Register your company and open a business account
We’ll register your company remotely, help open an account online and ensure your company is compliant
Hey, do I have to fly in to open the company?
No need! 🙌 I'm sending over the application for incorporation. Just e-sign it online! ✍️ Tori
Amazing, 👌 thanks, guys!
We guide you every step of the way
Zero paperwork
on your endLog into East river and send us your details. We fill out an application and send it for you to e-sign
Same-day
registrationWe file your papers with Companies Registry, your business gets registered within 24 hours
Help with bank
account openingNeobanks open accounts online, while HSBC requires a meet up. We introduce you, but the decision is up to them
Check your Business Activity HSIC Code
Use our free search to find the code that best describes your business activities
Helping customers all over the world register companies in Hong Kong
89% of customers recommend us
7,500+ clients worldwide
Here’s what our customers say
They replied quickly offering immediately useful details. One phone call set the path for my first incorporation. I highly recommend it for other first-timers.
Paolo Porchetti PP E&A LIMITED
I like that I can just post my questions to chat any time of the day, quite unlike having to remember to call within business hours only. For a startup owner working irregular hours, this helps.
Lim Sze-Szan Fiona BodyOwn Pte. Ltd.
One of the best experiences in incorporating a company in Hong Kong.
Beh Huey Ching Jenna FortNynja (HK) Limited
Fully digital, fast, easy to follow, great app. I highly recommend it.
Edwina Jane Barrington Rupert and Bird Limited
They helped me register my company in Hong Kong. I'm very satisfied with their services, flexibility, and reactivity.
Yannick Andre Martial Guyot HK TALENTS Limited
East river has been extremely proactive, talking me through every step of starting my company. They now take care of my accounting. I love the app, it's so easy to use!
Harriette Foulkes-Arnold We are Contented Pte. Ltd.
I didn’t have to go anywhere to work with East river, I just used the web and mobile app to sign the docs.
Ivan Zeljkovic Evans Media Pte. Ltd.
I incorporated my own two companies with East river and now manage them via the platform. I've been very satisfied and recommend East river to all my friends.
Vlad Shchelkunov BTTR holdings Pte. Ltd.
The staff always answer, and they deal with all the admin on my behalf. So I can simply use my income and not worry about legal and administrative filings.
Pawel Wargan freelancer
It is impressive how fast and responsive they are! I feel very happy about my decision to go with East river.
Randeep Sudan Multivertz Pte. Ltd.
Here is what's needed to open a company. We prepare everything for you
Make sure you’re ready for company formation with our free incorporation checklist
Fulfill the official requirements
We help you with all the things that the Hong Kong government requires from the founders:
Corporate Secretary
A certified expert who covers you on reporting.
All Hong Kong companies must have a local corporate secretary. This officer communicates changes in company structure and management to the government, maintains company records, and files statutory documents accurately on time, avoiding nasty penalties.
Registered address
A real Hong Kong mailbox for your legal correspondence
All Hong Kong companies must have a local registered address. It goes on all legal documents. Government sends notices with deadlines here. We open, scan, and upload letters to your East river account same day it is delivered.
Business Registration Certificate
A must-have document for every Hong Kong business. We’ll arrange this document for your company and renew it every year.
This document shows important details of a company, including the company name, business nature and address. It is typically issued for 1 year and has to be renewed annually.
Get your company registered
We collect all docs online, put them together, and send you the application to sign electronically.
We need to know the company name, business activities, share structure, and paid-up capital — HK$1 is enough. We’ll also ask for the name, address, and contact info of all directors and shareholders, and complete online ID verification for each.
Set up the accounting routine
You need to submit two reports and one audit every year. Our Chartered Accountant will organise your docs, prepare reports, and file them neatly. We also proactively advise on exemptions so you pay taxes smartly.
Even if you have no transactions, you still need to submit annual reports: prepare unaudited accounts, have an external auditor review them, and file Profit Tax Return. It’s crucial to prepare them right and on time, so as not to face fines and penalties.
Open an account
We partner up with HSBC, the largest bank in Hong Kong, and other traditional banks. We also work with neobanks, such as Airwallex: you can open an account right on our platform. Whatever your needs, we can help find the perfect fit. We introduce you and help with the KYC, but the decision on opening an account is always up to the banks.
Choose the plan that works for your business
Get a jump start with incorporation only or sign up for our accounting support as well. Our prices are fixed in Hong Kong Dollars. We use Hong Kong Monetary Authority rates to convert them to US Dollars, Euros and Pounds. The exact price you pay in $, € and £ depends on the rate and fees your bank applies.
Offer various account options that suit the financial needs of startups and established small and medium-sized businesses.
Neobank for SMEs specialising in e-commerce.
Neobank for SMEs and startups.
Neobank and Visa corporate card provider for SME’s. With 1% cash back on all card transactions.
Start your application directly in East river, and visit HSBC Business Centre in Hong Kong to complete the process.
You can open the account on Airwallex website. The process takes 2 business days.
You can open the account online on Currenxie website. The process takes 3 business days.
You can open the account on the Neat website. The process takes 2 business days.
Account opening fee is HK$1,600. Minimum deposit balance on account is HK$50,000.
Account opening is free and no min sum required. There's a $10 fee on global payments and FX margin of 0.5%-1%.
Account opening is free and no min sum required. There's a 0%.75-$3 fee on payments and FX margin of 0.5%-1%.
Account opening is free and no min-sum required. There is a $0 fee for local incoming payments to a $12 fee on international payments and an FX margin of 0.5%-1%.
Company registration for any industry
The Hong Kong market provides great opportunities for various businesses. Here's a few industries we regularly help with company formation in Hong Kong:
Company registration for Retail Industry
Hong Kong’s offline sales are actually on the rise with 57% increase over the past decade. Singaporean tourists have just been allowed in, and once the Chinese travellers get rid of the 14-day quarantine restriction, the industry will get back on track.
Company registration for Construction Industry
Hong Kong spends lavishly on its construction: over HK$120 billion (US$15.4bn) is directed to developing the city infrastructure in the 2020-2021 Budget. Note that construction workers need to be registered.
Company registration for Restaurants Industry
The restaurant industry took a hard hit from the pandemic, losing up to 26% of its turnover in the turmoil. As many players had to go out of the market, there will be space for the newcomers once business is back to normal.
Company registration for Hotel Industry
The word “staycation” is one of the most searched words on Google Trends in Hong Kong. Hotels in Hong Kong are promoting staycation packages even more to attract locals with promotional packages.
Company registration for Hospitality Industry
May readings on the short-term outlook among smaller retailers and restaurants rose above the 50 level, marking good business conditions for the first time since 2018.
Company registration for Entertainment Industry
Between 1991 and 2018, total sales of fine art in its auction houses jumped from around $11 million to nearly $1.4 billion. In addition, Hong Kong’s government is allocating HK$260M to boost the movie industry.
Company registration for Education Industry
Hong Kong has invested lavish resources over the last decade to establish itself as an education hub acting as a gateway to China. It seems to work: 8 out of 10 foreign pupils come from mainland China.
Company registration for Food Industry
Though Covid-19 pandemia and street protests have hit food industry quite hard, food delivery is gaining momentum. Hong Kong citizens started spending 55% more on ordering food, and when the turmoil ends, the habbits will remain.
- Xero Platinum Partner
- TC006825
- Certified Public Accountants
- Chartered Secretaries
Q&A
Why incorporate in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is a great place to open a business: there are no restrictions for foreigners, taxes are flat and rather low (profits tax stands at 8.25% for the first HK$2 million of assessable profits, and 16.5% for profits after that), the incorporation process is easy, fast, and can be done remotely. There are many well-established businesses and smart start-ups here, finance is available, and flights are plenty.
What is incorporation of a company?
Hong Kong is one of the top cities to incorporate a business. Incorporating a company in this city is a straightforward process. You would need a company name, a Companies Ordinance, appoint one Designated Representative, one individual Director, one Shareholder, and one Company Secretary. You would also need a local Hong Kong-registered address.
Can a foreigner be a director and a shareholder of a Hong Kong business?
Yes, Hong Kong allows foreigners to become directors and shareholders of a company registered here. As a foreigner, you can be the only director or hire as many as you need. There is no requirement to have any local directors.
You can be a shareholder as well. You need to have at least one (and as many as 50). They can be people of any nationalities or companies.
Do I need a company address?
Yes, all companies registered in Hong Kong must have a local address. It goes on all legal documents. If you don’t have an office address, use our service. We handle your incoming letters, scan and store them in your East river account so you have easy access to all your documents.
Do I need a Company Secretary?
Every Hong Kong business must have a local resident company secretary. This officer is responsible for keeping your paperwork in order, making sure all changes on the company are processed correctly, on time and in compliance with the local legislation. This role can be performed by an individual or a corporation, known as a body corporate.
How long does it take to register a company?
Once all the documents are ready, it usually takes us less than an hour to register a company. It mostly depends on when you are comfortable with providing all the details, as well as the service hours of the authorities.
What do I need to incorporate a company in Hong Kong?
To set up a business in Hong Kong, you would need a company name, a companies ordinance, appoint one Designated Representative, one individual director, one shareholder, and one company secretary. You would need a local Hong Kong registered address.
How does East river open a company in Hong Kong?
First, we check that the name you’ve chosen for your business is available. Next you send us your passport copy and details on other directors and shareholders (if any). We prepare all the necessary documents, send them to you for electronic signature, and submit them to Companies Registry (a government entity that registers companies). We then register your company with the Inland Revenue Department which issues the Business Registration Certificate. On your end, it’s just a message thread in a secure chat.
What documents are required for company registration in Hong Kong?
You would need company registration documents to set up a Hong Kong company. Wondering what is a company registration document? This includes the Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Association of your company. You would also need identification documents of your company’s shareholders and directors.
What is a Business Registration Certificate?
Business Registration Certificate is a document that every Hong Kong business must have. It specifies all the details of your company. It is issued by the Inland Revenue Department of Hong Kong usually for 1 year and has to be renewed annually.
How do I get a Business Registration Certificate (BRC)?
To get a BRC, you have to apply to the Business Registration Office,complete form IRBR 37, and pay a HK$27 fee. If you employ East river to do that for you, the fee is included in the package.
After you’ve registered a company, you have 30 days to procure BRC.
What is a General Employment Visa?
It’s a type of working visa sponsored by a specific company so it can invite foreign professionals. It allows you to work exclusively for that company and come to Hong Kong. Its duration is determined by the length of the contract.
What are the requirements to get a General Employment Visa?
First, you need to have an offer of employment to fill a genuine vacancy. Second, you need to qualify for the job, which means your background, experience, and education should fit the requirements. Normally, the officials look for a first degree in the relevant field. Third, the salary you get should be about HK $40,000-$75,000. Finally, you must have a clean criminal record to be cleared by the security.
Are incorporation fees tax deductible?
In Hong Kong, expenses have to be incurred in the production of chargeable profits to be tax deductible. That means you had to spend the money to make sales. As such, expenses related to incorporating a company are tax deductible. Our accountants can advise you on how to file taxes correctly.
How do I check my company registration number?
Refer to your Certificate of Incorporation. You can find the company registration number at the top left corner of your Certificate of Incorporation. This number is unique to each company. It represents your company in official documents and business records.
