1. Company Incorporation Fees

To legally register a company in Hong Kong, you must pay incorporation fees to the Companies Registry. These fees vary depending on the method of submission and the type of company.

Private Company Limited by Shares

• Electronic Submission: HK$1,545

• Hard Copy Submission: HK$1,720 

Company Limited by Guarantee

• Up to 25 Members:

  • Electronic: HK$155

  • Hard Copy: HK$170

• 26 to 100 Members:

  • Electronic: HK$305

  • Hard Copy: HK$340

• Over 100 Members:

  • Electronic: HK$305 plus HK$18 for every additional 50 members (or fewer), up to a maximum of HK$925

  • Hard Copy: HK$340 plus HK$20 for every additional 50 members (or fewer), up to a maximum of HK$1,025 

 

2. Business Registration Certificate (BRC)

After incorporation, obtaining a Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department is mandatory. As of April 1, 2024, the fees are:

• One-Year Certificate: HK$2,200

• Three-Year Certificate: HK$5,720

Additionally, a levy for the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund is applicable:

One-Year Certificate: HK$0 (waived until March 31, 2026)

• Three-Year Certificate: HK$150 (HK$300 total for the three years)

3. Company Secretary Services

Hong Kong law requires every company to appoint a local company secretary. The cost for this service varies based on the provider and the level of service:

• Digital Company Secretary Services: Approximately HK$7,773 annually

• Traditional Company Secretary Services: Approximately HK$10,703 annually 

4. Registered Office Address

A registered office address in Hong Kong is mandatory. If you don't have a physical office, you can use services that provide a registered address:

• Virtual Office Services: Costs range from HK$1,000 to HK$5,000 annually, depending on the provider and services included.

5. Annual Compliance Costs

Maintaining a company in Hong Kong involves ongoing compliance requirements:

• Annual Return Filing Fee: HK$105 if filed within 42 days after the company's return date. Late filings incur higher fees.

• Audit and Accounting Services: Costs vary based on the complexity of your business but typically range from HK$5,000 to HK$10,000 annually.

6. Optional Services

Depending on your business needs, you might consider additional services:

• Bank Account Opening Assistance: Some service providers offer assistance with opening corporate bank accounts, with fees ranging from HK$1,000 to HK$5,000.

• Mail Handling and Forwarding: If using a virtual office, mail handling services can cost between HK$500 and HK$2,000 annually.

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Summary of Estimated Costs

Total Estimated Initial Setup Cost: HK$12,518 – HK$17,443

Total Estimated Annual Maintenance Cost: HK$13,878 – HK$20,703

Final Thoughts

Establishing a company in Hong Kong is relatively straightforward and cost-effective compared to many other jurisdictions. However, it's essential to consider both the initial setup costs and the ongoing compliance expenses.Engaging with professional service providers can help ensure that all legal requirements are met efficiently.

If you need assistance with company formation or have specific questions about the process, feel free to ask!