Picking a Company Name in Hong Kong: Rules, Tips, and Resources
Last updated: March 2024
The first important step before incorporating a company in Hong Kong is to pick a company name. When picking a company name in Hong Kong, you want to ensure the proposed name is suitable for registration.
You cannot risk choosing a name that the Companies Registry may reject. It would cost you time and money to file a new application. So if the company name is so important, how should you go about it?
Picking a company name for registration
Here are some of the key considerations before choosing a company name:
Language of the company name
You may choose a company name in either English or Chinese for registration in Hong Kong. However, the Hong Kong company name cannot be a combination of both English and Chinese.
Your Chinese company name should have the characters “有限公司” at the end. Refer to the ISO 10646 international coding standard for traditional Chinese characters. Since you cannot use simplified Chinese characters, the Dictionary of Ci Hai (辭海) and the Dictionary of Kang Xi (康熙字典) can come in handy to get a hang of it.
If you wish to pick an English name for your company, it must have the word “Limited” (in full, not the short form “Ltd.”) at the end.
Company name must be unique
Of course, you cannot choose a company name that is already in use in Hong Kong. You also cannot use a name that is already in the process of being registered. Any name that is the duplicate of a body corporate already incorporated will not be approved.
A name similar to a name listed on the Registrar’s Index of Company Names will be rejected. You may want to explore company names in the Hong Kong company name generator and check whether it is available for use with the Company Registry. A company name search through the Companies Registry’s Cyber Search Centre can be done to see if your proposed name is already in use. You could also use the Company Search Mobile Service for the purpose.
Important Note: Avoid using a name that might breach a trademark or brand name. You can conduct a trademark search before choosing the name. Registering a company name doesn't give any trademark rights or other intellectual property rights for the name.
Your company name should not be a government name
Hong Kong company names should not give an impression that it is connected to the government or any of its departments. You cannot use a name that is opposed to public interest or offensive. Such names are easily rejected. The name is confirmed only when it gets an approval from the government without objection, i.e. when the company is incorporated with the Certificate of Incorporation duly issued.
Additionally, you cannot use a name whose use amounts to a criminal offense in the Registrar’s opinion.
Other company name restrictions to keep in mind
There are some words and expressions that may be treated as a form of similarity between a proposed name and an existing name. This includes such words as the Far East, FE, “and,” “&,” HK, HongKong, “Hong Kong.”
You should be careful enough to ensure that the name you propose for your Hong Kong incorporated company does not end up in a dispute. The idea is to ensure that it is not similar to any existing company name.
The following are not considered when it comes to determining whether you have proposed a name similar to an existing one.
Adding the definite article as the first word of a name will not be considered. For example, BAC Limited is an existing name and adding “the” at the beginning to make it sound different will not help. The name will not be approved. The same theory applies to adding certain words or expressions at the end, such as company, and company.
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Company name of a foreign company
A non-Hong Kong incorporated company with a place of business in Hong Kong must apply for registration with the Registrar of Companies within one month of establishment in Hong Kong. The company will be registered as a non-Hong Kong company under Part XIV of the Companies Ordinance.
A “corporate name” in Hong Kong refers to a translated domestic name that a non-Hong Kong company registers with Companies Registry. A “domestic name,” on the other hand, refers to the name of a non-Hong Kong company that has been registered in its place of incorporation.
When you register your non-Hong Kong company with the Companies Registry, if the domestic name is in characters of the Latin Alphabet or in Chinese, the domestic name of the company is entered as the corporate name. However, the domestic name should not be in Roman script or Chinese.
If the domestic name is not in Chinese or Roman, a certified translation in English or Chinese may be required if the company wishes to register an English name and/or Chinese name as a corporate name in Hong Kong
Complete guide on how to register a business in Hong Kong
Why is prior approval required from the registrar?
The registrar’s approval is required before registration if:
- The name gives the impression that the company is connected in any way with the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region or the Central People’s Government or any government agency or department. The Registrar will approve of such a company name only where the company has a genuine connection with the government. Otherwise you cannot use such words as “Government”(政府), “Department”( 部 門 ), “Bureau”(局), “Authority”(委員會), “Council”(議會), or “Commission”(公署).“
- If the name contains any such words or expressions that are specified in the Companies (Words and Expressions in Company Names) Order (Cap. 622A), such as ‘chamber of commerce’, ‘kaifong’, ‘levy’, ‘trust’, ‘trustee’. If you use a name that is similar to a name for which the Registrar has notified a name change under the Companies Ordinance (Sections 108, 109, or 771). The Registrar may require a change of name under sections 22 or 22A of the predecessor Ordinance.
- If the Registrar finds that the name misleads about the nature of the company’s activities and might not be in public interest, they may call for a name change within the specified period.
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Owner, LF Digital Solutions Limited
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Owner, LF Digital Solutions Limited
Why is picking the right company name important?
Picking the right company name is crucial for several reasons, especially in the competitive business landscape of Hong Kong. Here’s why:
- First Impressions
Your company name is often the first thing potential customers, partners, and investors encounter. A strong name makes a positive initial impact and sets the tone for how people perceive your brand.
- Brand Identity and Recognition
- Your name shapes your brand’s identity. It should reflect your values, mission, and what you offer.
- A memorable and distinctive name helps you stand out in the crowded Hong Kong market, making it easier for customers to find and remember you.
- Marketing and Promotion
A well-chosen name is easier to market and promote. It should be catchy, resonate with your target audience, and be effective across different marketing channels, whether it’s on your website, social media, or printed materials.
- Domain Name and Online Presence
In the digital age, securing a matching domain name for your website is essential. An easily searchable and memorable domain name that aligns with your company name improves your online visibility.
- Legal Implications
Your company name needs to be unique and comply with Hong Kong’s business registration regulations. Choosing a name that is already in use can lead to legal complications and rebranding expenses.
Complete pre-incorporation checklist for Hong Kong company incorporation
How to change a company name in Hong Kong?
Companies in Hong Kong can change their names after incorporation. Here’s the process and things to keep in mind:
- Pass a Special Resolution: A company must pass a special resolution (approved by at least 75% of shareholders) to authorize the name change.
- File Notice of Change: Within 15 days of passing the resolution, file a “Notice of Change of Company Name” (Form NNC2) with the Companies Registry, along with the required fee. You can submit this electronically or in hard copy.
- Certificate of Change of Name: If the new name is approved, the Companies Registry will issue a Certificate of Change of Name. The name change is officially effective from the date on this certificate.
- Update Other Registrations: You’ll need to notify relevant authorities and update your company documents (bank accounts, business registration, stationery, etc.) to reflect the new name.
Need expert help with setting up your company in Hong Kong? Get in touch.
Frequently asked questions
Can I choose any name for my company in Hong Kong?
No, there are certain restrictions on company names in Hong Kong. The name should not be identical to existing company names, offensive, contrary to public interest, or suggest any connection to governmental bodies.
How can I check if my desired company name is available?
You can check the availability of your desired company name through the Companies Registry’s Cyber Search Centre. It’s advisable to choose a few alternative names in case your first choice is unavailable.
Can I use my company name as a trademark?
Registering a company name with the Companies Registry doesn’t grant trademark rights. If you wish to protect your company name as a trademark, you should apply separately to the Intellectual Property Department.
Can I change my company name after registration?
Yes, you can change your company name after registration by passing a special resolution and filing the necessary documents with the Companies Registry. However, there are certain procedures and fees involved in the name change process.
What should I consider when choosing a company name?
When choosing a company name, consider factors like uniqueness, relevance to your business, ease of pronunciation, and cultural sensitivity. It’s also important to ensure the name aligns with your brand identity and is available as a domain name for your website.
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