Company type and name
Most companies are limited companies, where the legal liability of shareholders is limited to the unpaid amount of their shares. The names must be in the form of “xxx Limited” in both Chinese and English. To avoid name duplication, you need to log in to the e-Search portal to check the availability of the proposed name.
Register a personal account on “e-Registry”
To register the company online using “e-Registry,” you need to create a personal account. Prepare the necessary identity documents. There are three ways to submit identity documents: upload a digital certificate (obtainable from Hongkong Post or e-Cert Certification Authority in person), upload a verified copy of the identity document (Hong Kong ID or passport scan, certified by qualified professionals such as lawyers or accountants in Hong Kong, services available for purchase on Taobao), or personally visit the Companies Registry office at 13/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong, to present the original identity documents.
Apply online through “e-Registry”
(Taking a limited company as an example) Log in to the e-Registry website, log in with your personal account, click on the “e-Submission” service on the left-hand menu, select the drop-down menu “Online Submission,” click on “Local Companies” - “Incorporation” - “Company Limited by Shares (Form NNC1).” Choose the company category as “Private” (with lower disclosure requirements). Choose the model articles of association as “Model Articles of Association” (only required information needs to be filled in, and the articles will be generated automatically). Fill in the company details (including the Hong Kong registered address). Fill in the total share capital. Fill in the particulars of the founding members (natural persons or corporate bodies, founders/directors/company secretaries [multiple selections allowed]). A company secretary must be appointed and must be a natural person or a corporate body residing in Hong Kong. Click “Prepare e-Form” to generate the “Consent to Act as First Directors” (Form NNC3). Follow the instructions to download the e-Form Filler software for editing and signing on the electronic form. All founding members must sign the form separately. Electronic or textual signatures are accepted. For electronic signature, use an electronic certificate or the account password of “e-Registry.” For textual signature, submit the form in person or mail it to the Companies Registry (14/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong). The completed NNC3 form must be submitted within 15 days of company registration. Business registration is also required during company registration, and the “Notice to Business Registration Office” needs to be signed online. Generally, the system will automatically proceed to the payment page after company registration.
Online payment
The fees include HK$250 for the levy, HK$2,000 for the business registration fee (for one year), HK$295 for the company documents storage fee, and HK$1,425 for the company registration fee. Payment can be made via UnionPay, VISA, Mastercard, JCB, or PPS. You can download the “Certificate of Incorporation” and “Business Registration Certificate.”