The official rules that apply
- Hong Kong adopts a territorial source principle: only profits sourced in Hong Kong are taxable.
- Under two-tiered rates, corporations pay 8.25% on the first $2 million of assessable profits and 16.5% above; unincorporated businesses 7.5% and 15%.
- The two-tiered regime took effect from year of assessment 2018/19.
- The refined FSIE regime covers foreign-sourced disposal gains on all types of property accrued and received on or after 1 January 2024; non-IP disposal gains are exempt if the MNE entity has adequate economic substance in Hong Kong.
Registration basics in Hong Kong
| Company type | Private company limited by shares |
|---|---|
| Registry | Companies Registry |
| Government filing fee | HK$1,545 — HK$1,545 electronic filing (HK$1,720 on paper), plus the Business Registration fee paid together. |
| Registration time | Electronic applications normally get a certificate within 1 hour; paper filing takes about 4 working days. |
| Resident director | Directors may live anywhere; at least one must be a natural person. The company secretary must be resident in Hong Kong (or a Hong Kong-based company). |
| Visit, notary or lawyer | Online via e-Registry; no notary step. |
| Registered address | The registered office must be in Hong Kong. The official FAQ does not address virtual offices. |
| Minimum capital | No minimum |
| Corporate tax | Two-tier profits tax: 8.25% on the first HK$2 million, 16.5% above. Only Hong Kong-sourced profits are taxed. |
| Every year | Business Registration fee HK$2,200 a year, annual return, and a significant controllers register kept in Hong Kong. |
Full step-by-step guide: company registration in Hong Kong.
Sources
- ird.gov.hk, checked 27 September 2026
- ird.gov.hk, checked 27 September 2026
- ird.gov.hk, checked 27 September 2026
- ird.gov.hk, checked 27 September 2026