How to Open a Corporate Bank Account in Hong Kong for a New Company

What banks usually ask for

• Certificate of incorporation, business registration certificate, articles, and the latest annual return or incorporation form.
• Identity and address documents for directors, shareholders and significant controllers.
• Explanation of the business model, customers, suppliers, countries involved and expected transaction volumes.
• Proof of source of funds and wealth, and sometimes contracts or invoices.

Why it feels hard

• Banks use a risk-based approach and may apply tighter checks to certain industries, countries or ownership structures.
• Start-ups often have no track record, and owners based overseas are harder to verify.
• Requirements differ between banks, some require a minimum deposit, and decisions are at the bank's discretion.

What the regulator says (HKMA)

• Account opening is generally by one authorised person; not every director must attend.
• There is no requirement for a Hong Kong business address, and an application should not be refused merely because the company is offshore.
• Start-ups and SMEs have no special rulebook, but banks should not apply one-size-fits-all demands or insist on unreasonable sales benchmarks.

Tips Prepare a short business description, keep documents consistent, and ask the bank about its list before applying. Banks may refuse without giving reasons.