Formation Guide
Complete Guide to HK Company Formation.
Everything you need to know about incorporating a Hong Kong private limited company — from requirements and documents to timeline and costs.
Overview
What is a Private Limited Company?
A Hong Kong Private Limited Company is the most common business structure for both local and foreign entrepreneurs. It is a separate legal entity from its owners, providing limited liability protection — meaning shareholders are only liable up to the amount of their unpaid shares.
Private limited companies can have between 1 and 50 shareholders, cannot offer shares to the public, and must include "Limited" or "Ltd" at the end of their English name. There is no minimum paid-up capital requirement.
This structure offers the best combination of credibility, liability protection, and tax efficiency for businesses operating in or through Hong Kong.
Requirements
What You Need to Incorporate
Hong Kong imposes minimal restrictions on foreign-owned companies. Here's exactly what's required.
Process
Step-by-Step Formation Process
From name check to company kit — every step explained, with typical turnaround times.
Company Name Check
Search the Companies Registry to ensure your proposed name is available. The name must not be identical to an existing company and cannot contain restricted words without approval.
KYC & Due Diligence
Submit identification documents for all directors and shareholders. This includes passport copies, proof of address, and — for corporate shareholders — certificates of incorporation and board resolutions.
Document Preparation
We prepare the Articles of Association (AA), incorporation form NNC1, and IRBR1 for business registration. All documents are reviewed before filing.
Filing with Companies Registry
Documents are submitted electronically to the Companies Registry (CR). E-filing is faster and allows real-time status tracking.
Certificate of Incorporation
Once approved, the CR issues a Certificate of Incorporation (CI) with your company's unique CR number. The Inland Revenue Department simultaneously issues a Business Registration Certificate (BRC).
Company Kit & Statutory Records
Your company kit (green box) is prepared with the common seal, signature chop, round chop, share certificates, statutory books, and registers.
Bank Account Opening
With your CI and BRC in hand, you can open a corporate bank account. We assist with the application and provide all supporting documents.
Documents
Documents Needed
Requirements differ for individual directors and corporate shareholders. Gather these before starting the process.
For Individual Directors / Shareholders
- Valid passport (all pages)
- Proof of residential address (utility bill or bank statement, dated within 3 months)
- CV / resume of directors
- Reference letter from existing bank (recommended)
For Corporate Shareholders
- Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company
- Board resolution authorizing the formation of the HK subsidiary
- Articles of Association / Memorandum of the parent company
- Register of directors and shareholders of the parent company
- Certificate of Good Standing (if applicable)
Timeline
How Long Does It Take?
Most companies are incorporated within 8–12 business days. Speed depends primarily on how quickly you submit your documents.
Costs
What Does It Cost?
One flat fee. No hidden charges at checkout, no annual surprises. Government fees are bundled in.
All-inclusive. No hidden fees.
Government Fees Included
Get started
Ready to Incorporate?
Start your Hong Kong company in 5 minutes. From $1,119, everything included.