In Hong Kong most companies are incorporated as private limited companies (limited by shares). The following are the basic requirements for forming a company in Hong Kong.
• Any individual or business entity may incorporate a Hong Kong company
• Minimum one shareholder who can be a local or foreigner. A shareholder must be above 18 years of age.
• Minimum one director who can be a local or a foreigner. A director must be above 18 years of age.
• The shareholder and the director can be the same person.
• There is no minimum share capital requirement. However, the general norm for is to have a authorized share capital of HKD 10,000 represented by 10,000 ordinary shares of HKD 1.00 each. The minimum issued/paid-up capital is usually 1 share of HKD 1.00.
• Must have a local registered address (P.O.Box not allowed)
• Must have a company secretary. The secretary, if an individual, must ordinarily reside in Hong Kong; or if a body corporate, must have its registered office or a place of business in Hong Kong. Sole shareholder and director cannot also act as company secretary.
• A name approval is required prior to company registration. Names must not be:
o same as or similar to a name appearing in the Companies Registry's 'Index of Company Names'
o infringe on trademarks
o be offensive or otherwise contrary to public interest
o a combination of English words/letters and Chinese characters