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2026.04.27
The number of Hong Kong company registrations has reached a record high, with a strong growth momentum in 2025
According to the latest data from the Companies Registry of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as of the end of 2025, the total number of local companies and companies that have undergone domicile transfer registered under the Companies Ordinance has surpassed 1.557 million, an increase of 96,600 compared to the previous year, representing a year-on-year growth of 6.6% and hitting a record high.
In 2025, the number of newly established local companies and relocated companies reached 195,300, marking a significant increase of 50,300 or 34.7% compared to the previous year, reflecting a notable boost in market activity.
Broken down by company type, by the end of 2025, the total number of private companies reached 1.5377 million, accounting for the absolute majority; the number of guarantee companies increased by 501 to 18,300; and the number of public companies increased by 74 to a total of 1,104.
It is noteworthy that since the implementation of the company domiciliation system in May 2025, the market has responded positively. By the end of the year, over 420 inquiries and 30 formal applications had been received, among which 6 non-Hong Kong legal entities (including one insurance company) originally registered in Luxembourg, the Cayman Islands, or Bermuda have successfully relocated their domicile to Hong Kong.
In addition, a total of 1,532 non-Hong Kong companies established new business locations in Hong Kong and completed registration in 2025. By the end of the year, the total number of registered non-Hong Kong companies had increased by 460, reaching a cumulative total of 15,600, demonstrating Hong Kong's continued attractiveness as an international business hub.
Why are companies flocking to Hong Kong?
The superior business environment, simple tax system, free market circulation, sound legal system, and international financial infrastructure continue to attract global investors. In particular, the in-depth promotion of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area construction has provided a more convenient channel for Hong Kong companies to connect with the vast mainland market, further stimulating the registration boom.
Registration is just the first step, and maintenance determines the future of the enterprise
Behind the thriving scene, many experts in the field of enterprise services have issued a reminder: successfully obtaining a company registration certificate is merely the starting point for a company's compliant operation. If subsequent maintenance is not in place, the company may face fines, legal risks, and even be forcibly removed, seriously affecting its reputation and future development.
Experts emphasize that the following five maintenance tasks are of utmost importance:
1. Annual return and renewal of business registration certificate
- Annual Return (NAR1): Private companies must submit it within 42 days after their anniversary date of establishment. Failure to do so will result in heavy fines and may even lead to the prosecution of the company and its directors.
- Business Registration Certificate (BR): It requires annual renewal and payment of fees. Even if the company is not operating temporarily, it must still be processed.
2. Accounting, auditing, and tax filing
- Regardless of whether a Hong Kong company is profitable or not, it must conduct annual accounting and auditing, and issue an audit report verified by a certified public accountant.
- The submission must be completed within the prescribed period stated on the profits tax return issued by the Inland Revenue Department, which is usually within one month after issuance.
3. Maintenance of Significant Controller Register (SCR)
- According to the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, all companies must keep a "Significant Controllers Register" at their registered office or designated location for inspection by law enforcement officers.
- This regulation aims to enhance the transparency of the beneficial ownership of companies, and failure to comply with the requirements for record-keeping will constitute a criminal offense.
4. Timely declaration of company information changes
- Any changes to the company's registered address, directors, shareholders, secretary, authorized share capital, and other structures must be submitted to the company registration office within the statutory period (usually within 15 days to 1 month after the change) by submitting the relevant forms.
- Ensuring the accuracy of government archival information is the foundation for avoiding legal disputes and smoothly handling banking and other business matters.
5. Business operation and bank account maintenance
- Ensure that the company maintains authentic records of its business activities and corresponding business documents (contracts, invoices, bills of lading, etc.).
- Bank accounts need to be kept active, comply with the bank's due diligence requirements, and update company information in a timely manner. Long-term inactive accounts may be closed, affecting the flow of corporate funds.
Hong Kong's convenient registration procedures have lowered the threshold for entrepreneurship. It is recommended that entrepreneurs establish a clear awareness of compliance from the outset of registration. If necessary, they can consult Shengsen Business. Our online customer service is free to answer all kinds of questions about Hong Kong companies. Welcome to consult.
Shengsen International Business
For over 10 years, Shengsen has been dedicated to providing one-stop services including Hong Kong company registration, account opening, annual review, audit and tax filing, ODI filing, changes, notarization and certification, as well as specialized and talented personnel services
Consultation hotline: 13692187795 [also available on vx]
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