How to incorporate a limited company in Hong Kong

It is easy to incorporate a limited company in Hong Kong. Every company must be incorporated with name in English or Chinese or both English and Chinese. Limited companies must end their names with the word "Limited".

The proposed name of the company should not be the same or too similar to a name already appearing on the index maintained by the Company Registry. Then, a memorandum and articles of association are printed and present to the Companies Registry. Within six working days after application, a Certificate of Incorporation will be issued by the Companies Registry. Shelf (ready-made) companies are available for instant use if a company is required urgently.

A registration fee of HK$1,720 should be paid. If the company has a share capital, the capital duty levied on HK limited companies has been abolished with effect from 1 June 2012.

Within one month of the commencement of business of the company, a Business Registration Certificate must be obtained from the Inland Revenue Department. The existing fee is HK$450 per annum.

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. Directors should have attained the age of 18 and should not be an undischarged bankrupt. Every limited company must have a Secretary. A sole director of a company shall not also be the secretary of the company.

A notice of situation of registered office should be submitted to the Companies Registry within 14 days of incorporation of the company.