Hong Kong Company Registration

Incorporate a Private Limited Company in Hong Kong

Validity: Perpetual existence; Business Registration Certificate renewable annually

What is Hong Kong Company Registration?

Hong Kong is one of Asia premier international financial centres and offers Indian founders a respected common-law jurisdiction with low corporate taxes, no capital gains tax, and straightforward access to capital markets and banking.

Hong Kong is one of the world most open and internationally recognised business jurisdictions, operating under a common-law legal system. The territorial tax system means offshore income is generally not subject to Hong Kong profits tax. The standard profits tax rate is 16.5 percent for corporations, and there is no capital gains tax, no withholding tax on dividends, and no goods and services tax.

Who Needs Hong Kong Company Registration?

Indian founders targeting Southeast Asian and Greater China markets, technology and SaaS companies serving international clients and seeking offshore tax treatment, entrepreneurs raising capital from Asian institutional investors.

What's Included

Territorial tax system with no tax on offshore income
No capital gains tax, dividend withholding tax, or GST
Low corporate profits tax rate of 16.5 percent
Fast incorporation typically within one to two business days
Common-law legal system respected by global investors and clients
Strategic location as Asia premier international financial centre

⚠️ Penalty for Non-Compliance

Non-compliance with Reserve Bank of India Annual Performance Report obligations under the Foreign Exchange Management Act 1999 can attract penalties up to three times the amount involved or three hundred thousand rupees, whichever is higher.

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How It Works

1
Name Availability and Pre-Incorporation Check
Search the Companies Registry to confirm the proposed company name is available.
2
Prepare Incorporation Documents
Prepare the incorporation form NNC1, articles of association, and particulars of directors and company secretary.
3
Submit to Companies Registry
File the incorporation application electronically through the Companies Registry e-Registry portal.
4
Obtain Business Registration Certificate
The Business Registration Certificate is issued by the Inland Revenue Department.
5
Appoint Company Secretary and Set Up Statutory Records
Appoint a Hong Kong resident or Hong Kong-incorporated entity as company secretary.
6
FEMA Compliance and Bank Account Opening
Report the overseas investment to the authorised dealer bank in India.

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Documents Required

Items marked Required are mandatory; others are situational.

Identity and Address Documents

Passport copy of each director and shareholderRequired
Proof of residential address (not older than three months)Required
Indian PAN card of Indian resident foundersRequired

Post-Incorporation Compliance

Hong Kong resident company secretary appointedRequired
Authorised dealer bank in India informed of overseas investmentRequired

Ongoing Filing Obligations

Annual Return filed with the Companies RegistryRequired
Business Registration Certificate renewed annuallyRequired
Profits Tax Return filed with the Inland Revenue DepartmentRequired

Fees & Pricing

Government Fees

Companies Registry Incorporation Fee

One-time fee

HKD 1,720 (approximately INR 18,000)

Business Registration Certificate (Annual)

Annual fee payable to the Inland Revenue Department

HKD 2,150 (approximately INR 22,500)

Professional Fees

Incorporation and Document Preparation

Quoted on review of your specific case

Varies

* Government fees may vary. GST applicable on professional fees. Final pricing confirmed after review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Hong Kong popular with Indian founders for international incorporation?

Hong Kong territorial tax system is the primary attraction, as income earned from business activities conducted outside Hong Kong is generally not subject to profits tax.

Must a Hong Kong company have a local company secretary?

Yes, the Companies Ordinance requires every Hong Kong private limited company to have a company secretary who is either an individual ordinarily resident in Hong Kong or a company incorporated in Hong Kong.

How long does Hong Kong company registration take?

Electronic filing through the Companies Registry's e-Registry typically results in incorporation within 1 hour to 1 business day for straightforward applications — one of the fastest jurisdictions to incorporate in.

Do I need a registered office address in Hong Kong?

Yes, every Hong Kong company must maintain a registered office address within Hong Kong — typically provided by the company secretarial firm handling incorporation for non-resident founders.

Is there a minimum share capital requirement?

No, Hong Kong does not impose a minimum paid-up share capital requirement — companies commonly incorporate with as little as HKD 1 in issued share capital.

Do I need to file annual returns even with no local operations?

Yes, a Hong Kong company must file an Annual Return with the Companies Registry, renew its Business Registration Certificate every year, and file a Profits Tax Return with the Inland Revenue Department — even while claiming offshore profits are not taxable.