Understanding the full cost of registering and maintaining a Hong Kong company is essential for business planning. This guide provides a transparent, comprehensive breakdown of all fees โ from initial incorporation to ongoing annual compliance costs.
One-Time Government Fees (2026)
The following fees are payable to the Hong Kong government upon incorporation:
| Fee Item | Amount (HKD) | Amount (USD approx.) | |—|—|—| | Companies Registry โ Incorporation Fee | HK$1,720 | ~US$220 | | Business Registration Certificate (1 year) | HK$2,000 | ~US$256 | | Business Registration Certificate (3 years) | HK$5,200 | ~US$666 |Note: The Business Registration Certificate fee is waived for the first year for newly incorporated companies, as part of a government concession scheme (subject to annual budget announcements). Echo Olesen Global will advise on the current applicable fees at the time of your incorporation.
Professional Service Fees
In addition to government fees, you will need to engage a TCSP-licensed service provider for the following:
| Service | Typical Annual Cost (HKD) | |—|—| | Company incorporation (one-time) | HK$3,000 โ HK$6,000 | | Licensed company secretary (annual) | HK$3,000 โ HK$8,000 | | Registered office address (annual) | HK$1,500 โ HK$4,000 | | Annual Return (NAR1) filing | HK$500 โ HK$1,500 | | Accounting & bookkeeping (annual) | HK$6,000 โ HK$30,000+ | | Audit (annual, if required) | HK$8,000 โ HK$30,000+ | | Profits Tax Return filing | HK$2,000 โ HK$8,000 |Echo Olesen Global’s Incorporation Package
Echo Olesen Global offers transparent, all-inclusive incorporation packages for overseas entrepreneurs. Our packages include government fees, company secretary for the first year, registered office address, and all document preparation. See our pricing page for current package details.
Annual Ongoing Compliance Costs
After incorporation, every Hong Kong company must meet the following annual compliance requirements:
| Compliance Item | Government Fee | Professional Fee | |—|—|—| | Business Registration Certificate renewal | HK$2,000/year | Included in secretary service | | Annual Return (NAR1) filing | HK$105 | HK$500 โ HK$1,500 | | Annual General Meeting (or written resolution) | Nil | Included in secretary service | | Profits Tax Return filing | Nil | HK$2,000 โ HK$8,000 | | Statutory audit (if required) | Nil | HK$8,000 โ HK$30,000+ |Do All Hong Kong Companies Need an Audit?
Yes. All Hong Kong incorporated companies are required to have their financial statements audited by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) registered in Hong Kong, regardless of company size or whether the company has commenced business. The audit is required before filing the Profits Tax Return with the Inland Revenue Department.
Dormant Company Costs
If your Hong Kong company has not commenced business and has no transactions, it may qualify as a “dormant” company. Dormant companies still need to:
- Renew the Business Registration Certificate (HK$2,000/year)
- File an Annual Return (NAR1)
- Maintain a company secretary and registered office address
- File a Profits Tax Return (with a nil return)
The minimum annual cost to maintain a dormant Hong Kong company is approximately HK$8,000 โ HK$15,000 per year when using a professional service provider.
Total First-Year Cost Estimate
For a typical overseas entrepreneur registering a Hong Kong company with Echo Olesen Global, the total first-year cost (including government fees and professional services) typically ranges from HK$12,000 to HK$20,000 (approximately US$1,500 โ US$2,600), depending on the level of services required.
Conclusion
Hong Kong company registration is cost-effective compared to many other international jurisdictions. The key is to work with a TCSP-licensed provider who offers transparent, all-inclusive pricing โ avoiding hidden fees and ensuring full compliance from day one. Echo Olesen Global provides clear, upfront pricing with no hidden charges.
Official Sources & References
- Companies Registry โ Fee Scheduleโ Official government fee table for company incorporation and filings
- Inland Revenue Department โ Business Registration Feeโ Current Business Registration Certificate fee schedule
The Complete Hong Kong Company Setup Guide
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