How much does it cost to open a company in Hong Kong? Detailed explanation of limited company application fees (2026)
The minimum government fee for setting up a limited company in Hong Kong is HK$3,895 (electronic application, starting from April 2026). Including necessary expenses such as stamps, address, and first-year secretary, the actual budget is recommended to prepare HK$8,000–$15,000.
- The minimum government fee for a limited company is HK$3,895 (electronic application, starting from April 2026).
- The cost consists of two parts: company registration fee (HK$1,545) + business registration fee (HK$2,350).
- It is recommended to set the capital at HK$10,000, balancing the perception of bank account opening and controlling shareholder liability.
- It must be confirmed whether the agency package includes government fees to avoid additional charges later.
A limited company must register with both the Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department, and it is mandatory to appoint a company secretary, resulting in higher startup costs. An unlimited company only needs to apply for business registration, with lower costs.
This article focuses on the breakdown of costs for limited companies. For details on the costs of unlimited companies, please refer to:Hong Kong Limited Company Registration Process and Cost Guide
Costs of setting up a limited company: Detailed explanation of each expense.
Government registration fee
Setting up a limited company involves two government fees, according to the latest official charging standards:
- Company registration fee (CR Fee).: Submit NNC1 form to the Companies Registry,Electronic applicationFor HK$1,545, the paper application is HK$1,720. If the application is not approved, the electronic application can be refunded HK$1,280, and the paper application can be refunded HK$1,425.
- Business registration fee (BR Fee).According tothe Business Registration Fee and Charge Schedule of the Taxation Bureau, the current and upcoming rates are as follows:
| Registration period | from April 1, 2026 |
|---|---|
| One-year term | HK$2,350 (fee HK$150 reinstated) |
| Three-year term | HK$6,170 |
Source: Inland Revenue Department Business Registration Fee and Charge Schedule, effective from April 1, 2026.
The total for both, the minimum government fee for electronic applications is HK$3,895。
Although the three-year option has a higher initial expenditure, it can save about HK$150–$300 per year on average, and the administrative procedures are also simpler.
Stamp and Green Box fees
The physical document set required for opening a limited company is commonly known as "Green Box", which usually includes the company's articles of association, share register, statutory record book, and company seal. According to the new Companies Ordinance, most banks currently only require a signature and company chop for account opening, without the need for a mandatory seal. The production cost is about HK$200–$800, and some agency packages have included this cost in their quotes.
Recommended capital amount
There is no minimum capital requirement for Hong Kong limited companies by law; it can be established with just 1 dollar. However, a capital amount that is too low may affect the success rate of bank account openings and the perception of credibility in business dealings. Market practice recommends setting HK$10,000(10,000 shares, HK$1 per share), balancing flexibility in equity distribution while controlling shareholders' potential liabilities during company liquidation within an acceptable range.
Company address registration fee
According to the Companies Ordinance, all limited companies must provide a local physical address in Hong Kong. A cost comparison of three common address options:
| Address options | Fee | Suitable audience |
|---|---|---|
| Self-occupied residence | Free | For those with extremely limited budgets and no concerns about public addresses |
| Virtual Office | HK$500–$2,500/year | Most startups |
| Physical office | Depending on the area | Companies with actual office needs |
Extended reading: "TheCan I use a virtual office for my business registration address? Requirements, change of address process in one article to see clearly》
Statutory secretary fee
Each limited company must appoint a company secretary, with appointment fees approximately HK$1,000–$3,000/year, and some agency packages have included the first-year secretary fee in their quotes.
Extended reading: 【What is a company secretary? Definition, duties and conditions of appointment in one article】
Agency service fees
The agency packages for limited companies in the market typically cover government fees, first-year secretary fees, address fees, and green box production, with quotes ranging around HK$4,000–$15,000。
| Comparison items | DIY self-handling | Commissioning an agency |
|---|---|---|
| Monetary costs | About HK$3,895 + miscellaneous expenses. | Approximately HK$4,000–$15,000 |
| Time cost | High, requiring self-research on forms and processes. | Low, full-service handling |
| Risk of rejection | Incorrectly filled forms or incomplete information are easily rejected | Dedicated pre-review to reduce rejection risk |
| Suitable audience | Familiar with regulations, limited budget, and ample time | Entrepreneurs who want to focus on business and avoid administrative troubles |
Before choosing an agency, the most important step is to confirm whether the quote includes government fees. Some low-priced packages charge government fees separately, which can lead to disputes after signing the contract.
Longfeng Business reminds you: practical tips for saving company setup costs.
The key to saving costs lies in early decision-making, not in post-remedy. The following four directions are worth planning in advance before starting a company:
| Methods | Specific practices | Expected savings |
|---|---|---|
| Choose a three-year business registration certificate | Pay for three years at once to reduce annual renewal procedures | Save an average of HK$150–$300 each year |
| Reasonably set the issued share capital | Setting HK$10,000 for startups is sufficient, and future capital increases can be done through NSC1 form | Reduce the stamp duty on future share transfers |
| Carefully compare agency quotes | Besides the first-year price, pay attention to the renewal fee standards and hidden terms for the second year | Potential savings of thousands of Hong Kong dollars |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do you need to start a company?
Electronic applications can be handled independently, with the minimum government fee for limited companies. HK$3,895(Starting from April 2026). Considering necessary expenses such as stamps, address, and first-year secretary, it is recommended to prepare at least HK$8,000–$10,000.
Can government fees be refunded?
The company registration fee is partially refundable if the application is not approved, with electronic applications refunded HK$1,280 and paper applications refunded HK$1,425. The business registration fee is generally non-refundable.
What does the agency fee include?
Depending on the package, be sure to confirm the pricing details item by item before signing the contract, with a focus on confirming whether the government fees are included and the renewal terms for the second year.
Why are some agency packages cheaper than registering on your own?
Some agency companies reduce costs through large-scale operations or lock in profits on the renewal fees for the second year (secretarial fees, annual review fees, audit fees). Therefore, when choosing an agency, in addition to looking at the first-year price, it is also important to inquire about the renewal fee standards for the second year and whether there are hidden clauses such as termination fees.
Is it possible to set the capital amount at 1 yuan?
Legally possible, but a capital amount that is too low will affect the success rate of bank account opening and the credibility of business dealings. It is recommended to set HK$10,000 as the market practice standard.
What other expenses are there after the company is established?
After the company is established, there are still maintenance costs such as annual business registration renewal, annual reporting, and secretarial services, which belong to another level of planning and should be evaluated separately.
Can the expenses for starting a company be paid with a credit card?
The Companies Registry electronic application supports credit card, FPS, and payment flexibility; in-person submissions can be paid in cash or by cheque. The payment methods for the business registration fee are the same. For details, please refer toCompanies Registry official website.。
Have questions about fees? Feel free to consult Langfeng Business Consultants
If you are still uncertain about the specific components of the company formation costs, feel free to consult Longfeng Business Consultants. We offer transparent, all-inclusive packages, with quotes covering company secretary and Hong Kong registered address, with no hidden fees.
Extended Reading:
Hong Kong Company Setup Guide: 6 Major Steps, Costs, Required Documents
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