Table of contents
When you instruct SetupHK to form your company, it generally takes about 5-7 working days, and a dedicated account manager follows up after the sale. Fees are transparent with no hidden charges, and refund and related terms are set out in the service agreement.
Key points:
- Company formation takes 5–7 working days, and the company registration step can be expedited
- Basic documents are proof of identity + proof of address
- Non-Hong Kong residents must additionally prepare a passport and overseas proof of address
- After-sales includes company secretary and compliance reminders; every client has a dedicated account manager
- Bank transfer, cheque and credit card supported; transparent fees with no hidden charges
How long does it take to form a company? Usually 5–7 working days
How many working days does the standard process take?
From start to finish, a one-stop company formation service usually takes 5-7 working days, depending on how complete the documents are, the applicant's background and the company's business.
We will give you a detailed timeline estimate when the service starts, so you know exactly how each step is progressing.
Is there a rush service? What is the fastest turnaround?
Yes. With complete documents, the express service can be completed within 1 working day company registration. However, this service costs extra, and the exact fee depends on the scope of service and timing requirements. In addition, bank account opening is a separate add-on service, so its time is counted separately. If you have an urgent need, we suggest raising it at the first consultation.
Time allocation for each step at a glance
| Step | Time required |
|---|---|
| Name search | About 2 working days |
| Document preparation | About 3-4 working days |
| Companies Registry approval (electronic application) | About 2-3 working days |
| Companies Registry approval (paper application) | About 1 week |
| bank account opening | About 2–8 weeks |
Bank account opening is a separate add-on service and has to be arranged separately; we coordinate and follow up throughout, so that waiting periods don't slow overall progress.
What documents do I need to set up a company?
What is the basic document checklist?
The documents needed to set up a company fall into three main categories:
- Proof of identity: Hong Kong ID card or passport
- Proof of address: utility bill or bank statement dated within the last 3 months
- Basic company information: company name (Chinese and/or English), articles of association (you can use our standard version), company registered address (you may use the provider's address)
If a shareholder is a company rather than an individual, that company's certificate of incorporation and a directors' resolution are also required. We will provide a document checklist tailored to your circumstances.
What else do non-Hong Kong residents need to prepare?
In addition to the basic documents, non-Hong Kong residents must provide a copy of their passport and proof of an overseas address. Some banks may ask for business supporting documents such as a business plan or customer contracts, and may require directors to attend an interview in person in Hong Kong. We have extensive experience handling cases for non-Hong Kong residents and can give targeted guidance.
Do documents need to be certified?
Not necessarily. Documents of Hong Kong residents usually do not need to be certified. Documents of non-Hong Kong residents may need notarisation or certification, depending on where they come from and the document type. If a shareholder is an overseas company, its incorporation documents generally all need to be certified. We will check one by one which documents need certification and help arrange the procedures.
What does after-sales service include once the company is set up?
What does after-sales service cover?
After-sales service covers company secretarial services (handling day-to-day compliance), reminders and assistance with annual returns and Business Registration Certificate renewal, consultation support during operations, and referrals to professional accounting, audit and tax services. If you buy accounting, tax filing or audit services, we set up a dedicated follow-up group including customer service and an accounting specialist, to keep the service continuous.
How do I contact customer service? How long until you reply?
You can contact us by email, phone or WhatsApp. General enquiries are answered within 24 hours (on normal working days); for more complex questions, we first explain the expected handling time once we receive them; urgent matters are followed up through a priority channel.
Is payment for company formation services flexible? Is there refund protection?
Which payment methods are supported?
Our payment methods are very flexible. We accept bank transfer, cheque, FPS, credit card, WeChat Pay and Alipay. Instalment payments can be arranged for larger services, and the details can be discussed during the consultation. Our fee structure is transparent, and the service agreement sets out all fees.
When do I pay? What are the refund conditions?
Fees for company registration services must be paid before we start. For some ongoing services (such as accounting, corporate advisory and tax consultancy), we also offer annual or monthly payment options.
On refunds, if the service cannot be completed for reasons on our side, a full refund will be given; if the client cancels before the service begins, a refund is given after deducting the corresponding fees according to the progress of the service. Refund terms are subject to the service agreement and comply with the Consumer Council's consumer protection guidelines.
What exactly does SetupHK's service guarantee cover?
The SetupHK team holds professional qualifications including a company secretary licence and accountant qualifications, and has handled a large number of company formation cases of different types. Our fee structure is transparent, we commit to completing the service on time, and if we fail to do so we will provide corresponding compensation. Clients' personal data is strictly protected under the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, and after-sales support continues after the company is set up.
Choosing a professional service means choosing a reliable and protected service.
Other common questions
Can I visit your office?
Yes, you are welcome to book a visit. Meeting in person gives you a more direct understanding of our services, and is a common choice for many clients before formally engaging us.
Do you have a physical office?
Yes. We have a physical office where you can have a face-to-face consultation; the full address can be confirmed when you book.
How do I get started?
Book a free consultation by phone, email or through the website. After the consultation we provide a quotation, and once you confirm and sign the service agreement we can begin; the process is simple and direct.
What protection does the service offer?
These include professional qualification assurance, transparent fees, a commitment to timely completion, privacy protection and ongoing after-sales support. The specific terms are set out in the service agreement, which you can check carefully before engaging us.
Any other questions about company formation? Contact SetupHK now
Setting up a company is more than filling in and submitting forms; from name search and document preparation to bank account opening, every step has details to watch. SetupHK offers a one-stop service with a dedicated person following up all the way, so you don't have to work it out on your own.Book now Free consultation – let SetupHK help you get your business off the ground.
Further reading: “How to choose a Hong Kong company formation service without getting caught out? A full comparison of company formation, secretarial services and bank account opening”
