The answer first
Incorporating a Hong Kong company is quick once the information and documents are ready. Most delays come from missing details or KYC documents. This checklist sets out what we normally need; we confirm your own list in writing at the start.
We need company details, information on each shareholder and director, and KYC documents for everyone involved. Corporate shareholders need their own corporate documents and details of their ultimate owners.
At a glance
- Company details
- Name, business, share capital, office, year end
- Each individual
- Identity document, proof of address, contact details, declarations
- Corporate shareholders
- Corporate documents and ownership up to individuals
- Proof of address
- Normally dated within the last 3 months
Company details
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Proposed English and/or Chinese name | With one or two alternatives |
| Nature of business | A short description, plus the main business code for Business Registration |
| Share capital | Number of shares and amount to be issued to each shareholder, and currency |
| Registered office | Our address, or your Hong Kong office address |
| Financial year end | Preferred accounting year end |
| Business Registration | 1-year or 3-year certificate |
For each individual shareholder and director
| Document or information | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport or Hong Kong identity card | Clear colour copy; certified if not seen in original |
| Proof of residential address | Normally dated within the last 3 months |
| Correspondence address | For the public register |
| Email and mobile number | For contact and signing |
| Personal information and PEP declaration | Our form |
| Source of funds | Where requested |
For each corporate shareholder
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Certificate of incorporation | Certified copy |
| Constitutional documents | Articles or equivalent |
| Registers of directors and members | Recent |
| Ownership chart | Up to the ultimate individual owners |
| Board resolution | Approving the investment and appointing an authorised representative |
| KYC for directors and ultimate owners | As for individuals |
Key takeawaySend drafts before arranging certification. We review them first so that nothing needs to be certified twice.
Self-check: where do you stand?
| Question | If the answer is no |
|---|---|
| Have you chosen the name and checked availability? | Search the Companies Registry |
| Do you have KYC documents for every shareholder and director? | Collect them |
| Are proofs of address recent? | Obtain new ones if older than 3 months |
| Have you decided the share capital and holdings? | Confirm with all shareholders |
| Do corporate shareholders have their documents ready? | Request them early |
How DBMS Global can help
- Reviewing documents before certification.
- Preparing incorporation forms and articles for signature.
- Filing with the Companies Registry and delivering your certificates.
In summary
- Company details, people details, KYC.
- Corporate shareholders need more.
- Review before certifying.
Official references
- Companies Registry: incorporation of local companies, www.cr.gov.hk
- Inland Revenue Department: Business Registration, www.ird.gov.hk