Hong Kong
Hong Kong Company Formation for Foreigners
Incorporate any Hong Kong entity online from anywhere in the world. Limited, Subsidiary, Branch, Representative Office or Partnership - registered with the Companies Registry, with a real HK office, company secretary and bank account assistance.
Hong Kong Limited at a glance
- Best for
- International trade, Asia HQ, holding companies, e-commerce
- Foreign ownership
- 100% allowed
- Minimum directors / shareholders
- 1 (any nationality, no residency required)
- Company secretary
- Mandatory - must be a HK resident or licensed firm (we provide one)
- Time to incorporate
- 2 to 5 business days
- Profits tax
- 8.25% on first HKD 2M, 16.5% above. 0% on offshore-sourced profits if claimed
- VAT / GST
- None
- Annual compliance
- Annual Return (Companies Registry), audited accounts, Profits Tax Return
- Starting price
- From HKD 6,500 with Bastion Formations
Every Hong Kong company structure, fully supported
We help international founders register every type of Hong Kong entity. Not sure which one fits? Tell us about your business and we'll recommend the right structure.
Private Limited Company
The most common HK structure. Limited liability, separate legal entity, 100% foreign ownership and access to Hong Kong's two-tier 8.25% / 16.5% profits tax with territorial source rules.
Best for: Trading, e-commerce, holding companies, regional HQs and Asia-facing businesses.
Subsidiary Company
An HK Limited owned by a foreign parent. Separate legal entity treated as a Hong Kong tax resident, eligible for HK's double tax treaties with 45+ jurisdictions.
Best for: Foreign groups expanding into Greater China and Asia.
Branch Office (Non-HK Company)
A registered place of business of a foreign company under Part 16 of the Companies Ordinance. Not a separate legal entity - the parent is liable.
Best for: Foreign companies needing a Hong Kong presence without a separate entity.
Representative Office (RO)
A liaison office for promotion and market research. Cannot sign contracts or generate profits. Lower compliance burden than a full company.
Best for: Testing the Hong Kong and South China market.
Sole Proprietorship
A simple unincorporated business owned by one person. Unlimited liability. Quick Business Registration but no asset protection.
Best for: Freelancers and very small local businesses.
Partnership / LP
General Partnership (unlimited liability) or Limited Partnership (with at least one general and one limited partner). Profits flow through to partners.
Best for: Professional firms and small joint ventures.
Why incorporate in Hong Kong
Gateway to Greater China
Hong Kong is the leading bridge to Mainland China and benefits from CEPA preferential trade with China.
Two-tier 8.25% / 16.5% tax
First HKD 2 million of profits taxed at just 8.25%. No VAT, no GST, no capital gains tax, no withholding tax on dividends.
Territorial tax system
Only profits sourced in Hong Kong are taxable. Foreign-sourced income may be exempt (subject to FSIE rules).
Free port & free flow of capital
No foreign exchange controls. The HKD is freely convertible. Funds move in and out without restriction.
Common law jurisdiction
English common law system with an independent judiciary, trusted globally for contracts and dispute resolution.
World-class banking & fintech
HSBC, Standard Chartered, Bank of China and digital banks ZA Bank, Airwallex, Statrys, Currenxie.
Choose your Hong Kong Limited package
Three flat-price packages covering everything you need in year one. Custom pricing available for Subsidiary, Branch, RO and Partnership - get in touch for a quote.
Essential Limited
Hong Kong Limited incorporation with Companies Registry, BR certificate and registered office for year one.
- Companies Registry incorporation
- Business Registration (BR) certificate (1 year)
- Articles of Association
- Hong Kong registered office (1 year)
- Company secretary (1 year)
- Digital company kit & share certificates
Standard Limited
Everything in Essential plus IRD tax setup, mail handling and bank account introduction.
- Everything in Essential
- IRD Profits Tax registration
- Mail scanning & forwarding
- Business bank account introduction (HSBC, ZA Bank, Statrys, Airwallex, Wise)
- Annual Return (NAR1) reminders
- Priority email support
Premium Limited
Everything in Standard plus first-year audit, bookkeeping setup and offshore tax claim advisory.
- Everything in Standard
- First-year statutory audit (HK CPA)
- Bookkeeping setup (Xero / QuickBooks)
- Offshore profits tax claim advisory
- Compliance calendar & profits tax return (BIR51)
- Priority WhatsApp support
Ongoing Hong Kong compliance
Every Hong Kong company has annual obligations to the Companies Registry and IRD. We help you stay on top of them.
Annual Return (NAR1)
Filed with the Companies Registry within 42 days of the incorporation anniversary.
Business Registration renewal
Renew the BR certificate every 1 or 3 years with the Inland Revenue Department.
Audited Financial Statements
Statutory audit by a Hong Kong CPA is mandatory for every limited company.
Profits Tax Return (BIR51)
Filed annually with the IRD, accompanied by audited accounts and tax computation.
Significant Controllers Register
Maintain a Significant Controllers Register (SCR) at the registered office.
Employer's Return (BIR56A)
If you have employees, file the annual employer's return with the IRD.
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreigner open a company in Hong Kong?
Yes. Foreigners can own 100% of a Hong Kong Private Limited Company. There is no residency or nationality requirement for directors or shareholders.
Do I need to visit Hong Kong to incorporate?
No. The whole Companies Registry incorporation process is fully remote. KYC is done by video and certified documents.
How fast can I incorporate a Hong Kong Limited?
Electronic incorporation is typically completed in 1 to 5 business days, depending on KYC turnaround.
What is the minimum share capital?
There is no minimum paid-up capital. The standard is 1 share of HKD 1, but you can issue more if required by banks.
What is Hong Kong's corporate tax rate?
Hong Kong uses a two-tier profits tax: 8.25% on the first HKD 2,000,000 of assessable profits and 16.5% above. Foreign-sourced income is generally not taxed under the territorial principle (subject to FSIE rules).
Do I need a local company secretary and registered office?
Yes. Every Hong Kong company must have a Hong Kong-resident company secretary and a registered office address in Hong Kong. Both are included in our packages.
Can I open a Hong Kong business bank account remotely?
Some traditional banks (HSBC, Hang Seng, Bank of China) usually require a director to visit Hong Kong. Digital banks like ZA Bank, Airwallex, Statrys, Currenxie and Wise Business often onboard remotely. We help with introductions.
What ongoing filings are required?
An Annual Return (NAR1) with the Companies Registry, a Business Registration renewal, audited financial statements and a Profits Tax Return (BIR51) with the Inland Revenue Department each year.
Is an audit required?
Yes. All Hong Kong limited companies must prepare audited financial statements signed by a Hong Kong CPA, regardless of size.
What's the difference between an HK Limited and an Offshore company?
A Hong Kong Limited is incorporated in Hong Kong and benefits from the territorial tax system and HK's reputation. Offshore companies (BVI, Cayman) often pair with an HK Limited for trading and banking.
Ready to launch your Hong Kong company?
Tell us about your business and we'll recommend the right structure, prepare every document and keep you compliant from day one.
Contact usVideo library
Watch our latest guides
Free video walkthroughs from our YouTube channel covering setup, banking, tax and compliance.
