Before applying for any of the business accounts listed below, you must first have an incorporated Hong Kong company. Financial institutions and payment gateways require official company registration documents (such as the Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate) to complete legal compliance and KYC (Know Your Customer) checks.
Incorporating a Hong Kong company through Startupr gives founders direct access to fully digital and traditional banking solutions. Startupr assists directly with application setups for Airwallex and DBS, while providing step-by-step guidelines for Stripe, PayPal, and Wise upon incorporation.
Why Incorporate in Hong Kong with Startupr?
Hong Kong remains a global financial hub offering a low tax burden, zero VAT, a simple tax system, and strategic access to Asian and global markets. Non-resident entrepreneurs can operate a 100% foreign-owned private limited company without local residency constraints.
When registering your business, Startupr streamlines incorporation online:
- Online Incorporation Options: Regular incorporation starting at USD $699 & Expedited 24-hour setup for an additional USD $200.
- Included Mandatory Requirements: Access to a local Hong Kong registered address and local Company Secretary services.
- Founder Incentives: Exclusive $136 OFF launch discount to support new entrepreneurs. (USD 699 is the net price after discount)
Business Account Solutions Supported by Startupr
1. DBS Hong Kong (Traditional & Hybrid Banking)
- What it offers: Full-service commercial banking providing multi-currency trade accounts, trade financing, credit facilities, and RMB trade settlement with international credibility.
- Opening Speed: Typically takes 2 to 4 weeks following document verification and video KYC completion.
- Required Documents:
- Passports and Residential Address Proof for all directors, signatories, and major shareholders (>10%).
- Official Company Formation Package (Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, NNC1 / NAR1).
- Business Experience Proof (e.g., existing company contracts, supplier invoices, audited financial reports, or detailed business plan).
- How Startupr Helps: Startupr handles the preliminary document pre-vetting, manages application submissions, and schedules remote video-conferencing KYC appointments so non-resident directors can complete verification without traveling to Hong Kong.
2. Airwallex (Digital Multi-Currency Account)
- What it offers: A 100% remote digital banking solution that allows businesses to hold, convert, and manage 20+ currencies with multi-currency collection accounts and international debit cards.
- Opening Speed: Priority compliance review takes 3 to 5 business days.
- Required Documents:
- Valid Passport and Proof of Residential Address for all Directors and Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBOs).
- Hong Kong Company Registration Documents (Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, Articles of Association, NNC1 form).
- Proof of Business Operations (e.g., invoices, contracts, website URL, or existing business bank statements).
- How Startupr Helps: Startupr provides direct application assistance, reviews your filing before submission, and unlocks an exclusive partner benefit: 0% margin and $0 fees on your first HK$100,000 in FX conversions.
3. Stripe Account (Global Online Payment Processing)
- What it offers: Industry-leading payment processing infrastructure for e-commerce, SaaS, and digital services to accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex) and local payment methods globally.
- Opening Speed: Account activation takes 1 to 3 business days upon document submission.
- Required Documents:
- Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate (BRC) and Certificate of Incorporation (CI).
- Personal Identity Document (Passport/ID) and address proof of the account administrator.
- Active Hong Kong business bank account details (or digital multi-currency account like Airwallex) for payouts.
- Active website showing clear terms of service, refund policies, and product listings.
- How Startupr Helps: Startupr equips you with a complete, certified company document package upon incorporation and delivers a dedicated Stripe Post-Incorporation Setup Guide to ensure your HK entity passes merchant verification smoothly.
4. PayPal Business Account (Merchant Gateway)
- What it offers: A globally recognized payment gateway that lets businesses send and receive online payments, issue invoices, and process credit cards across 200+ markets.
- Opening Speed: Full operational limit lifts take 3 to 5 business days after verification.
- Required Documents:
- Hong Kong Business Registration Number and official registered company address.
- Director’s Passport/ID and Proof of Address.
- Linked Hong Kong business bank account or recognized virtual bank account.
- How Startupr Helps: Startupr provides a direct introduction to a dedicated PayPal Sales Representative, supplies the PayPal Business Account Guide, and grants an exclusive partner perk: a 10% rebate on PayPal processing fees for the first 3 months.
5. Wise Business (International Money Transfers)
- What it offers: Transparent, mid-market exchange rate cross-border transfers and local multi-currency account details to pay foreign suppliers and receive international payments with low fees.
- Opening Speed: Verification generally takes 48 hours to 4 business days.
- Required Documents:
- Official Company Documents (Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, Articles of Association).
- Identity Proof (Passport) and Address Proof for company directors and shareholders owning 25% or more.
- Details regarding business activity and expected transaction volume.
- How Startupr Helps: Startupr provides certified true copies of your company registration documents required by Wise compliance, alongside step-by-step instructions to get your business account verified without delays.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Started
- Submit Incorporation Details: Fill out the online application with Startupr and provide required documents for all directors/shareholders.
- Receive Official Documents: Startupr registers your business with the Hong Kong Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department.
- Apply for Business Accounts:
- Airwallex & DBS: Startupr works directly with you to file applications and arrange necessary KYC appointments.
- PayPal & Wise, Stripe: Access your post-incorporation account setup guidelines to claim exclusive rebates and complete merchant verification.
Need assistance choosing the right banking pathway? Start your Hong Kong company with Startupr today and receive complete document support and tailored banking guidance.
