The frequently asked questions for company formation in Hong Kong are as follows. Please call us at +852 2412 2345 for more information.

1. How many types of company are there in Hong Kong?

Basically, there are FOUR (4) types of business organization: (1) private limited company; (2) public limited company; (3) unlimited sole proprietorship company; and (4) unlimited partnership company.

• Limited company: may denote either a private or public company limited by shares, or a company limited by guarantee. Under the Companies Ordinance, the name of a Hong Kong incorporated company may be registered in English, Chinese, or both and is also required to prepare audited financial statements annually.
• Unlimited sole proprietorship company: the owner of a sole proprietorship takes all the profits and bears all the risks. His/her liability is unlimited for the debts of the business.
• Unlimited partnership company: there are at least two persons enter into an agreement and operate their business as a partnership. The partners are jointly and severally liable for the debts.
• Both of the two unlimited business organizations require applying for the business registration certificate issued by the Business Registration Office, or apply for an exemption under specific circumstance.

2. What is the minimum capital of a limited company?
There is no statutory minimum capital requirement in Hong Kong. In practice, the authorized capital would be HK$10,000 and the issued share capital could be as low as HK$1.  The capital duty levied on HK limited companies has been abolished with effect from 1 June 2012.

3. What is the qualification of director and shareholder?
The directors and shareholders of a limited company need not be Hong Kong residents. Only persons who have attained the age of 18 can be appointed as directors. A body corporate (other than a listed company) can act as a director of a company.

4. Is a Hong Kong registered office required for a limited company?
Yes. Every company incorporated must notify the Registrar of Companies of the situation of its Hong Kong registered office and any change within 14 days after the date of incorporation of the company or of the change.

5. Is a company secretary required for a limited company?
Yes. Every company incorporated in Hong Kong must have a Secretary. The secretary must be a Hong Kong resident or a body corporate having its registered office in Hong Kong. However, a sole director of a limited company shall not also be the secretary of the company.

6. How long will it take to incorporate a limited company?
It takes about 7 to 8 days to found a new limited company. For a shelf company (ready-made company), it takes about 1 to 2 days.

7. What will I get after the incorporation?
After the incorporation, you will get: one set company kit including 20 copies of share certificate 20 books of Memorandum & Articles of Association 1 common seal 2 rubber stamps 1 statutory book (including register of directors & members) Minutes of first directors meeting Certificate of incorporation issued by the Companies Registry Business registration certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department Statutory forms filing to the Companies Registry

8. What is the minimum number of director and shareholder?
According to the Companies (Amendment) Ordinance 2003 which became operative on 13 February 2004, it permits the formation of a limited company by one or more shareholders. It also permits a limited company to have at least one director.