Hong Kong Company Incorporation Costs: Full Breakdown (2026)

One of the most common questions we hear from founders and business owners is: how much does it actually cost to set up a company in Hong Kong? The answer depends on whether you handle the process yourself or use a professional service provider, and which options you choose along the way. This guide breaks down every cost you should expect in 2026, from government fees to professional services.

Government Fees: The Non-Negotiable Costs

Regardless of whether you incorporate on your own or through a service provider, you will need to pay the following government fees.

Companies Registry Incorporation Fee

This is the fee paid to the Companies Registry when you submit your incorporation application (Form NNC1).

• Electronic filing (e-Registry): HK$1,545

• Paper filing (hard copy): HK$1,720

Electronic filing is cheaper and significantly faster (processing in as little as one hour, versus 4 to 5 working days for paper). There is no reason not to file electronically unless you have specific circumstances that require a paper submission.

Business Registration Certificate (BRC)

Every company in Hong Kong must hold a valid Business Registration Certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department. You can choose either a 1-year or 3-year certificate:

• 1-year BRC (until 31 March 2026): HK$2,200

• 3-year BRC (until 31 March 2026): HK$6,020

• 1-year BRC (from 1 April 2026): HK$2,350 (includes reinstated HK$150 PWIF levy)

• 3-year BRC (from 1 April 2026): HK$6,170 (includes reinstated HK$450 PWIF levy)

The 3-year certificate offers a small saving over three separate annual renewals and removes the hassle of renewing every year.

Total Baseline Government Cost

If you incorporate via e-filing and choose a 1-year BRC, your total government cost is approximately HK$3,745 (or HK$3,895 from April 2026). With a 3-year BRC, the total is approximately HK$7,565.

Professional Service Fees

Most founders choose to work with a corporate services provider to handle incorporation, and this is strongly recommended unless you are very familiar with the process and local regulatory requirements.

What Professional Fees Typically Cover

• Company name search and availability check

• Preparation and filing of incorporation documents (NNC1, Articles of Association, IRBR1)

• Appointment and first-year service of a company secretary

• Provision of a registered office address in Hong Kong

• Preparation of statutory records (share certificates, registers, minute book)

• Business Registration Certificate application

Typical Fee Ranges

• Budget package (digital-first providers): HK$2,000 to HK$4,000. Covers basic incorporation filing, first-year company secretary, and registered office. Suitable for straightforward single-shareholder companies.

• Standard package: HK$4,000 to HK$8,000. Includes everything above plus more personalised support, compliance guidance, and potentially basic accounting setup.

• Premium package: HK$8,000 to HK$15,000+. Includes comprehensive setup with ongoing advisory, bank account opening assistance, accounting and tax planning support, and dedicated account management.

Ongoing Annual Costs After Incorporation

Incorporation is just the beginning. Your company will have ongoing compliance costs every year:

Annual Return Filing (Form NAR1)

• Filing fee (on time): HK$105

• Late filing penalty: HK$870 to HK$3,480 depending on how late

The annual return must be filed with the Companies Registry within 42 days of your company's incorporation anniversary.

Company Secretary Fees

• Annual fee: HK$1,500 to HK$5,000 depending on the provider and service level

This is a mandatory appointment. Your company secretary handles annual return filing, statutory register maintenance, and compliance monitoring.

Registered Office Address

• Annual fee: Often bundled with company secretary services, or HK$500 to HK$2,000 if purchased separately

Business Registration Certificate Renewal

• 1-year renewal: HK$2,200 (increasing to HK$2,350 from April 2026)

• 3-year renewal: HK$6,020 (increasing to HK$6,170 from April 2026)

Statutory Audit

• Small private companies: HK$8,000 to HK$15,000 per year

• Medium-sized companies: HK$15,000 to HK$30,000+ per year

All Hong Kong companies must have their financial statements audited annually by a registered CPA, unless the company qualifies as dormant.

Accounting and Bookkeeping

• Basic bookkeeping (fewer than 30 transactions/month): HK$750 to HK$3,000 per month

• Small company accounting: HK$5,000 to HK$15,000 per year

Profits Tax Filing

Your auditor and accountant will typically handle tax filing as part of the audit engagement. Your first Profits Tax Return is issued approximately 18 months after incorporation.

Total First-Year Cost Summary

Here is a realistic estimate for a typical small company's first-year costs:

• Government incorporation fee: HK$1,545

• Business Registration Certificate (1-year): HK$2,200

• Professional incorporation service: HK$3,000 to HK$6,000

• Company secretary (first year): Often included in incorporation package

• Registered office (first year): Often included in incorporation package

• Total first-year estimate: HK$7,000 to HK$12,000

Ways to Save on Incorporation Costs

• File electronically. Save HK$175 on the incorporation fee alone.

• Choose a 3-year BRC. Slightly cheaper than three annual renewals, and less admin.

• Bundle services. Many providers (including IMSG) offer package pricing that bundles incorporation, company secretary, and registered office at a lower total cost than purchasing each separately.

• Get your documents right the first time. Rejected applications mean delays and potentially resubmission fees.

What IMSG Charges

At IMSG Corporate Services, we offer transparent, all-inclusive incorporation packages that cover government fees, company secretary, registered office, and all statutory documentation. Our packages are designed for founders, startups, and SMEs who want a hassle-free setup without hidden costs. Contact us for a quote tailored to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a minimum capital requirement to incorporate in Hong Kong?

No. There is no legal minimum share capital. You can incorporate with as little as HK$1, though HK$10,000 is commonly recommended for practical reasons, including smoother bank account opening.

Are there any hidden government fees?

No. The two main government fees are the Companies Registry incorporation fee and the Business Registration Certificate fee. These are fixed and publicly available on the government websites.

How much should I budget for annual compliance?

For a small private company, budget approximately HK$12,000 to HK$25,000 per year for company secretary, registered office, annual return, BRC renewal, and basic accounting. Audit fees are additional and vary based on company size and complexity.

Can I incorporate without using a service provider?

Yes, you can file directly with the Companies Registry. However, you will still need a qualified company secretary (a Hong Kong resident or TCSP-licensed entity), so most founders find it more practical to use a professional provider who can handle both incorporation and the secretary appointment.