A limited company is the most common and popular form for foreign companies to carry out business activities in Hong Kong.

Summarization of Legal Requirements of Hong Kong Companies

A Hong Kong company must have a minimum of one shareholder. They can either be individuals or companies whereby they are not required to be resident in Hong Kong. The maximum number of shareholders is limited to 50. The shareholder's liability of only limited to the paid-up capital of the company. There is no minimum requirement for authorised or paid-up capital of Hong Kong companies. A Hong Kong company must have a minimum of one director. They can also either be individuals or companies whereby they are not required to be resident in Hong Kong. A Company Secretary must be appointed, who is responsible to the Registrar of Companies for administrating the company’s statutory records. The Company Secretary can either be an individual or company but must be resident in Hong Kong.

The following documents and information must be registered with the Company Registry and are therefore available for public viewing:

- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Registered office address
- Capital (authorised and paid-up)
- Shareholders and their shareholding
- Directors
- Company Secretary

Procedure of Establishment of a Limited Hong Kong Company

The incorporation of a limited Hong Kong company takes approximately 3-4 weeks. Once the Company Registry issues the Certificate of Incorporation, a Business Registration Certificate must be obtained with a fee payable to the Business Registration Office. A personal presence in Hong Kong for the establishment of a Hong Kong company is not required and it is possible to buy non-active companies that have already been established. These companies are called "shelf companies". Klako Group provides a stock of shelf companies that are immediately available.