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Start Your Business in Hong Kong as a Non-Resident

Gateway to China with zero VAT and territorial taxation. Incorporate in 1-2 days, 8.25% tax on first HKD 2M, no local director required.

  • No local director required
  • 100% remote incorporation
  • Zero VAT on all services
Compare Formation ServicesBusiness Accounts
Hong Kong Business Hub

3-7

Company Setup Time

8.25%

Corporate Tax

1HKD

Min Capital

Hong Kong Limited Company: Essential Data for Remote Founders

Data from Companies Registry Hong Kong, verified December 2025

Formation Time

Formation Time: 1-2 business days

Fastest in Asia. Entire process online through Companies Registry. No physical presence required for incorporation itself.
Corporate Tax

Corporate Tax: 8.25% (first HKD 2M) / 16.5% (above)

Territorial taxation - only HK-sourced income taxed. Foreign income exempt. Two-tier system benefits small businesses significantly.
VAT/GST

VAT/GST: 0% (no VAT)

No VAT system exists in Hong Kong. Major advantage for B2B services, consulting, and digital businesses serving global clients.
Share Capital

Share Capital: No minimum (HKD 10,000 customary)

No legal minimum capital requirement. Standard HKD 10,000 authorized capital sufficient. Not required to be deposited immediately.
Local Director

Local Director: No

Major advantage for remote founders. Directors can be anywhere globally. No residency or nationality restrictions for directors.
Registered Address

Registered Address: Yes

Must be Hong Kong address. Virtual office acceptable. Professional registered agent typically provides this service remotely.

Why Remote Entrepreneurs Choose Hong Kong as Their Asian Gateway

Zero VAT, territorial taxation, and China access combined

Zero VAT Advantage

Hong Kong has no VAT or GST system. This means no complex VAT registrations, no quarterly filings, and no VAT on B2B services. Massive administrative savings compared to EU or Singapore GST systems.

24-48 Hour Incorporation

Fastest company formation in Asia through electronic filing. Singapore takes 1-2 weeks, UAE requires multiple visits. Hong Kong's digital-first approach means you're operational within days, not weeks.

China Gateway via CEPA

Closer Economic Partnership Arrangement gives Hong Kong companies preferential access to Mainland China markets. Reduced tariffs, simplified procedures, and easier market entry for service providers.

Territorial Tax System

Only Hong Kong-sourced income is taxable. Foreign consulting, digital services, and offshore trading often qualify for 0% tax. More flexible than Singapore's substance requirements.

Two-Tier Tax Rates

8.25% on first HKD 2 million profits, then 16.5% above. Significant savings for growing businesses compared to flat 17% in Singapore or complex UAE structures.

No Director Restrictions

Directors can be any nationality, living anywhere. No local director requirement unlike Singapore. Perfect for truly remote teams and digital nomad founders.

Essential Services

Setting Up Your Hong Kong Limited Company: Services You Will Need

From formation to ongoing compliance

Company Formation

Complete incorporation process handled remotely. Submit documents online, receive Certificate of Incorporation within 1-2 business days. No travel required for basic Limited Company setup.

  • Electronic filing system
  • 1-2 day processing
  • 100% remote process
HK Company Formation Guide

Business Banking

Banking increasingly challenging for non-residents. Most major banks require physical presence or substantial deposits. Plan 2-4 weeks minimum, consider alternative banking solutions early.

  • Physical presence often required
  • 2-4 week timeline minimum
  • High deposit requirements
HK Business Banking Guide

Accounting & Compliance

Annual Return (NAR1) due within 42 days of incorporation anniversary. All companies require annual audit regardless of size. Can be managed remotely with proper accounting software.

  • Annual audit mandatory
  • NAR1 filing required
  • Remote management possible
HK Accounting Guide

Work Visas & Permits

No work visa required to own a Hong Kong company. If relocating, entrepreneurs can apply under the Investment as Entrepreneurs scheme (GEP). No minimum capital required — approval based on business plan and contribution to HK economy.

  • No visa needed to own a company
  • Entrepreneur visa: 4 weeks processing
  • Initial stay: 24 months

Registered Address

Hong Kong registered address mandatory for all companies. Virtual office solutions available from professional service providers. Typical cost HKD 3,000-8,000 annually depending on location and services.

  • Virtual office acceptable
  • Professional providers available
  • HKD 3,000-8,000 annual cost

Payment Solutions

Hong Kong offers global payment gateways like Stripe and PayPal, plus local options including FPS (Faster Payment System) for instant HKD transfers and Octopus for retail. Multi-currency processing available for cross-border e-commerce.

  • Stripe & PayPal available
  • FPS for instant HKD payments
  • Fees: 3.4% + HK$2 typical

Your Hong Kong Company: Week-by-Week Setup Roadmap

Realistic timeline for remote founders

Week 1

Research & Preparation

Choose company name, prepare director/shareholder documents, select registered agent, research banking options. All done remotely through digital platforms and video calls.

Services needed: None yet

Week 2

Company Registration

Submit incorporation documents electronically, receive Certificate of Incorporation within 1-2 business days, obtain company seal and statutory books. Completely remote process.

Services needed: Company Formation

Week 3

Post-Incorporation Setup

Set up registered address, appoint company secretary (mandatory HK resident/company), prepare banking application documents, apply for business registration certificate.

Services needed: Virtual Office, Banking

Week 4-6

Banking & Operations

Submit bank applications (may require HK visit), set up accounting systems, establish operational procedures. Banking timeline varies significantly by institution.

Services needed: Business Banking

Ongoing

Compliance Management

Monthly bookkeeping, annual audit preparation, NAR1 filing within 42 days of anniversary, maintain registered address and company secretary services.

Services needed: Accounting

Real Costs of Running a Hong Kong Limited Company

Transparent breakdown for budget planning

Formation Costs (One-Time) Costs

Government registration fees

HKD 1,720-2,290

Registered agent (first year)

HKD 3,000-8,000

Legal/formation service

HKD 2,000-6,000

Banking fees not included - can add HKD 2,000-5,000 monthly for business accounts. Non-residents often face higher minimum deposits (HKD 100,000-500,000) and premium banking packages.

See Detailed Breakdown

Hong Kong vs Singapore vs UAE: Which Fits Your Business?

Objective comparison for remote entrepreneurs

MetricHong KongSingaporeUAE
Formation Time1-2 business days1-2 weeks2-4 weeks
Corporate Tax8.25% (first HKD 2M) / 16.5% (above)17% flat rate0% (mainland) / 9% (free zones)
Local Director RequiredNoYes (or nominee)No
Banking Difficulty (Non-Resident)DifficultModerateModerate
Timezone (from EU/US)UTC+8UTC+8UTC+4
Best ForChina market access, VAT-free servicesASEAN operations, fintechTax-free profits, Middle East access

Ready to Launch Your Hong Kong Company?

Your next moves

Compare HK Company Formation Services

Find verified Hong Kong incorporation providers with transparent pricing and remote-friendly processes.

  • •Verified providers
  • •Price comparison
Compare Options

Open Your HK Business Account Without Visiting

Compare Hong Kong banks accepting non-resident companies with remote opening options.

  • •Traditional & digital banks
  • •Fee comparison
Compare Banking Services

Get Your Accounting & Bookkeeping in order

With a two-tiered profits tax, choosing the right accounting partner helps you stay compliant and optimize your tax position.

  • •Maintain compliant financial records
  • •Meets IRD requirements
Accounting & Bookkeeping Tasks

Hong Kong Business Insights

Guides, updates, and practical tips for non-residents opening business accounts in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Company Formation as a Non-Resident

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Business Bank Account Non Resident: Complete Guide

Open a business bank account as non-resident in Singapore, Hong Kong & UAE. Step-by-step process, requirements, costs & digital alternatives.

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Company Formation Documents Required Abroad

Discover the complete list of documents required for company formation abroad. Universal checklist, country-specific requirements, apostille rules, timelines, and real costs.

Read More

Hong Kong Company Setup: What Remote Founders Ask Us

Your specific Hong Kong questions answered

Business Banking

Post-2019 compliance tightening means banks require extensive due diligence. Most demand physical presence, substantial deposits (HKD 100,000-500,000), and proof of Hong Kong business activity. Remote-only businesses face significant challenges opening traditional bank accounts.

Very difficult with traditional banks. Most major Hong Kong banks now require in-person meetings and document verification. Some international banks may allow remote opening for existing private banking clients, but this is increasingly rare.

Expect HKD 2,000-5,000 monthly fees for business accounts, plus HKD 100,000-500,000 minimum deposits. Premium packages for non-residents often cost HKD 8,000-15,000 monthly. Factor these costs into your budget planning from day one.

Company Formation

Yes, mandatory requirement. Company secretary must be Hong Kong resident individual or Hong Kong incorporated company. Most registered agents provide this service for HKD 2,000-5,000 annually as part of their compliance package.

Late filing penalties start at HKD 870 and increase significantly. Companies Registry may strike off non-compliant companies. NAR1 must be filed within 42 days of your incorporation anniversary date - this is strictly enforced.

Income sourced outside Hong Kong is generally not taxable. If you provide services to non-Hong Kong clients from outside Hong Kong, this income may qualify for 0% tax. However, Inland Revenue Department reviews each case individually.

Unlike other jurisdictions with audit exemptions for small companies, Hong Kong mandates annual audits for all Limited Companies. This ensures financial transparency but adds HKD 8,000-25,000 annual cost that cannot be avoided.

Yes, incorporation itself is 100% electronic through Companies Registry. You need registered address and company secretary services, but these can be arranged remotely. The challenge comes later with banking and operational requirements.

Yes, virtual offices are acceptable for registered address purposes. Choose providers offering mail forwarding and phone answering services. Costs range HKD 3,000-8,000 annually depending on Central vs. other districts and services included.

No formal substance requirements like UAE or Cyprus. However, banks and tax authorities increasingly scrutinize companies with no Hong Kong activity. Having local address, phone number, and some business activity strengthens your position significantly.