In Hong Kong most companies are incorporated as private limited companies (limited by shares). The following are the basic requirements for forming a company in Hong Kong.
- Any individual over the age of 18 years can incorporate a Hong Kong company.
- Minimum one shareholder who can be a local or foreigner. A shareholder must be over 18 years of age
- Minimum one director who can be a local or a foreigner. A director must be over 18 years of age.
- The shareholder and the director can be the same person.
- There is no minimum share capital requirement. However, generally a company will have an authorized share capital of HKD 10,000.00 represented by 10,000 ordinary shares of HKD 1.00 each. The minimum issued / paid-up share capital can be 1 share of HKD 1.00.
- Must have a physical local registered address (Post Office Box is not allowed).
- Must have a local company secretary. The secretary, if an individual – must be an ordinarily resident in Hong Kong. If a body corporate – must have its registered office or a place of business in Hong Kong. Sole shareholder and director cannot also act as the company secretary of the company.
- A name approval / clearance is required before applying for company registration. Names must not be:
same as or similar to a name appearing in the Companies Registry’s ‘Index of Company Names’.
infringe on trademarks.
be offensive or otherwise contrary to public interest.
a combination of English words / letters and Chinese characters.
