Hong Kong Company Registration
Establish Your Business in Hong Kong from India
Tax Pal Solutions offers end-to-end Hong Kong company registration services tailored for Indian entrepreneurs. From incorporation to compliance and bank account setup, we simplify every step for seamless global expansion.
Key Advantages of Registering a Hong Kong Company
- Strategic Location – Situated at the heart of Asia, Hong Kong provides easy access to Mainland China, Southeast Asia, and global markets.
- Low and Transparent Taxation – Profits tax ranges from 8.25%–16.5%, with no GST, VAT, or capital gains tax.
- Gateway to China via CEPA – Zero-tariff access and smoother entry into regulated sectors for Hong Kong-registered companies.
- Ease of Doing Business – 100% foreign ownership, online incorporation, and English-friendly legal system.
Eligibility for Indian Nationals
| Eligibility Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Age & Legal Capacity | Minimum 18 years, legally competent, not bankrupt |
| Directors | At least 1 director, can be Indian or foreign, no residency required |
| Shareholders | Individuals or companies, up to 50 shareholders, 100% foreign ownership |
| Company Secretary | Mandatory, must be Hong Kong resident or registered corporate entity |
| Business Purpose | Legal and clearly defined activities |
| Minimum Share Capital | Legally HKD 1, recommended HKD 10,000 for credibility |
| Registered Office | Physical Hong Kong address required |
Business Structure Options
-
Private Limited Company (Ltd.)
Independent legal entity with limited liability. Suitable for trading, long-term operations, and global expansion.
Features: 100% foreign ownership, single director/shareholder, low-tax eligibility. -
Branch Office
Extension of an Indian parent company. Not a separate legal entity; parent bears responsibility for debts.
Features: Profits taxed in Hong Kong, must appoint authorized representative, limited contractual independence. -
Representative Office
Used for non-commercial purposes like research, promotions, and liaising. Cannot generate revenue or sign contracts.
Step-by-Step Registration Process
- Company Name Selection – Must be unique, not misleading, and compliant with Hong Kong regulations.
- Appoint Key Personnel – Directors, shareholders, and a mandatory company secretary.
- Secure Registered Office Address – Physical Hong Kong address required for official communication.
- Prepare and Submit Documents – Form NNC1, Articles of Association, ID proofs, address proofs.
- Obtain Certificates – Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate issued in 5–7 days.
Documentation Required for Indian Nationals
| Document Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Directors & Shareholders | Passport copy, residential proof, photo, corporate documents if applicable |
| Company Secretary | Appointment proof, compliance with Hong Kong laws |
| Share Capital | Minimum HKD 1 (recommended HKD 10,000) |
| Corporate Bank Account | Company documents, business plan, ID/address proof of directors and UBOs |
Hong Kong Taxation System
| Profit Range | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| First HKD 2 million | 8.25% |
| Above HKD 2 million | 16.5% |
Territorial taxation applies: only Hong Kong-sourced profits are taxed, foreign income is exempt. No GST, VAT, capital gains, or dividend withholding taxes.
Cost of Registration
| Cost Component | Details | Amount (HKD) |
|---|---|---|
| Incorporation Fee | Government processing fee | 1,545 |
| Refundable Registration Fee | Refundable if application is rejected | 1,280 |
| Non-refundable Lodgment Fee | Document submission charge | 265 |
| Annual Business Registration Fee | Required yearly for maintaining registration | Approx. 2,000 |
Post-Registration Compliance
- Annual Returns – Submit Form NAR1 to Companies Registry.
- Profit Tax Return – Submit to Inland Revenue Department.
- Accounting & Auditing – Maintain books, submit audited statements annually, retain documents for at least 7 years.
- Business Registration Renewal – Annually or every 3 years, timely renewal crucial to avoid penalties.
Common Challenges
- Regulatory Requirements – Some industries require special licenses; professional guidance ensures compliance.
- Bank Account Approval – Stringent KYC inspections; thorough preparation of documents recommended.
- Operational Costs – Office space, salaries, and audits can be expensive; virtual offices and outsourcing help reduce expenses.
- Mandatory Local Company Secretary – Recurring cost, essential for legal compliance.
- Language and Cultural Nuances – Official documents may be in Cantonese; bilingual advisors assist Indian founders.
Certification
