Hong Kong Company Registration Guide: Procedures, Steps, and the 2025 Latest Insights

As Asia’s leading financial hub and a gateway to global markets, Hong Kong continues to attract entrepreneurs from around the world to set up their companies. Registering a Hong Kong company offers major advantages—low tax rates, a simple tax regime, free capital flow, and international recognition. Whether you’re a startup or an expanding SME, understanding the process and requirements for company registration in Hong Kong is essential to starting strong. This 2025 guide breaks down every aspect—from procedures and required documents to government services and licensing—so you can confidently complete your Hong Kong company registration and accelerate business growth.

Hong Kong Company Registration Process Explained

Hong Kong’s company registration process is known for its efficiency. By 2025, the entire process has become fully digital—companies can now receive their incorporation certificates within one business day through the upgraded Companies Registry e-Registry system. Below are the seven key steps to registering your company in Hong Kong.

Step 1: Choose Your Company Type and Name

Hong Kong companies are generally classified into limited by shares, unlimited companies, and companies limited by guarantee. Most entrepreneurs choose a private limited company, where liability is limited to unpaid shares. Choose a company name and verify its availability using the Company Name Search function on the Companies Registry’s e-services website. Avoid restricted terms such as “bank” or “insurance” as outlined in the Guidelines on Registration of Company Names. The search is free and the results are instant.

Step 2: Prepare the Application Documents

Complete the incorporation form NNC1 (for companies limited by shares) or NNC1G (for guarantee companies). Include shareholder, director, and company secretary information, and draft the Articles of Association. Directors must also sign a consent form to act. All documents must be certified; foreign shareholders need to provide proof of identity.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

Upload all documents via the e-Registry or submit by mail to the Companies Registry at 14/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong. As of 2025, e-filing supports real-time application tracking. The registration fee is approximately HK$1,720, and the Business Registration Fee is HK$250 (subject to updates). Upon submission, the system automatically generates a company number and business registration number.

Step 4: Obtain the Certificates

Once approved, you will receive two key documents: the Certificate of Incorporation and the Business Registration Certificate. The Business Registration Certificate, issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), is valid for one or three years and must be renewed annually. Electronic versions are downloadable directly from the portal.

Step 5: Appoint a Company Secretary and Registered Address

Every Hong Kong company must have a qualified company secretary (an individual or a corporate body) and a local registered address. A physical office is not required—virtual addresses are accepted.

Step 6: Open a Bank Account

After registration, open a multi-currency business bank account. In 2025, major banks like HSBC and Standard Chartered have enhanced their online onboarding systems. Bring your incorporation certificates and identity documents for verification.

Step 7: Handle Tax and Compliance Matters

Submit your profits tax return to the IRD. The first HK$2,000,000 in profits is tax-exempt. Maintain a Significant Controllers Register (SCR) to record the ultimate beneficial owners as required by the Companies Ordinance.

Overall, the Hong Kong company registration process emphasizes simplicity and transparency. Most applications are processed within 3–7 business days. For complex cases or those involving trust or company service providers (TCSPs), seek advice from licensed professionals.

Business Registration Requirements in Hong Kong

Business registration is mandatory for all entities operating in Hong Kong, according to the Business Registration Ordinance. It not only certifies legal operation but also connects directly to taxation procedures.

Basic Requirements

Both local and non-Hong Kong companies (foreign companies operating in Hong Kong) must apply for a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) with the IRD’s Business Registration Office. A Unique Business Identifier (UBI)now integrates company and business registration numbers for easier cross-departmental access. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and act as a director, shareholder, or authorized representative.

Application Process

Business registration usually happens alongside company incorporation, as the Companies Registry automatically forwards the information to the IRD. For separate applications, submit Form IRBR1 and provide identity proof plus a brief business description. Fees remain at HK$250 for one year or HK$2,250 for three years (2025 rates).

Compliance Notes

The Business Registration Certificate must be displayed at the place of business (a printed copy is acceptable for electronic certificates). Late renewals incur penalties starting at HK$300. Non-Hong Kong companies must provide additional proof of overseas incorporation.

Meeting these registration requirements ensures your company operates legally and avoids unnecessary penalties.

Documents Required for Hong Kong Company Registration

Preparing complete documentation is crucial for a smooth registration. While 2025’s digital upgrades reduce paperwork, the core documents remain the same.

Essential Documents:

Incorporation Form NNC1 / NNC1G / NNC3 (depending on company type)
Articles of Association outlining internal governance rules
Certified copies of identity documents for all directors and shareholders
Consent to Act as Director form
Company Secretary authorization (if applicable)

Supporting Materials:

Name search results
Business Registration application form (IRBR1)
Proof of business nature and registered address
For foreign companies: certificate of incorporation from the home country and Hong Kong office address

Electronic submission now accepts scanned documents, provided authenticity is maintained. To avoid delays, consider engaging a professional company service provider.

Government Departments and Services Involved

Several government bodies manage the registration process:

Companies Registry (CR): Handles company formation, public records, and e-services.
Inland Revenue Department (IRD): Issues Business Registration Certificates and manages tax matters.
Trade and Industry Department: Manages import/export licenses.
TCSP Licensing Office: Oversees trust and company service providers.

By leveraging the upgraded e-Registry platform, applicants can complete incorporation, track application progress, and retrieve company data 24/7.

Licenses and Permits for Hong Kong Companies

After incorporation, certain businesses must obtain specific licenses to operate legally.

TCSP License: Required for firms offering company secretary or trust services, ensuring AML compliance.
Industry-Specific Licenses:
- Trading companies – Import/export licenses via the Trade and Industry Department
- Financial services – Licenses from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC)
- Food and beverage businesses – Permits from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department
Trademark Registration: Recommended for brand protection under the Trademarks Registry.
Significant Controllers Register (SCR): Mandatory for all companies to record beneficial ownership.

Failure to obtain required licenses can lead to fines up to HK$100,000.

Global Business Expansion with PhotonPay

Once your Hong Kong company is established, managing global payments and cross-border transactions becomes the next challenge. PhotonPay offers advanced financial infrastructure that helps businesses scale seamlessly worldwide.

Core Solutions of PhotonPay:

💡 Global Accounts: Open multi-currency accounts in minutes across 14 currencies with zero hidden fees. Manage funds from platforms like Amazon or Shopify in one place, with enterprise-grade security and access control.

💡 Card Issuing: Instantly issue virtual or physical multi-currency business cards for online and offline payments. Supports Mastercard and Discover® networks with PCI-DSS Level 1 and 3DS 2.0 security.

💡 Online Payments: Accept payments in 230+ countries and 100+ currencies, supporting 60+ payment methods. Features include tokenization, subscription billing, and AI-powered fraud prevention.

💡 Payouts: Send global payments instantly to 230+ countries in 60+ currencies with competitive FX rates and transparent fees.

💡 FX Management: Real-time foreign exchange with interbank rates and multiple conversion options to reduce currency risks.

💡 Embedded Finance: API-first infrastructure offering Accounts-as-a-Service, Card-as-a-Service, and Payment-as-a-Service for full financial automation and compliance.

With these capabilities, PhotonPay empowers Hong Kong-based companies to expand globally and manage international operations efficiently.

Conclusion

Registering a company in Hong Kong in 2025 has never been easier—thanks to digitized processes and strong government support. By following the proper procedures and understanding compliance requirements, you can establish your business swiftly and securely. Combine your new Hong Kong company setup with PhotonPay’s global payment infrastructure to unlock borderless growth.

Start your Hong Kong entrepreneurship journey today—and turn your business vision into global success.

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