How do I register an overseas company in Hong Kong (Part 16, registered non-Hong Kong company)?
An overseas company that establishes a place of business in Hong Kong must register with the Companies Registry within one month on Form NN1. You file certified copies of its constitution, incorporation certificate and latest accounts, plus the business registration notice. The fee is HK$1,545 online or HK$1,720 on paper.
When Within one month after setting up a place of business in Hong Kong (s.776, Part 16 of Cap. 622). Failing to apply is an offence for the company, its responsible persons and any agent who permits it: a fine of HK$50,000 plus HK$1,000 for each day it continues.
What to file
- Form NN1 with the company name, principal place of business in Hong Kong, particulars of directors and secretary, and the authorised representative.
- Certified copies (certified by a person listed in s.775, such as a notary, lawyer, accountant or company officer) of the constitution (charter, statutes or memorandum and articles).
- Certificate of incorporation or equivalent.
- Latest published accounts.
- IRBR2 (Notice to Business Registration Office).
- Certified English or Chinese translations where documents are in another language.
Authorised representative Someone who can accept service of process in Hong Kong: an individual resident in Hong Kong, a firm of solicitors, a solicitor corporation, or a CPA firm or corporate practice.
Fees HK$1,545 online or HK$1,720 hard copy. If the business is not already registered, the business registration fee and levy are also payable with IRBR2.
Identification Since 27 December 2023, the 8-digit business registration number identifies the company.
Afterwards The company has ongoing filing duties such as an annual return; see the next question.
A branch is not a separate legal entity from the overseas parent.
Legal basis
- Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), s.775
- Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), s.776
- Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), s.777
Sources
Applies to 2026 · Last reviewed 29 October 2026
General information for business owners, not legal, tax or professional advice. Rules change, so check the sources or ask a licensed professional before you act.
Related questions
- Should an overseas company set up a branch, a representative office or a Hong Kong subsidiary?A branch is the overseas company itself trading in Hong Kong and must register as a non-Hong Kong company within one month. A representative office can only liaise or research, not trade for profit. A subsidiary is a separate Hong Kong company that ring-fences liability.
- How long does it take to incorporate a company in Hong Kong?A straightforward company filed online can normally be incorporated within about one hour if the name needs no extra approval. A paper application usually takes about four working days. Opening a bank account is typically the slower step.
- Can a foreigner or non-resident be a director of a Hong Kong company?Yes. The Companies Ordinance has no residency or nationality requirement for directors, and a non-resident can be the only director. Being a director does not by itself give any right to live or work in Hong Kong, which is a separate immigration question.
- Can a foreigner set up a company in Hong Kong, and what is required?Yes. Hong Kong has no nationality or residency requirement for shareholders or directors. The company needs at least one director who is an individual, a company secretary based in Hong Kong, a Hong Kong registered office, and business registration. A visa to live or work in Hong Kong is a separate matter.
- Why is opening a bank account for a new Hong Kong company difficult, and what do banks ask for?Banks must carry out customer due diligence under anti-money-laundering rules, so they ask who owns and controls the company and what it will do. New companies with non-resident owners or no trading history often face extra questions. The HKMA says banks should not reject applicants just for being offshore or a start-up.