For many mainland entrepreneurs who wish to expand their business internationally, registering a Hong Kong company is an important step towards globalization. Hong Kong has attracted a large number of entrepreneurs with its favorable business environment, simple tax system and free flow of capital. So, what are the requirements for registering a Hong Kong company? How about the specific process and cost? This article brings you a clear popularization guide.

I. Three core elements that must be clarified before registration

Before you begin registration, you need to be clear about the following three basic elements:

Choice of company type (99% option)

• corporation: This is the most common option. Shareholders have limited liability only to the extent of their capital contribution, and their personal assets are segregated from the company's risks. It is subdivided into the most common type, the "Company Limited by Shares", and the "Company Limited by Guarantee", which applies to non-profit organizations.
• unlimited company: Shareholders are required to bear unlimited liability, which entails higher risks and is highly restrictive for non-Hong Kong permanent residents.The vast majority of Mainland entrepreneurs choose to register a "limited company".The

The "Iron Triangle" of Companies: Directors, Shareholders and Company Secretaries

• board member: Managers of a company must be at least 18 years old and of any nationality (Mainland residents can also serve). The director is responsible for the day-to-day operation and decision-making of the company.
• stockholder: The owner of the company, which can be a natural person or a company, with no nationality or age limit (minors need the consent of their guardian).
• Company Secretary: This is a legally mandatory position that must be filled by a natural person based in Hong Kong or a secretarial firm holding a TCSP license to handle government compliance documents.special attention: If the company has only one director, that director cannot also be the secretary and must be an outside party.

Company Name and Registered Address

1. company identification: Either or both English and Chinese names can be registered. The name must not be a duplicate of the registered company and must end with "Limited" or "有限公司". It is recommended to conduct a name check on the [Hong Kong Companies Registry search website] in advance.
2. registered address: It must be a valid local address in Hong Kong for the purpose of receiving Government correspondence.Legitimate solutions: Address attachment services are available through a TCSP-licensed secretarial firm.

If you have domestic company registration (Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Shanghai / Beijing / Hangzhou, etc.), overseas company registration (Hong Kong / U.S. / Japan / Britain / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam / BVI / Cayman Islands, etc.), Hong Kong identity applications and renewals, cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs and other needs, you can add customer service (WeChat: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275), we will customize your exclusive optimization program to help you comply with the business, save money and increase efficiency!

Second, the core process and cost of registering a Hong Kong company in 2026

Registration process (six steps):

1.name search: Determine the name of the company and check the weight to make sure it is usable.

2.Prepare the document: Complete and prepare the following core documents:

• Incorporation Form (NNC1)
• Memorandum and Articles of Association (usually using a government model)
• Notification to the Commercial Registry (IRBR1)

3.submit an application::

• Electronic registration (preferred): online submission through the EnrollEasy platform.Within 1 hour at the earliestAn electronic certificate of incorporation is available.
• Paper Submission: Submission to the Hong Kong Companies Registry takes about 5-7 working days.

4.Government approvals and contributions: Payment of the relevant fees will be made after the Government's review and approval.

5.Receive a "corporate green box": Obtain a full set of corporate documents, including:

• Certificate of Incorporation (CI)
• Business Registration Certificate (BR)
• Articles of Incorporation, Legal Seal (Steel Seal, Signature Seal, Small Round Seal)
• Share certificates, minutes of directors' meetings, etc.

6.Next steps: Open a Hong Kong bank account with company documents (business certificates and other documents should be prepared according to the bank's requirements).

Cost components (2026 reference):

• Government fees (required): Approximately HK$1,795 (inclusive of Company Registry fee and Inland Revenue Department Business Registration fee).classifier for sums of money: The HK$2,000 registration fee for Business Registration Certificate is currently subject to a waiver policy (please refer to the latest official announcement).
• Secretarial services (market rate): Annual fees for the provision of registered address, statutory secretarial and documentation services usually range from HK$2,000 to HK$5,000 per annum.

If you have domestic company registration (Shenzhen / Guangzhou / Shanghai / Beijing / Hangzhou, etc.), overseas company registration (Hong Kong / U.S. / Japan / Britain / Singapore / Thailand / Vietnam / BVI / Cayman Islands, etc.), Hong Kong identity applications and renewals, cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs and other needs, you can add customer service (WeChat: qcygscszk, cell phone: 18676749275), we will customize your exclusive optimization program to help you comply with the business, save money and increase efficiency!

III. Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can mainland residents wholly incorporate a Hong Kong company?
A: Totally fine. You only need to be at least 18 years old and have a valid ID (e.g. ID card, passport) to be a director and shareholder.

Q: What should I do if I don't have a local address and local staff in Hong Kong?
A: This is a common situation. The issue of registered address and legal secretary can be resolved through a compliant secretarial company, which is perfectly legal and common practice.

Q: Does the registered capital need to be paid up?
A: No need. The registered capital of a Hong Kong company usually starts from HK$10,000 and is under the subscription system, no capital verification is required. Stamp duty is only payable on transfer of equity at 0.2% of the amount transferred.

Summary: The process of registering a Hong Kong company is highly electronic and standardized. For mainland entrepreneurs, the key lies in understanding the statutory requirements (e.g. secretary and address) and choosing a licensed and compliant service provider to assist in the process, which will enable them to complete the company incorporation efficiently and conveniently and start their international business journey.