Neither Hong Kong company law nor pharmaceutical regulations set a specific minimum share capital for a company applying for a drug licence. The Hong Kong Companies Registry permits a company to be incorporated with very low share capital (for example, HKD 1). From a legal perspective, the amount of the company’s share capital will not directly determine whether the PPB Committee approves or refuses the application. However, in commercial practice and from the perspective of regulatory scrutiny, a company with a reasonable and robust capital structure is more likely to demonstrate its commitment to long-term operations and ability to withstand risks. Very low share capital may raise some concerns for reviewing officers when they assess whether the company is a fit and proper licence holder. Therefore, although there is no statutory minimum, it is prudent to set share capital at a reasonable level commensurate with the scale of your business.
HONG KONG DRUG LICENSING
Is there a minimum registered capital requirement when applying for a licence?
A complete explanation of the regulatory basis, Drew Tang’s recommendations and risk alerts. The original material dates from 2025; read it alongside the latest official requirements.
Original guide, 2025 edition: These FAQs are provided for topic-based reference and have not all been individually checked against current rules. Please confirm fees, personnel, renewal, changes and product requirements against the professional in-depth guide for the relevant licence type and the official requirements in force at the time.
Back to Category E: Application Process and Approval Procedures (Q201-Q250) Search more questions