What is Certificate of Good Standing (Hong Kong)?
A Certificate of Good Standing is issued by the Companies Registry and confirms that a Hong Kong company is currently registered, is not in the process of being wound up, and has filed its statutory returns. Commonly required for overseas bank account openings, DUNS numbers, and US tax forms such as W-8BEN-E.
Current Rate (1 April to 31 March)
HKD 235 per certificate. Issued within 3-5 working days.
Example
A HK company applies to open a US bank account. The US bank requests a Certificate of Good Standing. The company secretary applies to the CR online, pays HKD 235, and receives the certificate within 3-5 working days. The certificate is then apostilled if the US bank requires it.
How Certificate of Good Standing (Hong Kong) works in Hong Kong
**What does a Certificate of Good Standing confirm?**
A Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Hong Kong Companies Registry confirms: 1. The company is currently incorporated and registered at the Companies Registry 2. The company's name, company number, and date of incorporation 3. The company has not been dissolved, struck off, or wound up 4. There are no pending notices of dissolution or winding-up proceedings on record at the CR
It does not confirm that the company is trading, profitable, tax-compliant, or free from debt. It confirms only that the company is in good standing from a registration/compliance perspective with the CR.
**How to obtain a Certificate of Good Standing**
1. Apply online via the CR's e-Registry portal (cr.gov.hk) 2. Pay HKD 235 3. Processing time: 3-5 working days. Same-day certificates are available for HKD 750 (urgent service). 4. The certificate is issued in English and Chinese. Additional copies cost HKD 235 each.
**Common uses**
- Opening bank accounts overseas (US, UK, EU, Singapore): most foreign banks require a recent Certificate of Good Standing (within 3 months) as proof of the company's existence and good standing - US tax purposes: a W-8BEN-E (Certificate of Foreign Status) for US withholding tax purposes is typically supported by a Certificate of Good Standing - Obtaining a DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number from Dun and Bradstreet: required for US government contracts, some e-commerce platforms - Applying for credit facilities with overseas financial institutions - Due diligence by potential investors or acquirers - Verification for supplier onboarding by major international companies
**Apostille and legalisation**
Hong Kong joined the Apostille Convention (Hague Convention of 5 October 1961) in 2023. Documents issued by the CR can now be apostilled directly, eliminating the previous consular legalisation chain that was required. An apostilled Certificate of Good Standing is accepted in all 120+ Apostille Convention member states without further authentication.
For countries not in the Convention, the certificate must be notarised and then authenticated by the relevant country's consulate in Hong Kong.
**Validity**
Most requesting institutions require a Certificate of Good Standing issued within the last 3 months. The certificate itself does not carry an expiry date, but its practical validity depends on the requesting party's recency requirements.
Related terms
The Companies Registry (CR) is the government body responsible for incorporating Hong Kong companies and maintaining the public register of all HK and registered non-HK companies under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622). Every HK private limited company must file an Annual Return (NAR1) within 42 days of its incorporation anniversary.
A private company limited by shares is the most common business structure in Hong Kong for foreign investors and local businesses. Incorporated under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), it requires at least 1 director, 1 shareholder, and a company secretary. There is no minimum share capital. All HK private limited companies must have their accounts audited annually.
A Business Registration Certificate is required under the Business Registration Ordinance for all businesses operating in Hong Kong. Issued by the IRD, it must be obtained within 1 month of commencing business. Annual renewal costs HKD 2,000 plus a small government levy.
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