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Complete Steps for Non-Residents to Register a Hong Kong Company

2026/7/11

Many Mainland businesses engaged in foreign trade, cross-border e-commerce, and global expansion want to register a Hong Kong company. With its simple tax system, convenient fund transfers, and strong international reputation, it's ideal for receiving payments, signing contracts, and building brand credibility. However, common concerns arise: What if I don't live in Hong Kong? What if I lack a local address or know no one there? Is registration still possible? Is the process complicated? Do I need to visit Hong Kong in person?

今天就把外地人(内地人)注册香港公司的完整步骤,用最直白、最接地气的方式讲清楚。全程不用赴港、不用亲跑部门、不用准备复杂材料,按步骤走,普通人也能顺利办下来。

Here's the key point: Mainland residents can fully register a Hong Kong company. There are no restrictions based on household registration, location, or profession. As long as you are over 18 years old and your ID is valid, you're eligible to apply. The only two requirements specific to Hong Kong—a local registered address and a licensed corporate secretary—can be handled in one stop by a reputable secretarial firm, so you don't need to worry about them.

Step 1: Verify registration requirements and basic info (takes 10 minutes)

Set core details before signing up to avoid repeated edits later.

董事与股东:至少 1 人,年满 18 周岁,内地身份证 / 护照均可,可同一人兼任董事和股东,无国籍限制。

公司名称:准备 3–5 个备选,中英文均可。中文结尾 “有限公司”,英文结尾 “Limited”,不能重名、不能含敏感词(银行、信托、政府等)。

Registered Capital: Defaults to 1 HKD, no paid-in capital or capital verification required; no need to transfer funds to a Hong Kong account.

Business Scope: Provide a general business description, such as international trade, e-commerce, consulting, brand management, etc. No need to be overly detailed.

Shareholding ratio: A sole proprietorship holds 100%, while multiple partners distribute shares according to the agreement.

This step clearly defines who handles it, what it's called, what needs to be done, and how much to invest. It's very simple.

Step 2: Prepare registration materials (mainland documents are sufficient; notarization is not required)

Non-residents can prepare all documents for registering a Hong Kong company from mainland China—no Hong Kong documents, notarization, or authentication required.

Clear scanned copies of both sides of the ID cards for directors and shareholders;

Proof of address for the past 3 months: utility bills (water, electricity, gas), credit card statements, mobile phone bills, or rental agreements are all acceptable, as long as they include your name and address.

If you have a passport or Hong Kong/Macau Travel Permit, please submit them together to expedite verification.

Confirmed company name, business scope, and shareholding ratio.

No need to mail original documents; simply send electronic copies to the secretarial company for full online processing.

Step 3: Select a licensed corporate secretary firm (critical for compliance)

Non-residents cannot provide a Hong Kong address or appoint a statutory secretary on their own. Under the law, you must engage a licensed TCSP company for these services; this is mandatory, not optional.

How to choose reliably? Keep these three points in mind:

Holds a TCSP license, verifiable with the Companies Registry of Hong Kong.

Provide a genuine Hong Kong business address; virtual mailboxes and shared workspaces are not accepted.

Transparent pricing: includes first-year secretary services, registered address, SCR filing, and government submission. No hidden fees.

The secretarial company handles everything: name verification, document preparation, government submission, certificate collection, filing, and follow-up reminders. You only need to sign; we take care of the rest.

Step 4: Company Name Search (Availability Check, results in 1 working days)

Submit your proposed company names to the corporate secretary. They will search the Hong Kong Companies Registry database to confirm that no name conflicts exist and that the names do not contain prohibited terms.

建议中英文都准备,通过率更高。查册通过,才能进入下一步。

Step 5: Sign legal documents (online e-signature, no need to travel to Hong Kong)

The corporate secretary will prepare all statutory documents based on the information you provide:

NC1 Incorporation Form

公司章程

Board and Shareholder Resolution

Significant Control Register (SCR) Filing Information

Now fully supported with online e-signing and video witnessing. No need to mail physical documents, travel to Hong Kong, or sign in person. Just a few clicks on your phone or computer, and you're done in minutes.

第六步:递交政府审核 + 缴纳官费(3–5 个工作日出证)

After signing, the incorporation service company will submit the documents via the Hong Kong Companies Registry's e-Registry system and pay the official government fees.

Company registration fee: 1720 HKD

Business Registration Fee: 2350 HKD

The total government fees are approximately 4070 HKD, which is a fixed payment to the Hong Kong government.

Government approval typically takes 3–5 business days. Expedited processing issues the e-certificate in 1 days. As long as your documents are accurate and complete, rejections are rare.

Step 7: Receive your complete company documents (registration completed, ready to use)

After approval, the secretarial company will send you the complete set of certificates. Both electronic and paper versions have equal legal validity:

Company Registration Certificate CI (equivalent to Mainland China's Business License)

Business Registration (BR)

公司章程、股票本、会议记录

Official seal, small round seal, signature stamp

Green Box File Organizer

Once you receive the documents, your Hong Kong company is officially established and ready to sign contracts, open bank accounts, build your brand, and accept foreign currency payments.

第八步:完成 SCR 备案(法定强制,必须做)

The SCR is the Register of Significant Control, a legal requirement in Hong Kong for all companies to record beneficial owner information. The corporate secretary handles this during registration; no action is required from you.

Failure to comply with SCR requirements can result in fines of up to 25 HKD. Please take this seriously.

Step 9: Open a Hong Kong bank account (optional, for receiving payments)

Once your company is registered, you can open a bank account. Non-residents do not need to travel to Hong Kong; video signing is supported. The corporate secretary will assist with scheduling appointments at banks such as Bank of China (Hong Kong), HSBC, Standard Chartered, Wing Hang Bank, and ZA Bank.

To open an account, provide company documents, personal ID, business contracts, or e-commerce store links. Prepare them as required for a high approval rate.

Step 10: Ongoing Maintenance (Annual – Keep Your Company Running Smoothly)

Maintaining a Hong Kong company is simple; no need to visit Hong Kong in person.

Annual Review: Conducted annually. Our secretarial company provides advance reminders and handles the entire process for you.

Tax: New companies file their first return after 18 months, then annually. You may file a zero-return or audit return if there is no profit.

Address & Virtual Office: Annual renewal to ensure uninterrupted government mail delivery.

As long as you renew your annual inspection on time, the company can be used stably for a long term without any irregularities or fines.

外地人注册常见误区,一定要避开

Misconception 1: You must travel to Hong Kong. False. The entire process is online—no trip required.

Misconception 2: A Hong Kong resident must be a shareholder. Incorrect; all shareholders can be from mainland China.

Myth 3: Low price is enough. Beware of unlicensed agencies and virtual addresses; you may face fines or have your account application rejected later.

Misconception 4: "Register and forget it." Annual renewals, tax filings, and SCR registration are mandatory; otherwise, your company will be struck off.

Final Summary: Registering a Hong Kong Company as an Outsider Involves Just These Steps

定好公司信息;

Prepare ID and proof of address;

Find a licensed secretary company;

e-sign

Pick up certificate in 3–5 days;

Open accounts on demand;

Annual review.

No Hong Kong resources needed, no complex procedures, and no in-person visits. Get your compliant, secure certificate quickly—all from the comfort of home.

For Mainland entrepreneurs, a Hong Kong company is the standard tool for going global. With the right legitimate agency and by following the steps, registering a Hong Kong company is neither mysterious nor complicated. We hope this complete guide helps you avoid pitfalls and successfully establish your own Hong Kong company.

Need professional consulting services?

Our expert team is ready to help with company registration, tax planning, and more.

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