FAQs regarding company formation in Hong Kong

Author: James Smith

Whether you are a citizen of China or whether you are a foreign national who wants to set up his business offshore in Hong Kong or expand his business by going international, there are some things that you must know about getting a company registered in this administrative region of the country. If you want to get a startup or a well-established corporate registered here, then you must have countless questions in mind. This section explains a few of the commonly asked questions related to companies registry in Hong Kong.

The first question that most people have is how long before the entire company formation process is over. In majority of cases, it usually takes around four to seven days to fully incorporate a business entity in Hong Kong. However, if someone from overseas attempts to do that, then it might take longer than that pertaining to the logistics of couriering and signing of relevant documents. Next question you might find yourself pondering is in which language you can get a company’s name registered.

One can get it registered in Chinese, English or both. However, using a combination of English letters/words with Chinese characters is not allowed. If the name is in English, then it must end with ‘limited’. Similarly if the company’s name has been registered in Chinese, then it must end with a Chinese equivalent of the English word ‘limited’.

If you are wondering whether your presence during the time of company formation process is essential or not, then no it is not. There is no need for the owner to be physically available during companies registry Hong Kong. However, it may be required to meet the banker in person while you open a bank account. This will depend on which bank you choose to open an account with.

Next question that most people ask when it comes to forming a corporate entity in Hong Kong is which documents they are supposed to send in order to be able to form a company. If you are a foreign national, then the company you have hired for incorporating will usually demand following documents:

  • Copy of proof or residential address

  • Copy of passport

  • Reference letter from personal bank

  • Complete corporate details and forms describing the proposed company like shareholders, company name, and information about the directors, etc.

If you are wondering how long before you have successfully opened up a corporate bank account in Hong Kong, then you can go ahead to open an account as soon as the company has been registered with the company registrar. It may take from two to ten days to open the account depending on the bank.