60
Set Up a Business
By law,every person,firmor corporation conducting business in Hong Kongmust register that business
and pay an annual fee. Failure to do so may result in a heavy fine or even imprisonment. Organizations
involved in charitable work are exempt frompaying a fee although they must still register.
Setting up a company inHong Kong is relatively simple, although the regulationsmust be followed
precisely and, if in doubt, it is always advisable to seek the help of professionals in the field.
Moreover, there are many publications available on the topic; for example, the American Chamber of
Commerce (AmCham) updates Establishing an Office in Hong Kong on an annual basis.
Below is a summary of the steps youmust follow to incorporate a private limited company in
Hong Kong; however, we advise you to consult with appropriate authorities in order to understand
what isfullyrequired fortheprocess.
+
Choose a suitable name for the company.
+
Check proposed name against registered list of names. This can be done at the
Companies Registry.
+
Prepare and complete two signed copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association,
signed andwitnessed.
+
Complete the Statutory Declaration of Compliance signed and witnessed.
+
Write a check for the registration fee and capital duty.
Submit the above documents to the Companies Registry with a cover letter to the following address:
Companies Registry
14/F Queensway Government Offices
66 Queensway, Admiralty
Tel: 2867 2600
www.cr.gov.hk/en/home/index.htm+
Be sure to get a company seal made. A rubber stamp referred to locally as a “chop”.
Business Councils and Groups
American Chamber of Commerce
www.amcham.org.hkAmerican Women’s Association
www.awa.org.hkAustralian Chamber of Commerce
www.austcham.org.hkBritish Chamber of Commerce
www.britcham.comCanadian Chamber of Commerce
www.cancham.orgChamber of HongKongListed
Companies
www.chklc.orgChinese General Chamber of
Commerce
www.cgcc.org.hkFinancial Woman’s Association
www.fwahk.orgHK Women Professionals &
Entrepreneurs Association
www.hkwpea.orgHKAssociationofBusiness&
Professional Women
www.hkabpw.org