Set up a company in Hong Kong as a foreign founder: cost, time and ownership
The usual company type for a foreign founder in Hong Kong is the private company limited by shares. Foreign ownership: Non-Hong Kong residents may incorporate a local limited company; no residency rule for directors or shareholders under the Companies Ordinance. Minimum capital: None stated (no minimum paid-up capital under the Companies Ordinance). Government fee: HK$1,545 incorporation fee (electronic); business registration fee and levy $2,350 for a 1-year certificate from 1 April 2026 ($ on IRD table, currency not named).
The private company limited by shares in Hong Kong, from the official pages
| What | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Foreign founders | Non-Hong Kong residents may incorporate a local limited company. | cr.gov.hk |
| Government fee | Incorporation fee for a local company with share capital: HK$1,545 (electronic submission). | cr.gov.hk |
| Business registration | A business registration certificate is also required; a 1-year certificate costs $2,200 plus a $150 levy ($2,350) for 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 (currency not named on IRD table). | ird.gov.hk |
| Time | Electronic certificates for private companies limited by shares are normally issued within 1 hour. | cr.gov.hk |
| Minimum capital | There is no minimum paid-up capital. | cr.gov.hk |
| Local director | Directors do not need to be Hong Kong residents. | cr.gov.hk |
| Company secretary | An individual company secretary must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong. | cr.gov.hk |
| Registered local address | The registered office must be in Hong Kong. | cr.gov.hk |
| Online registration (non-residents) | Non-Hong Kong residents can have their e-Registry identity certified by a consular officer of their home country. | cr.gov.hk |
| Identity document | A passport is accepted as identification for non-Hong Kong Identity Card holders. | cr.gov.hk |
| Corporate income tax | Two-tier profits tax for corporations: 8.25% on the first $2,000,000, 16.5% above (currency not named on page). | ird.gov.hk |
| Annual compliance | A private company files its first annual return within 42 days after the first anniversary of incorporation. | cr.gov.hk |
Questions founders ask about Hong Kong
- Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Hong Kong?
- Non-Hong Kong residents may incorporate a local limited company; no residency rule for directors or shareholders under the Companies Ordinance.
- What is the minimum capital for a company in Hong Kong?
- None stated (no minimum paid-up capital under the Companies Ordinance).
- How much does it cost to register a company in Hong Kong?
- HK$1,545 incorporation fee (electronic); business registration fee and levy $2,350 for a 1-year certificate from 1 April 2026 ($ on IRD table, currency not named).
- How long does it take to register a company in Hong Kong?
- Electronic certificates for private companies limited by shares are normally issued within 1 hour.
- Do I need a local director in Hong Kong?
- No: directors need not be Hong Kong residents; an individual company secretary must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong.
- Can I register a company in Hong Kong from abroad?
- Yes: non-residents can register an e-Registry account with a passport, with identity certified by listed persons including a consular officer of their home country.
- What is the corporate tax rate in Hong Kong?
- 8.25% on the first $2,000,000 of assessable profits and 16.5% above that ($ on IRD page, currency not named).
Other countries
Australia · Colombia · Cyprus · Estonia · Georgia · Indonesia · Ireland · Malaysia · Malta · Mexico · Netherlands · Philippines · Portugal · Singapore · Spain · Thailand · United Arab Emirates · United Kingdom · Vietnam
To weigh the choice, read where to incorporate as a remote founder.
- Company type
- Private company limited by shares, incorporated with the Companies Registry (e-Registry / CR e-Filing)
- Foreign ownership
- Non-Hong Kong residents may incorporate a local limited company; no residency rule for directors or shareholders under the Companies Ordinance
- Minimum capital
- None stated (no minimum paid-up capital under the Companies Ordinance)
- Government fee
- HK$1,545 incorporation fee (electronic); business registration fee and levy $2,350 for a 1-year certificate from 1 April 2026 ($ on IRD table, currency not named)
- Time to register
- Electronic certificates for private companies limited by shares are normally issued within 1 hour
- Local director
- No: directors need not be Hong Kong residents; an individual company secretary must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong
- Register from abroad
- Yes: non-residents can register an e-Registry account with a passport, with identity certified by listed persons including a consular officer of their home country
- Corporate tax
- 8.25% on the first $2,000,000 of assessable profits and 16.5% above that ($ on IRD page, currency not named)
- Official page
- cr.gov.hk
- Checked
Fees, capital rules and timings change. Check cr.gov.hk before you register, and get a written quote from any agent you use. Spotted something out of date? Tell us in the members' chat.