A Hong Kong private company limited by shares can be wholly owned by non-residents. It still needs an appropriate company secretary, a Hong Kong registered office and the other applicable company and business requirements.
Company requirements
- At least one individual director, who must be at least 18 and eligible to act. There is no general Hong Kong residence requirement for an individual director.
- At least one member. Non-resident individuals or entities may hold shares, subject to applicable restrictions and due diligence.
- A company secretary: an individual must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong; a corporate secretary must have its registered office or place of business in Hong Kong. A sole director cannot also act as the company secretary.
- A registered office in Hong Kong and the required company records, including the Significant Controllers Register where applicable.
Ownership is separate from permission to operate or work
Sector licences, sanctions, customer due diligence and tax obligations may affect the proposed business. The owners' residence and other jurisdictions can also create reporting or tax questions. Owning shares does not itself give a right to work in Hong Kong; immigration requirements need separate advice.
IMSG can guide you through the incorporation checklist. Tell us the intended activity, ownership and where the people involved are based so that the scope can be confirmed.