How to choose a company formation service provider in Hong Kong? A complete analysis of 5 key criteria and considerations.
When choosing a company service provider, focus on five points: service scope, transparency of fees, licensing, customer reviews, and after-sales support. Government fees are fixed; the difference lies in the quality of the service provider.
Summary of key points
- The service provider must hold a valid TCSP license issued by the Companies Registry.
- Government fees are fixed; the differences in charges come from the scope and quality of services.
- The quotation must distinguish between government fees and service fees; if one is missing, you should inquire.
- Low-priced service providers often make up the difference with hidden charges, so confirm before signing the contract.
- There are still compliance requirements every year after the company is established, and after-sales support should not be overlooked.
When choosing a service provider, these five points must be clearly understood.
Service scope: Do they help you complete everything, or just half?
A good company formation service should handle everything from start to finish, not just assist with errands and document submission.
Complete services should include at least:
- Company name search.
- Drafting of the Articles of Association.
- Submitting documents to the Companies Registry.
- Application for a Business Registration Certificate.
According to the Companies Ordinance, every limited company must appoint a company secretary, so many service providers also offer secretarial services, registered address, and bank account opening assistance. Confirm that these basic items are included in the quotation before selecting to avoid discovering additional charges later.
Transparency of fees.
Lack of fee transparency directly reflects whether a service provider is trustworthy. A legitimate service provider will clearly distinguish between:Government fees.和Service fees.The two parts.
Current government fee standards (as of May 2025):
- Company registration fee: electronic application HK$1,545 / paper application HK$1,720.
- Business registration certificate: one-year term HK$2,200 (2025/26 fiscal year).
Be especially cautious if the other party's quote is significantly lower than the above fees or if the explanation is vague.
Professional qualifications and experience
Starting a company involves legal documents, and not just anyone can provide such services. According to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance, operating trust or company services in Hong Kong requires a license issued by the Companies Registry.
Before choosing a service provider, you can directly check the "Register of Trust and Company Service Providers" at the Companies Registry to verify if the other party is licensed. If it is an accounting firm, you can go toThe Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountantsto verify their membership status; for company secretary services, you can refer toThe Chartered Governance Institutefor information.
Customer reviews and reputation
Real user reviews are often more credible than official website introductions. It is recommended to pay attention to:
- The overall rating and number of Google reviews
- The proportion of negative reviews, and whether the service provider has responded positively
- Any direct recommendations from friends or industry professionals
It is advisable to look at multiple channels simultaneously, as reviews on a single platform may not be comprehensive.
Quality of after-sales service
Starting a company does not mean the end; there are compliance requirements every year thereafter. According to Section 662 of the Companies Ordinance, private companies must submit an annual return each year, with a maximum fine of HK$3,480 for late submissions.
A responsible service provider will proactively remind you before the deadline, rather than leaving it for you to remember. When choosing a service provider, be sure to ask whether they provide reminders for annual returns, assistance with changes to company information, and tax consultation and other follow-up support.
What are the characteristics of the four types of service providers?
Overview of the four types:
| Type | Service Focus | Fee Level | Best suited for whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting firm | One-stop service for accounting, auditing, and tax planning | Higher | Enterprises with complex business structures and auditing needs |
| Secretarial company | Company secretarial, compliance reporting, share transfer | Medium | SMEs and startups, focusing on daily compliance |
| One-stop service provider | Comprehensive service from company formation to tax | Medium | Those who want a hassle-free experience and do not want to deal with multiple suppliers |
| Online platform | Automated processes for quick completion of basic registration | Lower | Entrepreneurs with a simple company structure and a limited budget. |
Accounting firm
Managed by practicing accountants, suitable for businesses with high financial compliance requirements. The advantage is a one-stop service for tax planning and auditing, while the disadvantage is relatively high fees. If the business structure is complex or there are future auditing needs, an accounting firm is a solid choice.
Secretarial company
Focused on company secretarial and compliance matters, familiar with annual filings, director changes, share transfers, and other daily procedures. Fees are usually lower than those of accounting firms, suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises or startups. When choosing, remember to confirm that the other party holds a valid Trust and Company Service Provider license (TCSP license).
One-stop service provider
Integrating company registration, accounting, tax, and secretarial services, suitable for entrepreneurs who want a hassle-free experience. The benefit is that there is no need to coordinate with multiple suppliers, reducing communication costs. Pay special attention to the professionalism of each service line when choosing, and do not overlook the quality of details because of the "one-stop" nature.
Langfeng is a service provider of this type, capable of handling everything from company formation to daily operations, allowing you to focus on the business itself.
Online platform
Known for low prices and quick service, with highly automated processes. Suitable for entrepreneurs with a simple company structure and a limited budget. However, customer support is usually weaker, and when faced with complex situations or needing personalized advice, their handling capacity is limited. Confirm that the other party has a physical team to contact before choosing.
Common traps and points to note.
Hidden charges.
Low prices to attract customers is the most common tactic. The starting price may seem cheap, but once you add in company articles drafting fees, seal production fees, document courier fees... it no longer matches the original figure. According to the Consumer Council's complaint records, hidden charges are one of the main reasons for complaints about company formation services.
Coping methods.Before signing, request a written quotation from the other party, clearly listing included and excluded items, as well as the final total cost.
Unclear service scope.
Company formation services.Four words, but the definition may vary greatly among service providers. Some only include company registration, excluding the business registration certificate; others do not include the first year's company secretarial service.
Coping methods.Carefully check the service description, ask directly if you have questions, and confirm all details clearly before signing.
Insufficient after-sales support.
Some service providers focus only on closing the deal and disappear after the company is formed. However, compliance requirements must be dealt with every year, and without reminders and follow-ups, the cost may be higher than the saved service fees.
Coping methods.Before choosing a service provider, ask clearly about the follow-up service content and fees, and understand whether they have a proactive reminder mechanism.
Professional qualification issues.
Unlicensed service providers do exist, with low fees but high risks. Once compliance issues arise, the company must bear the consequences on its own.
Coping methods.: Directly toCompany Registry websiteCheck the service provider's license records, this is the most direct verification method.
Longfeng Business reminds you: Upon receiving a quote, how to determine if it is reasonable?
When comparing quotes, do not just look at the final number, but focus onwhat this price includes。
- Step 1: Confirm whether government fees are included
The electronic application company registration fee is HK$1,545 (paper application is HK$1,720), plus a one-year business registration certificate HK$2,200, totaling approximately HK$3,745 as the basic government cost. This part is fixed, and no service provider can bypass it.
- Step 2: Check the service content item by item
Company name search, drafting of articles of association, company seal, first-year secretary service, registered address—whether these are included directly affects your total actual cost.
- Step 3: Ask clearly about any additional charges
Expedited fees, document courier fees, modification fees, these may not be actively listed on the quote.
- Step 4: Consider the quality of service comprehensively
The cheapest option is not necessarily the most cost-effective. The professionalism of the service provider and after-sales support often determine how much extra time and money you will spend solving problems later. It is recommended to compare quotes from at least three service providers, combined with customer reviews and license information, before making a decision.
Longfeng provides transparent quotes, with cost details clear at a glance, welcometo book a free consultationto learn more details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to start a company?
Electronic applications usually receive the company registration certificate within 1 working day; paper applications take about 4 working days. The actual time depends on whether the documents are complete and whether there are any approval issues with the company name.
What items are generally included in the service fee?
A complete company opening quote should include two parts: government fees (electronic application company registration HK$1,545 or paper HK$1,720, plus a one-year business registration certificate HK$2,200) and professional service fees. Service fees usually cover company name searches, drafting of articles of association, document submission, etc. Some service providers may also include first-year secretary services and registered addresses. After receiving the quote, remember to confirm whether these items are included.
How to check if the service provider is licensed?
Directly go to the Company Registry website to check the "Register of Trust and Company Service Providers" to confirm whether the other party holds a valid license. If it is an accounting firm, you can verify its membership status with the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Both inquiries are publicly free.
What is the most important thing to pay attention to before signing a contract?
Three things: First, request a written quotation that lists all included and excluded items; second, confirm that government fees are included in the total price and not added later; third, clarify the scope of after-sales service, such as whether there is a reminder mechanism for annual declarations. Clarifying these details before signing is much easier than dealing with disputes afterward.
Can I change service providers midway?
Yes. The company secretary and other services can be changed midway, but relevant change procedures must be handled according to the Companies Ordinance. It is recommended to evaluate the service provider's performance before the contract expires and to avoid rushing to change providers just before or after the annual declaration deadline to prevent affecting compliance progress.
Not sure which company to choose for starting a business? Leave it to Longfeng Business.
Longfeng BusinessThe consulting team is familiar with Hong Kong company law and tax regulations, handling everything from company registration to daily compliance, with transparent fees and no hidden items. If you have any questions, feel free to schedule a free consultation, allowing you to focus on business development while we handle the administration.
Extended reading: "TheHong Kong Company Lazybones Package] Hong Kong Company Formation Process, Fees, Time and Frequently Asked Questions in One Article (2025 Latest Version)》