2026 Hong Kong Company Setup Costs: Complete Guide to Government Fees & Essential Expenses

One-Minute Answer: What's the Minimum Cost to Set Up a Hong Kong Limited Company?

For electronic registration of a Hong Kong private company limited by shares, the statutory minimum government fee is HK$3,745 (approx. NT$15,000), applicable to applications submitted before March 31, 2026. From April 1, 2026, the minimum fee rises to HK$3,895 (approx. NT$15,600) following the resumption of the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund levy.

These are government fees only and do not include company secretary, registered address, bank account opening, or other operational essentials. For full-service packages, see our company registration services.

Fee Breakdown: Government Fees

Company Registration Fee (CR)

The registration fee payable to the Companies Registry (CR) varies by submission method:

• Electronic submission (e-Registry): HK$1,545
• Paper submission: HK$1,720

Source: Companies Registry fees page.

Business Registration Fee (BR)

The Business Registration Certificate is issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). Fees vary by term and effective date:

Source: Inland Revenue Department BR fee table.

Why Does It Cost More After April 2026?

The exemption period for the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund levy ends on March 31, 2026. From April 1, the levy of HK$150 per year resumes, raising the 1-year BR from HK$2,200 to HK$2,350, and the 3-year BR from HK$6,020 to HK$6,170. If your registration date falls near a quarterly transition, confirm the applicable rate.

Essential Costs Beyond Government Fees

Company Secretary and Registered Address

Under Hong Kong's Companies Ordinance, every limited company must appoint a company secretary and maintain a registered office in Hong Kong. Company secretary and registered address services are commonly bundled as annual packages in the market; pricing varies by scope and provider, so confirm on a case-by-case basis.

Statutory Documents and Company Seal

At incorporation, you will need the Articles of Association, the Incorporation Form (NNC1), the Business Registration Application (IRBR1), and the company's common seal, signature stamp, and round stamp. These document sets (commonly known as the "green box") are often included in service packages or can be purchased separately.

Bank Account Opening

Opening a corporate bank account is not a statutory requirement for company registration, but is practically essential for all operating entities. Hong Kong banks have tightened due diligence for non-resident shareholders and directors; some require directors to attend in-person interviews in Hong Kong. Timeline and costs vary by bank policy.

First Year vs. Second Year: Don't Miss Ongoing Compliance Costs

Most fee guides focus on incorporation alone, but the second year is where recurring compliance costs begin. For a full annual maintenance schedule, see our Hong Kong company annual compliance checklist.

The above are common compliance items; actual amounts vary by service provider and company size.

5 Steps to Register

1. Search company name — Check availability via the Companies Registry's online search centre (ICRIS)
2. Prepare documents — Complete NNC1 Incorporation Form, IRBR1 Business Registration Application, and Articles of Association
3. Submit and pay — File electronically via e-Registry or submit paper documents to CR
4. Receive Business Registration Certificate — Issued concurrently with or shortly after company registration by IRD
5. Post-registration setup — Appoint company secretary, set up registered address, open bank account

With complete documents, electronic submissions are typically processed within approximately 1 hour; paper submissions take around 4 working days. These are market reference estimates, not statutory guarantees.

DIY vs. Using a Service Provider?

Government fees are fixed regardless of whether you apply yourself or engage a service provider — the amounts paid to CR and IRD are identical. The difference lies in document preparation, process management, and time.

Service provider fees are market-priced and vary by service depth. When choosing a provider, note that under Hong Kong's Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance, any entity providing trust and company service (TCSP) must hold a TCSP licence issued by the Companies Registry and is regulated by Customs. The licensed entity list is searchable at CR's TCSP licensee register. For guidance on choosing a compliant service provider, feel free to contact us.

FAQ

Q1: What's the minimum government fee for a Hong Kong limited company?

Electronic registration HK$1,545 + current 1-year Business Registration fee (HK$2,200 or HK$2,350 depending on effective date), totalling a minimum of approximately HK$3,745.

Q2: Why did the Business Registration fee increase in 2026?

The exemption period for the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund levy ended on March 31, 2026. The HK$150 levy resumed on April 1, raising the 1-year BR from HK$2,200 to HK$2,350.

Q3: Beyond government fees, what other costs should I budget for?

Company secretary, registered address, statutory document set (Articles / green box / company seals), bank account opening, and annual audit and tax filing. Each is a common market expense; actual costs vary by package.

Q4: How long does registration take?

With complete documents, electronic submission takes approximately 1 hour; paper submission takes around 4 working days. These are market reference estimates, not statutory guarantees.

Q5: Can I register on my own, or do I need a service provider?

Anyone may submit an application directly to the Companies Registry. Service providers can assist with document preparation and process management; their fees are market-priced. Note that TCSP-related services must be provided by a licensed entity — the licensee list is searchable on the CR website.