OCTIS vs best business account for a Hong Kong company with overseas owners
Directors and shareholders who live abroad: who accepts them, how long it takes and what you give up.
Last checked · 7 sources
Otty's short answer
If your directors live outside Hong Kong, fintech accounts are the practical start. Airwallex, Statrys and Aspire onboard online, in days, and do not require a Hong Kong ID. Traditional banks take 4 to 12 weeks for overseas-owned companies and often a director visit. Virtual banks require Hong Kong ID holders as owners. Fintech accounts are not banks, so there is no deposit protection.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Airwallex | Statrys | Aspire | Wise Business | Traditional banks | Virtual banks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Remote opening | Owners can live anywhere; account via licensed partners | Fully online | Fully online | Online | Online; details not published | Often needs a visit | Online |
| Hong Kong ID needed | Directors and shareholders can live anywhere; account subject to partner approval | No (passport) | Passport or ID | No (passport) | Not published | No, but strict checks | Yes, all owners |
| Typical time | Set up through licensed partners alongside your incorporation | As fast as 48 hours | 85% within 3 days | As little as 1 day | Not published | 4 to 12 weeks | About 1 to 3 weeks |
| Opening fee | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | HK$0 | HK$0 | Not listed | HK$199 | HK$1,000 to HK$11,000 | Often HK$0 |
| Monthly fee | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | HK$0 (Explore) | HK$0 | HK$0 (Basic) | None | HK$100 to HK$450 | Often HK$0 |
| Minimum balance | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | None | None | None | Not published | HK$50,000+ for fee waiver | Often none |
| Company types accepted | Hong Kong company | Not published | HK, Singapore, BVI | Not published | Not published | HK and overseas, higher fee | Single-layer HK companies |
| Company cards | Corporate card via licensed partners | Yes | Virtual and physical | Yes, with cashback | Debit card | Varies | Limited |
| FX markup | Set by our licensed partner; quoted before you commit | From 0.2% | From 0.1% | From 0.18% | From 0.23% | Bank rate; not published | Varies |
| Regulator | OCTIS is not a bank; partners are licensed | MSO, Customs and Excise | MSO, Customs and Excise | MSO, Customs and Excise | MSO, Customs and Excise | HKMA licensed bank | HKMA licensed bank |
| Deposit protection | OCTIS is not a bank | No | No | No | No | Up to HK$800,000 | Up to HK$800,000 |
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.
Which one fits you
OCTIS · Hong Kong company + OCTIS global plan
Choose OCTIS if your owners live overseas and you want the company, an international account through licensed partners and CRM set up by one team.
Airwallex
Choose Airwallex if you need cards, collections and fast approval without a Hong Kong ID.
Statrys
Choose Statrys if you want a named account manager and low FX, and your company is registered in Hong Kong, Singapore or the BVI.
Aspire
Choose Aspire if you want cashback cards and a free plan, and confirm eligibility for your company type.
Wise Business
Choose Wise Business if you mainly send and receive money in many currencies and accept a HK$199 opening fee.
Traditional banks
Choose a traditional bank if you need deposit protection and lending, and can wait weeks and possibly visit once.
Virtual banks
Choose a virtual bank only if every owner holds a Hong Kong ID.
What the table does not show
Why fintech accounts suit overseas owners
Airwallex, Statrys and Aspire onboard online with passport-based identity checks and do not require a Hong Kong ID or an in-person visit. Sleek says Airwallex and Aspire accept a passport and no Hong Kong residency. Statrys serves companies registered in Hong Kong, Singapore and the BVI. All three hold Hong Kong money service operator licences, not banking licences, so deposit protection does not apply.
What traditional banks ask of overseas owners
A 2026 WorldFirst guide says banks want certified corporate documents, ID and proof of address for directors and 25%-plus owners, audited accounts or a business plan, and a clear reason for a Hong Kong account. Some require a director to attend in Hong Kong. DBS does not allow remote opening for overseas companies. Reported timelines are 4 to 12 weeks. HSBC lists an HK$11,000 fee for overseas companies.
A practical setup
Many overseas-owned companies open a fintech account first to start trading, then apply for a bank account in parallel for deposit protection and credit. Compliance rules also apply regardless of provider: every account runs identity, source-of-funds and business-purpose checks, and none can promise approval. A Hong Kong company needs a real business purpose and the records to show it.
Where OCTIS fits
An overseas-owned Hong Kong company still has to file profits tax and keep books. OCTIS sets up Hong Kong companies, acts as company secretary, keeps the accounts, files profits tax and coordinates audit by a Hong Kong CPA practice, whichever account you use. OCTIS is not a bank, does not hold your money and has no partnership with any provider here. Ask about 10–30% off your current bill.
Frequently asked questions
Can a non-resident open a Hong Kong company bank account?
Yes, but the route matters. Fintech accounts such as Airwallex, Statrys and Aspire open online. Traditional banks take 4 to 12 weeks for overseas-owned companies and may need a visit. Virtual banks require Hong Kong ID holders.
Do I need to visit Hong Kong to open a business account?
Not for the fintech accounts. Some traditional banks accept video interviews, and others require a director in person. DBS does not allow remote opening for overseas companies, per a 2026 WorldFirst guide.
Which Hong Kong business account is fastest to open?
Airwallex states approval can take as little as 48 hours and Aspire says as little as one business day. Statrys says 85% of businesses open within three days. Traditional banks are slower, especially for overseas owners.
Are fintech business accounts safe?
Airwallex, Statrys, Aspire and Wise hold Hong Kong money service operator licences from the Customs and Excise Department. They are not banks, so balances are not covered by the Deposit Protection Scheme. Many companies keep a bank account for the main buffer.
Can a company with a corporate shareholder open an account?
It is harder. HSBC's online route excludes corporate shareholders, and virtual banks often ask for single-layer ownership. Fintech providers and branch applications handle layered structures with extra documents and longer review.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.