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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.

Benefits of setting up a Hong Kong company

Updated 11 May 2026

What are the benefits of setting up a Hong Kong company? 7 advantages including low tax rates and a free market

Whether it is an international company entering the Chinese mainland market from Hong Kong, or a mainland Chinese company entering the international market from Hong Kong, their first choice is to set up a company in Hong Kong. So what are the advantages of setting up a company in Hong Kong? This article introduces the benefits of forming a company in Hong Kong from the angles of taxation, company types, industries and more.

A must-read when setting up a Hong Kong company! What is a company kit (green box)? All 7 key company records are inside

Updated 11 May 2026

What is a company kit (green box)? The 7 business documents in a Hong Kong company kit at a glance (with the latest company law)

After a Hong Kong company is registered, the “green box” (company kit) is a package containing important documents such as the articles of association, company chops and statutory records, proving that the company was lawfully formed and operates in compliance with the rules. However, with the rise of electronic […]

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 […]

Certificate of Incorporation (CI)

Updated 8 May 2026

Certificate of Incorporation (CI) in Hong Kong | SetupHK

After a Hong Kong limited company is incorporated, the Companies Registry issues a Certificate of Incorporation (CI). The CI is the only proof that a company has separate legal personality, and is needed to open a bank acc […]

What is the difference between a shareholder and a director?

Updated 8 May 2026

Shareholder vs director in Hong Kong: key differences

Shareholders are the owners of the company, with voting and dividend rights; directors manage the company day to day and bear heavier legal responsibilities. One person can be both, but a director's statutory duties do not […]

[Company search guide] 5 simple steps to check whether a company name is available (with free feature tutorial)

Updated 8 May 2026

How to search a company name: 5 steps to confirm the name is available and avoid rejection

Before applying to form a company, you must confirm that the proposed name is not already registered by another company, otherwise your application will be rejected. This article gives complete step-by-step instructions for ICRIS searches, so that […]

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 […]

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 […]

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? Government fees and first-year budget for 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 […]

3 things to prepare before setting up a company in Hong Kong

Updated 8 May 2026

3 things to prepare before forming a Hong Kong company

According to Companies Registry statistics, more than 100,000 Hong Kong companies are incorporated every year. Setting up a company in Hong Kong has many advantages, but what do you need to prepare beforehand? This article focuses on the process of forming a Hong Kong company and what to prepare in advance.

Hong Kong unlimited company quick guide

Updated 8 May 2026

Hong Kong unlimited company quick guide: registration process, costs and FAQs

An unlimited company is the simplest and lowest-cost company structure in Hong Kong. This article explains the complete process, costs and common questions for setting up an unlimited company. Before forming a company, you first need […]

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 […]

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