A Hong Kong private company limited by shares is the structure most founders choose: shareholders' liability is limited to what they subscribe, the company is a separate legal person, and profits are taxed under a two-tiered regime starting at 8.25%.
Incorporation itself is only the starting line. From the day the Certificate of Incorporation is issued, your company carries statutory duties — annual return, significant controllers register, accounting records, audit and tax filing. We set all of that up with you from day one.
On this page
- What is included
- Fees and government charges
- The six-step process
- Documents you need
- Statutory requirements
- After incorporation
- Common questions
What is included
- Company name availability search (English, Chinese or both)
- Preparation and electronic filing of Form NNC1 with the Companies Registry
- Tailored Articles of Association
- Simultaneous business registration application
- Three company chops: round chop, signature chop and common seal
- Statutory books: register of members, directors, secretaries and charges
- Significant Controllers Register (SCR) set up and kept at your registered office
- First board minutes and share certificates
- A written first-year compliance calendar so nothing is missed
Fees and government charges
| Item | Amount | Payable to |
|---|---|---|
| Stepcon service fee (all-in, incl. 3 chops) | HK$2,650 | Stepcon |
| Incorporation fee (Form NNC1) | HK$1,545 | Companies Registry |
| Business Registration Certificate (1 year) | HK$2,350 | Inland Revenue Department |
| Typical total, first year | From HK$6,545 | — |
Government fees are set by the Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department and change from time to time. The figures above reflect the rates applying from 1 April 2026.
The six-step process
- Name check — we search the Companies Registry index and flag names likely to be rejected.
- Collect particulars — directors, shareholders, share capital, registered office.
- Prepare documents — NNC1, Articles of Association, consent to act.
- File electronically — usually approved within one to two working days.
- Collect certificates — Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate.
- Hand over — chops, statutory books, SCR and your compliance calendar.
Documents you need
- Copy of HKID card or passport for every director and shareholder
- Residential address proof issued within the last three months
- For a corporate shareholder: certificate of incorporation and register of directors
- Proposed company name, share capital and shareholding split
Statutory requirements
- Director — at least one natural person, aged 18 or above, any nationality.
- Shareholder — at least one; a sole director may also be the sole shareholder.
- Company secretary — mandatory under section 474 of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622). Must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong, or be a Hong Kong body corporate. A sole director cannot also be the company secretary. See our company secretary service.
- Registered office — a Hong Kong address; a PO box is not acceptable.
- Significant Controllers Register — must be kept from incorporation and produced on demand.
After incorporation: what happens next
| When | What is due |
|---|---|
| Within 1 month | Open a bank account; set up bookkeeping and document filing |
| Within 60 days of hiring | Enrol employees in an MPF scheme — see payroll & MPF |
| About 18 months after incorporation | First Profits Tax Return (BIR51) issued by the Inland Revenue Department |
| Every year, within 42 days of the anniversary | Annual Return (NAR1) — late filing penalty up to HK$3,480 |
| Every financial year | Statutory audit by a practising CPA, then profits tax filing |
A fuller checklist is set out in the compliance checklist for new Hong Kong companies.
Common questions
Can a non-Hong Kong resident own the company?
Yes. There is no residency or nationality requirement for directors or shareholders. You will still need a Hong Kong registered office and a qualifying company secretary, both of which we provide.
How long does it take?
Electronic incorporation is usually approved within one to two working days once we have complete identity documents.
Do I have to file tax if the company has not traded?
Yes. A dormant company must still file its annual return, renew its business registration and respond to any tax return issued. See deregistration and dormant filing.
Can I change the company name later?
Yes, by special resolution and filing Form NNC2 with the Companies Registry. We handle the paperwork and update your chops and statutory books.
Ready to start? Call 3687-1127, WhatsApp 9700-6312, or send us your details for a written quote the same working day.