When setting up a company in Hong Kong, it's mandatory to have a registered office for formal communications and to receive government documents. Here’s a simplified guide to help you understand the essentials and ensure compliance with local regulations.
What is a Registered Office and Why is it Needed?
Every company in Hong Kong must have a registered office address. This address is where all government communications and documents will be sent. The requirements are:
Physical Address: The registered office must be a physical location in Hong Kong, not a P.O. box.
Visibility: The company name and liability status must be clearly displayed at the registered office and all business locations.
Accessibility: The name should be easy to spot for visitors and officials who may inspect the premises.
Changing Your Registered Office Address
If your business address changes, you need to notify the Business Registration Office within one month. The notification should include:
The company’s business registration number
The business name
The old and new addresses
The date of the change
Additionally, you need to submit Form IRC3111A and may need to provide proof of the new address, such as a tenancy agreement or utility bill.
Notification Process
The Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department offer a one-stop notification service via the e-Registry and the CR eFiling mobile app. This service simplifies the process of updating your registered office address across multiple departments.
Required Documents
When changing your registered office address, prepare the following documents:
Director’s Resolution: Signed by all directors.
Form NR1: Notice of Change of Address of Registered Office.
Form IRC3111A: Notification of Change of Business Address.
Bank Forms: To update your bank about the address change.
POS 800 Form: For mail redirection, ensuring important documents reach your new address.
Steps to Change the Registered Office Address
Pass a board resolution to approve the address change.
File a notice with the Companies Registry within 14 days.
Notify the Business Registration Office within one month.
Inform customers, banks, insurance agencies, government agencies, suppliers, and service providers.
Update your company’s stationery and website with the new address.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under the Companies Ordinance Section 658, failure to maintain a registered office or notify the Registrar of an address change can result in a level 5 fine.
Virtual Offices
A virtual office provides a physical address without needing to operate from there. This is ideal for small companies and startups, offering lower costs, flexibility, and a professional business image. Woodburn Accountants & Advisors can assist with virtual office services.
Conclusion
To comply with registered office regulations in Hong Kong, consider engaging with Woodburn Accountants & Advisors for support throughout the process. They offer comprehensive services to help you establish and maintain your registered office efficiently.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China’s most trusted business setup advisory firms.
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. We focus on eliminating the complexities of corporate services and compliance administration. We help clients with services ranging from trademark registration and company incorporation to the full outsourcing solution for accounting, tax, and human resource services. Our advisory services can be tailor-made based on the companies’ objectives, goals and needs which vary depending on the stage they are at on their journey.
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Schedule a 30-mins complimentary, no-obligation call to see how Woodburn can help you. Book a call with our Head of Business Advisory - Kristina Koehler-Coluccia.
Topics we can advise on include:
Company Registration
Cloud Accounting & Financial Reporting
Cloud Payroll Services
Tax & Audit Services
Recruitment
Employer-of-Record
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