What is Companies Registry (Hong Kong)?

**Role of the Companies Registry**

The Companies Registry (CR) maintains Hong Kong's official company register, provides public access to company records, and enforces compliance under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622, effective 2014). The register is publicly searchable online via the ICRIS (Integrated Companies Registry Information System).

**Incorporating a Hong Kong private company**

Minimum requirements: - At least 1 director (individual; corporate directors permitted only if at least 1 individual director is also appointed) - At least 1 shareholder (individual or corporate, any nationality) - At least 1 share issued - A registered office address in Hong Kong - A company secretary (individual residing in HK, or a licensed body corporate)

Incorporation fee: HKD 1,720 via the e-Registry online portal. Processing is typically same-day for online applications. The CR issues a Certificate of Incorporation confirming the company number, incorporated date, and company name.

**Annual Return (NAR1)**

Every HK private company must file an Annual Return (Form NAR1) with the CR within 42 days of the anniversary of its date of incorporation. The NAR1 confirms: - Directors and their particulars - Shareholders and share capital structure - Registered office address - Company secretary details

Filing fee for private companies: HKD 105. A late filing penalty schedule applies: HKD 870 if filed more than 42 days late (but within 84 days), HKD 1,740 thereafter.

**Significant Controllers Register (SCR)**

Since 1 March 2018, all HK companies must maintain a Significant Controllers Register identifying individuals with significant control (owning more than 25% of shares or voting rights, or otherwise exercising significant control). The SCR must be kept at the registered office or with a nominated designated representative and be available for inspection by law enforcement. Non-compliance: fine of HKD 25,000.

**Registered non-HK companies**

Overseas companies establishing a place of business in HK must register with the CR within 1 month. They file a Form NN1, submit constitutional documents, and pay HKD 1,720. An annual return is also required.

**Accessing the register**

The CR's online database (icris.cr.gov.hk) allows searching by company name or number, retrieving filed documents, and ordering certified copies of documents. Most searches are free; certified copies cost HKD 23 per page.