Company formation inHong Kong
Hong Kong company formation gives you a low-tax, common-law base at the gateway to mainland China and the wider Asia-Pacific region — fast to set up, internationally banked, and handled remotely by GERAI. We incorporate and maintain Hong Kong private limited companies, and arrange the statutory company secretary through a licensed local provider.
Why establish here
Hong Kong offers distinct advantages for international businesses looking to establish or expand their operations in this jurisdiction.
Hong Kong taxes only profits sourced in Hong Kong, on a two-tiered basis — 8.25% on the first HK$2 million of profits and 16.5% above. There is no VAT, no capital gains tax, and no withholding tax on dividends.
As the principal bridge between China and the rest of the world, Hong Kong combines free movement of capital, a deep banking market and CEPA access to the mainland — the natural base for China-facing trade and investment.
An independent common-law system, a freely convertible currency and a globally recognised reputation make Hong Kong companies straightforward to bank, contract through, and present to international counterparties.
What we handle here
From company formation to ongoing compliance, we provide comprehensive services to support your business in Hong Kong.
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Hong Kong private limited company formation, including the Year 1 Business Registration Certificate, registered office for 12 months, company chop and all incorporation documents. Electronic incorporation is typically completed within 48 hours. The statutory company secretary is arranged through a licensed local provider.
Introductions to corporate banking with Hong Kong and international banking partners, with full documentation support. We prepare and package the application; account approval rests with the bank.
Annual return (NAR1) filing, Business Registration Certificate renewal, and maintenance of the Significant Controllers Register. GERAI does not act as company secretary or provide nominee or tax-advisory services; those roles are arranged through licensed Hong Kong providers.
Who operates here
Discover what types of businesses thrive in Hong Kong and how we help them get established.
Hong Kong's territorial tax, open banking and logistics links make it a standard base for import/export and trading businesses operating across Asia-Pacific.
InquireHong Kong holding companies are widely used to hold mainland China subsidiaries, joint-venture interests and intellectual property, drawing on CEPA and Hong Kong's position with the mainland.
InquireFrom online sellers to regional group holding structures, Hong Kong offers a low-friction, internationally recognised home for digital businesses and for consolidating Asia-Pacific operations.
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Hong Kong company formation at a glance
- Company type
- Private company limited by shares
- Corporate tax
- 8.25% on the first HK$2m of profit, 16.5% above; territorial basis
- Typical set-up time
- About 1 week end to end (complete e-filings are often approved within a day)
- Minimum officers
- 1 director (individual) and 1 shareholder, any nationality
- Local requirements
- Hong Kong company secretary and registered office; no local director
- Annual audit
- Required every year (dormant companies can apply for exemption)
- Best for
- Trading, sourcing, China and Asia operations, holding companies
Last reviewed October 2026. General information, not tax or legal advice.
Hong Kong company formation FAQs
Common questions about setting up and maintaining your international business
Yes. A Hong Kong company can be 100% foreign-owned, and there is no requirement for a local director or shareholder. You do need a Hong Kong company secretary (a resident individual or a Hong Kong company) and a local registered office address, both of which we provide.
Hong Kong taxes only profits sourced in Hong Kong, so genuinely offshore profits are generally not taxable. An offshore claim must be supported with evidence of where contracts are negotiated and operations carried out. Since 2023, companies in multinational groups must also meet the foreign-sourced income exemption (FSIE) conditions for dividends, interest, IP income and disposal gains received in Hong Kong.
Yes. Every Hong Kong company must have its financial statements audited by a Hong Kong CPA each year and submit them with its profits tax return, regardless of size. Dormant companies can apply for an exemption.
An annual return to the Companies Registry within 42 days of the incorporation anniversary, renewal of the Business Registration Certificate, a profits tax return with audited accounts when issued by the Inland Revenue Department, and an up-to-date Significant Controllers Register kept at the registered office.
Often, yes, with licensed fintech and payment providers, which can onboard non-resident owners online in days. Traditional banks usually take 4–12 weeks, may ask for a meeting or video call, and expect evidence of real business activity. We prepare the application and introduce you to suitable options.
Ready to expand internationally?
Tell us about your plans. We'll recommend the right jurisdiction and structure, then handle every step from registration to ongoing compliance.