Checklist for Starting Up a Hong Kong Business

Why Hong Kong?

1. Business-Friendly Environment: Ranked among the top globally for ease of doing business, with a transparent legal system, low bureaucracy, and an English-prevalent marketplace.

2. Tax Advantages: No VAT, no capital gains tax, and a two-tier profits tax system—8.25% on the first HKD 2 million, then 16.5% thereafter.

3. Gateway to Asia: Its proximity to Mainland China and strong international ties make it a strategic hub for regional expansion.

Checklist No. 1 - Company Formation

1. Choose a Business Structure: Most entrepreneurs go with a Private Limited Company—it offers limited liability, credibility, and tax advantages. But if you're testing the waters, a sole proprietorship might be simpler to start with.

2. Pick a Company Name: Pick a unique name and check availability at the Companies Registry.

3. Prepare Incorporation Documents: Including Articles of Association, ID proof, registered address, etc.

4. Submit to Companies Registry: Online or via a local agency, submit to the Companies Registry and get your Business Registration Certificate. You’ll receive your Business Registration Certificate within days.

5. Appoint Key Roles: At least one director, a company secretary (must be a HK resident or company), and a designated representative.

6. Set Up a Registered Office: You’ll need a local registered address. If you don’t have a physical office yet, virtual office services are a popular workaround.

7. Open a Business Bank Account: This can take time due to compliance checks. Some banks are more startup-friendly than others—so it’s worth comparing. Prepare your business plan, incorporation docs and address proof.

8. Apply for Required Licenses: Depending on your industry—like food, finance, or education—you may need special permits. The GovHK Business Licence Information Service is a great place to check.

9. Hire and Comply with Employment Laws: Understand local labour laws, MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund) contributions, and employment contracts.

10. Stay Compliant Year-Round: Annual returns, audits, and tax filings are mandatory. Many SMEs use company secretarial services to stay on track.

Checklist No. 2 - Website & Domain Setup

1. Register a .hk Domain Name: This is Hong Kong’s official country-code top-level domain (ccTLD), managed by the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation (HKIRC). It signals local credibility and is ideal for businesses targeting the Hong Kong market. 

2. Choose the Right Extension: You can register domains like .com.hk (for commercial entities), .org.hk (for non-profits), or .edu.hk (for educational institutions). Chinese character domains are also available if you want to appeal to a local audience. 

3. Register Through Accredited Registrars: Only authorised registrars can issue .hk domains. Some also offer bundled services like hosting, email, and web design.

4. Build a Professional Website: A clean, mobile-friendly site builds trust. Consider hiring a local agency or using a platform such as Wix, Shopify or WordPress with Hong Kong-specific templates. If you’re not ready to build a full site, start with a landing page and a professional email address using your domain (e.g., info@yourcompany.hk). It’s a small step that makes a big impression. 

5. Bilingual Content: Offering both English and Traditional Chinese versions helps you reach a broader audience; Simplified Chinese is also very common for reaching the Mainland China audience. 

6. SEO for Hong Kong: Use local keywords and register your business with Google and Baidu Maps to improve visibility. 

7. Compliance: Make sure your site includes a privacy policy, terms of use, and complies with Hong Kong’s Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.

8. Secure Professional Email Addresses: Using your domain (e.g., info@yourcompany.hk) builds trust and brand coherence. Avoid free email providers (like Gmail or Yahoo) for business use—they can look unprofessional. Enable security features, such as SSL encryption and spam & virus filtering.

Checklist No. 3 - Digital & Social Media Setup

1. SEO and SEM: Optimise your website to rank higher in unpaid (organic) search results on Google and other engines. If financially allowed, run paid ads on search engines (especially Google Ads) to appear at the top of search results. Ads are also common on social media platforms, so make sure you know which platform(s) your target customers use most.

2. Choose from the Most Effective Local Social Media Channels: Facebook & Instagram – Great for B2C engagement, ads, and community building. LinkedIn – Ideal for B2B networking and thought leadership. YouTube – Popular for product demos, lifestyle content, and influencer marketing. WhatsApp & WeChat – WhatsApp is essential for customer service and CRM in Hong Kong, while WeChat being a must-have for reaching the cross-border markets.

3. Create a Content Calendar: Check stats for the best posting timing for different social media platforms. Plan posts around product launches, holidays, and local events. Use a mix of formats—images, videos, carousels and polls—to keep your audience engaged.

4. Track & Optimise: Use tools like Meta Business Suite, Google Analytics, and local insights to measure performance. Adjust your strategy based on what resonates.

 Final Tips

1. Government Support: Look into the SME Export Marketing Fund, BUD Fund, or Cyberport Incubation Programme for funding and support.

2. Think Long-term: Consider how your Hong Kong entity can support expansion into the Greater Bay Area or Southeast Asia, and get prepared for scaling up your office (or virtual), website, social media, etc.

3. Use a Professional Agency: If you’re overseas or want to save time, agencies can handle everything from registration to accounting, from branding to marketing. They can expedite setup and navigate red tape.