Hong Kong Company Incorporation

A Hong Kong limited company requires: at least one director (must be a natural person aged 18+, any nationality, no Hong Kong residency required) and at least one shareholder (individual or corporate; can be the same person as the director). Maximum 50 shareholders for a private company. A company secretary is also required — must be a Hong Kong resident or a Hong Kong-incorporated company (PAT CPA acts as your company secretary in the first year as part of the HK$6,800 package).

A Hong Kong limited company can use: (1) Chinese name only (must end with 「有限公司」); (2) English name only (must end with 'Limited'); (3) Both Chinese and English (most common). The name cannot duplicate an existing registered company, cannot contain restricted words (e.g. 'Bank', 'Government', or other regulated-industry terms), and cannot resemble government agency names. We conduct a free company name search before submission to confirm availability.

The incorporation process typically takes 1-3 business days if all documents are in order. The Companies Registry processes applications electronically, which speeds up the process. Timeline may vary depending on document completeness, company name availability, and any additional requirements.

To register a Hong Kong limited company, you need: (1) Chinese and/or English company name (cleared by search); (2) Original identity documents for all directors and shareholders (HK ID card or passport); (3) Proof of address for all directors and shareholders (utility bill or bank statement within 3 months); (4) Hong Kong registered office address (can use our registered address service); (5) Description of business nature; (6) Share capital amount and shareholder allocation (standard: HK$10,000 divided into 10,000 shares). Overseas clients can complete AMLO statutory identity verification via video call — no travel required.

There is no minimum share capital requirement — a Hong Kong limited company can be incorporated with as little as HK$1. However, the market standard is HK$10,000 divided into 10,000 shares of HK$1 each, which gives flexibility for future shareholder allocation and gives a more professional impression to banks and counterparties. Share capital can be increased later via shareholder resolution. See our share capital guide.

Yes. Hong Kong limited companies have no nationality restrictions on shareholders or directors — mainland Chinese residents, foreign nationals, and overseas companies can 100% own a Hong Kong company. Hong Kong law does not require a local (Hong Kong) director; a minimum of 1 director aged 18+ is sufficient. We extensively serve mainland and overseas clients — our electronic incorporation package HK$6,800 all-in includes video verification and completes in 1 business day.

Yes. Overseas clients (including mainland China, Southeast Asia, Europe, the US, and elsewhere) can form a Hong Kong limited company remotely via electronic filing, with no need to travel. Our HKICPA-licensed CPA arranges a video call to complete the Customer Due Diligence (CDD) procedure required under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO). Clients present original identity documents during the call, which takes approximately 15 minutes. Electronic filing typically completes within 1 business day.

No, you don't need to be a Hong Kong resident to incorporate a company. However, you need a company secretary who is a Hong Kong resident or a Hong Kong-incorporated company, and a registered office address in Hong Kong. PAT CPA provides both as part of our HK$6,800 all-in package, so overseas founders can fully comply without setting foot in Hong Kong.

Key differences between a Hong Kong limited company (Ltd) and an unlimited entity (sole proprietorship / partnership): 1. Liability: Limited company shareholders are liable only up to their capital contribution; unlimited owners bear unlimited joint and several personal liability for all debts — personal assets can be seized. 2. Tax rate: Limited company profits tax 8.25% (first HK$2M profit) / 16.5% (above); unlimited entities pay profits tax at 7.5% / 15% but the owner's salaries tax and two-tier rates must also be considered together. 3. Registration: Limited companies must register with both the Companies Registry (CR) and Business Registration Office (BR) via the one-stop service — NNC1 form, articles of association, director + shareholder + secretary + registered office required. Unlimited entities only need a Business Registration Certificate. 4. Compliance burden: Limited companies require annual statutory audit, NAR1 annual return filing, and full accounting records. Unlimited entities do not require an audit — only transaction records to support profits tax filing. 5. Financing & credibility: Banks, government funding schemes (e.g. BUD Fund), and listing channels overwhelmingly favour limited companies. Unlimited entities have weaker credibility in cross-border trade, tenders, and commercial property leases. 6. Use cases: Freelancers, small retail/F&B, insurance brokers, and family-run businesses often start as unlimited entities. Any business involving external investment, employees, cross-border trade, or long-term expansion should choose a limited company. PAT CPA's company registration service currently focuses on Hong Kong limited company incorporation (all-in HK$6,800, 1 business day). If you need to register an unlimited business (sole proprietorship / partnership), please contact us regarding referral arrangements and our Business Registration filing service.

Within 12 months after incorporation, your Hong Kong limited company must: (1) File the Annual Return (NAR1) with the Companies Registry within 42 days of the anniversary date; (2) Renew the Business Registration Certificate annually (or every 3 years); (3) Maintain statutory registers — directors, members, secretary, and the Significant Controllers Register (SCR); (4) Hold an AGM (unless exempted by written resolution); (5) Keep proper accounting records and prepare audited financial statements signed by an HKICPA-licensed CPA; (6) File the Profits Tax Return (BIR51) with the Inland Revenue Department, typically issued ~18 months after incorporation. PAT CPA offers integrated accounting, audit, and company secretary services to keep your company compliant year after year.

Yes. You can change the company name, directors, shareholders, and registered office address after incorporation. Each change involves filing the appropriate statutory form with the Companies Registry (e.g. NNC2 for name change, ND2A for director changes, NR1 for registered office) and updating the Business Registration. Typical turnaround is 5-7 business days. For details on changing a Hong Kong registered address, see our registered address change guide. PAT CPA's company secretary clients enjoy these filings at discounted rates.

The Certificate of Incorporation is the official document issued by the Companies Registry confirming your company's legal existence. It contains the company name, registration number, date of incorporation, and company type. This certificate is essential for opening bank accounts, entering contracts, applying for licences, and conducting business operations. PAT CPA delivers the original certificate together with the Business Registration Certificate, M&A, and statutory chops as part of the standard incorporation package.