The Trade Register in Hong Kong is the Companies Registry (or simply, “the Registry”). This institution deals with the registration and administration of all companies in Hong Kong, whether local or non-local legal entities. Its main roles are outlined in this article. Upon request, our lawyers in Hong Kong assist investors who are ready to make submissions to the Registry.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Hong Kong Trade Register’s full/official name | The Hong Kong Companies Registry (CR) |
| Services offered by our team for registrations with this authority | Full registration assistance, upon request |
| Main role | Offer services for the incorporation of legal entities in Hong Kong; keep an updated database thereof. |
| Organization | The Companies Registry includes several divisions (Registration Division, Public Search Division, etc.) |
| Laws observed by and implemented by the Registry | The Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, the Limited Partnerships Ordinance, the Companies Winding Up Ordinance, etc. |
| Legal entities entered into the Registry | Companies, limited partnerships, trust companies, etc. |
| Public services offered by the Hong Kong Companies Registry | Search for public information on registered companies and the other entities entered into the database. |
| Compliance ensurance | The Registry also makes sure that companies/other entities observe their compliance requirements. |
| Modifications | Changes to a legal entity entered into the Hong Kong Trade Register are possible |
| Modification notifcation | Mandatory for changes of all sorts |
| Renewals | Mandatory, processed by the Registry according to law |
| Company names | The Registry also offers the option to check if a company name is available, reserve it, and register it for use when incorporating a Hong Kong Company. |
| Company name changes | Also handled by the Registry |
| Company deregistrations | Handled according to the rules for company deregistration (for example, when a company is defunct) |
| Registry fees | Examples include the incorporation fee, the company name change fee, etc. |
Table of Contents
The Companies Registry
The Hong Kong Companies Registry is the authority that provides services for business registration in Hong Kong. Its main functions (roles) are briefly outlined below by our team:
- To register Hong Kong companies, limited partnerships, trust companies, and several other business forms;
- To offer public access for searching information on registered entities;
- To make sure that companies comply with the relevant laws and regulations (see below for details on the main law governing company registration, outlined by our lawyers in Hong Kong);
- To handle the licensing for trust or company service providers;
- To process the money lenders’ license applications or renewals, and also maintain a register of these entities;
- To provide advice to the Government on legislative matters concerning company law.
The main legislative document that regulates company administration in Hong Kong is the Companies Ordinance. The Registry observes and enforces the provisions of the Ordinance. Investors who want to register a company in Hong Kong need to observe the current legal framework.
The team of experts at our law firm in Hong Kong can help you register and operate the company as per the instructions of the Register and other laws.
Services offered by the Companies Registry in Hong Kong
The Companies Registry handles matters concerning company incorporation and registration in Hong Kong, including:
- local limited liability company incorporation;
- non-Hong Kong company registration: branches in Hong Kong;
- company name change;
- corporate name alteration for non-Kong Kong companies;
- various documents registration: annual returns, filing requirements, etc;
- company information search: a public service designed to facilitate access to public information about companies registered in Hong Kong;
- de-registration of a wound-up company.
Investors should note that any changes to a registered company must be notified to the Registry. A key role of the CRO is to receive and update company information (as this may change from time to time). Company owners and managers have the obligation to report these changes, which are also subject to fees (see below for more details).
As far as the Registry’s public search is concerned, individuals may obtain information on registered companies and image records that are kept on the register.
Business registration in Hong Kong
The Business Registration Ordinance in Hong Kong provides for a mandatory registration of any individual/company that carries a business in the city to apply for registration within one month from the date the economic activities are commenced. A valid Business Registration Certificate must be displayed/available at the registered office or place of business.
The main steps required to open a company in Hong Kong include the following:
- Selecting the suitable business form;
- Deciding the company’s particulars (name, registered address, shareholders, directors, etc.);
- Preparing the incorporation documents (the Memorandum and Articles of Association, along with several others);
- Submitting the full documentation for business registration in Hong Kong with the CRO;
- Awaiting the CRO’s decision on the legal entity proposed for registration and then handling the post-registration steps.
Company registration in Hong Kong is thus a multi-step process. As part of the requirements, business founders are also asked to pay certain fees to the Registry. Our lawyers in Hong Kong list some of these below:
- HK$1,720 for the delivery of the incorporation application (a refund of HK$1,425 is possible if the application is rejected, subject to conditions);
- HK$295 company name change fee;
- HK$340 for the statements of particulars change for a company;
- HK$40 for the notice of appointment of a manager.
Please keep in mind that these fees can be subject to change and do not include any legal costs.
The business registration does not replace any additional licenses or permits required to trade in Hong Kong. Our lawyers in Hong Kong can give you additional information about how to apply for these permits and what types of companies require them.
For more information about company incorporation and registration, you can contact our law firm in Hong Kong. Our attorneys will be able to assist you in any legal matter, whether related to corporate business or civil and family law.