall for upfront accounting/auditing fees or “free” gimmicks.
• Be cautious of “unlimited” promises that hide restrictions.
• Pay fair market rates, not inflated packages.
• Rely on professional CPAs, not middlemen.
• Never risk appointing unqualified friends or family as company secretary.

3. What are the Requirements for Directors and Shareholders?

Unlike Singapore, foreigners are allowed to have 100% control of their limited company in Hong Kong. In other words, a foreigner can be the sole director and shareholder. There is no need to have a local director or shareholder. While there are no express restrictions in nationality, most licensed agents are not willing to accept applications from UN-sanctioned countries unless the customer can fulfill their KYC and AML checking requirements. As of 2026, these countries include, but not limited to, Burma, Cote d Ivoire, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria.

The Minimum Requirement for Share Capital

A Hong Kong company needs to issue a minimum one share. While the principle for par value has been abolished in Hong Kong, the norm for the value of each share is usually HK$1. For easy reference, the norm in Hong Kong is to have 10,000 shares with 10,000 share capital. You can increase the share capital and allot new shares to new shareholders in the future Apart from allotting new shares, you can also transfer your shares or ownership to other parties.

4. What is a Registered Address

To open a company in Hong Kong, it is fundamental to have an address in Hong Kong as the registered office. There are 18 districts in Hong Kong while most foreigners will choose the Central Business District, and “Central” is the Central Business District (CBD) in Hong Kong. Foreigners only need to have a virtual address. There is no need to rent a physical office in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong government will send 2 – 4 letters to your virtual address / registered business address per year. All of these letters have a time frame to reply and a late fee will incur if one does not reply before the deadline. Hence, you should ensure your service provider will scan you these important letters upon receipt. For Bank Letters, almost all banks in Hong Kong provide e-statement these days. You can download these statements outside Hong Kong and you can have full control of your bank information remotely.

Mail Scanning & Forwarding Services

Other than fulfilling the regulations to have a business office address / virtual address in Hong Kong, sometimes entreprenuers may require mail scanning and mail forwarding service. We offer a scanning service at HK$30 handling fee per mail. For ease of payment, we usually charge when the service fee reaches HK$600 (i.e. 20-time scanning) so you don’t have to pay for each request. All government letters scanning are free of charge. If you would like the letters to be forwarded to your physical address, we will check the mailing fee with the courier service provider and let you know before forwarding.

Can I change the registered address in the future? 

After the company is registered, company owners can still change the registered address. If you decide to update your registered address, we have three (3) important reminders. If you need more details or a step to step guide, you can check out our blog “How to change your registered address“.

1. You should reserve a minimum 1-month processing time in updating the address. Sometimes there are red tapes in the HK banking system. Most banks require customers to fill up a form. You cannot update the address by writing a letter or email to your account manager.
2. You should inform the Hong Kong Company Registry by submitting Form NR1. It is an offense if the company fails to notify the government in time. Each responsible person of the company can be liable for a late fee of $1000 per day.
3. The company owner should inform the Inland Revenue Department by submitting Form IRC3111A within one month of such change. Advanced notice will not be accepted. Failure to comply may lead to prosecution.

b. Ways to Open a Company in Hong Kong

In 2026, company setup in Hong Kong has become faster as e‑submission replaces much of the old paper process. This shift speeds up applications and makes it easier for foreigners to set up remotely. Paper filing, however, still matters when a company structure involves a foreign corporation, since the government reviews these cases more carefully. For most standard incorporations, online submission is sufficient. Below, we’ll look at the official timelines and the actual processing times in practice.

Paper Submission: The Companies Registry states opening a company takes 4 business days, but in reality most agents report 5–7 days for paper submission. This is because the filing date is excluded, and certificates are only issued on the fifth day, making the practical timeline closer to a week.

Online Submission: The e‑Registry system now handles most applications, with processing usually completed in 1 –  2 business day. Foreigners must either present their passport in person or have it certified by a Hong Kong CPA or Chartered Secretary. To use the e‑Registry, non‑locals shall engage a TCSP‑licensed agent.

The Main Procedure to Open a Company in Hong Kong Online

If you use our service at Get Started HK, we can incorporate your company as fast as 1 business day remotely. We only require three (3) things from you.

1. Proposed Company Name,
2. Copy of your passport, and
3. Copy of your residential address proof.

Residential address proof can be a personal bank statement, utility bill or a phone bill which was issued within the past 3 months. You can fill up our application form using this link. After you have successfully placed your order, we will email you draft incorporation documents for review. After you confirm the documents, we will submit to the government for registration. The certificate of incorporation will then be ready as fast as in 1 business day.

c. The Costs to open a Company in Hong Kong in 2026

In 2026, business registration fees in Hong Kong continue to fluctuate depending on government policy. In 2025, the fee was HK$2,200, compared to just HK$150 in 2022. Looking ahead, it’s likely the government will introduce SME sponsorships, which may reduce the fee once again.

We provide a range of packages tailored to your needs. Our most popular choice is the Deluxe Package at US$990, which includes the government filing fee, mandatory company secretary service, and a prestigious registered business address in Hong Kong’s Central business district, plus many additional features to give your business the strongest start. We will handle all the paperwork with both the Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department. Once your company is incorporated, you’ll receive the Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Incumbency, and the Business Registration Certificate.

Alert: Sneaky “Free Incorporation” Claims

In 2026, we’ve seen many entrepreneurs come to us after being misled by agents who charged accounting fees before incorporation, only to provide unaudited reports that cannot be used for tax filing. When they switch to our firm, we explain that audit and tax filing are only required 18 months after incorporation. Legitimate CPA firms don’t charge upfront for this, but unfortunately, in 2025 and 2026 we’ve observed dishonest practices targeting those unfamiliar with Hong Kong’s tax rules.

Some agents even advertise “free incorporation” and claim they will cover the government fee of US$510. While this may sound appealing, the reality is there’s no such thing as free incorporation. These firms still need to profit, and they do so by hiding costs and charging later in ways that end up being far more expensive. For example, you have to pay extra to have those unaudited reports to be audited by a CPA.

Here’s how the trick works:

• They ask you to pay accounting and auditing fees upfront on day one of incorporation.
• They then provide accounting reports that are not audited and therefore cannot be used for tax filing.
• Later, when your first tax form arrives (18 months after incorporation), they charge you again for proper auditing services.
• In reality, you don’t need to pay accounting and auditing fees until the second year, but by locking you in early, they hold your cash unncessarily and give you reports that have no legal use with the tax department.

Some even disguise these charges under “packages” that look comprehensive but are filled with fine print. What they call “free incorporation” is simply a bait to get you to commit cash upfront.

Never pay audit fee on the date of incorporation

The truth: A genuine service provider will always list out all fees clearly in writing, with no hidden charges, and you only pay the audit fee when you need the service. At Get Started HK, our service fees and timelines are transparent. You know exactly what you’re paying for, and you won’t be surprised by hidden costs later. Know the law, protect your business, and choose an honest agent who values transparency over gimmicks.

d. How To Open a Corporate Bank Account in Hong Kong

NeoBanks such as Airwallex and Payoneer have become some of the most popular bank opening options for foreigners in 2026. NeoBanks are willing to open accounts for clients remotely and they have been taking a lot more market shares.

What’s more? For three consecutive years (2023, 2024 & 2025), Get Started HK has been awarded Airwallex’s No.1 Partner Award, a recognition of our unmatched expertise and client success. So Why settle for #2 (the others), when #1 – Get Started HK – is proven, trusted, and undefeated. We don’t just provide referrals, we build relationships. Together with Airwallex, we empower startups and SMEs with:

• Multi‑currency accounts for seamless global transactions
• Fast, digital onboarding with fewer hurdles than traditional banks
• Integrated payment solutions for scaling businesses

Can I open an 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.

e. Taxation Rules 2026 When You Open a Company in Hong Kong

Hong Kong adopts a territorial source principle of taxation. In other words, offshore profits are not taxable by the Hong Kong local authority. Hence, if your source of income is outside Hong Kong, you can apply for offshore status. Once the Inland Revenue Department grants you the status, the corporate tax rate is 0%.

Conversely, if your source of income is in Hong Kong, you are subject to the Hong Kong profit tax. Hong Kong government recently sends a welcoming message to business starters who are looking for opportunities in HK by mulling huge cuts to profit tax since February 2018. The reduction confirms to be from 16.5% to only 8.25% for the first HK$2 million (US$256,000) in profit.

Foreigners shall also note that Hong Kong does not have a Value Added Tax (VAT). Hong Kong also does not have Capital Gain Tax.

f: Spotting Scammers Before You Open a Company in Hong Kong

When choosing a company formation service provider in Hong Kong, it’s critical to perform due diligence. Unfortunately, there are imposters and middlemen who use misleading tactics. Here are the key red flags to watch out for:

1. Communication Channels

Legitimate Hong Kong CPA firms only communicate through email, WhatsApp, office landline phones, or in‑person meetings. If someone insists on using Telegram, to hide their identity, it’s a strong indication that they may be an imposter. When you conduct your research on company formation service providers, you shall always use the copy and paste email function. Typing can have typo and sometimes type to a wrong email address.

2. Payment in Cryptocurrency

Payments made in crypto are untraceable, and scammers can vanish without a trace once they receive them. Licensed TCSP firms in Hong Kong are required to verify clients’ source of funds and do not accept cryptocurrency payments. If you receive a message from your CPA, asking you to pay in crypto, there is a high chance the message is from an imposter.

3. Bank Account Details

Payments should always go to a Hong Kong bank account under the company’s name. If the invoice asks you to wire funds to a personal account or to a bank outside Hong Kong, that’s another clear sign of a scam. All HK CPAs will have bank accounts in Hong Kong, and support multi-currency. If have doubts, always check with the staff via the official site.

4. Verify Contact Information

Always cross‑check the email address and WhatsApp number listed on the agent’s official website. If someone contacts you using a different number or email, you shall confirm with the official firm before proceeding. This step is important especially when you deal with a well‑known or popular company. The more famous a firm becomes, the more likely it is to attract imposters who try to exploit its reputation. Scammers often pretend to represent established names because they know clients are more likely to trust them without question.

5. “Free Incorporation” Gimmicks

Be cautious of agents who promise free incorporation if you pay for other services upfront, such as accounting. The government fee alone is US$510 (HK$3,870) — no one can genuinely waive this. These offers are simply bait to lock you into hidden charges later.

6. Website Security

Check the agent’s website. A legitimate site should use https:// for secure communication. If it’s only http://, avoid entering sensitive details or making payments.

g. Choosing the Right Service Provider to Open a Company in Hong Kong

Other than helping you to open a company in Hong Kong, Get Started HK is recognized as the startup icons of Hong Kong. Beyond handling paperwork, we’ve built a thriving community for entrepreneurs, where founders support founders, share knowledge, and grow together.

So far, over 46,000 customers have trusted us and joined our community, making Get Started HK the natural choice for anyone looking to build and grow their business in Hong Kong. Still, if you’re comparing other options, here are key points to keep in mind:

1. Online and Offline Reviews

We discovered that a competitor is using a second‑hand Trustpilot account that originally belonged to another business with more than a decade of history. They now present those reviews as if they were their own.

This is why it’s important to read reviews carefully:

• Check the older reviews and see if they consistently mention the same company name.
• If you notice reviews linked to a completely different business, in another jurisdiction, or discussing unrelated products and services, that’s a clear warning sign.

2. Watch Out for Gimmicks

We’ve seen competitors use tricks like “free incorporation if you pay accounting fee upfront” or “unlimited bookkeeping.” In fact, this is designed to trick people unfamiliar with Hong Kong laws. Here’s the reality:

Some agents lure clients with “free incorporation” packages, but the catch is hidden in the fine print. They insist you pay accounting and auditing fees right from day one, even though in Hong Kong the first tax return isn’t issued until 18 months after incorporation. In reality, you don’t need those services until the second year.

What’s worse? What they actually deliver are unaudited reports that have no legal standing with the tax department. When the time comes to file properly, they charge you again for the audit, meaning you’ve already paid once for documents that are useless.

This tactic locks up your cash far too early and leaves you with paperwork that cannot be submitted to the authorities. It’s a classic example of how misleading “free” offers end up costing you more in the long run.

Similarly, “unlimited bookkeeping” usually means you’re given a software code and left to do the work yourself. These gimmicks are designed to mislead. A genuine CPA firm will always be transparent about fees and services.

3. Where is their office Address?

The simplest way to check whether the address is truly in the Central Business District is to use Google Maps. Enter the office address provided by your CPA, select walking distance (not driving), and compare it against either Hong Kong Station or Central Station, the two main MTR stations in the CBD. For reference, our office is only 4–6 minutes on foot from these stations. If you see an address that shows 10–15 minutes walking distance, you’ll know the office is further out. Some agencies are even 20 – 40  minutes away. Always confirm the physical office address and whether the address matches your company’s image.

4. Do they offer a personal tounch?

Some incorporation agents use Robots to answer questions. For those who rely on Robots, you can hardly expect any personalized customer service. If you are based overseas, there will often be emotions and stress in maintaining a company overseas. You should look for firms who are still willing to offer human interactions service.

Final Thoughts on Opening a Company in Hong Kong

In 2026, opening a company in Hong Kong is full of opportunity, but only if you approach it with the right knowledge and the right partner. By following the 7 key points outlined in this guide, you now understand the registration process, whether by paper or e‑submission, the typical government fees, and the pitfalls of misleading offers like “free incorporation” or “unlimited bookkeeping.” You’ve also learned how to spot red flags, choose a reliable service provider, and structure your company with a compliant and distinctive name.

The difference between success and frustration often comes down to preparation and choosing the right agent. With the right guidance, you can avoid unnecessary costs, protect yourself from scams, and ensure your company is built on a solid foundation. Hong Kong remains one of the world’s top business hubs, and with these insights, you’re ready to take advantage of its unique benefits.

Don’t leave your incorporation to chance – partner with a trusted professional and open your company in Hong Kong the smart way!