Registering a Company Name
- a22162
- Aug 9
- 6 min read
Registering a Company Name
Registering a company name in Hong Kong is a key step in the company incorporation process. Here's a breakdown of the important points and the general procedure:
1. The Role of the Companies Registry
The Companies Registry (CR) is the government department responsible for the incorporation of all companies in Hong Kong. They are the primary authority for registering your company name. Your application for company registration, including your chosen name, will be submitted to and approved by them.
2. Company Name Requirements and Guidelines
Hong Kong has specific rules for company names to ensure they are unique and not misleading.
Language: A company name can be in English, Chinese, or both. However, a name cannot be a combination of English words and Chinese characters.
English Name: Must end with the word "Limited" (or "有限公司" for the Chinese equivalent). Contractions like "Ltd." are not permitted.
Chinese Name: Must use traditional Chinese characters (繁體字). Simplified Chinese characters will not be accepted.
Uniqueness: The name must not be the same as a name already registered in the Companies Registry's index.
Restricted Words: Certain words and expressions, such as "Government," "Bank," "Insurance," "Council," or those that imply a connection with the government, require prior approval before they can be used.
3. Checking for Name Availability
Before submitting your application, it's crucial to check if your proposed name is available. You can do this for free through the Companies Registry's Cyber Search Centre or Company Search Mobile Service. It's also recommended to perform a trademark search with the Intellectual Property Department to avoid infringing on existing intellectual property rights.
4. The Registration Process
The company name registration is not a separate process; it is part of the overall company incorporation. When you register a new company, you submit an application that includes your proposed name. The process generally involves:
Choosing a company name and checking its availability.
Preparing the necessary documents, including:
An Incorporation Form (Form NNC1 for a company limited by shares).
A copy of the company's Articles of Association.
A Notice to the Business Registration Office (Form IRBR1).
Delivering the application and paying the required fees. This can be done electronically through the Companies Registry's e-Services Portal or by submitting hard copies at their office.
Once the application is processed and approved, you will receive a Certificate of Incorporation and a Business Registration Certificate.
Important Notes
No provisional approval of a company name is given. The name's registrability is only confirmed after the application has been processed.
If your application is rejected because of an unregistrable name, the lodgement fee paid will not be refunded. You will need to submit a new application with a different name.
Registering a company name does not automatically grant you trademark rights. You must apply separately to register your brand as a trademark to protect your intellectual property.
Fees
Here is a detailed breakdown of the fees for company registration in Hong Kong, including both government and professional service costs. It's important to note that government fees are set for the fiscal year and are subject to change by the Hong Kong government.
1. Government Fees (as of 2025/26)
These are the mandatory fees paid to the government departments and are the baseline cost for any company registration.
Companies Registry (CR) Fee: The fee for the application for company incorporation (Form NNC1).
Electronic submission: HK$1,545 (A refund of HK$1,280 is possible if the application is rejected, making the non−refundable portion HK$265).
Hard copy submission: HK$1,720 (A refund of HK$1,425 is possible if the application is rejected).
Business Registration (BR) Fee (Inland Revenue Department): This fee is for the business registration certificate, which is required for all businesses operating in Hong Kong.
One-year certificate: HK$2,200
Three-year certificate: HK$5,720
Note: There is a separate, small levy payable to the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund. However, this levy has been waived for a period from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2026, for one-year certificates, making the total fee just the HK$2,200 registration fee.
Total government fees for a new company (using 1-year BR certificate):
Electronic submission: HK$3,745 (HK$1,545+HK$2,200)
Hard copy submission: HK$3,920 (HK1,720+HK$2,200)
2. Professional Service Provider Fees
These fees are highly variable and depend on the services you require. Many non-residents or new entrepreneurs choose a comprehensive package from Bestar to ensure compliance.
Incorporation Service Packages: Bestar offers all-inclusive packages that cover the government fees and additional services for a set price.
Basic packages start around HK$4,500 - HK$6,000, which includes the government fees, preparation and filing of documents, and the first year of company secretary service.
More comprehensive packages, which include a company secretary, a registered office address, and assistance with bank account opening, can range from HK$8,000 to over HK$15,000.
Company Secretary Service: This is a mandatory ongoing requirement.
Annual Fee: After the first year, you will pay a renewal fee. This costs between HK$1,000 and HK$3,000 per year.
Registered Office Address: A physical address in Hong Kong is required for official correspondence.
Annual Fee: Similar to the company secretary service, the annual renewal fee for a registered office address ranges from HK$1,000 to HK$2,600.
Bank Account Opening Assistance: Since opening a corporate bank account in Hong Kong can be complex, especially for overseas directors, Bestar offers this as a paid service.
The fee for this assistance can be significant, ranging from HK$2,500 to HK$6,000.
Certified True Copies: Banks and other institutions often require certified copies of your company documents.
Professional Certification: Bestar charges between HK$200 and HK$500 per document.
Government Certification: Obtaining a certified copy of your Business Registration Certificate from GovHK is a more affordable option, costing approximately HK$160 plus a small photocopying fee per page.
3. Summary of Total Costs
Here's a sample total cost for a new company, assuming you use Bestar for an all-inclusive package:
Category | Item | Cost (HKD) |
Mandatory Government Fees | Companies Registry Fee | 1,545 (electronic) |
Business Registration Fee (1-year) | 2,200 | |
Subtotal (Government Fees) | 3,745 | |
Professional Services (First Year) | Company Incorporation Package | ~4,000 - 8,000 |
- Includes Company Secretary (1 year) | (included in package) | |
- Includes Registered Office (1 year) | (included in package) | |
Subtotal (Services) | ~4,000 - 8,000 | |
Potential Additional Costs | Bank Account Opening Assistance | ~2,500 - 6,000 |
Certified True Copies | ~400 - 1,000 | |
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST | ~HKD10,645 - HKD18,745 |
It's always best to get a specific quote from Bestar to understand the exact costs for your unique situation.
How Bestar can Help
For many entrepreneurs, especially those who are not residents of Hong Kong, using a professional service provider for company formation is a highly practical and often essential choice. Bestar handles the intricate details, allowing you to focus on your core business. Here's a breakdown of how we can help:
1. Streamlining the Entire Process
Bestar acts as a one-stop-shop for all your company registration needs. We take the complexity out of the process by:
Handling All Paperwork: We prepare and file all the necessary documents with the Companies Registry (CR) and the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). This includes the Incorporation Form (NNC1), the Articles of Association, and the Business Registration application, ensuring everything is filled out correctly to avoid delays.
Ensuring Compliance: We have in-depth knowledge of local regulations and legal requirements, ensuring your company is compliant from day one. This helps you avoid common pitfalls and potential penalties.
Time and Efficiency: With our expertise and established processes, we can significantly expedite the registration process. Bestar can get a company registered in as little as 3 to 5 business days, compared to a longer timeline if you were to navigate the process on your own.
2. Fulfilling Mandatory Requirements
Hong Kong law requires all limited companies to have certain elements that can be difficult for a non-resident to arrange independently. Bestar fills these roles:
Company Secretary: It is a legal requirement for every Hong Kong limited company to appoint a company secretary who is either a Hong Kong resident or a corporate entity. Bestar fulfills this role, managing statutory records, filing annual returns, and handling communication with government authorities on your behalf.
Registered Office Address: A company must have a physical address in Hong Kong for official government correspondence. Bestar can offer a registered office address, which is included in their packages. We handle mail scanning and forwarding, so you can receive important documents no matter where you are.
3. Comprehensive Support and Additional Services
Beyond the basic requirements, Bestar offers a range of services that are crucial for a smooth launch and ongoing operations:
Bank Account Opening Assistance: Opening a corporate bank account in Hong Kong can be challenging for non-resident directors. Bestar leverages our network and expertise to assist with this process, helping you prepare the necessary documents and even connecting you with specific banks.
Pre- and Post-Incorporation Advice: We can provide valuable strategic advice on choosing the right business structure, share capital, and tax planning to meet your long-term goals. After incorporation, we offer ongoing support for annual compliance, such as filing annual returns and tax returns.
Certified Documents: We can provide certified true copies of your company's documents, which are often required by banks and other institutions.
In summary, a professional company formation service provider simplifies the complex process, ensures legal compliance, and provides the essential resources you need to establish and operate your business in Hong Kong, all while saving you time and reducing the risk of errors.
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