Hong Kong remains one of the top international business hubs in Asia, offering a favorable tax regime, strong financial infrastructure, and global connectivity. Whether you’re setting up a trading company, a holding structure, or a startup, one of the most essential steps is to open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong.
However, due to enhanced compliance requirements in recent years, the process can be complex without expert assistance. Below is a simplified guide to help you get started — and how Fidustria can ensure a smooth experience from start to finish.
Step 1: Register Your Company in Hong Kong
Before applying for a business account, your company must be fully incorporated. This is done through the Hong Kong Companies Registry, and the typical structure is a Private Limited Company.
You’ll receive the following key documents:
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Certificate of Incorporation
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Business Registration Certificate
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Articles of Association
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Register of Directors and Shareholders
Note: Without these documents, your banking application cannot proceed.
Fidustria ensures all documents are prepared, verified, and submitted in perfect order — eliminating delays and surprises.
Step 2: Select the Right Banking Option
In Hong Kong, you can choose from a wide range of local and international banks, including:
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HSBC Hong Kong
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Standard Chartered
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Bank of China (Hong Kong)
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Citibank
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DBS Bank
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Hang Seng Bank
Alternatively, you may consider EMIs or virtual banks such as Airwallex or Statrys, which offer faster onboarding and fewer requirements for certain business models.
At Fidustria, we assess your business profile and advise whether a traditional bank or a licensed EMI would better suit your timeline, activities, and operational needs.
Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents
To comply with Hong Kong’s strict KYC and AML policies, you will need to present a detailed set of documents, which may include:
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Corporate registration documents (as listed above)
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Passports and proof of address of directors, shareholders, and UBOs
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Business plan or a clear description of activities
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Proof of business (contracts, invoices, websites, etc.)
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Organizational chart (if part of a group)
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Source of funds and wealth declaration
Our team at Fidustria ensures your documents are certified, translated (if needed), and compiled correctly to avoid backlogs and account rejections.
Step 4: Attend the Bank Interview
Hong Kong banks require a mandatory in-person or virtual interview with company directors and/or shareholders. The purpose is to:
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Verify identities and residency status
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Understand the business model and expected transactions
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Assess compliance risks
Fidustria coordinates the entire process and, where possible, arranges remote onboarding to minimize travel and downtime.
Step 5: Receive Account Approval and Go Live
Once your file is approved, your company receives its account details and IBAN. You’ll then be able to:
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Fund the account with capital or operational funds
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Access internet banking
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Issue business debit or credit cards
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Conduct multi-currency transactions (HKD, USD, EUR, CNY, etc.)
Approval timelines vary by bank and company complexity, but typically range from 2 to 6 weeks.