Companies Registry

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With a view to encouraging the wider use of the Registry’s electronic services, with effect from 1 October 2020, the fees payable for electronic incorporation of companies and registration of non-Hong Kong companies has been reduced by 10%. 

For details on the fee reduction, please refer to Companies Registry External Circular No. 4/2020.

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Every company is required to deliver annual returns to the Registrar of Companies for registration.

Delivery of annual return by a public company or a guarantee company in respect of the company’s financial year that begins on or after 3 March 2014 must comply with the new requirements under the new Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622). Please refer to the information pamphlet on “Annual Return of a Local Public Company or a Company Limited by Guarantee” for details.

There is no change in the requirement for a private company to deliver annual returns. Please refer to the information pamphlet on “Annual Return of a Local Private Company” for details.

Please note:- Substantially higher registration fees are payable for late delivery of annual returns.

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With effect from 1 March 2018, a new licensing regime for trust or company service providers has come into operation. Any person who carries on or wishes to carry on a trust or company service business in Hong Kong is required to apply for a licence from the Registrar of Companies. In addition, the new requirement for companies to ascertain and maintain up-to-date information on beneficial ownership by way of keeping a Significant Controllers Register was implemented on the same day.

For details, please refer to Companies Registry External Circular No. 1/2018 and Companies Registry External Circular No. 2/2018.

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The new Companies Ordinance simplifies the mode of execution of documents by companies. The keeping and use of common seal is now optional.

Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions - Common Seal Section at the Companies Registry’s website for more details.

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Launch of Revamped Integrated Companies Registry Information System and New e-Services Portal of the Companies Registry on 27 December 2023

The Companies Registry will launch the Revamped Integrated Companies Registry Information System (the "Revamped ICRIS") on 27 December 2023.  The Revamped ICRIS, which will replace the existing information systems, will support the Registry's main business operations and provide convenient round-the-clock electronic search and document submission services to customers through a new single integrated online platform, namely the e-Services Portal.

The existing electronic services of the Registry provided under the Cyber Search Centre, the Company Search Mobile Service, the e-Registry and the CR e-Filing Mobile Application will continue until the close of business on 22 December 2023 (Friday).  The exact time of cessation of the existing ICRIS services will be announced nearer the time.

Please refer to the Companies Registry External Circular No. 4 / 2023 for details.