- The HK Companies Registry is required to incorporate and regulate Hong Kong companies.
- Company registration can be completed online in as little as one to two working days.
- Annual returns, tax filings, and record-keeping are mandatory to stay compliant.
- Every company must have a Hong Kong registered address and company secretary.
- Expert support helps reduce errors, delays, and compliance risks.
The Hong Kong Companies Registry (HKCR), or HK Company Registry is your first stop for starting a new business in Hong Kong. This guide explains everything you need to know about the HK Company Registry, including helpful tips for navigating government websites, forms, and clear guidance that explains what you need to know and do when setting up in HK.
What is the Hong Kong Company Registry?
The HK Company Registry is the government body responsible for the incorporation and regulation of companies in Hong Kong. Established in 1993 , it operates under the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and compliance within Hong Kong’s business environment.
The Companies Registry oversees:
- Company incorporation – Managing the registration process for local and foreign businesses.
- Corporate record-keeping – Maintaining an official database of registered companies.
- Public company searches – Providing access to corporate information for due diligence and compliance.
- Regulatory compliance – Ensuring companies adhere to the Companies Ordinance and other relevant laws.
The HK Company Registry also offers a fully digital service platform, enabling businesses to complete company registration, filings, and searches online. This streamlined approach aligns with Hong Kong’s reputation as a pro-business jurisdiction, allowing companies to be set up quickly and efficiently.
Services offered by the Hong Kong Company Registry
The Hong Kong Companies Registry provides a range of essential services to support businesses in their incorporation, compliance, and ongoing operations. These services are designed to ensure that companies in Hong Kong operate transparently and in accordance with legal requirements.
1. Company incorporation and registration
- Facilitates the registration of local and non-Hong Kong companies .
- Offers electronic incorporation through the e-Registry portal, allowing businesses to be set up within one to two working days.
- Issues Certificates of Incorporation (CI) and Business Registration Certificates (BRC) upon successful registration.
2. Corporate record-keeping and public search services
- Maintains an up-to-date Companies Register, which contains details of registered businesses.
- Provides public access to company information , including directorships, registered addresses, and financial filings.
- Allows users to conduct company name searches and document retrievals for due diligence purposes.
3. Compliance and regulatory oversight
- Ensures businesses comply with the Companies Ordinance and other legal requirements.
- Manages the yearly return filing process, where companies must submit updates on their corporate status.
- Regulates corporate filings, such as changes in directorships, registered offices, and company structures.
4. Online services and digital filing
- Operates the e-Registry, an online platform for electronic filing of incorporation forms, annual returns, and other statutory documents.
- Supports the CR eFiling mobile app , which enables companies to submit documents conveniently.
- Provides automated reminders and notifications to help businesses stay compliant with filing deadlines.
5. Licensing and registration for corporate service providers
- Regulates Trust or Company Service Providers (TCSPs) to ensure they meet compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) standards.
- Grants licenses to corporate service providers offering incorporation and secretarial services.
By offering these services, the Hong Kong Companies Registry plays a key role in maintaining an efficient and business-friendly environment for companies who do business in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong makes company setup fast and accessible. Ongoing compliance, however, requires consistent attention and local knowledge.
HK Company Registry: incorporation made easy
While the HK Company Registry offers online tools and forms for company incorporation, navigating local regulations and paperwork can be complicated. This is especially true for international founders who are unfamiliar with Hong Kong procedures.
Sleek’s company registration experts will be here to help you from day 1. Our accounting and compliance support will keep you on track, on-time, and at ease.
Challenges when registering with HK Company Registry
Common issues for international enterprises include:
- Ensuring company name availability
- Understanding share capital requirements
- Appointing a corporate secretary.
- Understanding director’s duties in Hong Kong,
- Preparing necessary government forms documents.
- Keeping compliant with changing legalities in Hong Kong.
Simplifying the process with Sleek
Sleek assists founders with almost all Hong Kong company incorporation services. We handle paperwork, government procedures, and local regulations. Here’s how:
- Company Name Check: We verify your chosen name’s availability and compliance with the HK Company Registry.
- Documentation Assistance: We prepare and file all required documents.
- Corporate Secretary Services: We help you appoint a compliant company secretary to manage obligations and other duties.
Whether you want to register a company locally or from abroad, our team is here to guide, simplify, and take the stress out of the process by providing helpful, actionable, friendly support for you and your business.
Key considerations for HK Company Registry
When forming a company in Hong Kong, you’ll need to consider these additional factors.
Business registration levy
All companies registered in Hong Kong must obtain a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) . Typically, this involves paying the levy along with the registration fee.
Note: From April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2025 , this levy has been waived for eligible businesses. This temporary waiver reduces the cost of maintaining a company in Hong Kong during this period.
Registered office address
Your registered office must be a physical Hong Kong address, not a P.O. Box. If you are a local, you might choose to use a residential address, but if you are based abroad, Sleek can provide a registered office address for you.
Corporate secretary
Every Hong Kong company is required to appoint a company secretary, who plays a key role in ensuring compliance with regulatory obligations. The Companies Registry mandates that:
- If the corporate secretary is an individual , they must be a Hong Kong resident .
- If the company secretary is a corporate entity , it must be a Hong Kong-registered company holding a valid Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) license .
The corporate secretary is responsible for maintaining statutory records, filing yearly returns, ensuring compliance with the Companies Ordinance, and facilitating communication with government authorities. Having a qualified company secretary is crucial to avoiding penalties and ensuring smooth business operations
Annual return filing
Companies registered using the HK Company Registry must file a return yearly. Non-compliance results in penalties or deregistration.
Sleek can help manage your Annual Return filing and help you navigate important deadlines and steps with ease.
Business bank account
A Hong Kong business bank account enables financial management, payment receipts, and building financial credibility. The advanced search capabilities on the financial websites should give you some insight into available bank accounts for businesses registered with the Hong Kong Company Registry. Banks in Hong Kong conduct strict KYC (Know Your Customer) checks, and opening a business bank account requires in-person verification at most banks. Some FinTech solutions (e.g., Airwallex, Neat, Statrys) allow remote onboarding.
Ongoing compliance for your Hong Kong company
Ensuring compliance with local business regulations is essential for companies registered with the Hong Kong Companies Registry . Key areas of compliance include:
- Yearly Return Filing – Companies must submit their NAR1 Annual Return to the Companies Registry within 42 days of their incorporation anniversary each year.
- Registration Renewal – Companies must renew their Business Registration Certificate (BRC) annually or every three years, depending on their selected registration period.
- Maintaining Company Records – Proper documentation of financial statements, directorship changes, and corporate resolutions must be kept in accordance with the Companies Ordinance.
- Tax Compliance – Businesses must file profits tax returns with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) annually and comply with applicable tax regulations.
Tax obligations for new businesses in Hong Kong
It’s generally correct that new businesses in Hong Kong must file their first tax return 18 months after incorporation. However, the specific tax obligations depend on the nature of the business.
Here’s a breakdown:
1. Corporate tax obligations for new companies
- First profits tax return:
- Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) approximately 18 months after incorporation.
- Must be filed within 1 month of issuance.
- Annual tax filing:
- After the first return, companies must file tax returns annually.
- The corporate tax rate is 8.25% on the first HK$2 million of profits and 16.5% on profits exceeding HK$2 million .
- Offshore tax exemption:
- Businesses that generate income solely from outside Hong Kong can apply for an offshore tax exemption to avoid corporate tax.
2. Tax obligations for agencies and consultants
For businesses such as agencies, consultants, and service providers , tax obligations are largely the same as those for other companies, but there are some key considerations:
- Profits Tax
- If the consultancy or agency operates in Hong Kong, all profits derived from local clients are taxable under the standard corporate tax rates.
- If services are provided entirely outside Hong Kong , the business may qualify for offshore tax exemption.
- Employment Tax (If Hiring Staff in Hong Kong)
- Agencies and consultants employing staff must register as an employer with the IRD within three months of hiring their first employee .
- Employers must file an Employer’s Return of Remuneration and Pensions (Form BIR56A) annually.
- Personal Income Tax (If Sole Proprietor or Freelancer)
- Sole proprietors and freelancers providing consulting services must file personal tax returns under Salaries Tax or Profits Tax , depending on their business structure.
- Personal tax rates range from 2% to 17% on a progressive scale.
3. Other tax considerations
- Hong Kong does not impose Value Added Tax (VAT), Goods and Services Tax (GST), or Capital Gains Tax, making it an attractive jurisdiction for service-based businesses.
- All businesses, including consultants and agencies, must renew their Business Registration Certificate (BRC) annually.
For up-to-date tax deadlines, refer to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) website.
Streamlining company formation with the HK Company Registry
Starting a business in Hong Kong offers exciting opportunities, but navigating the company incorporation process, maintaining a registered office, appointing a corporate secretary, and ensuring ongoing compliance can be complex. The HK Company Registry simplifies registration, but staying compliant with local regulations requires careful attention.
With the right support, businesses can streamline their incorporation and compliance requirements, allowing founders to focus on growth, strategic planning, and high-value tasks such as talent acquisition and business development. It’s also essential for visiting business teams and individuals to adhere to Hong Kong’s legal and regulatory framework , ensuring compliance with both business and non-business-related laws .
To avoid penalties and administrative burdens, businesses should seek expert guidance on annual filings, tax obligations, and regulatory deadlines.
Final thoughts
The HK Company Registry is crucial for starting a Hong Kong business. Navigating its complexities can be difficult. Especially when tackling it alone.
Sleek provides comprehensive company incorporation services in HK. This includes providing registered office addresses and company secretarial assistance, and guiding your through annual filings, yearly returns, and compliance.
Our experts are here to help you sort incorporation, compliance, and ongoing regulatory requirements.
450,000
businesses worldwide.
from 4,100+ reviews.
satisfaction rate from
16,000 surveyed clients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hong Kong Companies Registry (HKCR)?
The Hong Kong Companies Registry (HKCR) is a government body responsible for the incorporation, regulation, and compliance of companies in Hong Kong.
What does the Companies Registry do?
The Companies Registry registers companies, maintains corporate records, provides public access to company information, and ensures compliance with the Companies Ordinance.
How does the Companies Registry differ from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD)?
The Companies Registry handles company registration and compliance, while the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) manages taxation, including profits tax and business registration fees.
Can a foreigner register a company in Hong Kong?
Yes, foreigners can fully own and register a company in Hong Kong without needing local shareholders or directors. You will, however, need to appoint a local corporate secretary.
Do I need a local partner to set up a company in Hong Kong?
No, a local partner is not required, but you must have a local company secretary and a registered office address in Hong Kong. You can get both with Sleek.
