How does company formation in Hong Kong work?

Expanding your business to Hong Kong is seamless with Startupr. You don’t need to be a resident, a citizen, or even physically present. Our proprietary software handles the administrative maze so you can focus on growth. Read how company formation in Hong Kong works.

The 4-Phase Company Formation in Hong Kong Process

Phase	What Happens	Timeline
1. Pre-incorporation	Check your company name availability instantly. Complete our smart online form.	Minutes
2. Incorporation	We submit your application via our 24/7 direct portal to the HK Companies Registry (CR).	< 2 Hours
3. Documentation	Receive your Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration via email.	Instant
4. Bank Opening	We prepare CPA-certified documents and bridge the gap with major banks (HSBC, etc.).	Scheduled

Set up your Hong Kong company from abroad

You need not be a Hong Kong citizen or resident to start a Hong Kong company. You don’t even have to be physically present in Hong Kong. Our seamless Hong Kong company formation services allow you to expand your business without being physically present.

Once your firm is established in Hong Kong, we can internationally authenticate (apostille) your documents so you can easily conduct business or open company bank accounts outside Hong Kong. Simply select that option on the order form. Whether a Hong Kong or international customer, it’s the same low price.

Company formation with Startupr

Startupr affords you the freedom to build your business while we thread the administrative maze. Instead of navigating a complex foreign process, with frustrating delays or misunderstandings, you’re free to focus on running your company.

Instead of worrying over unpredictable differences in international vs. local business cultures, you gain the confidence of dealing with Western, English-speaking staff on the same page as yourself.

At Startupr, you can be sure all communications are clear, efficient, and trustworthy, just as our client testimonials confirm. And because today’s competitive environment means safeguarding your information is critical, especially when operating overseas, where ideas and research are fair game, Startupr always keeps your data strictly confidential. We never share your name or business concepts with anyone.

Our special software

A key feature of our Backoffice is special software that not only corrects errors as you complete our application, but automatically populates your information on remaining documents. Startupr also triggers automatic reminders of important annual filings, and uploads documents to your Hong Kong government Companies Registry account.

Well before your annual company return or other deadlines fall due, we remind you to prepare the documentation. By avoiding unpleasant surprises, you stay focused on your business.

How do I get in on this?

Just click the button “Register Company Now”, at the top of this page. Then follow the instructions, selecting what we can do for your firm. You may find it convenient simply to register using our address, or let us handle the basics of setting up your company. Like many of our clients, you may prefer the advantages of the complete package for company formation: incorporation, use of our company address, our company secretary (nominal), annual return, documents certified by the HK government, plus bank account opening. Whether you already have your own address, or someone to act as your nominal company secretary, or even know how to file an annual HK return, you’re free to decide what you need. With Startupr, the choice is always yours.

Once the form’s completed and payment made, our unique Backoffice translates your data into the HTML code required by the HK Companies Registry, and your firm is quickly incorporated. Startupr’s process is entirely online, requiring little of your time. Simply put, our prices are low because our efficiencies are high.

Why entrepreneurs trust us for the formation of a company in Hong Kong?

Lightning Fast: Standard company formation takes 3-5 business days.
Error-Free Technology: Our unique Backoffice software auto-populates data and catches errors before submission, preventing costly delays.
International Ready: We provide Apostille services, allowing you to use your HK documents to open accounts or sign contracts anywhere in the world.
Total Confidentiality: Operating overseas requires security. We never share your data or business concepts with third parties.

Company Incorporation in Hong Kong in 5 steps:

1. Pre-incorporation

First, on Startupr’s homepage, click “Check company name”. In the window that appears, fill in the name you’ve selected, and click “submit request”. In seconds, thanks to our exclusive system, you’ll know whether this name’s available.
Fill in our order form online, or download and complete a hardcopy, then mail to our postal address.
Startupr’s Backoffice assembles all your information for submission to HK Companies Registry through our own access point.
As soon as your application’s received, Startupr’s exclusive Backoffice checks to ensure your forms are correct. If not, we let you know at once.
Complete payment.

2. Incorporation

Startupr submits your application through our Backoffice via our portal to the Companies Registry (CR = The Government Office of the Hong Kong SAR). Startupr’s access to Companies Registry is round the clock. Government processing is normally less than 2 hours.
You receive emailed Companies Registry notice that your company’s incorporated.
Startupr sends documents for your signature. You then scan and email signed hard copies back to us.

3. Bank account opening

Once you have all the necessary documents (Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, NC1 form, Memorandum and Articles of Association), Startupr can set up a meeting with an appropriate HSBC, Hang Seng, Standard Chartered, or Bank of China business account manager to open a bank account. In some cases, you need not travel to Hong Kong to open your company bank account, but please contact us for details.

4. Post-incorporation

When the annual return falls due, you complete the return and hold the required Annual General Meeting (AGM). Startupr reminds you of these dates well ahead of time.

5. Fast incorporation service

Standard company formation takes 3-5 business days. Excluding the use of the delivered fee and delivery of documents with payment by 10:00 AM (HKT), we will process your application the same day.
Our Backoffice, which enjoys round-the-clock access to the HK government Companies Registry (CR) office, submits your application directly through our own channel.
The CR office usually takes two hours or less from our online submission to electronic issuance of your company documents.
You and Startupr each receive e-documents of the Business Registration Certificate and Incorporation Certificate containing your new company name and official number.
After that, you’re in business, and can start using your firm to build profits.
If you wish to open a Hong Kong business bank account, we prepare a set of CPA certified copies of company documents: Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, Articles of Association, NNC1 Form (includes director/shareholder details), additional fee may apply.
If you choose expedited courier service, you can usually get everything here in two days. While we are naturally unable to guarantee processing time for the Companies Registry itself, or postal and delivery services, all are normally swift and reliable.

Registering your Hong Kong company in 8 steps:

You need not be a Hong Kong resident to open a company.
Simply complete Startupr’s application form online or return it to us by e-mail, fax, or post.

1. Company Renewal VS Company De-registration

Company Renewal includes the below services: Registered office, appointment of company secretary, Annual Return, Business Registration Certificate, Annual General Meeting

De-registration include the following fees to be settled: Annual Return, Business Registration Certificate, Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department documents, appointment of company liquidator, directors resolution

2. Requirements for applying for de-registration

all members of the company agree to de-register the company
the company has not commenced any business or has ceased operation for more than 3 months; if the company has commenced business, an audited account is required to submit to Inland Revenue Department
the company has no outstanding liabilities, i.e. fees or documents
submit complete application to obtain “no objection letter” from Inland Revenue Department and then from Companies Registry

3. What are the pending documents we need to file and submit before submitting the application?

Companies Registry(CR)
Annual Return
Inland Revenue Department(IRD)
Business Registration Certificate Renewal
Profits Tax Return
Please note that de-registration will not be processed if you fail to file any of the above on time.

4. The de-registration procedure?

Inland Revenue Department(IRD): First of all, we will submit documents the following documents: IR1263, HKD 270, Power of Attorney and will apply for a no objection letter from Inland Revenue Department(IRD). After IRD has confirmed receiving all required documents and fees are cleared, we will receive the no objection letter from IRD in around 1 month.
Companies Registry(CR): We will submit the IRD no objection letter along with HKD 420 and NDR1 to apply for CR no objection letter. After CR has confirmed receiving all required documents and fees are cleared, CR will publish a notice of the proposed de-registration in the Gazette and we will need to wait for 3 month for the status to be approved. If there is no objection for the company to de-register, CR will publish a Final Notice in the Gazette to declare the company to be de-registered and dissolved, then we will receive a no objection letter from CR.

5. When should I close the company bank account?

We suggest closing down the company before proceeding with de-registration unless there are still outstanding transactions. Closure of the bank account will be mentioned in the CR no objection letter to remind applicants of proper disposal of the company’s property.

6. How to restore de-registered company?

You can apply for the Court of First Instance to restore the de-registered company. Please bear in mind of know-how on regulations. It usually takes 2 months to restore a de-registered company if required documents are submitted and court order is obtained.

7. What should I keep maintaining before the de-registration process is done?

You will need:

local company secretary
registered office address
audited financial reports (if the company has commenced business)

8. De-registration VS Winding-up (i.e. dissolved by liquidation)

Both aim at dissolution of the company.

A company with no liability can de-register the company and the whole process will be done in 6-9 months.

A company with liability will need to wind-up the company and the whole process will take longer than 1 year.

Frequently Asked Questions about company formation in Hong Kong (FAQ)

Do I need to visit Hong Kong? No. The entire formation is 100% online. While some banks require a visit for account opening, we offer alternatives. Contact us for details.
How do I stay compliant? Our system triggers automatic reminders for your Annual Return, Business Registration renewals, and AGMs. You’ll never miss a deadline.
What is the “Complete Package”? Most clients choose our all-in-one solution: Incorporation + Registered Address + Company Secretary + Annual Return filing.

De-registration of Hong Kong Limited Company

Note: Startupr is TCSP Licensee No. TC007820 of Registry for Trust and Company Service Providers, Companies Registry.

Last update: March 2026