How To Register A New Company In Hong Kong 2025 Guide

Hong Kong remains one of the most compelling destinations for entrepreneurs in 2025, thanks to its rapid incorporation process, modern digital infrastructure, and robust legal foundation. Under the revamped e-Services platform launched in December 2023, entrepreneurs can submit incorporation applications and supporting documents online through a unified portal, and many private companies limited by shares can receive their Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate within about one hour. Beyond speed, Hong Kong’s corporate regime is anchored in transparent common law principles and governed by the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), ensuring regulatory certainty for businesses. This blog serves as a step-by-step practical guide, grounded in the official procedures of the Hong Kong Companies Registry, to help you confidently set up a new company in Hong Kong this year.

Key Takeaways

Fast & Efficient Incorporation

Hong Kong’s revamped e-Services platform allows electronic registration of private companies limited by shares within about one hour.

Company Types Simplified

Options include private/public limited by shares, limited by guarantee, and other rare structures; limited companies offer liability protection.

Name & Compliance Guidelines

Ensure your company name meets the Companies Registry rules, including uniqueness, restricted words, and IP considerations.

Cost Structure

Incorporation costs include government fees (HK$1,545–HK$1,720), business registration (HK$2,200–HK$6,020), and professional services (HK$5,000–HK$10,000+).

Post-Incorporation Obligations

Companies must comply with annual return filings, audit and tax obligations, maintain a registered office, and appoint a company secretary.

Types of Companies in Hong Kong

When setting up a business in Hong Kong, one of the first decisions is selecting the appropriate company type. Under the current regime (New Companies Ordinance, Cap. 622), the types of companies that can be formed are streamlined. 

Here’s a breakdown of the main types relevant to most entrepreneurs:

1. Company Limited by Shares

This is by far the most common structure for SMEs, startups, and commercial ventures.
Shareholders’ liability is limited to the unpaid portion of the shares they hold (i.e. if they have fully paid for their shares, they carry no further obligation). It allows for share capital, issuance of shares, transferability of shares and raising capital from investors though it is subject to restrictions in the Articles.

Under the New Companies Ordinance, there are both private companies limited by shares and public companies limited by shares.

• Private companies are those with restrictions on share transfer, fewer members, and lighter disclosure obligations.
• Public companies can raise capital publicly and are subject to stricter regulatory and disclosure requirements.

This type is ideal when your business aims to scale, attract investment, or operate with shareholders privately or publicly.

2. Company Limited by Guarantee

Unlike share companies, companies limited by guarantee do not have share capital; instead, members’ liabilities are limited to the fixed amount they agree to contribute in case the company is wound up. This structure is commonly used by nonprofit organisations, associations, clubs, charities, or entities where profit distribution is not the primary objective.

For companies formed under the old Ordinance as guarantee companies, the new regime maintains them under the separate “guarantee company” category. Some additional compliance rules apply to guarantee companies under the New CO (e.g. requirements for minimum number of directors, filing annual returns with financial statements)

3. Other Forms: Unlimited, Sole Proprietorship, Partnership

Under Cap. 622, other categories like private unlimited companies (with share capital) and public unlimited companies remain possible but are rarely used in practice. Sole proprietorships and partnerships are not registered under Companies Registry; instead, they are registered with the Business Registration Office (under IRD).

These are simpler structures, but they do not offer limited liability protection. Therefore, for entrepreneurs who want separation between personal and business risk, limited companies are preferred.

Learn: Ltd vs Sole Proprietorship in Hong Kong – What’s Best for Your Business?

3. Choosing a Company Name

Choosing a proper company name is crucial—not just for branding, but also compliance. The Companies Registry imposes clear rules to ensure uniqueness, avoid confusion, and protect public interest. Below are the key rules and tips you should follow:

1. Language, Format & Character Rules

You may choose an English name, a Chinese name, or both — but you cannot mix English letters and Chinese characters in one name. If your company has a Chinese name, it must use traditional Chinese characters, drawn from approved character dictionaries (e.g. Kangxi, Cihai). For an English name, it must end with “Limited” (or its Chinese equivalent for Chinese names). Other suffixes like “Incorporated”, “Inc.”, “Corp.” do not substitute. 

2. Uniqueness & Avoiding Duplication

The name you choose must not be identical to a name already on the Registrar’s “Index of Company Names”. The Registrar may also reject names that are in its opinion “too like” existing names. The legal test includes ignoring certain words (like “company,” “limited,” “and,” “&”), spaces, letter-case, punctuation, or character equivalence in Chinese. Even if your name is accepted initially, the Registrar has power to order a name change within 12 months if it is later deemed too similar to another. 

3. Restricted Words & Required Approval

Some words or expressions are restricted, meaning you must obtain prior approval from the Registrar before incorporating them in the name. Examples include “trust,” “chamber of commerce,” “tourism board,” “bank”, etc. Also, names that suggest connection with Hong Kong’s government or the Central People’s Government may be disallowed or need special approval. 

4. Intellectual Property & Trademark Considerations

Even if a name passes the Companies Registry check, it may still infringe third-party trademark or intellectual property (IP) rights. A company name that infringes IPR may invite civil or criminal liability. It’s strongly recommended to conduct a search of the Hong Kong Trademark Register (via the Intellectual Property Department) before finalising the company name.

Practical Steps: Name Search & Confirmation

Use the e-Search Services under the CR’s e-Services Portal to check whether your proposed name is already used. You can also use the on-site e-Services Centre at Queensway (13th floor). When doing the name search, use “Exact Name Search” mode, inputting your full proposed name (in English or Chinese) to test for exact matches. Also check for old company names that have been subject to a “change of name direction” by the Registrar — these names may also block your proposed name. 

Learn: How To Conduct a BVI Company Search: A Guide For Hong Kong Companies 

What Happens If Name Is Rejected / Directed to Change

If a name is rejected initially, you must pick a different name and resubmit. If the Registrar later issues a name change direction (within statutory periods), you must change the company name within the period specified in the notice. For example, if misleading information was provided in the registration or restrictions exist post-registration, the Registrar has power (under sections 108 of the CO) to order a change within 5 years. 

Required Documents

When applying to register a new company in Hong Kong, the Companies Registry requires applicants to prepare and submit specific documents together with the prescribed fees. These documents differ slightly depending on whether you are forming a company limited by shares or a company limited by guarantee, but the essentials are as follows:

• Form NNC1 (for a company limited by shares) or Form NNC1G (for a company not limited by shares).
• Articles of Association, which must include mandatory provisions such as the company name, liability of members, contributions, and capital/initial shareholdings.
• Notice to the Business Registration Office (IRBR1), which also confirms whether the company will elect a 1-year or 3-year Business Registration Certificate.

Certificates Issued

Once the application is processed and approved, the Companies Registry will issue two essential certificates:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Business Registration Certificate

Both documents are legally valid regardless of format. If you apply online, you will typically receive electronic certificates within about one hour for a company limited by shares. For hard copy applications, certificates are generally issued within four working days. Whether digital or printed, both carry the same legal effect and can be used for banking, contracts, and other business purposes.

Learn: A Guide To Hong Kong Certificate of Incorporation

Learn: Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate Guide 2025

Application Forms & Specimens

To support applicants, the Companies Registry provides downloadable forms and sample documents:

• Forms NNC1, NNC1G, and IRBR1 can be downloaded free of charge at www.cr.gov.hk 
• Sample Articles of Association are also available online for different company types, helping founders draft compliant documents.
• Hard copies of Forms NNC1 and NNC1G are available for purchase at the Registry’s service counters, while the IRBR1 is provided free of charge in person.

These resources make it easier for first-time entrepreneurs to meet statutory requirements without confusion.

 Step-by-Step Incorporation Process

Registering a company in Hong Kong is straightforward, but you must follow each step carefully to ensure compliance with the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622). Below is the official step-by-step guide.

Step 1 – Prepare and Decide

Before filing your application, decide on the type of company (most entrepreneurs choose a company limited by shares), select a company name that complies with Companies Registry rules, and prepare the Articles of Association. The Articles must include key provisions such as the company name, liability of members, members’ contributions, and initial share capital.

Step 2 – Submit Incorporation Application

To apply, you must submit the following incorporation documents with the prescribed fees:

• Form NNC1 (for a company limited by shares) or Form NNC1G (for a company limited by guarantee).
• Articles of Association of the company.
• Notice to the Business Registration Office (IRBR1) – this form also confirms whether you will apply for a 1-year or 3-year Business Registration Certificate.

Applications may be filed in two ways:

• e-Filing via the e-Services Portal (www.e-services.cr.gov.hk), which is the fastest option.
• Hard copy submission at the Companies Registry, 14th Floor, Queensway Government Offices.

Step 3 – Pay the Fees

The incorporation application must be accompanied by the relevant government fees and the business registration fee and levy. Applicants can choose either a 1-year or 3-year Business Registration Certificate. Payment can be made online for electronic filings, or at the Registry counter for hard copy applications.

Step 4 – Receive Certificates

Once the application is approved, the Companies Registry issues two certificates:

• Certificate of Incorporation
• Business Registration Certificate

Both are legally valid whether issued in electronic or hard copy form. For electronic applications, certificates for private companies limited by shares are typically available within 1 hour. For hard copy applications, certificates are usually ready within 4 working days and must be collected in person (or by an authorised representative).

Costs of Incorporation in Hong Kong

When registering a company in Hong Kong, applicants must pay both government incorporation fees and the business registration fee and levy. These official charges are set by the Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department and apply to all new company registrations.

Government Fees

• Incorporation Application Fee: Payable when submitting Form NNC1 (company limited by shares) or Form NNC1G (company limited by guarantee).
• The current rates are published in the Companies Registry’s Price Guide to Main Services, available online at cr.gov.hk.

Business Registration Fee & Levy

• All companies must also file the Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR1) with the application.
• The fee includes:
  • Business Registration Fee (for either a 1-year or 3-year certificate).
    
  • Business Registration Levy, collected on behalf of the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund.
• These amounts are updated periodically by the Inland Revenue Department and can be checked in the Business Registration Fee and Levy Table on cr.gov.hk.

Additional Costs to Consider

While the statutory fees cover only the incorporation and registration certificates, most companies will incur professional service costs to ensure compliance, such as:

• Company Secretary Services – every Hong Kong company must appoint a company secretary. Many firms outsource this role to professional providers.
  
• Registered Office Address – a local address is mandatory, and service providers often supply a business address as part of their packages.
  
• Document Preparation & Filing Services – professionals can help draft the Articles of Association and handle e-filing on your behalf.

By budgeting for both government fees and professional services, entrepreneurs can ensure a smoother incorporation process and ongoing compliance with statutory requirements.

Cost Breakdown For Incorporating a Company In Hong Kong 

Post-Incorporation Compliance

Successfully incorporating your Hong Kong company is just the beginning. To remain compliant with local laws, companies must fulfill a series of post-incorporation obligations. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements every newly registered company must be aware of in 2025:

1. Business Registration Certificate Renewal

Once your company is incorporated, you’ll receive a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) issued under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310). This certificate must be renewed either annually or once every three years, depending on your election during incorporation (as stated in Form IRBR1).

• The renewal should be completed before the expiry date of the current certificate.
  
• The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) will usually issue a renewal demand note before the deadline.
  
• Failure to renew on time may result in penalties.

Keep your company’s registered address and contact details up to date to ensure proper delivery of renewal notices.

2. Annual Return Filing (Form NAR1)

Every private company must file an Annual Return (Form NAR1) once every calendar year, within 42 days of the anniversary of the company’s incorporation.

• This return provides the Companies Registry with updated details of the company’s directors, shareholders, secretary, and registered office address.
  
• Even if there are no changes, filing is mandatory.
  
• A substantial late filing fee will apply if the NAR1 is submitted after the due date.
  

Public companies and companies limited by guarantee follow different timelines and reporting requirements.

3. Accounting, Auditing & Tax Obligations

Companies incorporated in Hong Kong are legally required to maintain proper books of accounts and to comply with Hong Kong’s tax and audit regulations:

• Annual Audit: All companies must prepare annual financial statements and have them audited by a Hong Kong Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
  
• Profits Tax Return (PTR): Companies must file a PTR along with the audited accounts with the IRD—generally within 1 month from the date the IRD issues the return.
  
• First Filing: For newly incorporated companies, the first PTR is usually issued 18 months after incorporation.
  
• Accounting Records: Must be kept for at least 7 years.

It is advisable to appoint a qualified accounting firm early to manage compliance efficiently and avoid penalties or rejection of audit reports.

4. Company Secretary & Registered Office

Under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), every Hong Kong company must:

• Appoint a Company Secretary:
  • Must be a Hong Kong resident or a licensed Hong Kong corporate service provider.
  • Responsible for ensuring compliance with statutory duties, filing returns, and maintaining registers.
    
• Maintain a Registered Office Address in Hong Kong:
  • This must be a physical address, not a P.O. Box.
  • It is where all statutory documents and government correspondence will be sent.

Changes to the registered office or secretary must be reported promptly via Form NR1 (for office address) or Form ND2A (for company officers).

5. Seek Ongoing Professional Advice

The Companies Registry strongly advises all businesses to consult the Companies Ordinance and seek independent professional advice to ensure full compliance with Hong Kong’s evolving regulatory environment

This is particularly relevant for:

• Regulatory updates
• Changes in shareholding
• Share capital increases
• Alterations to company structure

You can access the full Companies Ordinance at www.elegislation.gov.hk or consult a company secretarial service to stay on top of all statutory duties.

Contact & Resources

For additional guidance, downloadable forms, and real-time e-filing access, the Hong Kong Companies Registry provides multiple support channels:

• Website: www.cr.gov.hk – For incorporation guidelines, downloadable forms, and regulations under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622).
  
• e-Services Portal: www.e-services.cr.gov.hk – For company name search, online incorporation, document submission, and e-Certificates.
  
• Hotlines:
  
  • 24-hour IVRS: (852) 2234 9933
  • New Companies Section: (852) 2867 2600
    
• Email: crenq@cr.gov.hk

Whether you’re incorporating your first company or need clarity on statutory duties, the Companies Registry offers reliable and timely support.

Conclusion: Why Incorporate in Hong Kong?

In conclusion, registering a new company in Hong Kong in 2025 is a streamlined, efficient, and strategically advantageous process. With the e-Services platform enabling electronic incorporation within hours, clear guidance under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), and a robust legal and tax framework, entrepreneurs can confidently establish their business while minimising risks and costs. By understanding the company types, compliance requirements, fees, and post-incorporation obligations, founders can ensure a smooth start and maintain regulatory adherence. Whether you are a local startup or an international business, Hong Kong’s pro-business environment, low taxation, and global connectivity make it an ideal jurisdiction to launch, grow, and scale your enterprise successfully.

How FastLane Group Can Help

Starting a business in Hong Kong is easy—with the right partner. At FastLane Group, we offer comprehensive support for every step of your company incorporation and beyond:

• End-to-End Incorporation Service
• Company Secretary & Registered Office Support
• Banking, Accounting, Audit & Tax Compliance
• Ongoing Advisory for Expansion

Ready to launch your business in Hong Kong?
Contact FastLane Group today and let us simplify your incorporation journey.