Hong Kong company help: answers by topic

Usually not for the incorporation itself: you upload clear copies and we verify them during KYC. Banks set their own rules, and some ask for copies certified by a lawyer, notary or accountant, or for the original on a video call. If a document issued abroad must be legalised, an apostille is normally enough, because Hong Kong applies the Apostille Convention.

Certification and apostille

Source: Status table: Apostille Convention, Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH)

An English name ending in “Limited”, a Chinese name ending in “有限公司”, or both. The Companies Registry will not register a name that is the same as one already on its index, and some words, such as “bank” or names suggesting a government link, need consent first. Give us three choices at checkout and we check them before filing.

Start an order

Source: FAQ: Local limited companies, incorporation, Companies Registry, Hong Kong

The Certificate of Incorporation, the Business Registration certificate, the articles of association, the first board resolutions, share certificates and the company registers. They appear as PDFs in your client portal. Printed originals and a company chop are sent by courier if your package includes them or you order them.

Extra certificates

Because its cost depends on how many transactions your company has, which nobody knows before the first year. Every Hong Kong company that is not dormant must have its accounts audited by a Hong Kong certified public accountant. We quote bookkeeping and the audit together once you share your bank statements and invoices.

Accounting and audit

Source: FAQ: Accounts and audit, Companies Registry, Hong Kong

Expect questions on what the company sells, who its main customers and suppliers are, which countries the money moves between, and expected monthly volumes. Banks also look at the directors' and owners' backgrounds and may want contracts, invoices or a website. The bank decides; we prepare the file so your answers are consistent from the start.

Business account support

The company exists from the date on its certificate, so it can sign contracts straight away. Without an account, though, it cannot receive customer payments in its own name. Many founders open a payment-institution account first, which is often quicker, and add a traditional bank later. We tell you which options fit your activity.

Online merchant accounts

Usually about 18 months after the business starts, when the Inland Revenue Department issues it. File it by the date printed on the return, with audited accounts attached (confirm the deadline with your specialist). If your company has not received a return, it still has to tell the IRD when it has profits to report.

Accounting and tax filing

Source: A guide to Profits Tax for unincorporated businesses (1), Inland Revenue Department, Hong Kong

The board or shareholders pass a resolution, and the company files form ND2A with the Companies Registry within 15 days of the appointment or resignation. A new director also signs a consent to act. We draft the resolution, collect KYC for the new director and file the form.

Corporate changes

Source: FAQ: Documents relating to directors and company secretary, Companies Registry, Hong Kong

Yes. The seller and buyer sign bought and sold notes and an instrument of transfer, which must be stamped by the Stamp Office. Duty is 0.1% of the price or the value of the shares, whichever is higher, payable by each side, plus HK$5 on the instrument. We then update the register of members and the Significant Controllers Register.

Corporate changes

Source: Stamp Duty, Inland Revenue Department, Hong Kong

The legal duties continue even if you stop paying for services. The annual return fee rises the later it is filed, and the company still needs a Hong Kong company secretary and registered office. If you no longer need the company, apply to close it so the duties end.

Company renewal

Source: Major fees under the Companies Ordinance, Companies Registry, Hong Kong

If it is solvent and has no assets or liabilities, apply for deregistration. First the Inland Revenue Department issues a Notice of No Objection (fee HK$270). Then form NDR1 goes to the Companies Registry within 3 months of that notice, with a fee of HK$420. Companies with debts or assets need a winding-up instead.

Company closure

Source: How to deregister a defunct solvent company, Companies Registry, Hong Kong