Formation guide
Hong Kong Company Formation for Non-Residents — 100% Online
Last updated · Reviewed by the Harbourline Corporate compliance team
| Visit to Hong Kong | Not required for incorporation |
|---|---|
| Minimum share capital | No minimum (HK$1 / 10,000 shares common) |
| Foreign ownership | 100% allowed |
| Documents | Passport, proof of address, business profile |
| Timeline | ~5–10 business days after KYC |
Documents you need
- A colour scan of your passport (6+ months validity) for each director and shareholder.
- Proof of residential address issued within the last 3 months (a utility bill or bank statement).
- A second ID (national ID card or driving licence).
- A business profile: what the company does, customers, suppliers, countries of operation.
- For corporate shareholders: certificate of incorporation, register of directors and shareholders, and KYC for the ultimate beneficial owners.
Online KYC and identity verification
Hong Kong’s Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance requires licensed corporate service providers to verify every beneficial owner. Our portal uses automated identity verification: you scan your passport with your phone and take a short liveness selfie. There’s no notarisation, no courier and no apostille for standard individual applicants.
Timeline
- Day 0: account created, names chosen, payment made.
- Days 0–2: KYC and document review.
- Days 2–4: name check, incorporation documents prepared and signed electronically.
- Days 4–10: Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate issued.
- Weeks 2–6: bank or payment-account opening.
Choosing a company name
The English name must end in “Limited”. It cannot be the same as an existing name on the Companies Registry index, and certain words (e.g. “Bank”, “Insurance”, “Trust”, “Stock Exchange”) need special approval. We ask for three names in order of preference so that we can move forward straight away if the first name is taken.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Hong Kong resident director?
No. Hong Kong does not require a local director. Only the company secretary must be a Hong Kong resident or a Hong Kong company, and that is included in our package.
Can I be the sole director and shareholder?
Yes. One person can be both the only director and the only shareholder. The company secretary must be a different person or a corporate secretary.
Do I need to visit Hong Kong to open a bank account?
It depends on the institution. Several banks and licensed payment institutions onboard remotely by video call; some traditional banks still require an in-person meeting.
Official sources
This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Hong Kong offshore status is decided by the Inland Revenue Department on the facts of each case, and your country of residence may tax you or the company.