Hong Kong company registration: the complete guide.

A HK private company limited by shares is the default vehicle for most operating businesses. It offers limited liability, a simple share structure and a predictable tax regime (16.5% profits tax on the first HK$2M, with the two-tiered concession).

You’ll need three things to start: a company name, a registered office address in HK, and at least one director (a natural person) plus a company secretary.

Have these prepared before you start the filing process.

• NNC1 (incorporation form) — directors, shareholders, share capital.
• Articles of Association — model articles are usually sufficient.
• Director and shareholder identification (HKID or passport).
• Address proof for each director and shareholder (utility bill, bank statement).
• Significant Controllers Register (SCR) — kept at the registered office.

Two filings happen in parallel.

• Companies Registry (CR) — incorporation under the Companies Ordinance. Issues the Certificate of Incorporation.
• Inland Revenue Department (BR) — Business Registration Certificate. Most filers use the one-stop service to combine the two.

This is where most founders stall. HK banks require detailed KYC, business plans and source-of-funds evidence. Plan for 4–10 weeks even with strong documentation.

Multi-currency neobanks (Airwallex, Statrys) provide a faster fallback for early-stage operations.

Once incorporated, your annual cadence looks like this.

• Annual Return (NAR1) — within 42 days of the anniversary of incorporation.
• Audited financial statements — prepared in accordance with HK GAAP and signed by an HKICPA practitioner.
• Profits Tax Return — typically issued in April, due back within 1–3 months.
• Employer’s Return — if you have HK employees.