How Much to Register a Company in Hong Kong? Cost Guide

Hong Kong remains one of the world’s most trusted destinations for entrepreneurs looking to build international companies. With its low corporate tax rate of 16.5%, simple regulatory environment, and free flow of capital, the city has consistently ranked among the easiest places to start and manage a business. 

For foreign investors and startups alike, setting up a Hong Kong company is often the first step toward expanding into Asia’s fast-growing markets. However, while the process of incorporation in Hong Kong is relatively straightforward, the cost structure can be confusing, especially for those new to the local system. 

Some service providers advertise low starting fees but exclude mandatory components such as company secretary services, registered address, or business registration certificate renewal. Others may charge separately for annual compliance filings or document preparation, leading to unexpected expenses down the line.

This is where cost transparency becomes essential. How much to register a company in Hong Kong? This is a common question asked by those keen on incorporating their companies in Hong Kong. Knowing exactly what you are paying for, and when, allows you to plan effectively, remain compliant with Hong Kong’s Companies Ordinance, and avoid penalties for missing statutory obligations. 

Transparent pricing also helps founders evaluate the true long-term cost of maintaining their Hong Kong company, rather than focusing solely on one-time registration fees.

At Ouzhou Consulting, we believe that clarity is the foundation of trust. Our goal is not only to register your company efficiently but also to ensure that you fully understand every cost involved, from the government filing fees to the professional services required to keep your company compliant year after year. 

By combining transparent pricing, digital management tools, and experienced bilingual consultants, we make Hong Kong company formation a straightforward and predictable process for our clients worldwide.

Key factors that determine company registration costs

When setting up a company in Hong Kong, understanding the breakdown of costs is essential for effective planning and compliance. The Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) both require specific filings and certificates during the incorporation process. 

However, how much to register a company in Hong Kong involves more than just government fees. It also includes professional support and optional add-on services that ensure your business runs smoothly from day one.

At Ouzhou Consulting, we help clients understand every component of their investment upfront, ensuring there are no hidden fees or surprise renewals later on. Let’s look at the three main categories that determine your total company registration cost.

1. Government Fees

These are mandatory charges set by Hong Kong authorities when incorporating a company. They are the same for all businesses regardless of size or type.

• Business Registration Certificate (BRC): Every business in Hong Kong must obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department. This document confirms that your business is legally recognized. The standard fee is HKD 2,150 per year and must be renewed annually.
• Incorporation Form (NNC1): This is the official form submitted to the Companies Registry to create your limited company. The filing fee is approximately HKD 1,720, which is a one-time payment during registration.
• Company Name Reservation: When handled through Ouzhou Consulting, this process is included in our incorporation service. We ensure your preferred company name meets Companies Registry guidelines and is approved before proceeding with registration.

2. Professional Service Fees

While the government fees are fixed, the professional service component varies depending on the support you choose. Most entrepreneurs prefer to work with a professional agency like Ouzhou Consulting, as we handle not only the paperwork but also ongoing compliance and advisory tasks.

Here are the most common services included:

• Company Secretary Services: Under the Companies Ordinance, every Hong Kong company must appoint a local company secretary. This role ensures all filings, statutory registers, and resolutions are maintained correctly. At Ouzhou Consulting, our secretaries act as your compliance guardian, monitoring deadlines, preparing filings, and ensuring you stay compliant at all times.
• Registered Address Services: Hong Kong companies must provide a local registered office address where official government correspondence can be received. We provide a professional address that meets legal requirements and ensures confidentiality.
• Nominee Director or Shareholder Services (if required): Some clients prefer additional privacy or need a local presence for specific business purposes. Our nominee services are handled transparently and in full compliance with Hong Kong’s disclosure regulations.
• Document Preparation and Filing: From the Articles of Association to the Incorporation Form NNC1, we prepare and submit all documentation accurately to prevent delays.

Our professional service packages are tailored to the scope of your needs, irrespective of whether you’re an independent entrepreneur or an international investor managing multiple entities. With Ouzhou Consulting, you receive a single, transparent price covering all statutory and professional requirements.

3. Optional and value-added services

Beyond the mandatory incorporation steps, many clients also request additional services to streamline their operations and stay compliant year after year. These optional add-ons not only save time but also ensure that your company remains in good standing with local authorities.

• Bank Account Assistance: Opening a corporate bank account in Hong Kong can be challenging for overseas founders. We guide you through the documentation process, coordinate with local banks, and help you prepare all required Know Your Customer (KYC) documents.
• Accounting and Bookkeeping Setup: Every Hong Kong company is required to maintain proper accounting records for at least seven years. We help set up your bookkeeping system and offer professional accounting support to ensure audit readiness.
• Tax Registration and Advisory: Our consultants assist with Profit Tax registration and ensure your tax structure aligns with your business model. We also provide strategic guidance on optimizing your corporate tax efficiency.
• Compliance Monitoring: Through our digital client platform, we track your company’s key filing deadlines, renewals, and document status, ensuring you never miss a submission or incur penalties.

These value added services are not mandatory but are highly recommended for companies planning long term operations in Hong Kong. They help you stay compliant, organized, and focused on your business growth rather than administrative details.

At Ouzhou Consulting, our packages are designed to include every essential element  (from the initial incorporation to ongoing compliance support), all presented with clear pricing and no hidden charges. We believe that cost transparency is not just good practice; it’s the cornerstone of a trustworthy business relationship.

Hidden or ongoing costs to consider

Many entrepreneurs assume that once their Hong Kong company is registered, the major expenses are behind them. In reality, while the incorporation process is relatively affordable, the ongoing maintenance of a Hong Kong company involves recurring costs that are crucial for staying compliant with local regulations.

At Ouzhou Consulting, we often meet founders who are surprised by these post-incorporation requirements, especially those who registered through low-cost providers that didn’t clearly explain the long term obligations. To help you plan more effectively, we’ve outlined the main hidden or recurring costs every Hong Kong company should budget for.

1. Annual audit and profit tax filing

Every company in Hong Kong, regardless of size or activity, is legally required to prepare audited financial statements and file a Profit Tax Return (PTR) with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

The audit must be conducted by a certified public accountant (CPA) and include a review of your financial statements, supporting documents, and business activities. The completed audit report is then submitted together with your Profit Tax Return.

Typical costs depend on the complexity and scale of your operations:

• Small businesses or startups: HKD 5,000–8,000 per year.
• Companies with moderate transactions: HKD 8,000-20,000 per year.

At Ouzhou Consulting, we work with licensed auditors and accounting partners to ensure your annual audit and tax filing are completed accurately and on time. We also help you prepare supporting documents early to avoid unnecessary extensions or penalties.

2. Accounting and Bookkeeping Requirements

Apart from audits, every Hong Kong company is required to maintain accurate accounting records for at least seven years, as stipulated under the Companies Ordinance. Proper bookkeeping is essential for audit readiness, profit tax filing, and overall financial transparency.

For many founders, handling these records manually can be time consuming and hectic. That’s why we provide comprehensive accounting support, from setting up your bookkeeping system to managing monthly or quarterly records.

Typical bookkeeping costs vary based on transaction volume, but you should plan for:

• HKD 3,000–6,000 per year for small businesses.
• Higher fees for companies with frequent transactions or multiple accounts.

By outsourcing your accounting to Ouzhou Consulting, you ensure your books are up-to-date and compliant with IRD requirements, saving time and preventing costly errors.

3. Annual Return Submission (Form NAR1)

Every Hong Kong company must file an Annual Return (Form NAR1) with the Companies Registry. This document confirms your company’s latest information, including directors, shareholders, and the registered address.

• Filing fee: HKD 105 (if submitted within the prescribed time).
• Late submission penalties: Penalties escalate quickly, reaching up to HKD 3,480 if filed months late.

Our team at Ouzhou Consulting ensures that your Annual Return is filed punctually and accurately through our automated compliance tracking system. This prevents missed deadlines and protects your company’s good standing.

4. Renewal of the business registration certificate

Your Business Registration Certificate (BRC), issued by the Inland Revenue Department, must be renewed every 12 months. The annual renewal fee is HKD 2,150.

Failure to renew your certificate on time can result in fines or a temporary suspension of business operations. Ouzhou Consulting’s compliance system includes automated reminders and renewal processing, so your business remains active and fully compliant with the IRD’s requirements.

5. Penalties for late filing or non-compliance

Neglecting annual filings, audits, or renewals can lead to significant penalties and even potential prosecution under the Companies Ordinance.

• Late filing penalties for the Annual Return can exceed HKD 3,000–5,000.
• Failing to appoint a company secretary or renew your business registration can result in heavier fines or legal notices.

Beyond financial loss, non-compliance can damage your company’s reputation and make future bank account openings or investment approvals more difficult.

At Ouzhou Consulting, we believe proactive compliance is far more cost-effective than dealing with penalties. That’s why our clients receive real-time updates and reminders through our digital dashboard, ensuring that every renewal, filing, and audit deadline is met without delay.

6. Planning Your Annual Maintenance Budget

When calculating your total cost of running a Hong Kong company, it’s important to include these recurring expenses in your yearly budget.

As a general rule:

• Annual maintenance costs usually start from HKD 6,000–8,000 for small companies.
• Larger or more complex structures may incur higher costs, particularly for accounting and audit services.

With Ouzhou Consulting, all these requirements are consolidated into transparent, all-inclusive packages. We help you budget accurately and ensure that every aspect of your company’s compliance (from accounting to annual renewals) is handled under one roof.

In conclusion, registering a company in Hong Kong is straightforward. However,  maintaining it correctly requires a deep understanding of legal obligations, taxation, and annual filings. By knowing exactly how much to register a company in Hong Kong, you can budget effectively and avoid compliance pitfalls later on.

Whether you’re a first-time founder or expanding your global structure, cost transparency should never be overlooked. From our experience, the most successful entrepreneurs are those who plan for both the initial incorporation and the long-term maintenance of their Hong Kong company.

At Ouzhou Consulting, we combine expert knowledge, transparent pricing, and digital convenience to make your incorporation journey effortless. From preparing documents to renewing annual filings, we handle every step so you can focus on growing your business with confidence

Contact us today to receive a personalized quotation and professional support for every stage of your incorporation process.