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Knowledge Base

Practical articles on company formation, accounting, company secretarial services, tax filing and SME operations in Hong Kong, to help you quickly get to grips with business information and practice.

Choosing between a limited and an unlimited company

Updated 8 May 2026

Limited or unlimited company? 3 angles to help you decide quickly

Choosing between a limited company and an unlimited company is the most important decision before forming a company. The two differ fundamentally in legal liability, tax rates, audit requirements and ability to raise finance. This article starts from […]

Hong Kong company formation quick guide: steps to set up a Hong Kong company

Updated 2026-10-17

Hong Kong company formation quick guide: the process, costs, timing and FAQs at a glance

Forming a limited company in Hong Kong can be completed in as little as one working day, with government fees from about HK$3,895 (electronic application). The whole process involves company name search […]

SetupHK company formation service FAQ

Updated 17 March 2026

Company formation FAQs: SetupHK explains timing, documents and after-sales service in full

Engaging SetupHK to form your company generally takes about 5-7 working days, with a dedicated account manager following up after the service. Fees are transparent with no hidden charges, and refund and related terms […]

Is using an agent to set up a Hong Kong company worth it?

Updated 17 March 2026

Is using an agent to form a Hong Kong company worth it? DIY vs agent compared: cost, time and risk at a glance

Starting a company yourself can save on agency fees; the government’s electronic application costs about HK$3,895. However, if you are unfamiliar with the regulations, the time and trial and error costs could be higher; if the company structure is complex, it could take longer to complete the process. […]

Hong Kong company formation: one-stop or separate providers?

Updated 2026-10-17

Company formation in Hong Kong: one-stop or separate providers? Cost gaps, risks and hidden costs made clear

A one-stop company formation service offers transparent fees, a fast process and clear responsibilities; handling things separately is more flexible, but the coordination costs and hidden risks are often underestimated. For first-time entrepreneurs, […]

Guide to naming a Hong Kong company

Updated 8 May 2026

Hong Kong company name rules: naming and name search

Hong Kong company names are limited to Traditional Chinese or English, must end with “Limited” (or its full Chinese equivalent), and sensitive words need prior approval. Before submitting, use I […]

How much does it cost to form a company in Hong Kong? Limited company application costs at a glance

Updated 8 May 2026

How much does it cost to form a company in Hong Kong? Limited company application costs explained in detail (2026)

Forming a limited company in Hong Kong costs a minimum of HK$3,895 in government fees (electronic application, from April 2026). Together with necessary expenses such as company chops, an address and the first year's secretarial services […]

Hong Kong limited company registration process

Updated 11 March 2026

Hong Kong limited company registration process: 5 steps, so even a first-time DIY applicant can get it right in one go

Forming a limited company in Hong Kong takes 5 steps: search the name, prepare documents (Form NNC1, articles of association, proof of identity, proof of address), submit the application, pay the fees and collect the certificate. […]

Must-read for founders! A quick guide to how long it takes to set up a company in Hong Kong

Updated 8 May 2026

How long does it take to form a company in Hong Kong? E-filing 3–7 days vs up to 3 weeks on paper

For a Hong Kong company, electronic applications generally take 3–7 working days from preparing documents to receiving the certificate; paper applications take 1–3 weeks. After receiving the certificate you still need to open a bank […]

Can one person set up a limited company?

Updated 11 March 2026

Can one person set up a limited company? Understand the rules for a sole shareholder-director in 3 minutes

Hong Kong law allows one person to be both the sole shareholder and sole director, so a one-person limited company is entirely legal. However, the company secretary cannot be the sole director and must be appointed separately […]

A must-read for first-time founders!

Updated 11 May 2026

10 common mistakes when setting up a Hong Kong company: fines, rejected applications and legal risks explained

The 10 most common mistakes when forming a Hong Kong company, covering company name searches, registered address, company secretary appointment, annual returns, profits tax filing, business registration certificate renewal and […]

Introduction to Hong Kong profits tax

Updated 12 March 2026

Hong Kong profits tax basics: key tax points for first-time founders

Hong Kong profits tax is charged only on profits from Hong Kong businesses. Limited companies are subject to two-tier tax rates: 8.25% on the first HK$2 million and 16.5% on the remainder. If a company […]

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