Sole proprietorship and partnership registration
A sole proprietorship has one owner, while a partnership has two or more partners. Both operate through business registration without forming a separate limited company; the owner or partners remain personally responsible for business debts.
WeCorp prepares sole proprietorship and partnership registration applications and provides the Business Registration Certificate and a company round stamp.
What the HK$1,200 setup service includes
The service fee is HK$1,200, excluding government charges. The setup service includes:
- Preparation of the government business-registration application documents.
- The Business Registration Certificate.
- One company round stamp.
Bank account support, address services and subsequent accounting or tax work are available separately, with the scope and cost itemised as required.
Government charges and renewal costs
Government fees of HK$2,350 are payable separately from the HK$1,200 service fee.
Service fees, government charges and any address fees are itemised separately. Business registration renewals follow the certificate dates. Business particulars and income and expense records also need to be kept up to date.
Business structure and responsibility
The owner or ordinary partners bear unlimited personal liability for the business debts.
Business registration is different from incorporating a limited company and does not replace industry licences or permissions.
Information for business registration
Business name, nature, commencement date and Hong Kong business address. Sole proprietorships and partnerships must apply for business registration within one month of commencing business.
Identity documents and contact details of the proprietor or partners.
For a partnership, clarify responsibilities, profit sharing and exit arrangements, with legal advice where appropriate.
Application process and delivery
Processing takes about 7 days after complete documents are received. Expedited service can take as little as 1–2 working days, depending on documents and signing.
- Confirm the business: check the name, activities, start date, address and proprietor or partner details.
- Prepare and sign documents: use the applicable Form 1(a) for a sole proprietorship or Form 1(c) for a partnership.
- Payment and submission: confirm service and government fees. After payment, the client should provide the payment or deposit receipt for the submission process.
- Collection and delivery: deliver the Business Registration Certificate and one round stamp, and check the registration details.
Related services and insights
Limited companies, sole proprietorships and partnerships
Business structures differ in legal liability, ownership and administration. A limited company separates the entity from its shareholders, while sole proprietors and ordinary partners bear personal responsibility for business debts. Costs and ongoing filings also affect the choice.
Business registration and renewal
Business registration records the name, nature, address and operator of a business in Hong Kong. Keeping these particulars and the certificate up to date is part of running a business, including when it moves, changes its name or closes.
Tax filing services for sole proprietors and partnerships
Tax filing for sole proprietorships and partnerships starts with business income, expenses and profit records. Separating business and personal transactions, and recording each partner’s share of profits where applicable, helps establish the figures needed for the return.
Frequently asked questions
Does HK$1,200 include government charges?
HK$1,200 is the service fee, with government fees of HK$2,350 payable separately. Any other selected services are itemised in the quotation.
What is the difference between a sole proprietorship and a partnership?
A sole proprietorship has one owner; a partnership has multiple partners. Liability, profit allocation and management arrangements depend on the business.
How long does registration take?
About 7 days after complete documents are received. Expedited service can take as little as 1–2 working days. Additional records or signing can affect progress.
Does a Business Registration Certificate permit every activity?
Business registration does not replace industry licences. Regulated activities still require the relevant permissions and suitable premises.
Does the Business Registration Certificate need renewal?
Yes. Renewal follows the certificate’s validity period, with charges based on the applicable government fees and service required.
Service enquiries and quotes
Contact WeCorp by WhatsApp for service details, required documents and a quote.