Official Hong Kong Company Registry Search & Certified Business Documents
Unlock instant transparency with direct access to the China-Hong Kong Companies Registry. From certified corporate filings (NAR1, CI, BR) to comprehensive credit insights—Official Records, Expert English Translation, and Hague Apostille Ready. Know your Hong Kong partners with total confidence.
Is Your Hong Kong Partner a Solid Asset or a Risky Shell?
Hong Kong is a premier global business hub, but its prestige can sometimes hide significant risks. Many overseas businesses find themselves trapped by opaque corporate structures, outdated information, or sophisticated scams that are hard to detect from thousands of miles away.
Don’t let these common hurdles jeopardize your investment:
The “Paper Company” Trap: Is the company a legitimate operation or just a registered address shared by thousands of others?
The Language & Technical Barrier: Even though English is used, official filings like NAR1 (Annual Returns) or Articles of Association contain complex legal jargon that is easy to misinterpret.
Verification Gaps: Can you prove the “Director” you are talking to actually has the legal authority to sign contracts?
The Certification Maze: Getting documents is one thing; making them legally valid in your home country via Hague Apostille is a frustrating, time-consuming process if you don’t know the local system.
Our Positioning: As your “China Pathfinder,” ChinaBizInsight bridges these gaps. We don’t just “find” files; we provide clarity and certainty. We navigate the Hong Kong Companies Registry on your behalf to extract the unfiltered truth, ensuring you know exactly who you are dealing with before you commit a single dollar.
Hong Kong company documents list(Click the image to preview the PDF sample)
Certificate of Incorporation(CI)/Certificate of Change of Name
Official Language Name
Certificate of Incorporation/公司注冊証明書/Certificate of Change of Name/公司更改名稱證明書
Document Introduction
The Certificate of Incorporation is a legal document issued by the Registrar of Companies that serves as official proof of a company’s formation. It certifies that the company is incorporated under the Companies Ordinance and exists as a separate legal entity from the date specified on the certificate.
Content
A standard Hong Kong Certificate of Incorporation contains the following essential details:
Company Number (CR Number): A unique 7-digit identification number assigned by the Companies Registry.
Company Name: The official name of the company in English, Chinese, or both.
Date of Incorporation: The exact date on which the company was legally established.
Type of Company: A statement confirming whether it is a private company limited by shares or another legal structure.
Legal Statement: A formal declaration that the company is incorporated under the laws of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Authorized Signature: The signature and printed name of the Registrar of Companies.
Official Seal: The embossed or printed seal of the Hong Kong Companies Registry for authentication.
Notes
This document is available in both regular and officially certified copies.
Business Registration Certificate（BR）
Official Language Name
Business Registration Certificate/商業登記証書
Document Introduction
The Business Registration Certificate is a statutory document issued by the Inland Revenue Department that serves as official proof of a business’s registration with the Hong Kong government and its liability to comply with local tax regulations.
Content
A standard Business Registration Certificate contains the following details:
Business Name (Legal & Trading Name): Both the English and Chinese names of the company.
Address: The registered office address or the principal place of business.
Nature of Business: A brief description of the industry or activities the company is engaged in.
Status: Whether it is a “Body Corporate” (Limited Company), Partnership, or Sole Proprietorship.
Business Registration Number (BRN): A unique 8-digit number that acts as the company’s tax identification number.
Date of Commencement: The official date the business started its operations.
Expiry Date: The date when the current certificate expires and needs renewal.
Fee and Levy: The specific amounts paid for the registration fee and the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund levy.
Certificate Number: A tracking code that includes the BRN and specific branch information.
Notes
This document is available in both regular and officially certified copies.
Certificate of Continuing Registration（CCR）/Good Standing Certificate
Official Language Name
Certificate of Continuing Registration/公司迄今仍註冊證書
Document Introduction
The Certificate of Continuing Registration is an official document issued by the Registrar of Companies certifying that a specific company remains duly registered on the Companies Register as of the date of issuance.It is equivalent to a certificate of existence/certificate of good standing.
Content
This certificate typically includes the following information items:
Company Name: The current registered name of the company in English and/or Chinese.
Company Number (CR Number): The unique identification number assigned to the company upon incorporation.
Date of Incorporation: The original date the company was officially formed.
Current Status: A formal statement confirming that the company is still registered under the Companies Ordinance.
Issuance Date: The specific date (and sometimes the exact time) the certificate was generated, reflecting the “up-to-date” status.
Signature and Seal: The signature of the Registrar of Companies and the official seal of the Companies Registry to verify its authenticity.
Notes
This document is available in both regular and officially certified copies.
Articles of Associattion-AA
Official Language Name
Articles of Associattion(AA)/公司組織章程大綱及章程細則
Document Introduction
The Articles of Association (AA) is a fundamental constitution of a Hong Kong company that defines its internal regulations, governing structure, and the relationship between the company, its directors, and its shareholders. It sets out the rules for administrative operations and the scope of powers granted to the company’s officers, ensuring legal compliance under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.
Content
According to the modern simplified format in Hong Kong, the Articles typically include the following sections:
Company Name: The registered name in English and/or Chinese.
Liability of Members: A clear statement confirming that the liability of members is limited.
Objects of the Company: The specific business activities or purposes (optional for most private companies since the 2014 Ordinance).
Share Capital and Variation of Rights: Details on the number of shares issued, classes of shares, and the rights attached to them.
Transfer and Transmission of Shares: Procedures and restrictions regarding the buying, selling, or inheriting of company shares.
General Meetings: Rules for notice periods, quorum requirements, voting procedures, and the conduct of Annual General Meetings (AGM).
Directors’ Powers and Responsibilities: The scope of authority granted to directors to manage the company.
Appointment and Removal of Directors: The formal process for electing, resigning, or removing board members.
Dividends and Reserves: Regulations on how profits are distributed to shareholders.
Accounts and Audit: Requirements for maintaining financial records and conducting audits.
Company Seal: Provisions for the custody and official use of the company’s common seal (if any).
Winding Up: The procedures to be followed if the company is dissolved or liquidated.
Notes
This document is available in both regular and officially certified copies.
Annual Return-NAR1
Official Language Name
Annual Return(NAR1)/周年申報表
Document Introduction
The Annual Return (Form NAR1) is a mandatory statutory document filed annually with the Companies Registry. It provides a snapshot of the company’s corporate structure as of its return date, ensuring that the public record remains accurate regarding the company’s directors, shareholders, and registered office address. It is not a financial report, but rather a record of administrative and ownership information.
Content
The NAR1 form provides a comprehensive update on the following details:
Company Name: The official registered name in English and/or Chinese.
Company Number: The unique CR (Companies Registry) identification number.
Type of Company: Whether it is a private, public, or guarantee company.
Registered Office Address: The official physical address for legal correspondence.
Period Covered: The specific date of the anniversary of incorporation (the return date).
Share Capital: Details of the total number of issued shares, share classes, and the amount paid up or regarded as paid up.
Company Secretary: Name and address (or business name and address) of the appointed secretary.
Directors: Full names, identification numbers (or passport numbers), and addresses of all current directors (including alternate directors).
Shareholders (Members): A complete list of current shareholders, including their names, addresses, and the number of shares held by each.
Company Records: Locations where the register of members and register of directors are kept (if not at the registered office).
Authorized Signatory: The signature of a director or the company secretary certifying the accuracy of the data.
Notes
This document is available in both regular and officially certified copies.
Incorporation Form-NNC1
Official Language Name
Incorporation Form(NNC1)/法團成立表格
Document Introduction
The Incorporation Form (NNC1) is the official application document submitted to the Companies Registry to form a new company limited by shares. It contains the essential founding details of the company, acting as the formal request to obtain a Certificate of Incorporation.
Content
The Form NNC1 documents the initial structure of the company at the moment of its creation:
Proposed Company Name: The intended English and/or Chinese names of the new entity.
Type of Company: Confirmation that the company is a private company limited by shares.
Registered Office Address: The designated official address in Hong Kong.
Founder Members’ Details: Names and addresses of the individuals or corporations forming the company.
Share Capital on Incorporation: The initial number of shares, the currency, and the total value subscribed by the founders.
Shareholding Proportions: The number of shares allocated to each founder member.
First Directors: Names, identification (ID/Passport) numbers, and residential addresses of the initial board members.
First Company Secretary: The name and address (or license number if a corporate secretary) of the appointed secretary.
Statement of Compliance: A formal declaration by the founder that all legal requirements for registration have been met.
Notice to Business Registration Office: A section that facilitates the concurrent application for the Business Registration Certificate (BRC).
Notes
This document is available in both regular and officially certified copies.
Comprehensive Credit Decision Report of Hong Kong Companies
Official Language Name
Comprehensive Credit Decision Report
Document Introduction
The Comprehensive Credit Decision Report is a customized intelligence document that integrates a Hong Kong company’s registration data, operational leadership, and capital structure with its legal, intellectual property, and investment records in Mainland China to facilitate informed commercial decision-making.
Content
The report aggregates information from multiple dimensions as follows:
Basic Corporate Information: Current and historical company names, Business Registration (BR) number, Company Number (CR), and registered office address.
Operational Management: Detailed lists of directors and company secretaries, as well as information regarding any receivers, managers, or liquidators.
Share Capital Structure: Total number of issued shares, shareholding distribution among members, and historical capital records.
Director Interlocks: Information on other directorships held by the company’s directors (limited to the top three).
Mainland China Legal Proceedings: Records of legal cases in Mainland China, including information on executed persons, dishonest executors, civil judgments, and court announcements.
Mainland China Intellectual Property: Data on trademarks, patents, software copyrights, and work copyrights registered in Mainland China.
Mainland China Investment Footprint: A summary and detailed breakdown of enterprises invested in by the company within Mainland China.
Notes
This report is available in both in Chinese and English.
List of Hong Kong companies associated with a particular director
Official Language Name
List of Hong Kong companies associated with a particular director/查閱董事索引(以董事資料查閱)
Document Introduction
The Director Index Search is an official public record service provided by the Hong Kong Companies Registry that allows users to identify all companies associated with a specific individual or corporate director. It serves as a vital tool for corporate transparency, revealing a director’s current and past business affiliations.
Content
The report includes the following information categories:
Search Criteria: Details used for the query, such as Director Category (e.g., Natural Person) and partial HKID or Passport numbers.
Search Summary: The total number of records found matching the specific director and the system date/time of the search.
Serial Number: A numerical list (No.) of all companies linked to the director.
Business Registration Number: The unique 8-digit identification number for each associated business entity.
Company Name: The full registered names (English and/or Chinese) of the companies where the individual holds a directorship.
Company Category: The legal type of the company, such as “Private Company Limited by Shares” .
Remarks:Additional notes or status indicators relevant to specific entries.
Document Access Options: Options for “Online View” or ordering a “Certified Copy” of specific director details for legal or official use.
Notes
This report is available in both in Chinese and English.
Land Register
Official Language Name
Land Register/土地登記冊
Document Introduction
The Hong Kong Land Register is a statutory public record maintained by the Land Registry that provides a comprehensive history of ownership, property specifications, and legal encumbrances for a specific property. It serves as the authoritative source for verifying title and legal interests in real estate transactions.
Content
The register is divided into several key sections:
Property Particulars: Includes the Lot Number, Address, and the number of Undivided Shares allocated to the property.
Owner Particulars: Lists the name of the current and previous owners, their capacity (e.g., Sole Owner or Joint Tenant), the date of the instrument (assignment), and the consideration (purchase price) paid.
Incumbrances: Details any legal claims or burdens registered against the property, such as mortgages, charging orders, court orders, or building orders issued by government departments.
Deeds Pending Registration: A list of documents that have been delivered for registration but for which the registration process has not yet been completed.
Leasehold Information: Basic details concerning the government lease under which the land is held, including the lease term.
Notes
This document is available in both regular and officially certified copies.
Service Comparison & Pricing
| Hong Kong Document Type | Service Fee (USD) | Delivery Timeline (Working Days) |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Incorporation (CI) / Name Change | 39 | 1–2 |
| Certificate of Incorporation (CI) Certified Copy | 89 | 3–5 |
| Business Registration Certificate (BR) | 39 | 1–2 |
| Business Registration Certificate (BR) Certified Copy | 89 | 3–5 |
| Certificate of Continuing Registration (CCR) / Good Standing | 99 | 3–5 |
| Articles of Association (AA) | 39 | 1–2 |
| Articles of Association (AA) Certified Copy | 89 | 3–5 |
| Annual Return (NAR1) | 39 | 1–2 |
| Annual Return (NAR1) Certified Copy | 89 | 3–5 |
| Incorporation Form (NNC1) | 39 | 1–2 |
| Incorporation Form (NNC1) Certified Copy | 89 | 3–5 |
| Comprehensive Credit Decision Report (HK) | 99 | 3–5 |
| List of HK Companies Associated with a Particular Director | 39 | 1–2 |
| List of HK Companies (Director Search) Certified Copy | 89 | 3–5 |
| Land Register Search | 99 | 3–5 |
* Delivery time refers to digital copies. Certified copies are official documents issued by the Registry. If you require physical copies with international courier or additional Hague Apostille/Legalization services, please consult our team for a custom quote.
Why ChinaBizInsight is Your Trusted Gateway to Hong Kong Corporate Intelligence
Direct Registry Authority: We provide data sourced directly from the Hong Kong Companies Registry (ICRIS) and the Inland Revenue Department. Unlike third-party databases that may contain outdated or cached information, our reports reflect the real-time legal status, ensuring you get the most accurate snapshot of a company’s standing.
Professional Bilingual Clarity : While Hong Kong uses both English and Chinese, many critical historical filings or specific legal notes are recorded in Traditional Chinese. Our experts bridge this gap by providing professional English translations and summaries, ensuring your compliance team fully understands every detail without language barriers.
Global Compliance & Apostille Ready: Does your document need to be used for a court case in London or a bank account opening in New York? As experts in international document flows, we don’t just fetch files—we provide Certified Copies and handle the Hague Apostille (Apostila) process. We ensure your Hong Kong documents are legally recognized in your home jurisdiction.
Speed & Administrative Ease: Setting up a local registry account and navigating the payment gateway from overseas can be a nightmare. We skip the administrative red tape for you. With our local presence, we offer express retrieval and deliver digital copies to your inbox within 24–48 hours, saving you weeks of potential delay.
Service Process
FAQ: Navigating Hong Kong Company Registry & Compliance
Q: What is the difference between an Annual Return (NAR1) and an Incorporation Form (NNC1)?
A: These are the two most critical filings for any Hong Kong company, but they serve different chronological purposes:
Incorporation Form (NNC1): This is the company’s “Birth Certificate.” It contains the initial data at the time of formation, including first directors, shareholders, and company secretary.
Annual Return (NAR1): This is a “Yearly Snapshot.” Every Hong Kong company must file this annually. It updates the current corporate structure, registered address, and share capital. For due diligence and verifying a Hong Kong company, the NAR1 is the most vital document to ensure you have the latest information.
Q: How can I verify if a Hong Kong company is legally registered and active?
A: To verify a Hong Kong company, you must check its status through the Integrated Companies Registry Information System (ICRIS). An official Certificate of Continuing Registration (CCR) or a Certificate of Good Standing provides the ultimate proof that the company has not been dissolved and has complied with all statutory filing requirements.
Q: Does a Hong Kong company need a Business Registration Certificate (BR) if it already has a Certificate of Incorporation (CI)?
A: Yes. These are two distinct requirements:
Certificate of Incorporation (CI): Issued by the Companies Registry, it proves the legal entity exists.
Business Registration Certificate (BR): Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (Tax Bureau), it acts as a permit to operate a business. Most banks and government agencies require both to prove a company is fully compliant and operational.
Q: Can these Hong Kong documents be used for legal or banking purposes in my country?
A: Absolutely. Since Hong Kong is a member of the Hague Convention, we can facilitate the Hague Apostille (Apostila) process through the High Court of Hong Kong. This ensures your Hong Kong company search reports and certified documents are legally recognized in other member countries (like the US, UK, Germany, etc.). For non-Hague countries, we provide full Consular Authentication services.
Q: What is the "CR Number" versus the "BR Number"?
A: CR Number (Company Registration Number): A 7-digit number assigned by the Companies Registry. It stays with the company for its entire life, regardless of name changes.
BR Number (Business Registration Number): An 8-digit prefix on the tax certificate. When you order a China company report or Hong Kong search through ChinaBizInsight, providing either number helps us ensure 100% accuracy in identifying your partner.
Q: Why do I need professional translation if Hong Kong documents are in English?
A: While Hong Kong is bilingual, many historical records, Articles of Association, or specific legal remarks in the registry are recorded in Traditional Chinese. ChinaBizInsight provides Bilingual Expertise, translating these complex legal nuances into clear English to ensure your legal team doesn’t miss any “hidden” risks.
Your Due Diligence Ends Here. Your Success Starts with the Truth.
Success Stories (The Evidence of Trust):
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The Law Firm’s Safeguard: A top-tier European law firm needed to verify a Hong Kong “parent company” for a $10M cross-border M&A. Our deep-dive search revealed the entity was a dormant shell company with no physical presence, saving the client from a high-risk acquisition.
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The Trader’s Security: A Dubai-based electronics distributor was unsure about a new Hong Kong supplier. We provided a certified NAR1 and Good Standing Certificate within 48 hours, confirming the supplier’s legitimate operational history and allowing the client to proceed with confidence.
Explore Related Solutions:
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[Director & Shareholder Risk Search]: Go beyond the company level. Discover if your HK partners hold conflicting interests or have a history of corporate litigation.
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[Hague Apostille & Legalization]: Make it official. We provide one-stop service to have your HK search documents authenticated for use in 120+ countries.
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[Mainland China Credit Report]: Does your HK partner have a manufacturing base in Mainland China? We bridge the data across the border for a 360-degree view.
“Don’t leave your business to chance. Protect your interests with official intelligence today.”
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