Requirements to open a bank account in Hong Kong
Opening a corporate bank account to operate a business venture in Hong Kong is another important step that needs to be done proficiently. A corporate bank helps keep a separate line between your personal and business finances. It will help keep the business records in check and build credibility for the business.
Being a metropolitan city with a dynamic business climate, Hong Kong is one of the best places to set up a business. The process for opening a corporate bank account is simple and straightforward. It is important to understand all the business needs and requirements for opening a hong kong corporate bank account.
It is also important to gather all the required documents to start the procedure to open a corporate bank account. This article will help to understand all the requirements.
Bank Account Opening Requirements in Hong Kong
To open a bank account in Hong Kong, business founders need to gather a set of documents and stay updated with requirements set forth by the chosen bank.
Every bank has its own requirements and policies that business founders need to understand before opening a corporate bank account. Afterall, it’s important to open up a business account in Hong Kong as a part of the overall company process.
Choose the bank
To open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong, business ventures need to select the bank that matches their business requirements and needs, as every bank follows different stringent procedures. You can choose from various Hong Kong banks, including DBS, HSBC, Hang Seng, Bank of China, and Citibank as per your business needs.
You can also choose international bank accounts, which helps entrepreneurs create a stronger presence in the international market. And also enjoy the maximum benefits of opening a bank account. You would get access to ATMs and multi-currency accounts. Moreover, every transaction and business records are just a few clicks away.
You can choose the right bank such as a local or international bank that offers maximum benefits for your business. Some business founders select a financial institution with low minimum balance requirements, while others look for high e-banking services to avoid any transactional errors.
With the outbreak of COVID-19, people have started relying on the banks’ digital banking services to keep all the business’s transactional records updated. But remember that whatever bank you choose for your business, you need to follow special policies for due diligence and verification before opening a bank account in Hong Kong. Here, Startupr, a leading service provider, will help you prepare and verify all the particular documents set forth by all the banks.
Have the basic company documents ready
After selecting the right bank that matches your business requirements, business founders need to prepare the basic company documents. These documents can be used to apply for any bank in Hong Kong. In short, they’re non-negotiable must-haves when opening a corporate bank account in Hong Kong.
- Business Incorporation Documents
- Proof of Identity
- Proof of Residence
- Proof of Beneficiary Owners or the Final Shareholders
- Proof to show the business activity
- Certified copy of the documents
Know the specific requirements for account opening
There are some specific requirements you also must follow in order to be eligible for a corporate bank account, such as:
- Every bank asks for an initial minimum deposit amount to open a corporate bank account.
- If you think of opening an offshore bank account, a Certificate of Incumbency and Certificate of Good Standing should be attached on top of the documents.
- Principle director(s) and shareholder(s) should be physically present in Hong Kong for the opening.
- Beneficial Owner (s) who own more than 10% of the company is also required to physically present in Hong Kong.
It all depends on the amount of investigation that banks carry to verify your company, directors, and shareholders’ documents and creditworthiness. It may take between a few weeks to months to open a bank account in Hong Kong.
Prepare the required documents
Below are the documents you must prepare for a corporate bank account:
A duly completed bank account opening form
Remember this form should be filled accurately and signed by authorized signatories (as per the Board resolution).
Proof of identity
It includes a copy of HK passport, an identity card, a valid visa (if applicable), alias proof for each principal shareholder(s), authorized signatories, beneficial owners, and residential proof such as bank statements, utility bills, and driving licenses.
A true certified copy of:
Business founders also need to gather a certified copy of the Articles of Association, Business Registration Certificate, and Certificate of Incorporation issued by the Companies Registry. The certified copies should be endorsed by a company secretary, lawyer, Certified Public accountant, and banker. Startupr will help you to get your documents certified.
Proof of business
Companies would need to gather proof of business documents such as:
- Rental contract /employee employment contract (if applicable)
- Sales/purchases contract
- A list of individual signatures of each authorized signatory as valid proof
- A detailed business plan or audited financial statements
- Bank reference letter from your country
Company’s shareholders
The company shareholder has to prepare a true certified copy of the organization that illustrates every individual’s shareholding percentage and the ultimate company’s beneficial owners.
Company’s Beneficial Owners
- Particulars of ultimate beneficial owners for nominee shareholders of a company
- Submit a true certified copy of the trust deed or declaration of trust with particulars of the trustees, settlors, and beneficiaries.
- Board Resolution’s Extract that approves the opening of a corporate bank account.
- A written director declaration that demonstrates the personal details of principal shareholders and directors.
Make an appointment for a meeting with the bank
Once you prepare all the required documents to open up a business bank account in Hong Kong, you should make an appointment for a meeting with the bank. Remember that Hong Kong banks are following Due Diligence and KYC rules, making the process for approving the account applications more rigorous.
As an experienced startup agency, Startupr will help increase your odds of a successful application. But we always recommend our clients about confirming their company’s legal documents.
Banks may take up to 5 working days post-incorporation to confirm this for themselves. As soon as you receive an email confirmation that your HK bank has been incorporated, you can arrange the meeting. You should contact the bank no less than 20-25 working days before your planned Hong Kong arrival.
Requirements of Opening Bank Account in Major Hong Kong Banks
As stated above,every bank has its own Due diligence and KYC procedure to check your authenticity and creditworthiness for opening a corporate bank account in Hong Kong. If you want your application to be approved by the bank officers, you should take care of every bank requirement. Whether you want to open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong with HSBC, Citi Bank, Bank of China or DBS, we have shared important requirements you would need for each bank.
| Banks | Initial deposit | Average monthly balance | Account setup fee | Banking services/facilities | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| For HK$ current account | For foreign currency account | For HK$ current account | For foreign currency account | Monthly fee payable in the absence of average monthly balance | |||
| HSBC | HK$5,000 | HK$5,000 or equivalent | HK$500,000 | HK$500,000 or equivalent | - For amount between HK$100,000-HK$500,000: HK$75 - For amount less than HK$100,000: HK$150 | HK$100 | ATM card, Chequebook,Visa Debit card, Internet banking, Business insurance, Business loans, Trade finance |
| DBS Hong Kong | HK$50,000 | - | - | - | HKD $200 | HK$3,000 | ATM card, Chequebook,Visa Debit card, Internet banking, Business insurance, Business loans, Trade finance |
| Bank of China | none | none | none | none | none | none | ATM card, Visa Debit card, Internet banking, Business insurance, Business loans, Trade finance |
| Hang Seng | HK$50,000 | HK$50,000 or equivalent | HK$50,000 | HK$50,000 or equivalent | HK$150 | HK$100 | ATM card (default daily ATM withdrawal limit: HK$20,000), Visa Debit card, Internet banking, Business insurance, Business loans, Trade finance |
| Citi Bank | HK$10,000 | HK$10,000 or equivalent | HK$10,000 | HK$10,000 or equivalent | HK$400 | none | ATM card (default daily ATM withdrawal limit: HK$20,000), Visa Debit card, Internet banking, Business insurance, Business loans, Trade finance |
Need Assistance in Opening Bank Account in Hong Kong
This article is all about the requirements to open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong. Each bank follows stringent policies and rules to open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong. If you are also thinking of starting a new business and looking for some assistance from a great agency, Startupr can help you in the process for your Hong Kong business.