With the release of Hong Kong's 2025 Policy Address, a series of policy dividends benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have officially landed, and the threshold for mainlanders to register a Hong Kong company has dropped to a historic low. This article will combine the latest policy, to provide you with a detailed guide to Hong Kong company registration, covering the process, account opening, fees and post maintenance of the whole point, to help you grasp the best time to start a business in 2026.

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide 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 and renewal services, while covering the cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me at any time if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

I. In-depth interpretation of the 2026 Hong Kong New Deal: three core benefits

1. Upgrading the efficiency of registration approvals

• Fully electronic: Realize 100% online approval and break geographical limitations
• fast turnaround time: E-certificates can be obtained in as little as 1 working day if all the information is in order
• Name Search Optimization: Get your search results within 10 minutes of online submission

2. Significant reduction in operating costs

• Extension of the validity of business registration certificates: Extension from 1 to 3 years, with automatic renewal if eligible
• Fee remission: First Year Business Registration Fee Reduction 50%
• Tax incentives renewed: Two-tier profits tax system (8.25% on the first 2 million profits) extended to 2027
• special subsidy: Technology and innovation companies can apply for R&D subsidies of up to HK$3 million

3. Enhanced financing and market expansion support

• Extension of the Financial Guarantee Scheme: Extension of the application period for the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme for two years
• Overseas Market Expansion: BUD Special Fund expanded to 8 economies including Belt and Road
• export credit insurance: Expanding financing support for e-commerce enterprises

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide 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 and renewal services, while covering the cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me at any time if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

II. Limited company vs. unlimited company: how to choose?

Limited (99% Mainland Entrepreneurs' Choice)

• limited liability: shareholders are liable only to the extent of their capital contribution and their personal assets are protected
• Independent legal personality: The company can contract and litigate independently
• typology:: Company limited by shares (most common), company limited by guarantee (for non-profit organizations)

Unlimited companies (practically difficult for mainlanders to register)

• Unlimited liability: the proprietor is required to assume the debts of the company with all his personal property
• No independent legal personality: The business is tied to the proprietor personally
• limitation: Non-permanent residents are required to apply for an Exit-entry Permit for Business Purposes and must appoint a Hong Kong resident as their agent.

Third, the whole process of registration of Hong Kong companies by mainlanders (6 steps to complete, without having to go to Hong Kong)

Step 1: Identify core messages (1 working day)

• company identification: Prepare 3-5 options, ending with "Limited" in Chinese and "Limited" in English.
• registered capitalDefault: HK$10,000 (contributory system, no need to pay in), recommended HK$10-100,000
• Scope of business: Summarize the core business direction in 1-20 characters

Step 2: Prepare registration materials

• Scanned copy of shareholder/director's ID card or passport
• Proof of valid address for the last 3 months (utility bill, credit card statement, etc.)
• Hong Kong local registered address (can be provided by licensed secretarial company)
• Engagement agreement with licensed secretarial firm

Step 3: Submission of online application (full electronic)

Entrusting a licensed secretarial company to submit the application through the Hong Kong Companies Registry's "e-Registration System", which generates a unique number for tracking the progress of the application.

Step 4: Official review and issuance of certificates (3-5 working days, expedited 1 day)

Upon approval, an electronic copy of the Certificate of Incorporation (CR) and Business Registration Certificate (BR) will be sent to the Secretary's company email address.

Step 5: Receive the full set of documents

• Core certificates: CR, BR
• Legal documents: articles of incorporation, share certificates, minute books
• Seal: official seal, financial seal, director's seal (optional electronic seal)

Step 6: Tax registration (optional)

Apply for a Tax Identification Number (TIN) through the official website of the tax office and obtain it within 1 business day.

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide 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 and renewal services, while covering the cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me at any time if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

Fourth, the bank account opening guide: process, materials and bank selection

Account opening core process (the whole process can be completed online)

1. Preparation for Account Opening: Selection of bank, preparation of full set of company documents, shareholder and director materials, business certificates
2. Submit an application: Submitted through the bank's official website or through a commissioned secretarial firm
3. interview: Online video interview with bank account manager (15-30 minutes)
4. Account Activation: Activate your account upon receipt of Internet Banking U-shield and other materials

Mainstream Bank Comparison (2026 Update)

Account Opening Precautions

• Avoiding empty accounts: Generate real water flow within 3 months after account opening
• Compliance filing: Cooperate with bank due diligence and update information in a timely manner
• Stay away from sensitive business: No virtual currencies, no transactions with sanctioned countries

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide 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 and renewal services, while covering the cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me at any time if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

V. Breakdown of registration fees for 2026 (transparent and no hidden)

1. Fixed government fees (mandatory)

• Companies Registry Registration Fee: HK$1545 (e-filing)
• Business Registration Certificate Fee: 1 year HK$2150 / 3 years HK$5650

2. Fees for secretarial services

• Approx. HK$1,000/year (including registered address, statutory secretary, full-year compliance service)
• Recommended to choose a licensed secretarial firm to avoid the "low price trap".

3. Costs associated with opening a bank account

• Account Opening Fee: HK$500-2000 (by proxy)
• Internet Banking Annual Fee: HK$500-1000/year (reduced or waived for the first year for some banks)

4. Other optional costs

• Physical seal: HK$300-500
• Notarization of documents: HK$1,000-3,000 (if required for use in the Mainland)

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide 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 and renewal services, while covering the cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me at any time if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

VI. Post maintenance: annual review, tax filing and compliance points

1. Annual review (must be completed annually)

• timing: To be processed before the anniversary date of the company's incorporation
• element: Renewal of business registration certificate, filing of annual return (AR)
• New Deal Facilitation: Fully online, 1-2 business days to complete
• overdue fine: Up to HK$3,480

2. Tax filing (regular returns)

• cyclicality: First tax return within 18 months of incorporation and annually thereafter
• duty rate: Tax rate of 8.251 TP3T on first 2 million profit, 16.51 TP3T on excess
• typology: Zero filing (no business), actual filing, loss filing
• Overseas profits exemption: Eligible for tax exemption

3. Key points for compliance maintenance

• Maintaining uninterrupted secretarial services
• Timely update of changes in company information
• Retain complete business vouchers for reference
• Timely processing of government correspondence

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide 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 and renewal services, while covering the cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me at any time if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)

VII. Frequently Asked Questions (2026 update)

Q1: Do Mainlanders have to come to Hong Kong in person to register?

A. Not required. The whole process can be done remotely under the new policy and can be done by appointing a licensed secretarial firm.

Q2: Is "4,000+ dollars for registration and account opening" credible?

A. Be wary of such publicity. Government fees alone have been nearly HK$4,000, and low-priced packages often have hidden charges.

Q3: Can I leave it alone if I don't run a business after registration?

A. No can do. Even if you have no business, you are required to complete your annual audit and tax return (zero filing) on time or you will incur a penalty.

Q4: How soon can I complete my registration?

A. If the materials are complete and the name is not renamed, the fastest way to expedite the process is to issue the certificate in 1 working day.

Q5: How do I choose a secretarial firm?

A. You must choose an organization that holds a TCSP (Trust or Company Service Provider) license, and you can check the qualifications through the official website of the Companies Registry.

Q6: Can I cancel my company at a later stage?

A. Available. Requirements such as no debt, all annual tax returns completed, no lawsuits, etc. need to be met, and the process takes about 6-8 weeks.

2026 is the best window to layout the Hong Kong market. The release of new policy dividends, substantial streamlining of processes and significant reduction of costs have provided unprecedented convenience to mainland entrepreneurs. It is recommended to fully understand the process and requirements before registration, and choose a licensed professional organization to assist in the process to ensure compliant operation and a smooth start to the new journey of cross-border business.

Hi ~ I am the customer service of Enterprise Finance Group! We provide 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 and renewal services, while covering the cross-border tax planning, shareholding structure design, compliance and risk control programs, such as the whole chain of corporate services. Contact me at any time if you have the need.Tel: 16620947137, WeChat: Qicaiyingjituan (can be added by direct search)