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Learn About Incorporating > Incorporating FAQ > Should I Incorporate or Not? Unincorporated vehicles Unincorporated vehicles (sole proprietors and partnerships) are usually easier and cheaper to form. They are not required to disclose most of the information for public inspection but the owner will be personally liable for all debts and obligations of the business. They are not a popular form of business in Hong Kong mainly because of the risks involved and the problem of transfer of ownership and raising fund during the course of business. Incorporated vehicles Incorporated vehicles (limited companies) are relatively more expensive to form and operate, but the liability of owner will be limited and it is easier to expand or transfer ownership. Incorporated vehicles is the most popular form of business in Hong Kong. There are also a lot of legal advantages of using a limited company to carry on a business. Here is a summary and comparison of unincorporated and incorporated business : Unincorporated Sole Proprietors / Partnerships Incorporated Limited Companies No. of partners 1 for sole proprietor / 2-20 for partnerships At least 1 Registered with Companies Registry Not required Required Accounting record Required Required Audit requirement Not required At least once per year by certified public accountant Disclosure of company information Not required Financial statements (not for private companies), company directors, secretary, shareholding structure, charges, etc are required to file with the Companies Registry for public inspection Startup costs Lower Higher Running costs Lower Higher Separate legal entity No - owner personally liable for obligations and debts of business Yes - liability of owners is limited Fund raising methods Usually owner personal injection or personal bank loan By issuing new shares, exchanging shares, placing of shares, bank loan, etc Registration procedure Apply to business registration office within 1 month from start of business Appoint a professional company secretarial firm to incorporate before the start of business