The first step is to choose the type of company and its name. It may be a company limited by shares, where the liability of the partners is limited by the articles to the amount outstanding on the shares respectively held by them, or a company limited by guarantee, where there is no share capital and the liability of the partners is limited by the articles to the amount which the partners respectively undertake to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of its liquidation. Then, the company name must be chosen (see the corresponding article).
You must then submit the application. This implies submitting the documents (NNC1 or NNC1G, copy of articles of incorporation, RIBR1) by paying the applicable fees, either electronically or via the mobile application “e-Registry” or “CR eFiling”, or by post.
The last step is the collection of certificates. If the application is approved, you will retrieve the certificates of incorporation and registration of the company in electronic or paper form, depending on the application. If the application is issued in electronic form: for private companies limited by shares they will normally be issued within one hour. Otherwise, in paper form for companies limited by shares, there is normally a time limit of 4 working days. They are to be collected in person at the Registrary upon presentation of the withdrawal notice and the company identification document. If the withdrawal is not made in person, a written power of attorney must be provided together with the identification document referred to in the power of attorney.
Finally, if necessary, you will need to obtain other licenses or permits. On the website of the Trade and Industry Department, you will find the necessary information to obtain certificates and approvals for business operations in Hong Kong.
