Why Choose Hong Kong for Company Formation
Tax Benefits and Exemptions for Offshore Companies
Hong Kong offers one of the most attractive tax systems in the world. Companies that conduct business solely outside Hong Kong may be exempt from paying income tax. In addition, there is no capital gains tax, VAT, dividend tax or withholding tax on overseas payments.
Full Ownership for Foreign Entrepreneurs
Foreigners can own 100% of a Hong Kong company, without the need for a local partner or residency. The lack of restrictions on foreign investment makes Hong Kong ideal for international business. A company in Hong Kong can be set up fully remotely, without a physical presence.
Access to Asian Markets and Mainland China
A Hong Kong-registered company can work with customers in China duty-free thanks to the CEPA agreement. This gives it an advantage when exporting digital services, deploying cloud infrastructure, or opening local offices. Hong Kong is also ideal for testing new products before scaling to the entire Asian market.
Global Reputation and Financial Infrastructure
Hong Kong has a stable legal system, a free economy, and a recognized global business reputation. For IT companies, this means easy access to international payment systems, digital banks, fintech solutions, and venture capital. Opening an account with a local bank or neo-bank makes it easier to conduct cross-border business.
Key Features of a Hong Kong Company
Company Types and Structures (Limited, Branch, etc.)
The most popular form for businesses is a Private Limited Company, which provides protection for the owners' assets. Other options include a representative office or branch of a foreign company, but they have limited independence. The choice of structure depends on the company's goals: whether it needs a full presence in Hong Kong, or only marketing or research activities.
Corporate Requirements — Shareholder, Director, Secretary
Any Hong Kong company must have at least one director (who can be non-resident) who is a natural person, one shareholder and a corporate secretary, which can be an individual (a Hong Kong resident) or a corporation (a licensed Hong Kong Trust and Corporate Service Provider with a Hong Kong business address). For companies, this creates the possibility of remote management from other countries while maintaining compliance with local requirements.
Registered Address and Legal Maintenance
The company must have an official address in Hong Kong, which is used for receiving official correspondence. For IT companies that do not have a physical presence, virtual office services and legal support are available, including record keeping and reporting.
Share Capital and Ownership Flexibility
Hong Kong has no minimum share capital requirements, allowing companies to be registered with as little as HKD 1. Businesses can have up to 50 shareholders, including foreign owners, with no citizenship restrictions; share transfers are quick and easy.
Step-by-Step Guide to Company Registration in Hong Kong
Select a Company`s Name and Structure
The first step for a company formation in Hong Kong is to determine the organizational and legal form, most often it is a company with limited liability with shares (Limited by Shares). This structure provides limited liability of the founders and allows flexible management. The company name should be unique and not infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, which is especially important for startups and technology businesses; it is recommended to conduct a Hong Kong company registration search to ensure the name is available.
Prepare KYC and Incorporation Documents
The next step is to collect the necessary information about the company's founders and directors (KYC/Know your customer) and prepare the constituent documents (forms NNC1/NNC1G, Articles of association, form IRBR1). Companies can use a standard charter or upload their own in PDF format, indicating the capital, shares and the rest of the necessary information/data/points.
Submit to Hong Kong Companies Registry
Documents can be submitted online through the e-services portal or in person. Online filing is particularly convenient for IT businesses as it allows you to complete registration 24/7 without visiting Hong Kong.
Receive Certificate of Incorporation & BR License
Once the application is approved, the company receives a Certificate of Incorporation and a Certificate of Business Registration. With online filing, documents are delivered in digital format within an hour, which is especially convenient for fast-paced technology startups.
Post-Registration: Open Business Bank Account and Activate Company
After registering your company, you should open a business account with a bank or fintech service (such as Wise, Payoneer, Revolut). This will allow you to make payments, invoice customers, and officially start your business.
Remote Incorporation — 100% Online Process
E-Signatures and Digital KYC
Companies can register their business in Hong Kong completely online, using e-signatures and completing KYC in a digital format. Through the e-Services portal, documents are completed and submitted remotely, allowing you to quickly go through all stages of registration without the need for a physical presence.
Company Kit Delivery Worldwide
Once registered, companies can receive a Company Kit, which includes a seal, certificates and other documents, delivered to any country in the world. This is convenient for teams working remotely or based outside of Hong Kong but looking to have all their documentation at hand.
Setup Without Visiting Hong Kong
There is no need to come in person to open a company in Hong Kong: registration, payment, downloading the charter and obtaining certificates are all done online. This allows founders from other countries to quickly establish a legal entity and start operating without geographical restrictions.
Hong Kong Business Registration Packages
Name of the service
Start
Lite
Business🔥
Pro
Company Incorporation (CR Incorporation and IRD - Business License included)
✅
✅
✅
✅
Registered Address per 1 year
✅
✅
✅
✅
Filing of Annual Return (NAR1) and e-Record (Gov. Fees of USD 25 included)
❌
✅
✅
✅
Designated Representative (for Significant Controllers Registers - SCR only
❌
✅
✅
✅
Agent/Company Secretary per 1 year
❌
❌
✅
✅
Business account opening assistance (2 Bank Applications)
❌
❌
❌
✅
Certified Copies of Documents
❌
❌
❌
✅
Shareholders’ or Investment Agreement
❌
❌
❌
✅
Total cost
780 USD
600 USD
1040 USD
800 USD
1820 USD
1400 USD
3190 EUR
2450 EUR
*The offer is valid until 08/31/2025
Additional Corporate Services in Hong Kong
Company Secretary and Statutory Compliance
To register a company in Hong Kong, it is mandatory to appoint a company secretary - an individual or a legal entity registered in Hong Kong. The secretary is responsible for compliance with corporate law requirements, including maintaining registers, filing reports and updating corporate information.
Virtual Office and Local Address
Every Hong Kong company must have a registered address within Hong Kong, which is used for official correspondence. A virtual office provides a legal address, mail reception and basic administrative support without the need for a physical presence.
Annual Return Filing and AGM Support
Filing an annual return with the Registrar of Companies is a mandatory requirement for all companies in Hong Kong, regardless of their size. We also provide support in conducting annual general meetings (AGMs) and preparing the relevant documentation.
Cloud Accounting and Bookkeeping Solutions
Cloud accounting solutions allow companies to conveniently record expenses, income, and tax liabilities in real time. We offer professional accounting with access to data via a secure online platform.
Business Sectors Thriving in Hong Kong
E-commerce and Digital Services
Hong Kong is an attractive jurisdiction for launching online stores, delivery platforms, and marketplaces. Thanks to a robust digital infrastructure and favorable tax regime, e-commerce is developing particularly dynamically here.
Finance and Investment
Hong Kong is considered one of Asia's leading financial centers, with access to international capital markets. The local regulatory system provides transparency that attracts investors and banking institutions from around the world.
Trading and International Logistics
With its strategic location and efficient ports, Hong Kong is a key hub for import, export and transit trade in the Asia-Pacific region. Businesses involved in logistics and global supply chains have great growth opportunities here.
Technology and Startups
Hong Kong actively supports innovation by offering acceleration programs, grants, and incubators for technology companies. Startups in the fields of artificial intelligence, fintech, and blockchain receive particularly favorable conditions for development.
Why Work With Icon.Partners for Your Hong Kong Setup
Local Experts and Multilingual Support
The Icon.Partners team has a deep understanding of local legislation and the practical aspects of doing business in Hong Kong. You will receive professional support in Ukrainian, English and other languages at every stage.
Transparent Pricing and No Hidden Fees
The company provides a clear price list without unexpected surcharges or unclear commissions. All costs are agreed in advance so you can plan your budget.
Fast Turnaround and Bank Account Assistance
Icon.Partners provides prompt submission of documents and support until the account is opened. This significantly saves your time and reduces the bureaucratic burden.
All-in-One Platform for Ongoing Management
After registration, you can manage your company through a convenient online interface. The platform provides accounting, tax reporting, and corporate data updates.
5.0
"Their adept use of technology for communication and project management streamlined the entire process."
Thanks to Icon.Partners' efforts, the client was able to integrate with major platforms, such as Google, Facebook, and Stripe, and optimize their platform. The team was highly supportive and responsive from a workflow standpoint, and internal stakeholders were particularly impressed with the service provider's flexibility, professionalism, and technical prowess.
Oleksandr Platonov
CEO, VorfahrQR UG
Germany📍
Apr 10, 2024
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The client is satisfied with Icon.Partners' work, whose documentation is a vital part of their success. The client resolves legal and financial issues with the help of the team. Their excellent communication skills, timely delivery, modern approach, and diverse expertise make them a great partner.
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CEO of Gotoinc LTD
Cyprus📍
Jan 18, 2024
Reviews
5.0
"Their adept use of technology for communication and project management streamlined the entire process."
Thanks to Icon.Partners' efforts, the client was able to integrate with major platforms, such as Google, Facebook, and Stripe, and optimize their platform. The team was highly supportive and responsive from a workflow standpoint, and internal stakeholders were particularly impressed with the service provider's flexibility, professionalism, and technical prowess.
Oleksandr Platonov
CEO, VorfahrQR UG
Germany📍
Apr 10, 2024
Reviews
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