How to register a Hong Kong company for mainlanders? 2026 Hong Kong company registration most complete guide
Published: 2026-03-25

According to the Inland Revenue Department and the Budget Notice.From April 1, 2026, Hong Kong company registration and annual audit fees will be officially increased by officialsThe two-year Business Registration Levy (BRL) concession will expire on March 31st and will not be renewed. This means that if you have plans to set up a business in Hong Kong, now is the last time to seize the "low threshold window"!

Seize the policy window period, efficient registration of Hong Kong companies? Enterprise Caiying Group provides you with a full chain of corporate services! From domestic to overseas, we are a one-stop solution to your entrepreneurial problems. Immediately consult: 16620947137 (with the microblogging), or scan the end of the two-dimensional code, access to the exclusive registration program!

A high-frequency problem has always plagued mainland entrepreneurs:Is an unincorporated company in the Mainland eligible for Hong Kong company registration? Many people mistakenly believe that they must first have a mainland company for endorsement. In this article, based on the latest rules of Hong Kong Companies Registry in 2026, we will systematically sort out the complete path of registering Hong Kong companies without mainland affiliates, bank account opening strategy and subsequent compliance maintenance points.

01、Why is Hong Kong company so popular? The advantages of registration at a glance

As the world's freest port for business, Hong Kong's advantages in company registration are self-evident:

  • Wide range of operations with minimal restrictions: In principle, companies are able to carry out businesses of various natures, ranging from financial investment and international trade to high-tech industries, with a high degree of flexibility.
  • Fewer tax items and lower tax rates: Simple tax system, only profits tax is levied. The tax rate for the first 2 million profits is as low as 8.25%, and profits derived from sources outside Hong Kong can apply for tax exemption, significantly reducing the corporate tax burden.
  • Freedom of trade and financial flowsNo foreign exchange control, free entry and exit of funds, and convenient customs clearance of goods, making it an excellent platform for international trade.
  • Building an international brand image: Leveraging Hong Kong's international reputation, it enhances corporate credibility and facilitates the development of global markets and the registration of international trademarks.
  • Easy registration and maintenance: Remote processing is supported, and subsequent maintenance requires only one annual audit and tax return, making the process easy.
  • Facilitate access to Hong Kong identity and overseas financingThe Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) provides the opportunity to apply for Hong Kong status, and at the same time builds an ideal structure for overseas listing and financing.

Whether you are a cross-border e-commerce seller, an international trading enterprise, or planning for tax planning and brand operation, Hong Kong is the ideal springboard for you. Enterprise Caiying Group provides a full chain of services from company registration to cross-border tax planning, helping you to go to sea without any worries!

02. How to register a Hong Kong company without a mainland company? 2026 Full Process Guide

Hands-on Tip: 90% entrepreneurs can obtain statutory secretarial services and registered address in tandem through a secretarial firm on their behalf, without the need to prepare them on their own.

1. Two types of registration: electronic vs. hard copy

  • Electronic registration (recommended)Through the Hong Kong Companies Registry "Easy Registration" system, the fastest 1 hour to issue a certificate, suitable for simple name, complete information registration.
  • Print Registration: 5-7 working days for mailed or on-site submission of documents, suitable for registrations with special words in the name (e.g. "International", "Group").

2. Breakdown of registration fees: Government fees + secretarial services

  • Hong Kong government fees and charges (mandatory)::
    • Registration before March 31: Business Registration Certificate HK$2,200 (150 levy exempted).
    • Registration from April 1: Business Registration Certificate HK$2,350 (resumption of levy HK$150)
    • Company Registry Fee: About HK$1,545 for electronic registration and HK$1,720 for hard copy registration.
  • Secretarial company service fee (variable)::
    • The basic service package (including statutory secretary + registered address + document preparation + SCR filing) costs HK$2,000-5,000/year.
    • Cost control recommendations: Avoid choosing "low-cost packages" below HK$2,000, as some service providers may charge you twice.

3. List of registration particulars (also applicable if no mainland company)

  • company identificationChinese/English, ending with "Limited". It is recommended to have 2-3 more alternative names.
  • Directors' and shareholders' certificates: Passport or identity card (over 18 years of age) for natural persons; certificate of incorporation and document of authorized representative for corporate shareholders.
  • registered capital: The standard HK$10,000 (no capital verification required) is recommended for start-ups to avoid high stamp duty on equity transfers at a later stage.
  • Nature of business:: Chinese is limited to 28 characters and needs to be specific (e.g., "international trade").
  • registered address: A real local address in Hong Kong must be provided (this can be provided by a secretarial company).
  • Statutory Secretary Information: A local licensed secretary in Hong Kong must be appointed (may be a secretarial firm).

4. Full registration process: 5 quick steps

  1. name search: Confirm that the name is unique and compliant.
  2. Prepare the document: Have all information available to ensure that the information is true and consistent.
  3. submit an application: Online or offline submissions are recommended to be pre-screened by a professional organization to avoid being returned.
  4. Get your certificate: Receive the Certificate of Incorporation (CR) and Business Registration (BR) after clearance.
  5. open an account: This is a critical step after successful registration, as detailed below.

Registering a Hong Kong company is crucial in every step of the process, from pre-screening the documents to submitting the application. Qicaiying Group owns a licensed secretarial company in Hong Kong, which can accurately check for you and ensure the registration process is efficient and compliant. Contact us anytime: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan

03. Guide to opening bank accounts for Hong Kong companies (2026 edition)

The successful registration of a company and the opening of a bank account is the key to conducting business.

Account Opening Core Requirements:

  • Registration Documents: Certificate of Incorporation (CI), Business Registration Certificate (BR), Incorporation Form (NNC1), etc.
  • Director and Shareholder Information: Proof of identity and proof of address.
  • Company Business Vouchers: Contracts, invoices, etc., related to the business that demonstrate actual commercial activity.
  • Business plan: Clearly explain the company's business model, sources and destination of funds.
  • background check: Banks will scrutinize the background of shareholders and directors to ensure compliance.

Account opening process (four steps, remote support):

  1. Selection of account opening bank: Selected according to business needs.
  2. Preparation of account opening materials: Have true and valid information available as required.
  3. Submission of applications and interviews: Appointments are made through banks or secretarial firms for remote video interviews.
  4. Account completion and activation: Deposit the minimum deposit to activate the account after review and approval.

Bank Selection Guide:

  • large-scale multinational enterprise: HSBC, Standard Chartered, etc., with a wide international network.
  • Local SMEs in Hong Kong: East Asia, Dah Sing, etc., the threshold is relatively low.
  • Chinese enterprises or companies with close business ties to the Mainland: CCB Asia, ICBC Asia, etc., cross-border RMB business facilitation.
  • Cross-border e-commerce and trading companies: OCBC, Standard Chartered, etc. Multi-currency accounts are supported.

Bank account opening process is cumbersome, complex preparation of materials? Enterprise Caiying Group maintains a good relationship with many mainstream banks, can provide you with professional account opening assistance services, from bank screening to remote face-to-face, significantly increase the success rate of account opening.

04、Independent Address VS Secretary Dependent Address: The Key Choice for Cross-border Sellers

For sellers planning to make a big splash on international e-commerce platforms such as Amazon, the company's registered address is directly related to whether the store can pass the strict KYC audit.

  • Secretary's listed address::
    • dominance: Inexpensive and suitable for start-ups or sellers whose business entities are not located in Hong Kong.
    • misfortune not visible from the surfaceThe address association risk is high, easy to be regarded as a "shell company" by platforms and banks; functional limitations make it difficult to meet the requirements of platforms for "real office address"; and the use of non-compliant "black address" may lead to the compulsory deregistration of the company. If you use a non-compliant "black address", the company may be forced to be canceled.
  • separate address::
    • dominanceIt is a "hard currency" to deal with KYC and background checks; meets the strict requirements of mainstream e-commerce platforms; guarantees operational security and ensures the accurate delivery of legal documents.

Selection Recommendations::

  • Start-up or pilot stage: A reliable address for the secretary's attachment is available, but be sure to confirm its compliance.
  • Growth and Branding Stage: Upgrading to a separate address is highly recommended. This is not only a compliance requirement, but also paves the way for your business to grow in the long run.

Enterprise Caiying Group can take care of all your one-stop needs such as Hong Kong registration, Amazon store opening, address attachment, annual audit and other corporate one-stop needs! We can not only provide a compliant secretary dependent address, but also configure an exclusive independent address for you, so that your corporate image is more credible and business development is smoother. Consultation: 16620947137

05、Hong Kong company registration fee full analysis and compliance maintenance

  • Certificate of Incorporation Fee: Approximately HK$1,720 (charged by the Companies Registry).
  • Business registration certificate fees: HK$2,350 from April 1 (collected by the Inland Revenue Department).
  • Secretarial Services and Registered Address Fees: Approximately HK$2,000-5,000/year, depending on service content.
  • Bank account opening fees: Handling fee and agency service fee ranges from approximately RMB 3,000 to tens of thousands of RMB.
  • Annual review fees: Annual Business Registration Certificate fee and Annual Return fee (HK$105) are required.
  • Accounting and audit costs: Depending on turnover, from about HK$3,000.
  • Non-compliance fines: Business Registration Certificate overdue from HK$300/year; Annual Return overdue up to HK$4,800. Be sure to maintain compliance on time!

Registered in Hong Kong, we not only help you "start", but also responsible for "management". We provide one-stop follow-up services, including annual review, audit, tax declaration, MPF payment, etc., to ensure that your company is always in compliance with the operation, and away from the risk of fines.


Conclusion:

In the face of the upcoming official fee hike on April 1, now is the best time for you to seize the opportunity and layout Hong Kong at low cost. Whether you are a cross-border e-commerce seller, an international trading enterprise, or an entrepreneur planning for tax planning, a Hong Kong company is the ideal starting point for you to go global.

Enterprise Caiying Group, as a corporate service expert by your side, provides domestic (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Hangzhou, etc.) company registration, overseas (Hong Kong, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, etc.) company registration, Hong Kong identity application, renewal, permanent residence services, Singapore EP application services, and at the same time covers the whole chain of cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs. We also provide full chain services such as cross-border tax planning, equity structure design, compliance and risk control programs, etc.

Don't hesitate to act now!

Tel: 16620947137
WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan(can be added by direct search)
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  • Hong Kong Company Registration