FAQ

Navigating a new market can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. We’ve compiled this FAQ to simplify the registration process for you. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Contact us directly for personalized support. For additional statutory information, please visit GovHK.

1) Time to establish one company?

Standard time is 3-5 working days. If client need 24 hours incorporation, they need to pay for expedited service, upon received the full payment, all sufficient documents, and completing compliance procedures.

2) Type of Company?

The Private Limited Company (Limited by Shares) is the most recommended structure. It is the global “gold standard” for startups and international trade because it exists as a separate legal entity, meaning your personal assets are fully protected from company liabilities. In the 2026 business landscape, this structure is essential for building credibility with venture capitalists, protecting intellectual property, and accessing government-backed innovation grants through the GoGlobal initiative.

3) Minimum share capital?

You can start at least $1 HKD (or any other currency), requiring only one person to act as both Member and Director. Hong Kong law allows for a single individual (of any nationality) to hold 100% of the shares and occupy the sole directorship position simultaneously. This streamlined “solopreneur” setup provides maximum control and minimal complexity, making it the ideal entry point for founders testing the Asian market before scaling their team.

4) Local Shareholders/Directors Required?

No, there is no requirement for local residency for shareholders or directors. Hong Kong remains one of the world’s most open economies, allowing 100% foreign ownership and management. You can direct and own your company from anywhere in the world; the only “local” requirement is a Hong Kong-based Company Secretary and a registered address, both of which are standard services provided by Startupr.

5) Tax on Offshore Profits required?

Offshore profits can be 100% tax-exempt, provided you obtain an official letter of exemption from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). Hong Kong operates on a territorial basis, meaning only income derived from sources within Hong Kong is taxable. However, this exemption is not automatic; it requires a successful “Offshore Claim” supported by documentation proving that your business operations, contracts, and staff are located entirely outside of the territory.

6) Recommended authorized share capital?

We generally recommend an authorized share capital of $1,000 HKD. While $1 HKD is the legal minimum, a $1,000 HKD capital (typically divided into 1,000 shares of $1 each) offers much better flexibility for future equity distribution. This allows you to easily issue shares to new partners, employees, or investors without having to undergo complex restructuring of your initial share capital base.

7) Location of annual meeting?

Annual General Meetings (AGM) can be held anywhere in the world. Hong Kong’s Companies Ordinance is designed for modern, global businesses, allowing meetings to take place physically in any country or even virtually via electronic means. This flexibility ensures that international founders can maintain full corporate governance and fulfill their statutory duties without the need for expensive and time-consuming travel to the territory.

8) What are the yearly and other requirements?

Annual return (includes list of officers & directors) must be filed within 42 days of the anniversary of initial registration date, along with a $25 USD fee.
We remind you of this requirement by email 1-2 months before due date.
Inland Revenue Department (IRD) tax filing for newly incorporated companies falls due 18 months after the incorporation date.
Tax authority notifies companies every April 1, who must then file within 30 days.
Initial annual audit must be filed within 18 months after the incorporation date, unless the company has unlimited liability.
An Annual General Meeting (AGM) must be held within 18 months of incorporation, at a time and place the directors announce.
The Business Registration Certificate must be renewed one to three years post-incorporation, depending on the Certificate issued.
Renewal should be no more than one month before expiration.

We remind you of this requirement by email 1-2 months before the due date.

9) Why Hong Kong?

Starting any business in any Asia country will be much easier with Hong Kong company.

Thanks to Hong Kong’s British history, Hong Kong is business friendly country with an open, internationally-minded atmosphere.

English language opens this country to rest of the world. Many companies are attended by this advantage and launching their operations from this country to rest of Asia.

10) What are minimum requirements?

1 director (no restriction on nationality)
1 shareholder (no restriction on nationality)
1 company secretary ( it is required; we can serve as your nominal company secretary)
Minimum one share to be issued ($1 HKD=1share)
Taxes are levied only on profits arising in HK
No capital investment required

11) Is this services just for Hong Kong companies?

You don’t need to 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.

Once your firm’s already established in Hong Kong, we can internationally authenticate 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, you get the same low price.

12) Who may form a Hong Kong company?

Anyone may form a Hong Kong company. However, a Hong Kong company must have at least one director, one secretary, and a physical location. Startupr will provide a registered office address and secretarial service (see below) so you may serve as director of the company.

13) Can I form a company with only one person?

Yes, the minimum is one shareholder/director. Your company must have a director and a secretary (secretary must be either a Hong Kong resident or local incorporated company). The director also serves as a member of the company.

14) Must have a local secretary?

Yes, but not the type of secretary who does clerical work or answers the phone . Hong Kong incorporation requires you designate a corporate secretary who audits the company to ensure legal and regulatory compliance and represents the company on legal documents. Startupr is ready to act as your corporate secretary if you choose not to provide your own.

15) What is a company and how is it structured?

A company is a legal entity made of up directors, secretaries, and shareholders (members). The director is responsible for the day to day running of the company. The corporate secretary is responsible for general government duties such as making sure returns are filed on time, notifying when addresses change, etc. The shareholder owns the company through holding shares.

16) What are the minimum statutory requirements for forming a company in Hong Kong?

A minimum of one shareholder or director. They need NOT be citizens of Hong Kong, and can be the same person. A minimum issued/paid-up capital of one share worth $1 HKD. A common total share value is $1,000 HKD.

17) Must I have a physical address for my business in Hong Kong?

Yes, you must have a local registered address. A P.O. Box is not allowed. If you have no Hong Kong address, you may select Startupr’s registered address.

18) Must I have a bank account in Hong Kong?

You don’t need a Hong Kong bank account, nor must you operate your business in Hong Kong. We work for many international clients who do business in other countries through Hong Kong corporations. You are also free to do business and open a bank account in other states or countries of your choice.

19) May I conduct business in other countries?

Yes! Citizens of other states and foreign countries are able to own and operate a Hong Kong corporation. You may live anywhere. Hong Kong jurisdiction does not require you, as shareholder(s) or director(s), to hold meetings in Hong Kong.

20) What are the rules for company names?

You cannot use a company name already in use or in the process of being registered. Company names currently in use can be found in the Hong Kong Companies Registry e-service. If your desired company name is not shown in the Registry, it’s free to use.
Company Name Guidelines require company may be registered with an English name, a Chinese name, or an English name and a Chinese name. A company name with a combination of English words/letters and Chinese characters is not allowed.
An English company name must end with the word “Limited” and a Chinese company name must end with the characters “有限公司”.
A Chinese company name should contain traditional Chinese characters (繁體字) that can be found in the Kang Xi Dictionary (康熙字典) or Ci Hai Dictionary (辭海) AND also in the ISO 10646 international coding standard. Simplified Chinese characters will not be accepted.

21) How long does the Hong Kong company formation procedure take?

Startupr is the fastest incorporation provider in Hong Kong. Using the Company Register (CR) provided by the Special Administrative Region (SAR) of Hong Kong, Startupr can form a Hong Kong Company in 24 hours, when clients need.

22) How much does it cost, and what do I receive?

All prices are published in our price list. You may customize your order according to your needs.

23) Must I be present in Hong Kong during the company incorporation process?

You need not be physically present at the time of company registration. Startupr will make the necessary arrangements so that you will be able to register your company in Hong Kong remotely, smoothly, and legally.

24) What documents must I send to incorporate a Hong Kong company? Do I need to sign anything?

Companies Registry requires:

Copy of International Passport
Copy of residential address proof issued within 3 months
Copy of national identity card/driver’s license
A declaration video with holding his/her passport.

25) Where can I find out about the entire incorporation procedure from start to finish?

For a clear, step-by-step explanation, just click the link at the bottom of this page, “How it works.”

26) What do I receive when incorporation is complete?

You will receive the official documents from the Hong Kong government to open a bank account. These include the following: CI-Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Business Certificate.

27) How do I form and register a limited company in Hong Kong?

Choose a company name first.
The whole process is simple, and you can finish everything online.
Step 1: Fill in the information and complete the online order here.
Step 2:You will make payment by credit card or PayPal at the last step of the online order form.
Step 3: Wait for our email to confirm your order and payment.
Step 4: Provide the required documents to us. (We will follow up with you in another email thread once your order is successfully placed)
Step 5: (nothing you need to do here). Proceed Compliance Procedures by Startupr
Step 6: (nothing you need to do here). Register the company with the Companies Registry online
Step 7: (nothing you need to do here). Startupr’s system will inform you by email once the company is successfully incorporated.
Incorporation will be processed within 3-5 working days.
Incorporation Forms: NNC1 (for a company limited by shares), Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Business Certificate.

28) How long does it take to open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong?

Once Startupr has the incorporation documents from the Companies Registry, we can proceed with bank account opening. A bank officer will contact you directly for further processing after submitting that application form, which usually takes at least 7- 20 working days.

29) What currency can I use as share capital of a Hong Kong Company?

Share capital of a Hong Kong company can be in any major currency. Usually, share capital is represented in Hong Kong Dollars (e.g. 1 share = $1 HKD).

30) Do I (if not a Hong Kong resident) need to have a Hong Kong partner to incorporate a company?

No, Hong Kong companies do not require a local shareholder or a director.

31) Are Corporate Directors permitted?

A single natural citizen or a board of directors can be appointed. For example, a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands may act as director. Any natural person, for instance a citizen of India or the US, may act as corporate director.

32) Can I change the company name once I register the company?

Yes, but you must pass a special resolution called a Notification of Change of Company Name. This must be filed with the Hong Kong Companies Registry.

33) How can I deregister, strike off, and wind up a Hong Kong company?

Deregistration is a quick and inexpensive procedure for closing an HK company. Please note that a company can deregister only if it never actually commenced business.
Winding up is the process of clearing the accounts and liquidating the assets of an HK company for the purpose of distributing its net assets to members.
Striking off takes place when the HK Companies Registry decides to close a company for violation of HK Companies Ordinance.
Deregistering, winding up, or striking off a company will result in the dissolution of said company.

Last update: March 2026