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Opening a business bank account in Hong Kong can be a complicated and lengthy process, especially for SMEs and foreign companies. However, choosing the right business account and provider can simplify the process and streamline your operations.

Some factors to consider when opening a Hong Kong business bank account include the account features, fees and pricing, customer support, and how you would use the account.

Are you starting a new business in Hong Kong, or do you already have an established business you want to expand into Hong Kong and Asia?

Whatever the reason, opening a Hong Kong business account is essential to simplify your business operations, including facilitating local payments and cash management. However, with the many options, from local and international banks to virtual banks and banking alternatives, it might be challenging to find where to begin. 

In this article, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about opening a business account in Hong Kong, including the banking options, how long it takes to open an account, and how much it costs. We will also be looking at the factors to consider when choosing a business account to make your application process as simple as possible. 

Statrys mobile application dashboard showing a total balance in a business account.

What Are the Banking Options in Hong Kong?

With Hong Kong being one of the world’s leading financial hubs, your company has many business bank account options, from local and international traditional banks to virtual banks and non-bank alternatives.


Let’s look at each type:

  Who is it best for? Popular choices in Hong Kong 
Traditional Banks Best for established businesses and enterprises with substantial funds looking for comprehensive banking services. • HSBC
• OCBC Wing Hang
Bank of China (Hong Kong)
Standard Chartered
Virtual Banks Ideal for businesses interested in convenient, 24/7 banking services without needing physical branch visits. • ZA Bank
• Airstar Bank
Mox Bank
PingAn OneConnect Bank
Non-bank Alternatives Suitable for those seeking specialised financial services like foreign exchange, often with more flexibility and competitive fees. • Statrys
• Airwallex
Currenxie 

💡 Tip: Explore and compare different business accounts with our comparison guides. 

What to Consider When Opening a Business Account in Hong Kong?

There are several factors you should consider when opening a business account in Hong Kong, including:

  • Type of Bank or Provider: Choose between traditional banks with physical branches, virtual banks for online-only services, or financial service providers offering flexible, cost-effective options based on the nature of your business.
  • Eligibility: Some banks accept business account applications from offshore companies, though business owners and directors may need to be Hong Kong residents. Moreover, some banks may not provide corporate accounts for some types of business, such as sole proprietorship. 
  • Account Features: Depending on your business needs, features like accounting software integration, ATM access, or multi-user access may be essential to streamline your operations. You may also consider other services, such as business loans or payroll services.
  • Minimum Deposit Requirements: Some banks require you to make an initial deposit and maintain a specific minimum account balance.
  • Fees and Pricing: Assess the monthly account maintenance fees, transaction fees, and any other charges to ensure the cost structure fits your business’s budget and transaction volume. 
  • Customer Support: Evaluate the accessibility and availability of customer support, including languages supported, to ensure you can get timely and personalised assistance. 
  • Internet Banking Services: If you prefer digital convenience, ensure the bank offers comprehensive online banking services such as mobile apps, online payments, and real-time payment tracking. 
  • Your Business Operation: If your business deals with international transactions, consider a business account supporting multiple currencies besides HKD to facilitate global operations.

What Are the Required Documents to Open a Business Bank Account?

The documents you must prepare when opening a business account in Hong Kong depend on which bank or financial service provider you choose. Different banks in Hong Kong request varying supporting documents, while most non-bank alternatives may ask you to provide less paperwork.

Here are the commonly required documents you should prepare when applying for a business account in Hong Kong: 

  1. Account Application Form: The applicant must complete the form to initiate the account opening process. This form is typically available online and requires details about the company, account preferences, and authorised signatories.
  2. Board of Directors Resolution: An official written document that authorises opening a corporate account in the business’s name and designates an individual to manage the account opening process.
  3. Establishment Documents: Official documents verifying the lawful incorporation and registration of your company in Hong Kong or other jurisdictions, including the Certificate of Incorporation, a valid Business Registration Certificate, and the Articles of Association.
  4. Organisational Chart: A concise chart outlining the company’s shareholding and managerial structure, indicating the directors, shareholders, and ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs), along with their respective equity stakes. 
  5. ID Documents: Copies of photo identification documents, such as passport, Hong Kong identity card, or driver’s licence, of the directors, shareholders, and UBOs. 
  6. Proof of Residence: Recent proof of address in Hong Kong for directors, shareholders, and UBOs. This document should be dated at most three months.
  7. Business Plan: A brief business plan explaining the company’s operations, with projected expenses and revenues for the next 12 months. 
  8. Certificate of Incumbency (Certificate of Good Standing): A certificate outlining the management and ownership structure, confirming the company’s compliance and status.  This document is essential for offshore companies incorporated outside Hong Kong.

Most banks in Hong Kong provide an application form and a document checklist online for applicants to download. You can see some examples of the required documents on HSBC, Standard Chartered, Bank of China (Hong Kong), and Hang Seng Bank websites. 

💡 Important: Typically, required documents must be certified true copies, which a lawyer, a public notary, a certified public accountant, or a company secretary can do. However, since all these professionals will charge you a fee for their service, check with your banks beforehand to avoid unnecessary costs.

How to Open a Business Bank Account in Hong Kong 

Step 1 - Choose a Bank or Provider

To choose the best business account provider for your business, consider factors like the size of your company, the nature of your business, the account purpose, and the services offered by each provider.

For example, suppose you are an established SME looking for extensive banking services beyond holding deposits like loans or credit cards. In that case, you should look at business accounts offered by traditional banks, such as HSBC’s Business Integrated Account

On the other hand, if you are a startup with a lower budget or simply looking for a convenient way to make cross-border payments, banking alternatives like Statrys and Airwallex with foreign exchange services or virtual banks like ZA Bank are better choices for your needs.

🔍 Tip: Can’t decide? Take a short quiz to find the best business account for your needs.

Step 2 - Prepare the Supporting Documents

After choosing an account provider, the next step is to prepare the supporting documents. Typically, banks would provide a downloadable checklist to facilitate this process.

Step 3 - Submit Your Application or Make an Appointment

Although most banks in Hong Kong now offer online applications for eligible applicants, you may have to make an appointment to submit the documents in person, depending on the bank of your choice. 

Some banks may also require you to visit a branch for an interview with the bank representative. 

On the other hand, you can apply for a business account online and remotely with most banking alternatives that operate entirely online.

💡 Tip: Read our guide to learn more about how to open a Hong Kong bank account in 2024.

Step 4 - Activate Your Account

After your application is approved, you can access your new business account. Depending on your chosen bank or neobank, you may have to take additional steps to activate your account, such as setting up the mobile app or digital banking platform and adding funds. 

Statrys mobile application dashboard showing a total balance in a business account.

How Long Does It Take to Open a Business Bank Account in Hong Kong?

Opening a bank account in Hong Kong can take quite a bit of time. Depending on the bank, you can expect it to take several weeks before your business bank account is up and running.

Typically, you will have to make an appointment with a bank representative to submit the required documents. Then, your application will go through a review, where you might be asked to provide additional information or documents. This review could take up to months.

However, some banks like HSBC, DBS, and Hang Seng Bank offer business bank accounts designed for smaller businesses that could take as fast as 3 working days to open an account.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Business Bank Account in Hong Kong? 

The cost of opening a business bank account in Hong Kong widely varies depending on your chosen account plan and service provider. If you have settled for a business account with a bank, it can range broadly from HKD 10,000 to 100,000

The following are typical costs associated with business account opening in Hong Kong:

  • Account Opening Fee: A one-time charge by the bank for setting up a corporate account. Hong Kong companies typically have to pay around HKD 1,200, while the cost for offshore companies starts at around HKD 10,000. 
  • Company Search Fee: Some banks may charge additional fees of around HKD 150 to conduct due diligence and verify the company's registration and legal standing. 
  • Initial Deposit: The minimum amount required to be deposited to activate the new business account. This could be at least HKD 10,000 for corporate clients. 
  • Monthly Fee: A recurring charge for maintaining and operating the business account, which can vary based on the account type and bank, potentially being waived or costing around HKD 200 or more.
  • Inactive Account Fee: A fee charged on accounts that have not had any activity or transactions over a specified period.
  • Account Closure Fee: A fee that may be applied when closing the business account before a certain period, typically within 3 months.
  • Transaction Fees: Charges applied to certain types of transactions, such as international remittances, ATM withdrawals, FPS transfers, or wire transfers beyond the included service limits.

Why Is It Difficult to Open Business Bank Accounts in Hong Kong?

To combat money laundering and other criminal activities, almost every country has implemented strict compliance rules on banks, which are a set of guidelines that banks follow in order to avoid any criminal activity slipping into their operations.

These rules are commonly referred to as Know Your Customer (KYC) policies and Anti-Money Laundering Regulations (AML).

However, as these compliance rules get more strict and more complex every year, applying them is increasingly costly for banks. They also face the risk of multi-million dollar fines if something goes wrong.

In all, this means that SME business accounts have become less profitable for Hong Kong banks, so they are becoming less and less interested in serving your SME business needs.

This trend isn't specific to Hong Kong, yet Hong Kong has become one of the countries where it's most challenging to open business a corporate bank account. The HKMA has also said that it may be challenging for banks to perform any background checks for smaller companies, especially for start-ups.

For non-residents, opening a business account in Hong Kong can be even more challenging, including the necessity for in-person interviews at most banks and higher account opening fees compared to those for local companies.

 Alternative Solution: Statrys

If you are interested in a hassle-free way to open a business account in Hong Kong, consider Statrys.

Statrys is a licensed Money Service Operator in Hong Kong that provides financial solutions for global business growth, especially in Asia. The services include multi-currency business accounts that support 11 foreign currencies, Hong Kong and Singapore company incorporation, and dedicated customer support tailored for SME needs. 

Additionally, you can apply for a Statrys business account conveniently online and start using your new account in as fast as 3 working days. 

Statrys Services

Key Services Details
Multi-Currency Business Account Hold, receive, and send money in 11 currencies: USD, HKD, CNY, AUD, EUR, GBP, SGD, JPY, CHF, NZD, and CAD.
Business Account Opening Requirements Must be incorporated in Hong Kong, Singapore, or the BVI.
Monthly Fee HKD 88 (with a dedicated account manager)
Customer Support Channels Website, Live Chat, Email, Phone, WhatsApp, and WeChat
SWIFT Payments & Tracking yes
Local Payments Send local payments in 14 currencies: HKD, AUD, EUR, GBP, IDR, INR, KRW, PHP, SGD, THB, TRY, USD, and VND
Payment Cards Physical and virtual Mastercard® 
FX rate and Fee Competitive exchange rates (interbank rates) with FX fees as low as 0.1%
Xero Integration Yes
Free Invoicing Software Create, manage, and send invoices efficiently
Company Registration Service 100% online Hong Kong and Singapore company registration.
Trustpilot Score 4.7/5, based on 264 reviews
Statrys mobile application dashboard showing a total balance in a business account.

FAQs

Is It Possible to Open a Hong Kong Business Account Online?

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Yes, most banks offer remote sign-up options for companies registered in Hong Kong, while other alternatives like Statrys offer a 100% online and remote account application process for every company.

Which documents are required to open a business bank account in Hong Kong?

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Why is it difficult to open a business bank account in Hong Kong?

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Can I open a business account in Hong Kong online?

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Can I open a bank account without being in Hong Kong physically?

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How long does it take to open a business bank account in Hong Kong?

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