Registration to tax filing, all in one place
Company registration, secretary, accounting and tax for local and overseas founders.
2014Since founding
4 times Economic Digest Outstanding Brand Awards
From day one to annual return, bookkeeping, audit and tax, one team handles it all.
A sound legal system, stable finances and simple tax make Hong Kong a launchpad for Asia and beyond.
More than a certificate: SetupHK delivers a company that runs compliantly every year.
You receive the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate.
Company secretary appointed, statutory records set up under the Companies Ordinance.
Bookkeeping and financial statements done on time, so your accounts stay clear.
Profits tax and employer's returns filed on schedule, avoiding late penalties.
Below are genuine reviews left by clients on Google.
The new company was set up quickly, and there was someone to answer questions even outside office hours. Even though I couldn't come to Hong Kong, I completed all the procedures. A really great help, highly recommended.
Eric Huang
I used SetupHK's limited company formation service this time, and the whole process was very smooth. From the consultation to document preparation and submitting the application, every step was well organised, so there was nothing for me to worry about. The team replied quickly, explained things clearly and paid close attention to detail. The whole experience was first-class, with personal and professional service that truly considers the client's needs. They handle complicated procedures efficiently and smoothly, and I would definitely recommend them to friends who are starting a business.
ns gpy
Setting up a company is always the hardest part of starting out because there are so many complicated steps. The consultant helped me a lot throughout the process and also saved me a lot of costs, which I never expected!
Ha hyorim
Very professional and responsible, and very patient in explaining the company formation process. Extremely efficient, it was basically done in a day or two. Very satisfied.
WPY
Many thanks to SetupHK, especially during this first year of running my business. Even today, whenever I contact the accounting staff, they are very professional, conscientious and attentive. Finding SetupHK was our good fortune.
YL LAW
SetupHK's customer service colleagues have a good attitude and are polite. As well as being efficient, they also give very professional advice. If I need anything again I will definitely use them, and I will recommend SetupHK to friends.
Teresa Chun
Requirements are the same wherever you are; what differs is what to decide first.
First, choose a limited or unlimited company
A limited company is a separate legal entity, with liability capped at each shareholder's capital. It must appoint a company secretary, audit its accounts and file an annual return. An unlimited company (sole proprietorship or partnership) needs only a business registration, but its owner is personally liable for debts. One person can be both sole director and shareholder of a limited company, but must appoint a company secretary separately.
Not in Hong Kong? You can still form a Hong Kong company
Directors and shareholders can be of any nationality. The company needs a Hong Kong registered address, and an individual company secretary must ordinarily live in Hong Kong (a corporate one needs a Hong Kong office). SetupHK holds a TCSP licence and provides registered address and company secretary services, and helps with company bank account applications.
From first enquiry to certificate, we explain each step and who handles it upfront.
Share your business, number of shareholders and directors and name ideas by WhatsApp or phone. We recommend a suitable company type.
We list the ID and address proofs you need to prepare, and explain what the service includes and excludes.
We check the name, prepare and file the application with the Companies Registry, with a dedicated contact throughout.
We deliver the Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate and articles, and flag the annual return, renewal and first tax deadlines.
To see the full process and timing, read “Hong Kong company formation quick guide” and “How long it takes to form a company”.
SetupHK, founded in 2014, holds a Trust or Company Service Provider licence (TC009022). We help Hong Kong SMEs form companies, and the same team then handles company secretary, bookkeeping, audit and tax filing, so you need not switch provider or re-brief us each year.
Once formed, each year you must handle the annual return, business registration renewal, bookkeeping, audit, profits tax and employer's returns. We track these deadlines and remind you early to prepare information.
2026 Asia's Most Valuable Brand Awards
2025 Asia's Most Valuable Corporate Awards
2021 Outstanding Brand Awards, 非凡品牌大獎
2020 Outstanding Brand Awards, 非凡品牌大獎
2019 Outstanding Brand Awards
2018 Outstanding Brand Awards
Consultant Marx Chan explains company formation, limited vs unlimited companies, bank accounts and annual returns on YouTube. Watch first to see what you need to prepare.
Before forming a company, most people ask: how, what it costs, and limited or unlimited?
Forming a limited company takes six steps: confirm the name, prepare documents (incorporation form and articles of association), pay government fees, submit to the Companies Registry, obtain the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate, then open a corporate bank account. See the “Hong Kong company formation quick guide” for details.
Hong Kong company formation quick guideCosts have two parts: government fees and service fees. An electronic application for a limited company: company registration fee HK$1,545 plus business registration fee HK$2,350, totalling HK$3,895 (from April 2026). A paper application: company registration fee HK$1,720. Service fees depend on needs such as a company secretary and registered address. When comparing quotes, check whether government fees are included to avoid extra charges.
Company formation costsElectronic applications, including document preparation, generally take 3 to 7 working days, and the Companies Registry usually issues the e-certificate within 1 hour of approval. Paper applications take 1 to 3 weeks. Incomplete documents extend the timeline, and approvals may be slower at the start of the year or in tax season.
Formation timelineYes. One person can be both sole shareholder and sole director. But a sole director cannot also be company secretary; appoint a qualified individual or a TCSP-licensed firm separately. You can add shareholders or directors later.
One-person limited companyYou generally need the company name, proof of identity and address for directors and shareholders, a registered address, share capital details and company secretary details. Search the name first. We will tailor a checklist so nothing is missing.
Hong Kong company formation quick guideYes. Directors and shareholders can be of any nationality. The company needs a Hong Kong registered address, and its company secretary must ordinarily live in Hong Kong (or, if a company, have a Hong Kong office).
Registered addressIt depends on risk and scale. A limited company is a separate legal entity with liability capped at capital, but needs a company secretary, annual audit and annual return. An unlimited company needs only business registration, with fewer formalities and lower costs, but the owner is personally liable for debts, so it suits low-risk, small businesses.
Limited vs unlimitedThe name must be in Traditional Chinese or English, with no Simplified characters. Numbers are allowed, but Chinese and English cannot be mixed. You can use a Chinese name, an English name or both. A Chinese name must end with the Chinese equivalent of “Limited”; an English name must end with “Limited”. We recommend an English name, as Hong Kong banking is mainly in English. Search the name before applying.
Company name searchYes. A Hong Kong limited company must appoint a company secretary to keep statutory records and file the annual return and other documents. A sole director cannot also be company secretary. An individual secretary must ordinarily live in Hong Kong; a corporate one must have a Hong Kong office.
What is a company secretaryA Hong Kong limited company has four statutory tasks a year: file the annual return within 42 days after incorporation anniversary; hold the AGM on time (single-shareholder companies are exempt); pay business registration fees on time; and arrange the annual audit and profits tax return by the deadline. The first profits tax return usually arrives about 18 months after incorporation. SetupHK tracks these deadlines for you.
Hong Kong company formation quick guideSetupHK has 123 reviews on Google, with an average rating of 4.9.
Holly Fung
When I decided to launch my own limited company in Hong Kong, I reached out to a few consulting companies and by comparison, SetUpHK is the only one that answered all my questions patiently and in a timely manner. details. Their staff are friendly and helpful, providing speedy answers even outside office hours. Highly recommended to entrepreneurs who struggle about the process of setting up their business in Hong Kong!
Gary Chan
Very friendly, and endlessly patient in answering customers' questions! I think everyone has plenty of things they don't understand when starting out. Luckily I had SetupHK handle the company registration, which saved me a lot of worry. Wishing everyone's business gets better and better!
Tam
First-class service, quick and proper, a great help for forming a company!
kwok kelvin
Quick and proper service. Recommended for company formation and getting your business started.
Mani Wong
Great service! Every question answered! I knew nothing about forming a company, but they explained everything in great detail.
Wong wong
I applied to set up a new company, and the whole process was followed through and clearly explained. A trustworthy partner.
Daniel Chui
The company formation process is simple and quick, and they also offer secretarial services and bank account opening, and later accounting and online marketing services. Saved a lot of time.
張良
Good service with detailed explanations. Most importantly, they are patient and efficient; even when I came back to SetupHK a few months after my enquiry, they were just as patient.
陳雅雯
Excellent service. Any problem was resolved appropriately. Good communication.
H Kwan
Very helpful and polite, and they did their best to help whenever I asked a question; I could feel their customer-first approach. Really grateful to setup.hk for all their help so far. I will keep using them.
Mates LTD
Very well ‘ Reasonable fees, and they solve clients' needs quickly and precisely, with no obvious difference compared with big-brand consultancies. I will engage SetupHK again for other work.
Wong Terry
If you're looking for a company secretary service in Hong Kong, look no further than Setup HK. Their full suite of services is incredibly helpful and surprisingly affordable. What truly stood out was their outstanding customer service. Their staff was always quick to respond and never once turned down an inquiry. Their extensive experience guided me through the entire process seamlessly. Highly recommend!
BL Bless
SetupHK's team performed outstandingly. When we ran into difficulties, they quickly provided useful information and replies, and we were very satisfied.
Cindy Chow
Super efficient and I reached them during Saturday non office hours and their team still provide me with great response and great advice on what I need to do after some bad experience with my previous accounting and company secretary service firm. I will highly recommend them to anyone who wish to find a trustworthy company to provide company services.
Jin Chan
The team works very efficiently and professionally, follows through and answers every question, with reasonable prices. Recommended and trustworthy. Whenever I need anything next time, I will come back to SetupHK.
Kayley Leung
Very good service, always happy to help with any questions. Quality service!
yan mei
Very good service attitude, all questions answered carefully! Fast and efficient.
Andy Wong
Professional service, instant replies and very thorough follow-up. Very satisfied.
Ryan Chan
A practical, efficient company, with professional and candid explanations. I look forward to more opportunities to work together in future.
tang rainbow
The consultant was careful and patient, and happy to answer the questions I ran into when starting my business. Great, thank you!
Ellen Pang
Very good service, and the explanations were simple and clear.
S Roubaix
They explain customers' questions in detail. Communication was comfortable, not pushy and polite, and they followed through well.
cnt music
Very thoughtful and responsible! I would definitely recommend it to anyone in need of any financial services. 🙂
Jillian Kwan
Explained everything very carefully and professionally. Suitable for first-time entrepreneurs.
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