OCTIS vs registering a Hong Kong company yourself or through an agent
The Companies Registry lets you file online. Here is what an agent fee buys.
Last checked · 5 sources
Otty's short answer
You can register a Hong Kong private limited company yourself online. The government fees are HK$1,545 to incorporate plus HK$2,350 for a one-year business registration certificate, HK$3,895 in total. The Registry says a straightforward application can be incorporated within about an hour. An agent charges on top for the forms, a company secretary and a registered address, which you need either way.
Side by side
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| What matters | OCTISHong Kong company + OCTIS global plan | Companies Registry e-Registry (do it yourself) | Incorporation agent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registry incorporation fee (online) | OCTIS files with the Companies Registry; at least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee) | HK$1,545 | HK$1,545, paid through the agent |
| Business registration, 1-year certificate (from 1 April 2026) | Registered with incorporation and kept renewed | HK$2,350 (HK$2,200 fee plus HK$150 levy) | HK$2,350, applied for with incorporation |
| Service fee on top | At least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee) | HK$0 | Set by each agent; ask for a written quote |
| Company secretary (must live in Hong Kong) | Licensed company secretary through OCTIS's partner | You find one and name them in the application | Often offered as a package |
| Hong Kong registered address | Hong Kong registered address arranged | You supply one | Often offered as a package |
| Registry set-up | Not needed by you | Individual user account with e-Filing subscription | The agent usually files for you |
| Time to incorporate | Same registry route, filed by OCTIS | Normally within 1 hour if the name needs no review | Same registry timing, plus the agent's preparation |
| Director living abroad | Allowed, director can live anywhere | Allowed | Allowed |
| After incorporation: accounts, audit, profits tax | Bookkeeping, profits tax filing and audit coordination with an independent Hong Kong CPA | You arrange them | Extra services, quoted separately |
Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 11 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 you want a Hong Kong company on the OCTIS global plan, registered at least 10% below any qualifying quote and then run, with secretary, address, accounts and filings in one place.
Companies Registry e-Registry (do it yourself)
Do it yourself if you already have a Hong Kong resident secretary and a registered address, one or two directors and time to complete the online form. You save the agent fee.
Incorporation agent
Use an incorporation agent if you need a secretary and registered address, live abroad, or want the application, bank introduction and first filings handled in one engagement.
What the table does not show
What the Registry charges, and what it leaves to you
The Companies Registry charges HK$1,545 to incorporate a private company limited by shares online, or HK$1,720 on paper. An online application also counts as an application for business registration, and the Inland Revenue Department sets that fee separately: HK$2,200 plus a HK$150 levy for a one-year certificate that starts between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027. You name at least one director who is an individual, a company secretary and a shareholder in the form. An agent does not lower these government fees.
The secretary and the address are the real hurdle
A director may live outside Hong Kong, but the company secretary, if a natural person, should ordinarily live in Hong Kong, or the secretary can be a Hong Kong company. A sole director cannot also be the company secretary. Most overseas founders therefore need a licensed provider for the secretary and a Hong Kong address, which is the main reason people pay an agent even though the registry filing is simple.
After you are incorporated
A new company still has to keep accounts, file an annual return (HK$105 on time) and have its accounts audited unless it is dormant. If you have staff or premises in another country, local registration and tax still apply; OCTIS can help arrange it.
Where OCTIS fits
Registering is one afternoon. Running the company is the next ten years. Whether you file with the Registry yourself or use an agent, OCTIS can register the company, act as secretary through a licensed partner, provide the registered address, keep the books, file profits tax and coordinate the audit, which an independent licensed Hong Kong CPA signs. If you already pay for these, send us your bill or a written quote: OCTIS aims for 10–30% off it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I register a Hong Kong company myself without an agent?
Yes. Register as an individual user of the Companies Registry's e-Services Portal, subscribe to e-Filing, complete the incorporation form and pay online. You still need a company secretary who ordinarily lives in Hong Kong and a registered office.
How much does it cost to register a Hong Kong company yourself?
Government fees are HK$1,545 to incorporate online plus HK$2,350 for a one-year business registration certificate (HK$2,200 fee and HK$150 levy), HK$3,895 in total. A secretary, address and any agent fee are extra.
How long does Hong Kong company registration take?
The Registry says a private company limited by shares can normally be incorporated electronically within about 1 hour if the name needs no further review. Hard-copy applications usually take longer.
Do I need a Hong Kong resident to register a company?
Not as a director or shareholder, since a non-resident can be appointed. The company secretary should ordinarily live in Hong Kong or be a Hong Kong company, and the sole director cannot be the secretary.
Does a new Hong Kong company need an audit?
Yes, audit of financial statements applies to all companies except dormant ones. An independent licensed auditor signs the audit; neither an agent nor OCTIS replaces it.
Sources
Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.
- Companies Registry: major fees (HK$1,545 online, HK$1,720 paper, annual return HK$105)
- Inland Revenue Department: Business Registration Fee and Levy Table
- Companies Registry: FAQs on electronic company incorporation and business registration
- Companies Registry: directors and company secretary FAQ
- Companies Registry: accounts and audit FAQ