Why Hong Kong Is Attracting Record Numbers of Foreign Companies in 2026
Hong Kong is recording its most substantial influx of foreign companies and start-ups, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most resilient business hubs despite economic uncertainty, geopolitical tension, and shifting trade routes.
According to official government surveys released in December 2024, the number of companies in Hong Kong with overseas or Mainland parent companies rose to 9,960, while the city’s start-up ecosystem expanded to 4,694 companies, both the highest figures ever recorded.
The data is being widely cited by investors, multinational firms, and policy analysts as evidence that Hong Kong is entering 2026 with renewed business momentum.
What the Record Foreign Company Numbers Reveal About Hong Kong’s Business Pull
The number of foreign and Mainland-parented companies operating in Hong Kong increased by 10% year on year, adding more than 920 new companies compared with 2023. Employment generated by these firms reached 493,000 people, up 5% from the previous year.
By parent company location, Mainland China remained the largest source, accounting for 2,620 companies, followed by:
- Japan: 1,430
- United States: 1,390
- United Kingdom: 720
- Singapore: 520
The figures underscore Hong Kong’s role as a two-way platform, enabling overseas companies to access the Mainland market while helping Mainland enterprises expand globally.
By sector, the largest concentration of foreign companies was found in:
| Sector | Number of Companies |
|---|---|
| Import/export, wholesale & retail | 4,730 |
| Financing & banking | 2,020 |
| Professional, business & education services | 1,530 |
Mainland companies continue to rank first, confirming Hong Kong’s function as a preferred launchpad for global expansion.
At the same time, sustained growth from the US, Japan, the UK, and Singapore signals that overseas firms remain pragmatic, prioritising market access, regulatory clarity, and operational efficiency over political noise.
How Policy Support and Startup Growth Are Strengthening Business Confidence?
Hong Kong’s start-up ecosystem also expanded steadily in 2025. Start-ups were active across a wide range of industries, including financial technology, information and computer technology, e-commerce, education, and data analytics. Growth was robust in emerging sectors:
- Health and medical technology: up 54%
- Sustainable and green technology: up 82%
Government officials attributed the sustained expansion to a combination of targeted policy initiatives and improving post-pandemic business conditions.
These include funding programmes for innovation, talent admission schemes, visa and travel facilitation, and regulatory reforms aimed at reducing operational friction for new businesses.
Additional confidence drivers cited include recent policy breakthroughs under the Mainland–Hong Kong CEPA framework, the automatic extension of land leases beyond 2047, and expanded trade and services liberalisation measures.
