Step 2 - Register your business with HK Companies Registry

Are you ready to make your mark as an entrepreneur in Hong Kong? Here’s all the information you need before you start your dream journey!

To set up a company in Hong Kong, you must apply for a Certificate of Incorporation from the Hong Kong Companies Registry and attain your Business Registration Certificate.

Once you’ve completed Step 1 of deciding the perfect name for your own recruitment company, it’s time to get your business set up!

Documents needed for submission of application

(i) Incorporation Form: Form NNC1 (for a company limited by shares) or Form NNC1G (for a company not limited by shares)

(ii) A copy of the company’s Articles of Association

(iii) A Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR1)

Fees

• Incorporation of Limited Company — Registration: HK$1,720
• Business Registration (1-year) Certificate: HK$250

Note: The original fee for incorporation is HK$2,000 and has been temporarily reduced to HK$1,720 this year. What better time to start your business than now!

Learn more about other major service fee charges by HK companies Registry.

How to apply

You can submit the documents above in two ways:

1. Electronically through “e-Registry” or the “CR eFiling” mobile app
2. Hard copy form to the Shroff on the 14th floor of the Queensway Government Offices

Collection of certificates

Once your application is approved, your Business Registration Certificate and Certificate of Incorporation can be collected either:

1. In-person [hardcopy form] at the Registry, where you must show your Notification of Collection of Certificate(s) and identification documents
2. In electronic form: an email notification allowing download of the Certificate(s) will be sent to your registered email address

Note: The Business Registration Certificate should be renewed one month before expiry on an annual basis or once every three years, whichever the case may be.

Other Requirements

In addition, you must make sure you meet the requirements of a business entity to set up your company in Hong Kong. This includes having:

Minimum Number of

1. Directors: 1
2. Shareholders: 1
3. Company Secretary: 1
4. Share Capital: HK$ 1.00

Maximum Number of

1. Directors: Unlimited

• Nominee Shareholders allowed
• At least 1 Director who is a natural person

2. Shareholders: 50

• 100% foreign ownership allowed
• Sole director can act as a shareholder
• Nominee Shareholders allowed

3. Company secretary:

• Necessary by law
• Either a Hong Kong local individual or corporate
• Sole director cannot be the company secretary

4. Share Capital: Unlimited

• Bearer shares not allowed

Registered address:

It is compulsory to have a local address for company registration in Hong Kong, which can also be a residential address.

Note: A P.O box is not permitted.

Stay tuned to this simple yet informative 5-step blog series to find out the 3rd step to starting your own recruitment company in the quickest way possible!

Get in touch with Castle Peak Recruiter Hub if you want to get your business up and running in just 1 step!