Question 1

Do I need to live in Hong Kong or have a local partner to start?

Accepted Answer

No. A foreigner can own 100% of a Hong Kong company and act as its sole director, with no residency requirement at all. What every company must have is a local company secretary, a Hong Kong registered address and a Designated Representative — all of which we provide, so you keep full control.

Question 2

How much do I actually pay, and are government fees on top?

Accepted Answer

The plan price is what you pay — the government charges (HK$1,545 incorporation, HK$2,350 Business Registration Certificate and HK$105 annual return) are already built in, not added at the end. Incorporation with a company secretary starts at HK$4,650.

Question 3

Do I need a resident director or a nominee in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

No. Unlike some jurisdictions, Hong Kong doesn't require a resident director, so there's no nominee director to arrange — a foreigner can be the sole director. You do need a local company secretary and a Designated Representative to maintain the Significant Controllers Register, both of which we handle.

Question 4

Can I open a business bank account if I'm not a resident?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We introduce you to our partner banks and payment providers — HSBC, DBS, Airwallex, WorldFirst, Aspire and PayPal — and fast-track your application. The bank makes the final call, but we prepare everything to give it the best chance.

Question 5

How much profits tax will my company really pay?

Accepted Answer

Hong Kong uses a two-tier profits tax: 8.25% on the first HK$2 million of assessable profits and 16.5% on anything above. Only profits sourced in Hong Kong are taxed, and there's no tax on dividends and no capital gains tax.

Question 6

What has to happen every year once I'm set up?

Accepted Answer

Each year you renew your Business Registration Certificate, file your annual return (NAR1), hold an AGM, and submit audited accounts with a Profits Tax Return. Our packages bundle the company secretary and compliance filings so the essentials are covered.

Question 7

Limited company or sole proprietorship — which should I choose?

Accepted Answer

For most founders, a limited company: it's a separate legal entity, so your personal assets are protected, and it's taxed at the two-tier profits rates of 8.25% then 16.5%. A sole proprietorship is simpler and cheaper but leaves you personally liable for all debts and is taxed at 7.5% then 15%.

Question 8

How long does it take, and can I do it from abroad?

Accepted Answer

Once your documents are ready, registration with the Companies Registry typically takes about 3 business days. If you're registering from outside Hong Kong, it usually completes within 5 to 7 working days — and the whole process is handled online.

Hong Kong Formation Services

Hong Kong Formation Services

Limited Company

Company Secretary

Registered Address

Business Registration

Accounting & Audit

Annual Compliance

Business Bank Account

Designated Representative

Form your entity

Protect your privacy

Stay operational

Start Your Hong Kong Company Today