Hong Kong Private Limited Company formation support
A Hong Kong private company limited by shares is incorporated with the Companies Registry under the Companies Ordinance, and business registration with the Inland Revenue Department is normally handled at the same time. It is a company owned by shareholders and run by directors, which is a different structure from a US LLC. We help you prepare the incorporation, arrange the local roles the law requires and plan the yearly obligations.
Who this service is for
- Founders who trade with suppliers and manufacturers in Asia.
- Ecommerce sellers who source products from the region.
- Consultants and trading businesses serving clients in Hong Kong and nearby markets.
- Groups exploring a regional company (discuss tax and structure with a qualified adviser).
Support available
Company name checks
We check English and, if wanted, Chinese company names against the Companies Registry index.
Incorporation documents
We prepare the incorporation form and articles of association for your review.
Company secretary arrangement
Every Hong Kong company needs a company secretary. An individual secretary must ordinarily live in Hong Kong; a corporate secretary must have its registered office or a place of business there. Secretary services are quoted separately.
Registered office address
The company needs a registered office address in Hong Kong. An address service is available only if quoted.
Significant controllers register
We explain the register of significant controllers that each company keeps and help you prepare the details.
Post-incorporation planning
We outline annual returns, business registration renewals, audited financial statements and profits tax filing so you can plan with an accountant.
Typical process
Discuss the structure
Share who will be shareholders and directors and how the company will be used.
Receive a quotation
We confirm the included items, including any secretary or address service, and send a tailored quotation.
Prepare documents
Names, officers, shareholders and significant controllers are confirmed and the incorporation documents are prepared.
File with the Companies Registry
The incorporation application is submitted together with business registration.
Certificates issued
On approval, the certificate of incorporation and business registration certificate are issued.
Next steps
We hand over the documents and the post-incorporation checklist.
Steps and timing depend on your circumstances and on the organisations involved. Your quotation sets out the agreed steps.
Information needed to start
To prepare an accurate quotation, it helps to have the following ready. Please do not send identity documents, bank details or passwords through the website.
- Proposed English company name (and Chinese name, if wanted)
- Directors' details (at least one director must be a natural person)
- Shareholders and share allocation
- Your plan for a company secretary
- Your plan for a Hong Kong registered office
- Business activity and main trading markets
- Who will be recorded as significant controllers
Scope and exclusions to confirm
Your written quotation is the final word on what is included. These points are confirmed with every client:
- Incorporation and business registration fees are government charges, confirmed in your quotation.
- Company secretary, registered office, accounting, audit, tax filings and banking are only included if quoted.
- Hong Kong companies generally need audited financial statements; audit work is performed by independent CPAs.
- We do not give legal or tax advice, including on offshore profits claims.
- Processing times are set by the Companies Registry.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Hong Kong company the same as a US LLC?
No. A Hong Kong private limited company is a company limited by shares. It is owned by shareholders and managed by directors, and it has its own filing and audit obligations.
Can non-residents own and run a Hong Kong company?
Directors and shareholders do not need to live in Hong Kong. The company secretary and registered office must meet local requirements, which is why these are usually arranged through a service provider.
What does the company secretary do?
The secretary keeps statutory records and makes sure filings such as annual returns are submitted on time. Hong Kong law requires every company to have one.
Does a Hong Kong company need an audit?
Hong Kong companies are generally required to prepare audited financial statements, which support their profits tax filing. Speak with a Hong Kong CPA about your situation.
Can you help open a bank account for the company?
We can help you prepare for bank or payment account applications as a separate service. Each institution sets its own criteria and makes its own decision. See Business Banking Application Assistance.
Discuss your Hong Kong Company Formation requirements
Share a few details and we will prepare a tailored quotation. Nothing is included unless it is listed in writing.