1. Government Guarantee: SME Financing Guarantee Scheme (80%)
Credit guarantees are provided by the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Insurance Limited. Enterprises apply to participating banks, and after the bank's review the HKMC Insurance approves.
- Application period until 31 March 2028
- Maximum loan per enterprise HK$18 million, maximum guarantee period 10 years
- Interest-only for the first 6 months
- After HKMC Insurance receives complete documents, over 80% of applications are approved within 10 working days
- Non-listed locally incorporated enterprises; in our experience, generally at least 2 years in operation
- Loans are mainly for business operating expenses (e.g. salaries, rent) and generally cannot be used to repay existing debt
The application periods for the 90% and 100% guarantee products have ended.
2. Bank Instalment / Commercial Loans
Traditional banks generally require at least 2 years of complete financial records, some require audit reports for the last 2 to 3 years, and may also require collateral. Thresholds differ by bank; here are some products for reference:
| Product | Years in operation required | Maximum loan amount |
|---|---|---|
| Hang Seng SME Loan (「同恒」) | 6 months or above | HK$8 million (HK$2 million unsecured) |
| BOCHK SME Loan (「小企錢」) | 24 months or above | HK$2 million |
| Dah Sing Bank Loan (「快應錢」) | 2 years or above | HK$3 million |
| Standard Chartered SME Loan (「拓展易」) | 3 years or above | HK$6 million |
| DBS SME Instalment Loan | 3 years or above | HK$3 million |
| HSBC Loan (「快通錢」) | Not specified (limited companies need the owner's personal guarantee) | HK$1.5 million |
The above is reference information compiled by third parties (as of October 2026); interest rates and terms are subject to each bank's latest announcements.
3. Virtual Bank Loans
Virtual banks such as ZA Bank, WeLab Bank and Mox approve faster and have looser years-in-operation requirements, but limits are mostly HK$1 million to HK$3 million and interest rates are higher. Some banks have an effective annual rate as low as about 6%, while finance companies can reach 48%, so always compare effective annual rates before applying.
4. How to Choose Based on Your Company
- Under 2 years in operation: The 80% guarantee generally does not apply; consider bank products with looser years-in-operation requirements or virtual banks
- 2 years or more in operation: Consider the 80% guarantee, which has a government guarantee and relatively lower approval thresholds
- 3+ years with complete financial statements: Limits and rates approved directly by banks are generally more favourable
- Sole proprietor or self-employed: Most products require business registration; limited companies usually need the owner's personal guarantee
5. Documents Generally Needed for Application
- Proof of identity of the owner, partners or guarantors, and proof of address within 3 months
- Company bank statements for the last 6 months
- Utility bills within 3 months, a valid tenancy agreement, or key customer / supplier invoices
- MPF statements, payroll records or employees' compensation insurance certificate within 3 months
- Loan documents from other banks
- Financial statements for the most recent year (depending on the bank and loan amount)
Start with a Self-Check
Answer 7 questions and the Business Loan Eligibility Self-Check will match you with suitable channels. If you want a consultant to help with the application, see our Business Loan Services.
Sources: Hong Kong Monetary Authority (December 2025), MoneyHero, Aspire. This article is for reference only and is not financial or legal advice; loan terms are subject to the latest announcements of the lenders and HKMC Insurance Limited.