Company Registration
in Hong Kong

Yes. Any person above the age of 18, of any nationality, can incorporate a company in Hong Kong. Foreigners can be the sole shareholder and sole director. 100% foreign ownership is permitted, and there is no requirement to be a Hong Kong resident. You can freely operate your Hong Kong company from overseas without relocating.

The minimum requirements are: at least 1 director (natural person, any nationality, aged 18+), at least 1 shareholder (individual or corporate, any nationality), 1 company secretary (must be a Hong Kong resident individual or a company with a registered office in HK — the sole director cannot also be the secretary), a local Hong Kong registered address, and at least 1 ordinary share issued. There is no minimum capital requirement.

No, physical presence is not required for company registration. The entire incorporation process can be completed online via the e-Registry portal. However, some banks may require a physical visit for opening a corporate bank account — we advise on banks and options that work best for non-residents. Board meetings and shareholder meetings can be held anywhere in the world.

Hong Kong has a two-tier profits tax system: 8.25% on the first HK$2,000,000 of assessable profits, and 16.5% on profits above that. There is no capital gains tax, no VAT/GST, no withholding tax on dividends, and no tax on foreign-sourced income. Additionally, Hong Kong companies can take advantage of the CEPA free trade agreement for preferential access to Mainland China markets.

Both are world-class jurisdictions. Hong Kong offers lower effective tax rates (8.25% on first HK$2M vs Singapore's 17%), direct access to Mainland China via CEPA, and no minimum capital requirement. Singapore offers stronger IP protection, more generous startup tax exemptions, and a broader network of double tax treaties (80+ vs Hong Kong's 40+). If China is your primary market, Hong Kong is the better choice. For Southeast Asia or global operations, Singapore may be more suitable. We help you make the right decision based on your specific business goals.

Every Hong Kong company must: maintain at least 1 director and 1 shareholder at all times, keep a local registered address and company secretary, renew the Business Registration Certificate annually (one month before expiry), file Annual Returns with the Companies Registry, hold an Annual General Meeting (first within 18 months of incorporation, then annually), and file audited financial statements with tax returns to the Inland Revenue Department. We provide full compliance support to keep your company in good standing.