Most companies operating in Hong Kong are private limited companies. Incorporation of a Hong Kong company takes around 10 days.
Directors
Only one director is required and there are no restrictions on nationality or residency. Incorporated Companies can also act as a director. There is no requirement for board meetings to be held in Hong Kong. The sole director cannot be the secretary of the same company.
Shareholders
Only one shareholder is required. Shareholder meetings do not have to take place in Hong Kong. Nominee shareholders are allowed and anonymity can be achieved by the use of our nominee shareholder service.
Company Secretary
A Hong Kong company must have a company secretary this can either be an individual or a limited company. If the secretary is an individual, they must be a resident in Hong Kong. If the secretary is a corporate body, then its registered office must be in Hong Kong.
Share Capital
Separate classes of shares with different rights to dividends are permitted, subject only to any restrictions in the company's Articles of Association.
Annual General Meeting
Hong Kong companies are regulated by an Ordinance based on UK company law. Apart from tax related matters, the only other compliance requirement is that an Annual General Meeting is held within 18 months of incorporation, then at least once every year thereafter to receive the accounts and to elect/appoint officers.
Ready Made Companies
Hong Kong ready-made companies with standard Memorandum and Articles designed to permit most general activities are available making it possible to commence business at very short notice. Our ready-made companies are in good standing, are not the subject of any insolvency proceedings and have not entered into any contracts or engaged in any business activities.
A Statutory Declaration of Compliance
Amount of Share Capital, both authorised and issued and receive the Certificate of Incorporation from Companies Registry. Then, we will file the following documents:
Procedure to Incorporate
Submission of Memorandum and Articles of Association and a Declaration of Compliance. A Notice of Situation of Registered Office is also required to be filed within fourteen days of the date of incorporation. Language of Legislation and Corporate Documents Chinese or English can be used in the corporate documents.
Registered Office
A Registered Office must be maintained in Hong Kong where the correspondence from Hong Kong Government can be served.
Authorised and Issued Share Capital
The standard authorised share capital is HK$10,000. The minimum issued capital is two shares of HK$1 each.
Licence Fees
The Business Registration Fee, currently HK$2,600, is payable within a month after incorporation and then annually.
Annual Return
Every year an annual return must be filed with the Registrar of Companies showing changes in: Share Capital Name and address of each shareholder and every person who ceased to be a shareholder in the year No financial statements need be attached Shareholder information is restricted only to the registered shareholders – ultimate beneficial owners are not disclosed if using our nominee shareholder service.
To read the full article, please click here.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
