Non-residents may set up and direct a Hong Kong company, and HKMA guidance sets out what a bank may and may not ask of an offshore-owned one.
Registry facts on non-resident ownership and the HKMA's stated position on offshore-owned company accounts.
The Companies Registry confirms that non-Hong Kong residents may set up a local limited company and may be appointed as directors.
The Registry suggests that people unfamiliar with incorporation may use local professional firms (for example solicitors, accountants or secretarial firms) to act for them.
A non-Hong Kong company that registers a place of business in Hong Kong must name an authorized representative to accept legal service; the Registry lists who can act: a Hong Kong-resident individual, a solicitor firm or corporation, or an accounting (CPA) firm or corporate practice.
Since 27 December 2023 the business registration number issued by the Inland Revenue Department serves as the unified identification number of companies on the Companies Registry's public register, replacing the former company number.
HKMA 2023 circular annex: where an overseas entity said it had no physical office in Hong Kong, a bank that still insisted on a Hong Kong office address fell short; banks are expected to take a reasonable, pragmatic and flexible approach to what information and documents they ask for.
HKMA FAQ: HKMA rules do not mandate a Hong Kong business address for a corporate customer. Banks must take reasonable measures to verify business address and should not insist on a single form of address proof.
HKMA FAQ: applications should not be rejected merely because the company is incorporated offshore or its directors or beneficial owners are non-residents; residence is one factor in risk profiling.
FAQ - Local Limited Companies - Incorporation — Companies Registry, HKSAR
FAQ - Documents relating to Directors / Company Secretary — Companies Registry, HKSAR
FAQ - Registered non-Hong Kong company — Companies Registry
HKMA circular 27 Apr 2023 - Annex: key observations and good practices — HKMA
Annex: Frequently Asked Questions on Customer Due Diligence (updated 25 May 2017) — Hong Kong Monetary Authority
Fact sheet last reviewed 2026-09-26. Jurisdiction rules are confirmed against the sources above; a provider's own requirements differ and are confirmed by the provider.
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HKMA 2023 circular annex: where an overseas entity said it had no physical office in Hong Kong, a bank that still insisted on a Hong Kong office address fell short; banks are expected to take a reasonable, pragmatic and flexible approach to what information and documents they ask for.
HKMA FAQ: applications should not be rejected merely because the company is incorporated offshore or its directors or beneficial owners are non-residents; residence is one factor in risk profiling.
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