How to Register a Business in Hong Kong

Starting a business in Hong Kong feels like standing at the gateway to Asia’s vast markets. In 2025, Hong Kong remains one of the world’s most accessible places to register a company, a process that can take as little as one business day.

This guide walks you through every aspect of registering your Hong Kong business in 2025, from selecting your business structure to obtaining your Business Registration Certificate. I’ve included insights from successful entrepreneurs, warnings about common pitfalls, and practical advice that goes beyond what you’ll find on government websites.

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or representing a multinational corporation, this step-by-step guide will help you establish your business presence in one of Asia’s most strategic locations.

The Hong Kong Business Registration Process

Starting a business in Hong Kong requires understanding the complete registration process. Hong Kong’s business-friendly environment attracts entrepreneurs worldwide, but navigating the registration steps correctly is essential for a smooth start. Let’s break down each step of the registration process to help you launch your Hong Kong business correctly.

1. Begin with a Business Structure

The first critical decision in your Hong Kong business journey is selecting the right business structure. This choice affects everything from your tax obligations to personal liability protection.

Types of Business Structures in Hong Kong

Sole Proprietorship: This is the simplest business structure where you operate as an individual. You have complete control over business decisions, but you’re also personally responsible for all business debts and obligations. Registration is straightforward through the Business Registration Office, but offers no separation between personal and business assets.

Partnership: Partnerships in Hong Kong come in two forms: general partnerships and limited partnerships. In a general partnership, all partners share management responsibilities and personal liability for business debts. Limited partnerships include at least one general partner with unlimited liability and limited partners whose liability is restricted to their investment. Partnerships require a partnership agreement and registration with the Business Registration Office.

Limited Company: The most popular choice for Hong Kong businesses is the private limited company. This structure creates a separate legal entity, protecting your personal assets from business liabilities. Hong Kong offers several company types including:

• Private Limited Company (Ltd.): Limited to 50 shareholders with restrictions on share transfers
• Public Limited Company (PLC): Can offer shares to the public
• Company Limited by Guarantee: Typically used for non-profit organizations

2. Choose Your Business Name

When selecting a business name in Hong Kong, be aware of these restrictions:

• Names cannot be identical to existing registered companies
• Names cannot be offensive or suggest illegal activities
• Names cannot imply a connection with the Hong Kong government without approval
• Names cannot include words like “Royal,” “Imperial,” or “National” without special permission
• Names suggesting regulated activities (like “Bank” or “Insurance”) require approval from relevant authorities

The Companies Registry may reject names that are too similar to existing businesses, misleading, or contrary to public interest.

3. Checking Name Availability

Before submitting your application, verify your business name’s availability:

1. Search the Companies Registry’s Cyber Search Centre online database
2. Check for similar names that might cause rejection
3. Consider searching trademark databases to avoid infringement issues

For limited companies, you must include “Limited” or “Ltd.” at the end of your name in English, or “有限公司” in Chinese.

4. Submit Documents for Registration

For registering a limited company (the most common choice), you’ll need:

1. Incorporation Form (Form NNC1 for companies with model articles of association or NNC1G for others)
2. Articles of Association: This document outlines your company’s internal rules and management structure
3. Identity proof for all directors, shareholders, and company secretary
4. Proof of registered address in Hong Kong (utility bill, lease agreement, etc.)

A company receives a certificate within an hour after the delivery of expected papers at the e-Registry but if the papers are in the form of hard copy, you will take three to five days to complete the process.

5. Submission Methods

You can submit your registration documents through:

1. Online submission: Through the e-Registry portal (fastest option, processing within 1 hour)
2. In-person submission: At the Companies Registry office (processing typically takes 3-5 working days)
3. Through a company secretary or formation agent: Professional assistance ensures error-free submission

For first-time entrepreneurs, using a company formation service can prevent common mistakes and speed up the process.

6. The Verification Process

The Companies Registry reviews all submissions for:

1. Completeness of information
2. Accuracy of details provided
3. Compliance with Hong Kong company law
4. Proper authorization and signatures

Any discrepancies or missing information will result in application rejection, requiring resubmission and causing delays.

7. Obtain Business Registration Certificate

After company incorporation, you must obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department.

The standard processing times and fees for obtaining your Business Registration Certificate are:

• Processing time:
  • Same day for e-Registry applications
  • 3-5 working days for paper applications
• Fees:
  • Registration fee: HK$2,000 for a one-year certificate or HK$5,200 for a three-year certificate
  • Levy: HK$250 for a one-year certificate or HK$750 for a three-year certificate

These fees are subject to change, so verify current rates on the Inland Revenue Department website before submission.

Conclusion

Setting up your business in Hong Kong is a process with clear steps and significant rewards. From choosing your business structure to submitting documents and obtaining your registration certificate, each stage builds your foundation in one of Asia’s most business-friendly environments. The process might seem complex at first, but breaking it down into manageable steps makes it achievable for entrepreneurs at any level.