Hong Kong offers a quick, online incorporation regime under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), administered by the Companies Registry, with a separate Business Registration Certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department ("IRD"). It remains a major fintech and technology gateway because of 100% foreign ownership, a territorial tax system, and two-tier profits tax starting at 8.25%.
Most founders use the private company limited by shares under the Companies Ordinance, with shareholder liability limited to unpaid share capital. Alternatives include the public company limited by shares and registration of a non-Hong Kong company (branch) for a foreign parent.
There is no minimum share capital (shares are commonly issued at HK$1 (≈ $0.13) each), 100% foreign ownership is allowed, and directors need not be Hong Kong residents — but at least one director must be a natural person, and the company must appoint a Hong Kong-resident company secretary and keep a Hong Kong registered office. Incorporation is filed online through the Companies Registry e-Services portal, which also triggers the Business Registration Certificate. The company registration fee is HK$1,720 (≈ $220) plus the business registration fee (HK$2,350 (≈ $300) for a one-year certificate from 1 April 2026), and electronic applications are usually processed within one business day.
The IRD charges profits tax under a two-tiered rate — 8.25% on the first HK$2 million (≈ $256,000) of assessable profits and 16.5% above — on Hong Kong-sourced profits only, with no VAT/GST and no withholding tax on dividends. Every company files an annual return (NAR1, HK$105 (≈ $13) if on time), renews its Business Registration Certificate, and must have its financial statements audited each year — Hong Kong has no general small-company audit exemption. A Significant Controllers Register (beneficial owners) must be kept at the registered office.