Registered capital does not need to be paid in, but it’s not just a random number you can make up.

When registering a company in Hong Kong, the share capital does not need to be verified, nor does it need to be fully paid in. This has led many mainland clients to misunderstand the process, believing that listing a higher amount makes the company appear more financially robust and that the amount entered makes no difference.

In fact, the registered capital must be at leastTwo placesIt will translate into actual costs.

Section 1: Stamp Tax on the Transfer of Equity Interests

The transfer of shares in a Hong Kong company is subject to stamp duty. Under current practice, share transfer documents are typically subject toThe higher of the cost or the net asset valuea certain percentage of decals, with common percentages being 0.26%(Includes relevant components; specific tax rates and calculation methods are subject to the latest announcements by the Stamp Duty Office of the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department.)

The key point is: When the transfer is made viaNet Asset ValueWhen determining the tax base, the amount of registered capital directly affects a company’s accounting structure. The higher the registered capital, the higher the tax base may be when taxes are subsequently assessed based on net worth.

Here’s a concrete example: For a company with a registered capital of 10,000 HKD and another with a registered capital of 10 million HKD, the stamp duty on the same equity transfer could differ by hundreds of times.

For clients without specific requirements, choosing a standard registered capital of 10,000 HKD is standard practice; it not only meets the registration requirements but also allows room for future adjustments.

Section 2: Procedures and Fees for Capital Increases

It is not impossible to change the registered capital. A Hong Kong company can increase its registered capital through an ordinary resolution, but this also involves reporting requirements and fees; furthermore, if the corporate structure is complex, it may also involve the design of rights associated with different classes of shares.

Therefore, the guiding principle should be: just enough to get by, with some leeway.

Breakdown of Registration Fees

The official fees for registering a company in Hong Kong consist primarily of two parts:

• Companies RegistryRegistration fees collected
• Business Registration Certificate Fees at the Tax Office

According to industry sources, the official base fee for the 2025–2026 fiscal year—which includes the registration fee and the first-year business registration certificate—is approximately 1,720 Hong Kong dollarsThe amount; business registration fees for subsequent years will be adjusted in accordance with the fiscal budget. The official fee for changing a registered address is relatively low.

These figures are subject to change each year in accordance with the budget,The specific amounts are subject to the official announcements by the Hong Kong Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department....should not be applied directly based on past experience.

Setting it too low is also a problem.

A lower registered capital isn't necessarily better. You should reconsider in the following situations:

1. Circumstances requiring paid-in capital or a capital increase. Certain industry licenses, bidding requirements, or investor due diligence processes may have requirements regarding paid-in capital.
2. Multi-shareholder structure. The capital contribution ratios among shareholders must be clearly reflected in the registered capital; if they are too low, it will be detrimental to the equity structure.
3. We need to raise capital or bring in institutional investors. An excessively low registered capital can cause complications in valuation and equity dilution calculations.

A List of Settings

• No special requirements: Standard registered capital of 10,000 HKD, 10,000 shares, 1 HKD per share
• If you have equity incentive plans or future financing plans: Design the share classes and quantities in advance to avoid having to make changes later.
• If there are industry licensing requirements: First, confirm the capital requirements for the license, then determine the amount.
• Planned Equity Transfer: Calculate the stamp tax before the transfer and adjust the structure if necessary

Another common question: Is a capital verification report required for registered capital?

Many clients ask: Is a capital verification report required for registered capital? The answer is no. However,Keep the documentation verifying the shareholders' actual capital contributions in a safe place....This will serve as an important basis for future audits, tax audits, and the pricing of equity transfers.

If you’re verifying that your materials align with the reporting guidelines, feel free to contact a consultant at Qicaiying (WeChat/Phone: 18676749275), and we’ll walk you through the entire process from start to finish.