Hong Kong Company Formation & Holding Company Setup

Why Register a Hong Kong Company?

Hong Kong is a premier business hub in Asia, offering strategic advantages for foreign investors and multinational corporations. Entrepreneurs, investment funds, trading groups, and fintech companies frequently choose Hong Kong for:

• Political and economic stability

• Strong common law legal system

• Transparent regulatory and tax framework

• Corporate tax rate capped at 16.5%

• Extensive network of double tax treaties

• International banking access

You can also read through our articles about:

1. Registering a company in Malaysia as a foreign investor

2. Setting up a company and a holding entity in Singapore

Whether your goal is to register a Hong Kong company or establish a Hong Kong holding company, the jurisdiction provides credibility, operational efficiency, and strong access to Asian markets.

Hong Kong Company Formation: Legal Framework

Companies in Hong Kong are regulated under:

• Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622)

• Supervised by the Companies Registry of Hong Kong

• Financial institutions regulated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA)

The most common structure for foreign investors is a Private Limited Company, which offers limited liability and strong legal protection.

Key Requirements to Register a Hong Kong Company

1️⃣ Directors

• Minimum 1 director (individual)

• No requirement for a local resident director for non-licensed businesses

2️⃣ Shareholders

• Minimum 1 shareholder

• 100% foreign ownership permitted

• Corporate shareholders allowed

3️⃣ Company Secretary

• Mandatory appointment of a company secretary (can be a corporate service provider)

4️⃣ Registered Office

• Physical Hong Kong address required for official correspondence

5️⃣ Minimum Paid-Up Capital

• HKD 1 minimum; can be increased at incorporation

Hong Kong Holding Company Structure

A Hong Kong holding company is ideal for:

• Managing regional subsidiaries in Asia

• Holding investments and intellectual property

• Venture capital and fund structures

• Dividend routing and tax efficiency

Benefits for Foreign Investors

• No capital gains tax

• Dividend exemption for locally sourced profits

• Strong banking infrastructure for international operations

• Well-regarded jurisdiction for global credibility

Hong Kong is especially popular for European, UAE, and Asian investors looking to establish a holding company in Asia.

Procedure to Register a Hong Kong Company

Step 1 – Structure Planning

• Determine shareholders and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs)

• Define company activities (using HK Company Registry standard codes)

Step 2 – Name Reservation

• Submission to Companies Registry

• Approval within 1–2 business days

Step 3 – Document Preparation

• Articles of Association

• Shareholder resolutions

• Director consents

• KYC and AML documentation

Step 4 – Incorporation Filing

• Online submission to Companies Registry

• Certificate of Incorporation issued

Step 5 – Post-Incorporation Setup

• Corporate bank account opening

• Employment Pass/Work Visa for foreign staff (if applicable)

• Appointment of company secretary

• Accounting, tax registration, and compliance setup

Typical registration is completed in 3–7 business days, depending on document readiness.

Companies Commonly Established in Hong Kong

Hong Kong hosts thousands of companies, including:

• Regional headquarters for multinational corporations

• Trading companies

• Fintech and payment service providers

• Investment and venture capital holding companies

• Family offices

Foreign businesses value Hong Kong for its transparent legal framework and international recognition.

How Zitadelle AG Can Assist

As an experienced Hong Kong corporate consultant, Zitadelle AG provides end-to-end services for Hong Kong company formation and holding structures.

Our Services Include:

• Company Registration & Incorporation: Structure advisory, incorporation filing, appointment of directors and secretaries

• Document Preparation: Articles of Association, shareholder resolutions, UBO declarations, compliance documents

• Bank Account Opening Assistance: Banking strategy, introductions, document preparation, and interview support

• Legal Opinion & Structuring: Cross-border structuring, tax planning, risk assessment

• Local HR & Employment Services: Employment Pass applications, payroll setup, HR compliance

• Accounting & Compliance: Annual return filing, corporate tax registration, audit coordination (if required)

Read more on the accounting and audit requirements in Hong-Kong in our article here - Hong Kong Tax Update: Offshore Companies May Still Be Taxable - Audit Still Mandatory

With Zitadelle AG’s support, foreign investors can confidently establish a Hong Kong holding company or operational entity in compliance with local regulations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a foreigner register a Hong Kong company?
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is allowed, with at least one shareholder and one director.

2. How long does Hong Kong company formation take?
Incorporation typically takes 3–7 business days, depending on document readiness.

3. What is the minimum capital required?
The minimum paid-up capital is HKD 1.

4. Is Hong Kong good for a holding company in Asia?
Yes. Hong Kong offers dividend exemptions, no capital gains tax, and strong international credibility.

5. Can Zitadelle AG assist with bank account opening in Hong Kong?
Yes. We provide full bank account opening assistance including document preparation, banking introductions, and compliance support.

6. Are company secretaries mandatory in Hong Kong?
Yes, a company secretary must be appointed within the first year of incorporation. This can be a corporate service provider like Zitadelle AG.

📩 Contact us today for a tailored consultation and begin your journey toward corporate expansion and business success under the Hong-Kong corporate framework.