Hong Kong

Company Formation in Hong Kong

Hong Kong

Formation Time

1–3 business days

Min. Capital

HKD 1

Corporate Tax

16.5% (8.25% on first HKD 2M)

Foreign Ownership

100%

Overview

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, operating under its own legal and tax system (one country, two systems). It offers a territorial tax system — only profits sourced within Hong Kong are taxed. Offshore income is 100% exempt, making it extremely attractive for international trading and holding structures. The two-tiered system taxes the first HKD 2 million at just 8.25%.

0% offshore income

0% VAT

8.25% on first HKD 2M

China gateway

Why Choose Hong Kong

Territorial tax — offshore income is 0%

Two-tier profits tax: 8.25% on first HKD 2M

0% VAT/GST

No foreign exchange controls

Gateway to China's 1.4 billion consumer market

English and Chinese common law legal system

HKD 1 minimum share capital

Business Entity Types

Entity	Ownership	Directors	Capital	Tax	Best For
Private Limited Company	100%	1 (any nationality)	HKD 1	8.25% on first HKD 2M; 16.5% above (offshore profits exempt)	International trading, China gateway, holding

Step-by-Step Formation Process

Name Check

Same day

Search Companies Registry for name availability.

Incorporation Filing

1 day (electronic)

File NNC1 form with Companies Registry.

Business Registration

Simultaneous with incorporation

Obtain Business Registration Certificate from IRD.

Bank Account

2–6 weeks

Open corporate bank account.

Costs & Fees

Government / License Fee	HKD 1,720+
Our Service Fee	USD 2,000+
Annual Renewal	USD 1,200+

Fees are indicative and may vary based on business activity, entity type, and additional approvals required. Contact us for a precise custom quote.

Get Custom Quote

Banking

Hong Kong banking has become more challenging for non-residents post-2020. HSBC, Standard Chartered, and Hang Seng require thorough KYC. Virtual banks offer faster alternatives.

Account Opening Time

2–6 weeks

Multi-Currency

Yes — multiple currencies supported

Recommended Banks

HSBC HKStandard Chartered HKHang Seng BankDBS HKAirwallexNeat

Tax Overview

Corporate Tax

8.25% on first HKD 2M; 16.5% above

Personal Income Tax

2–17% (salaries tax)

VAT / Sales Tax

0% — no VAT or GST

Capital Gains Tax

Withholding Tax

0% on dividends; 0% on interest

Double Tax Treaties

45 countries

Territorial system: only HK-sourced income is taxable. Profits from offshore trade, dividends, and capital gains are 100% exempt.

Visa & Residency

Investment Visa (Entrepreneurs)

1 year, renewable to 2-3-3 pattern

For entrepreneurs operating a genuine business in HK

Employment Visa

1–2 years, renewable

For employees of HK companies

Family visa: AvailableProcessing: 4–8 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

Is offshore income really tax-free in Hong Kong?

Yes. Hong Kong operates a territorial tax system. Only profits arising in or derived from Hong Kong are subject to profits tax. If your company conducts business entirely outside Hong Kong, the profits can be claimed as offshore and are 100% exempt from Hong Kong tax.

Can I get a bank account without visiting Hong Kong?

It is increasingly difficult but not impossible. Virtual banks like Airwallex and Neat offer remote onboarding. Traditional banks (HSBC, StanChart) generally prefer a video call or in-person meeting. We can also offer shelf companies with existing bank accounts for immediate access.