What is Company Formation Fees, Certificates & Process in Hong Kong?
Company formation in Hong Kong involves three core components: statutory fees, government-issued certificates, and a structured incorporation process. Entrepreneurs who incorporate a company in Hong Kong must register their business with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).
As of April 1, 2024, the fees were increased to HK$2,200 for a one-year certificate and HK$5,720 for a three-year certificate. A temporary waiver of the HK$150 levy will be in effect until March 2026. Renewal rates and branch certificate fees are similarly adjusted annually.
The amounts payable for the renewal of the Business Registration Fee and Branch Registration Certificates will be subject to annual review by the Inland Revenue Department.
What Documents Are Needed for Company Formation in Hong Kong?
To register a business in Hong Kong, the Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department (IRD) require specific documents depending on the type of business. Providing complete and accurate documentation ensures a smooth registration process.
1. Incorporation Documents (for Companies)
- Form NNC1 / NNC1G: Incorporation form for a Hong Kong private company.
- Articles of Association: Governing document defining the company’s internal rules, share structure, and operational protocols.
- Certificate of Incorporation: Issued by the Companies Registry upon successful registration.
2. Proof of Identity and Address
- Directors and Shareholders: Valid government-issued identification (passport or Hong Kong Identity Card).
- Proof of Residential Address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or government-issued document.
3. Company Secretary Documents
- Appointment of Company Secretary: Formal appointment of a company secretary is mandatory under the Companies Ordinance.
- Consent Forms: Signed consent of the company secretary, directors, and shareholders.
4. Registered Office Address Proof
- Local Registered Office Address Proof: Mandatory requirement for all Hong Kong-incorporated companies.
- Proof can include a lease agreement or a confirmation from a service provider (such as a registered office service).
5. Business Registration Specific Documents
- Notice of Business Registration Office (Form IRBR1): Required submission to the IRD for formal business registration.
- Protection of Wages: Evidence of payment, applicable to newly incorporated companies.
- Supplementary Documents for Branch or Non-Hong Kong Companies: Including foreign incorporation certificates, lease agreements for physical offices, or formal authorisation for representative offices.
What is the Company Formation Process in Hong Kong?
The company formation process in Hong Kong is a structured and regulatory-compliant procedure designed to facilitate both local and international business incorporation.
Step 1: Select Company Type and Name
Select a company structure (typically a private limited company) and ensure the name is unique and does not violate intellectual property rights, confirmed via the Intellectual Property Department.
Step 2: Appoint Directors, Shareholders, and Company Secretary
Appoint at least one director (any nationality), at least one shareholder, and a local Hong Kong-resident company secretary.
Step 3: Establish a Registered Office
A physical address in Hong Kong is required for official records (PO Boxes are not allowed).
Step 4: Submit Incorporation Documents
Submit Form NNC1 (Incorporation Form), the Articles of Association, and the Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR1) to the Companies Registry. This can be done online through the e-services.cr portal.
Step 5: Receive Certificates
The Companies Registry issues the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate.
Step 6: Set Up a Bank Account
Open a corporate bank account to manage transactions, payroll, and regulatory compliance. Banks require incorporation and business registration certificates, as well as directors’ identification.
What is a Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate & Who Needs It?
A Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate (BRC) is an official document issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) that legally authorises a company or business to operate within Hong Kong. It serves as proof of registration for taxation, regulatory compliance, and business operations, and must be maintained at the company’s registered office.
Who Needs a Business Registration Certificate?
A Business Registration Certificate is mandatory for the following entities:
1. Hong Kong Companies
All private or public companies incorporated in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance.
2. Non-Hong Kong Companies
Foreign companies starting a business, branch, or representative office in Hong Kong.
3. Sole Proprietorships and Partnerships
Any business engaged in trade, profession, or commercial activity for gain.
- Branch Offices
Any branch of a company carrying out business activities within Hong Kong.
- Specialized Entities
Limited Partnership Funds (LPFs), Open-ended Fund Companies (OFCs), and non-profit organisations engaged in commercial activities.
4. Property Owners
Companies that lease or let property in Hong Kong, regardless of their other business operations.
For clients engaging our Hong Kong company incorporation and Registered Office address services, we will assist in obtaining the (main) Business Registration Certificate together with the Certificate of Incorporation upon incorporation of the new Hong Kong company.
What Is The Process Of Obtaining a Business Registration Certificate in Hong Kong?
When you register a company in Hong Kong, the application for a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) is submitted simultaneously with the incorporation process. Business registration in Hong Kong applications are made via paper format. Furthermore, you will receive the HK business registration certificate within 30 minutes or two working days via post.
Follow these key steps to obtain a certificate in Hong Kong:
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Compile all necessary documents, including the Certificate of Incorporation or proof of business ownership, Form IRBR1, and identification and proof of residential address for directors, shareholders, or owners.
Step 2: Submit the Application
Submit the completed documents to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) either online via the e-Registry portal or in paper form.
Step 3: Pay Registration Fees and Levies
Submit the Business Registration (BR) fees to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) as part of your company registration process in Hong Kong. A 1-year Business Registration Certificate costs HK$2,200, while a 3-year certificate costs HK$5,720, both of which include the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund levy.
Besides the company incorporation documents and the HK business registration fee, you must also provide the following to the Companies Registry when applying to incorporate your business:
- Levy for the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund
- Notice of Business Registration Office (IRBR1)
Hong Kong Company Formation Fees and Statutory Costs
Company formation in Hong Kong involves mandatory statutory fees imposed by government authorities, in addition to any professional service fees engaged for incorporation support. For electronic incorporation, the total government cost is approximately HK$3,745.
Mandatory Government Fees
Company Incorporation Fee
The Company Incorporation Fee is a statutory charge payable to the Companies Registry upon registering a new company in Hong Kong. For electronic incorporation, the fee is HK$1,545.
This fee covers the official processing of incorporation documents and the issuance of the Certificate of Incorporation, which legally establishes the company under the Companies Ordinance.
- Business Registration Certificate (BRC) Fee
All businesses operating in Hong Kong are required to obtain a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). The fee for a one-year BRC is HK$2,200, while a three-year BRC costs HK$5,720.
These fees include the statutory levy for the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund and are payable at the time of incorporation or renewal.
| Fee / Certification Type | Electronic Submission Fee (HK$) | Hard Copy Submission Fee (HK$) |
| Company Incorporation Fee (Share Capital) | 1,545 | 1,720 |
| Refundable Registration Fee | 1,280 | 1,425 |
| Non-Refundable Lodgment Fee | 265 | 295 |
| Company Limited by Guarantee Fee (Based on Members) | 155 (≤25 members)
305 (26–100 members) 305 + 18 per 50 additional members (max 925) |
170 (≤25 members)
340 (26–100 members) 340 + 20 per 50 additional members (max 1,025) |
| Business Registration Certificate (BRC) – 1 Year | 2,200 | 2,200 |
| Business Registration Certificate (BRC) – 3 Years | 5,720 | 5,720 |
| Branch Registration Certificate (Service Fee) | 200 | 200 |
| Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund Levy | Included | Included |
| Annual Renewal of BRC | Varies | Varies |
Note: Re-verify data from Official Websites.
For a Hong Kong company which already has a physical office or actual place of business in Hong Kong, on top of our registered office and mail-forwarding service package, 3E Accounting can assist your Hong Kong company in applying for an additional branch registration certificate(s) for the place which carrying on any business in Hong Kong at an one-off service fee of HKD200 per branch registration certificate (exclusive of branch registration fee chargeable by the Inland Revenue Department annually).
Please click our registered office and mail-forwarding service package fee to learn more about the benefits of using 3E Accounting’s Registered Office address service.