🏢 Hong Kong Business Launch Checklist (2025 Guide)

A step-by-step guide to starting your company with clarity & compliance

By M1615 Limited

✅ Step 1: Decide Your Business Structure

☐ Choose between Limited Company or Sole Proprietorship/Partnership

☐ Confirm if you need a Hong Kong company or can operate via an overseas entity

☐ Evaluate offshore advantages vs. local compliance requirements

✅ Step 2: Company Incorporation

☐ Select a unique company name (English and/or Chinese)

☐ Prepare Articles of Association

☐ Appoint Directors & Shareholders (at least 1 director, can be non-HK resident)

☐ Decide Share Capital structure

☐ Engage a TCSP-licensed firm (like M1615) for registration with Companies Registry

✅ Step 3: Compliance & Legal Setup

☐ Apply for Business Registration Certificate (BRC)

☐ Register your Registered Office Address in HK

☐ Appoint a Company Secretary (must be HK resident or licensed firm)

☐ Maintain Statutory Registers & Annual Returns

☐ Understand ongoing compliance (filings, annual audit, tax returns)

✅ Step 4: Banking & Finance

☐ Open a Corporate Bank Account (HSBC, DBS, ZA Bank, etc.)

☐ Set up FPS / PayMe / AlipayHK for local payments

☐ Explore Accounting Software (Xero, QuickBooks, Invoice Ninja, etc.)

☐ Appoint an Auditor (mandatory for limited companies)

✅ Step 5: Tax & Employment

☐ Register with Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for profits tax

☐ Understand two-tier tax rate (8.25% up to HKD 2M profits, then 16.5%)

☐ f hiring staff: enroll in MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund)

☐ Draft Employment Contracts with HK-compliant terms

✅ Step 6: Operations & Growth

☐ Apply for any industry-specific licenses (F&B, education, finance, etc.)

☐ Set up Insurance (public liability, employees’ compensation, medical)

☐ Develop Website & Online Presence (M1615 can guide)

☐ Build Bookkeeping & Reporting System for investors/tax purposes

✅ Step 7: Compliance Foundation

☐ Define your Business Purpose & Values

☐ Establish Transparency & Integrity Standards

☐ Commit to Fair Practices with staff, clients, and partners

📌 M1615 Pro Tip:

Starting a business in Hong Kong is straightforward, but staying compliant and sustainable requires foresight. Most failures happen after incorporation because of neglected filings, weak accounting, or unclear ownership structures.

💡 Next Step:

👉 Book a free 30-minute Clarity Call with M1615 to review your launch plan.