Set Up a Hong Kong Unlimited Company — Service Fee $2,000, Same-Day Filing

To set up a Hong Kong unlimited company, you only need to apply for a Business Registration Certificate with the Inland Revenue Department’s Business Registration Office — no need to register with the Companies Registry. Sole proprietorships use Form 1(a), partnerships use Form 1(c), and the application must be filed within 1 month of commencing business. Alpha’s service fee is $2,000 (government Business Registration fee charged separately — HK$2,350 for a one-year certificate in 2026/27), and filing can be completed the same day with complete documents.

What Is an Unlimited Company?

An unlimited company is a business operated in the name of an individual (sole proprietorship) or multiple people (partnership) — you only need a Business Registration Certificate to start operating, with no need to incorporate. The advantages are fast setup, low cost, and no annual audit requirement; the trade-off is that the owner bears unlimited liability for business debts. Suitable for freelancers, small shops, online stores starting out, and family businesses.

Business Registration must be applied for within 1 month of starting business — late applications face a maximum penalty of $5,000 and 1 year's imprisonment.

Sole Proprietorship

A single owner runs the business with full authority. Profits are taxed under the two-tiered Profits Tax rates of 7.5%/15%, with the option of Personal Assessment for tax savings.

Partnership

2 to 20 partners run the business jointly, with each partner jointly and severally liable for business debts — a separate partnership agreement is recommended to clarify rights and responsibilities.

Unlimited Company Setup Fees

Alpha Service Fee

$2,000

Government Business Registration Fee (1-Year Certificate)

HK$2,350

Government Business Registration Fee (3-Year Certificate)

HK$6,170

Unlimited Company Setup Process

Three simple steps, filed the same day with complete documents:

Provide Information

Copies of the owner’s/partners’ ID cards, business name, business nature, and address.

Form Preparation

Form 1(a) for sole proprietorships, Form 1(c) for partnerships — Alpha completes and checks the forms on your behalf.

Submission and Certificate Collection

The Business Registration Certificate is issued the same day to within a few working days of submission, formally legalizing your business.

Unlimited Company vs. Limited Company

Item	Unlimited Company	Limited Company
Setup Cost	$2,000 + BR	$6,980 all-inclusive
Legal Liability	Owner has unlimited liability	Shareholders limited to share capital
Profits Tax	7.5%/15%	8.25%/16.5%
Annual Audit	Not required	Mandatory
Annual Return	Not required	Company secretary must file an Annual Return every year
Credibility and Financing	Weaker	More trusted by banks and major clients

As a business grows, needs to hire staff, sign major contracts, or apply for financing, most owners convert from an unlimited company to a limited company. Alpha can handle the conversion, allowing the existing business assets and brand to transition smoothly.

After Starting Up, Unlimited Companies Must Still Keep Books and File Taxes

Sole proprietorship profits are reported on the owner’s personal tax return (BIR60), while partnerships submit BIR52. Although an audit isn’t required, complete books and records must still be kept for 7 years. Alpha provides bookkeeping and tax filing services for unlimited companies, with personal tax filing starting from $1,800; if you need a business address, a virtual office service is also available.

Frequently Asked Questions About Setting Up an Unlimited Company

How much does it cost to set up an unlimited company?

Alpha’s service fee is $2,000, plus the government Business Registration fee (HK$2,350 for a one-year certificate in 2026/27). Eligible small businesses can apply for exemption from the Business Registration fee.

How long does it take to set up an unlimited company?

With complete documents, the application can be filed the same day, and the Business Registration Certificate is generally issued the same day to within a few working days.

Does an unlimited company need to file taxes?

Yes. Sole proprietorship profits are reported on the owner’s personal tax return (BIR60), while partnerships submit a Profits Tax return (BIR52) — but no audit report is required. Alpha provides tax filing services for unlimited companies.

Can non-Hong Kong residents set up an unlimited company?

Yes, but the non-local resident owner must appoint a Hong Kong resident as the business’s authorized representative (Form IRBR177). Alpha can help arrange this and handle the related documents.

Can an unlimited company convert to a limited company?

Yes. The usual approach is to first incorporate a new limited company, then transfer the business into the new company’s name and cancel the original Business Registration. Alpha can handle the entire process and documentation.

What happens if I don't apply for Business Registration within 1 month?

Anyone who fails to apply for Business Registration within 1 month of starting business is in breach of the law, with a maximum penalty of a $5,000 fine and 1 year’s imprisonment — don’t delay.