Company formation fees in Hong Kong total HKD 3,895 in government fees for 2026 when you file electronically: HKD 1,545 to the Companies Registry and HKD 2,350 for a one-year Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). Professional service fees are charged separately and vary by provider.
Understanding Company Formation Costs in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is widely regarded as a straightforward and cost-efficient jurisdiction for company formation.
However, businesses establishing a company in Hong Kong should distinguish between:
- Government fees (mandatory statutory costs)
- Professional service fees (which vary by provider)
This guide covers company formation fees in Hong Kong in 2026, focusing on official government fees helping businesses understand the baseline cost of incorporation.
Hong Kong company formation fees at a glance (2026):
| Government fee | Paid to | Electronic | Paper |
| Incorporation fee (private company limited by shares) | Companies Registry |
HKD 1,545 |
HKD 1,720 |
| Business Registration Certificate, 1-year (HKD 2,200 fee + HKD 150 levy) | Inland Revenue Dept | HKD 2,350 | HKD 2,350 |
| Total government fees | HKD 3,895 | HKD 4,070 |
Key Government Fees for Company Formation in Hong Kong
When incorporating a company in Hong Kong, there are two primary government charges to consider.
Companies Registry Incorporation Fee
The Companies Registry charges a fee for incorporating a local company.
For a private company limited by shares, this is typically:
- HKD 1,545 for incorporation (electronic submission)
- HKD 1,720 for incorporation (paper submission)
These fees apply to the submission of incorporation documents, including the incorporation form and articles of association.
SOURCE: Companies Registry – Incorporation Forms and Fees
Business Registration Certificate
In addition to incorporation, every Hong Kong company must obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department.
The fee is typically: HKD 2,350 for a one-year certificate (HKD 2,200 fee + HKD 150 levy) from 1 April 2026.
The Business Registration fee is set by the Inland Revenue Department and may vary depending on government concessions and levy adjustments.
From time to time, the Hong Kong government provides fee waivers or concessions, which may reduce this amount.
Businesses should refer to the latest IRD fee schedule at the time of incorporation.
How Much Does It Cost to Incorporate a Company in Hong Kong?
Based on standard fees, the typical government cost to incorporate a company in Hong Kong is:
- Incorporation fee: HKD 1,545 (electronic)
- Business registration fee: HKD 2,350
Estimated total: approximately HKD 3,895, based on standard government fees (subject to adjustment depending on Business Registration fee concessions)
This represents the baseline statutory cost and does not include any professional or advisory fees.
Other Government Costs to Consider
While the core incorporation fees are relatively fixed, businesses may encounter additional statutory costs depending on their structure or requirements.
These may include:
- Certified copies or document fees from the Companies Registry
- Name search or document re-submission fees if changes are required
- Business Registration Certificate renewals (annual or multi-year)
While these costs are typically minor, they should be factored into overall planning.
Do Hong Kong Company Formation Fees Change?
Government fees in Hong Kong are generally stable, but may be updated through:
- Annual budget announcements
- Regulatory adjustments
- Temporary fee concessions or waivers
For example, Business Registration fees have historically been subject to temporary reductions or waivers as part of economic support measures.
Businesses should confirm the latest fee schedule at the time of incorporation.
What These Fees Do Not Include
It is important to distinguish government fees from the broader cost of setting up and maintaining a company.
Government fees do not include:
- Company secretarial services
- Registered office services
- Director or shareholder support services
- Accounting, audit or tax compliance services
These services are typically provided by professional firms and vary depending on the provider and scope of support.
Practical Considerations for Businesses
When planning for company formation in Hong Kong, businesses should:
- Budget separately for government fees and professional services
- Confirm current fee levels before submission
- Ensure all documentation is accurate to avoid re-submission costs
- Consider ongoing compliance costs beyond incorporation
A clear understanding of statutory fees helps businesses plan more effectively and avoid unexpected costs during setup.
Ascentium’s Approach to Company Incorporation in Hong Kong
Ascentium supports businesses with company formation and incorporation in Hong Kong as part of a broader corporate services offering.
Our specialists assist with:
- Company name availability and structure planning
- Preparation and submission of incorporation documents
- Business Registration Certificate applications
- Company secretarial setup and ongoing compliance
- Coordination of post-incorporation requirements
For businesses entering Hong Kong, a structured incorporation process helps ensure a smooth setup and compliance from the outset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Government fees total HKD 3,895 in 2026 with electronic filing: HKD 1,545 to the Companies Registry and HKD 2,350 for a one-year Business Registration Certificate. Paper filing brings the total to HKD 4,070. Professional fees are extra.
No. Both core fees are published by the Companies Registry and the IRD. Extra costs only arise in specific cases, such as certified copies, name search or re-submission fees, and certificate renewals.
The Business Registration fee and levy are set per financial year and can change with the Budget. The HKD 150 levy was waived until 31 March 2026 and applies again from 1 April 2026. Companies Registry fees change less often.
Yes. The Business Registration Certificate must be renewed when it expires. You can choose a one-year certificate (HKD 2,350 in 2026/27) or a three-year certificate (HKD 6,170).
