How much does it cost to set up a Hong Kong company

The Core Government Costs

When you ask how much does it cost to set up a Hong Kong company, the answer starts with mandatory government fees. These are paid to two bodies: the Companies Registry for incorporation and the Inland Revenue Department for the Business Registration Certificate (BRC). The Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department amend their fee schedules. Check their websites for the current rates before you proceed.

At incorporation, you file Form NNC1 with Form IRBR1. The Companies Registry charges an incorporation fee to process the application and issue the certificate of incorporation. The Inland Revenue Department charges a fee for the Business Registration Certificate, available as a 1-year or 3-year certificate. The business registration levy is included in the certificate fee.

How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Hong Kong Company

The Hong Kong company setup cost, before any professional fees, is the sum of the incorporation fee and the business registration fee. These are fixed government charges for every company, regardless of size, share capital, or business activity. No minimum share capital is required, so no capital-related filing fee applies at formation.

Filing through the Companies Registry's e-Services portal costs the same as paper filing. The portal accepts electronic versions of Form NNC1, Form NNC3 (consent to act as first director), and the articles of association. The BRC issued under Cap. 310 accompanies the certificate of incorporation under Cap. 622.

Hong Kong Company Incorporation Fees

Hong Kong company incorporation fees collected by the Companies Registry cover the application examination, name registration, and certificate of incorporation issue. The registry checks the company name is not prohibited or too similar to an existing name. It also verifies the articles of association comply with the Companies Ordinance. The annual return registration fee (Form NAR1) is a separate ongoing cost, not part of the incorporation fee.

You pay the business registration fee at the same time through Form IRBR1. Choose between a 1-year certificate and a 3-year certificate. The 3-year certificate costs more upfront but locks in the rate for three years and avoids the annual renewal process.

Cost to Register a Hong Kong Company

For a founder not using a professional service provider, the cost to register a Hong Kong company is limited to these government charges. Budget for the ongoing annual return fee (Form NAR1), due within 42 days of each incorporation anniversary. The on-time registration fee for a private company is HK$105. Late delivery attracts a higher registration fee that increases with the length of delay.

If you appoint a corporate service provider, their professional fee is separate from the government fees. The provider typically charges for preparing the application, arranging the registered office and company secretary services, and liaising with the registries. This fee varies by provider and should be quoted before engagement.

Hong Kong Business Formation Price

The Hong Kong business formation price for a straightforward private company limited by shares is the sum of: - Companies Registry incorporation fee (check current rate) - Business Registration Certificate fee for the chosen term (check current rate on IRD website) - Any professional service fee for assistance

Your licensed corporate service provider may also charge for: - A registered office address in Hong Kong - A company secretary who is a natural person ordinarily resident in Hong Kong - Preparation of the articles of association (which may adopt the model articles with modifications)

These ongoing services are not government fees but are required by law. The company must have a registered office and a company secretary from incorporation. Many first-time incorporators bundle incorporation with the first year of these services.

Fees for Hong Kong Company

Fees for Hong Kong company incorporation are payable at the point of filing. The Companies Registry does not accept instalments. The Inland Revenue Department issues the BRC upon payment. Using the e-Services portal means paying electronically and receiving the certificate of incorporation and BRC sooner than with paper filing.

After incorporation, further government fees arise for changes such as: - Change of company name (Form NNC2, fee payable for the certificate of change of name) - Change of registered office address (Form NR1, no fee) - Return of allotment of shares (Form NSC1, no fee)

These are not part of the initial setup cost but should be factored into the annual compliance budget.

Summary of Cost Components

The total government cost is the sum of the first two items at incorporation, plus the annual return fee from the first anniversary onward. Check the Companies Registry website and the Inland Revenue Department website for the current fee amounts, as they change.