For enterprises engaged in international trade, a Hong Kong company is not only a bridge connecting the Mainland and the global market, but also a key tool to optimize capital flow, reduce tax burden and enhance international credit.

Hong Kong, as a globally renowned free port and international financial center, has long been the preferred springboard for mainland foreign trade enterprises to "go global" by virtue of its simple and low tax regime, free flow of capital, sound legal system, etc. In 2026, with the further deepening of financial interconnection between Hong Kong and the mainland, the threshold and cost of registering a Hong Kong company to carry out foreign trade business have continued to decrease. In 2026, with the further deepening of financial interconnection between Hong Kong and the Mainland, the threshold and cost of registering a Hong Kong company to carry out foreign trade will continue to be reduced.

Today, we plan to engage in foreign trade business friends, system combing Hong Kong foreign trade company registration of the whole process, as well as offshore account opening, letter of credit operation, export tax rebates and other core aspects of the practical points.

First, why foreign trade enterprises are choosing Hong Kong companies?

Before delving into the registration process, it is important to understand the core value of a Hong Kong company for foreign trade business.

1. Free entry and exit of funds, no foreign exchange control

Hong Kong implements a free exchange system whereby funds can be exchanged freely for multiple currencies such as US dollars, euros, pounds sterling, Japanese yen and renminbi without any restriction on the entry and exit of funds. For foreign trade enterprises, this means that they can efficiently handle cross-border payments and receipts without being subject to the limit of US$50,000 per person per year, as in the case of the Mainland.

2. Extremely low tax costs and support for offshore exemptions

Hong Kong adopts the territoriality principle of taxation and only taxes profits derived from Hong Kong. If the profits of a foreign trade enterprise are sourced outside Hong Kong (e.g. goods are shipped directly from the Mainland to overseas without passing through Hong Kong), it can apply for aOffshore exemptionsIn addition, Hong Kong's profits tax rate for the first HK$2 million is only 8.25%. In addition, Hong Kong's tax rate for the first HK$2 million of profit is only 8.25%, and the excess is only 16.5%, which is far lower than the mainland's corporate income tax.

3. High international reputation and ease of operation of letters of credit

Hong Kong banks have an outstanding international reputation and the letters of credit opened are widely accepted by trading partners worldwide. Using a Hong Kong company as the trading entity can significantly enhance the trust of the counterparty and reduce the transaction risk.

4. Logistics facilitation, free port policy

As a free port, Hong Kong exempts most of the goods from customs duty, and the customs declaration process is simple and efficient. Goods can be transferred, warehoused and distributed in Hong Kong, which greatly enhances the efficiency of the supply chain.

If you need professional Hong Kong company registration services, including company registration, bank account opening assistance, bookkeeping audit, tax planning, etc., you are welcome to add customer service WeChat: qcygscszk, or call the cell phone: 18676749275. our industry experts will be your one-on-one answer to help you efficient layout of global trade.

Second, Hong Kong foreign trade company registration process (2026 version)

Step 1: Pre-registration

The following core information needs to be finalized before formal registration:

• company identification: The name should be provided in English and Chinese. The English name should end with "Limited" and the Chinese name should end with "有限公司". It is recommended to prepare 3-5 options, avoiding the use of "bank", "trust" and other sensitive words.
• registered capitalThe standard is HK$10,000, with a subscription system, and no actual capital verification is required. Note: The higher the registered capital, the higher the stamp duty (0.26% of the transfer amount) for the later transfer of equity, it is recommended to register at HK$10,000 without any special needs.
• Scope of business: Hong Kong has very few restrictions on the scope of business and only requires a brief description of the core business in 1-28 characters, such as "international trade".
• Shareholders/Directors: At least one shareholder and one director, which can be the same person. There is no restriction on statelessness, and mainlanders can register directly with their ID cards.
• Company Secretary: A local licensed secretarial firm in Hong Kong must be appointed as the statutory secretary (available from Enterprise Finance).
• registered address: A real local address in Hong Kong must be provided for the purpose of receiving government correspondence (this can be provided by a secretarial company).

Step 2: Prepare registration materials

• Scanned copy of the front and back of the Mainland identity card of shareholders/directors
• Proof of address within the last 3 months (e.g. utility bill, credit card statement, address can be mainland)
• If the shareholders are legal persons, the certificate of incorporation, register of directors and shareholders and other documents are required.

Step 3: Submit your application

The licensed secretarial company submits the application online through the "e-Registration Platform" of the Hong Kong Companies Registry. The review cycle takes about 3-5 working days, and the fastest way to issue the certificate is 1 working day.

Step 4: Receive the full set of documents

The following documents are available after review and approval:

• Certificate of Incorporation (CI, equivalent to a business license)
• Business Registration Certificate (BR, equivalent to a tax registration certificate)
• Articles of Association (AOA)
• Stockbooks, minute books
• Full set of seals (official seal, financial seal, director's seal)

Step 5: Bank account opening (key)

After registration, you need to open a Hong Kong bank account for receiving and paying foreign exchange.2026 A number of banks have already supported witnessing account opening or video face-to-face signing in the Mainland without the need to travel to Hong Kong in person.

III. Guide to opening offshore accounts (version 2026)

Hong Kong bank account is the core tool for foreign trade enterprises to receive and pay foreign exchange, and it is also the most difficult part of the whole registration process.

1. Bank selection recommendations

• Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC): The most extensive international network, suitable for large enterprises with global business layout
• Standard Chartered Bank: The account opening process is relatively easy and SME-friendly
• Bank of China Hong Kong (BOCHK): Strong support for mainland customers and facilitation of cross-border RMB business
• Bank of East Asia: Low threshold for start-ups

2. Documents required to open an account

• Full set of HK company documents (CI, BR, Articles of Association, Seal)
• Director/shareholder ID card, Hong Kong and Macau Travel Permit/Passport
• Personal bank balance for the last 3 months
• Proof of business: contracts of intent, purchase and sale agreements, company websites, information on mainland affiliates, etc.
• Proof of address: utility bill or credit card statement for the last 3 months

3. Core account opening skills

• Clear explanation of operationsThe most important thing for the bank is to "know your customer", and you need to clearly explain the business model, source of funds, and counterparties. It is recommended to prepare 1-2 real or intended contracts in advance.
• Clarity of account usage: Explain why you need a Hong Kong account (e.g., to receive payment for overseas shipments, to pay suppliers) and avoid vague statements.
• Cooperate with bank verification: Respond promptly if additional materials are required. Some banks may request a video interview, so keep your communication open.

4. Account maintenance considerations

• After the account is opened, it is recommended to maintain a moderate flow of funds (e.g. more than HK$10,000 per month) to avoid being frozen due to long-term zero balance
• Timely update the company's annual audit and tax filing information, which will be periodically verified by the bank
• Avoid financial transactions with sensitive countries/areas

IV. Basic Guide to the Operation of Letters of Credit

Letter of credit is one of the most commonly used settlement methods in international trade, and Hong Kong companies have a natural advantage in this regard.

1. What is a letter of credit?

The letter of credit is a written document issued by the bank to the seller to guarantee payment according to the buyer's request. As long as the seller submits the documents according to the requirements of the letter of credit, the bank will assume the responsibility of payment, greatly reducing the risk of trust between buyers and sellers.

2. Advantages of operating letters of credit by Hong Kong companies

• Hong Kong banks have high international credibility and the letters of credit opened are widely accepted by banks around the world
• Hong Kong's legal system is perfect, and there is a clear legal basis for handling L/C disputes.
• Back-to-back letters of credit are available to facilitate middlemen trade

3. Basic operational processes

• Contract between buyer and seller for settlement by letter of credit
• The buyer applies to its bank (issuing bank) to open a letter of credit in favor of a Hong Kong company
• The issuing bank forwards the letter of credit to the Hong Kong company through the advising bank (the Hong Kong company's account bank).
• Hong Kong company to ship the goods according to the requirements of the letter of credit, prepare a full set of documents (invoice, bill of lading, packing list, insurance policy, etc.)
• Submit the documents to the Hong Kong bank of account (negotiating bank) for review and approval
• Negotiating bank will send the documents to the issuing bank, the issuing bank after examination and payment
• Receipt of payments by Hong Kong companies

4. Cautions

• Strictly follow the requirements of the letter of credit to produce documents, any discrepancies may lead to refusal of payment
• Selection of reputable banks as issuing banks
• If in doubt, consult your bank or professional organization for order review

If you need professional Hong Kong company registration services, including company registration, bank account opening assistance, bookkeeping audit, tax planning, etc., you are welcome to add customer service WeChat: qcygscszk, or call the cell phone: 18676749275. our industry experts will be your one-on-one answer to help you efficient layout of global trade.

V. Export tax rebate conditions and operational points

Many foreign trade enterprises mistakenly believe that Hong Kong companies can not apply for export tax rebates, but this is not the case. Through compliant structural design, Hong Kong companies can also enjoy the mainland export tax rebate policy.

1. Core logic

The core of the Mainland's export tax rebate policy is "whoever exports, whoever rebates". Therefore, in order to utilize a Hong Kong company to operate tax rebate, it is usually necessary to cooperate with a mainland company as the main body of export.

Common patterns:

• Mainland companies acting as manufacturers or foreign trade companies and signing contracts with overseas customers
• Goods declared for export in the name of a mainland company and applying for tax rebate
• The Hong Kong company acts as the receiving entity and receives foreign exchange and then transfers it back to the mainland in the form of service fees and commissions.

2. Operational points

• Must ensure that the "three documents are consistent": customs declaration, invoice, receipt of foreign exchange vouchers consistent information
• After the Hong Kong company receives the funds, it needs to transfer the funds back to the Mainland through compliant channels (e.g. service trade payment, profit distribution)
• Maintain complete business documents for inspection, including contracts, orders, logistics documents, and records of foreign exchange collection.

3. Risk alerts

• Hong Kong companies should not be used for false trading and fraudulent tax rebates
• Cross-border fund transfers need to be compliant, and ODI filings should be made when necessary

VI. Frequently Asked Questions of Foreign Trade Companies

Q1: After registering a Hong Kong company, how to invoice the mainland factories?

A: Hong Kong companies cannot directly receive mainland VAT invoices. The usual operation is that the mainland factory will issue the invoice to the mainland foreign trade company or the mainland affiliate of the Hong Kong company, which will then handle the tax refund and tax matters.

Q2: Can a Hong Kong company receive RMB?

A: Yes. Hong Kong banks support RMB accounts for cross-border trade settlement in RMB.

Q3: How to transfer the profits of a Hong Kong company back to the Mainland?

A: This can be done through compliant channels, such as profit sharing, service trade payments, cross-border RMB remittances, etc. Tax-paid certificates and business contracts need to be retained for inspection.

Q4：What taxes do Hong Kong companies need to pay to do foreign trade?

A: It mainly involves profits tax. If the profits are derived from overseas, an offshore exemption from profits tax can be claimed. In addition, an annual business registration certificate fee (HK$2,200 in 2025/26) is payable.

With a licensed secretarial company and self-employed accounting firm in Hong Kong, Enterprise Cai Ying can provide you with one-stop services from Hong Kong company registration, bank account opening, bookkeeping and auditing to offshore exemption application. If you have any questions about Hong Kong foreign trade company registration, please feel free to contact us.

If you need professional Hong Kong company registration services, including company registration, bank account opening assistance, bookkeeping audit, tax planning, etc., you are welcome to add customer service WeChat: qcygscszk, or call the cell phone: 18676749275. our industry experts will be your one-on-one answer to help you efficient layout of global trade.