In Hong Kong the Certificate of Continuing Registration (the Good Standing Certificate) is also equivalent to Certificate of Good Standing. This certificate, which is issued by Companies Registry, is a legal evidence that the company has been validly registered.
This article focuses on the subject of what is a Certificate of Good standing or Certificate of Continuing Registration, how it is issued and what businesses should have it. For the case that you have to apply for this certificate on behalf of your company, we also explain how to apply for such a document and how many days you will wait for it before you receive it.
Content Outline
What Does The Certificate of Good Standing Mean?
A document called the Certificate of Good Standing is granted by the Companies Registry in Hong Kong. The purpose of this document is to be able to use the company name as an official name of the company in order to maintain the Companies Registry in good standing for the sake of the company generally.
This is relevant to you if you are: Limited company with a local address or a company incorporated outside Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance.
The certificate essentially comprises: your company name, as well as the date of incorporation or registration.
Nevertheless, it must be emphasized that this Certificate can in no way be considered to be a substitute for the Certificate of Incorporation – an important document that is indispensable for any business to have in order to operate in Hong Kong.
Certificate of Good Standing vs Certificate of Continuing Registration
To be clear, it’s the identical degree with another name. The certificate which is signed by the Registrar of Companies acts as legal evidence proving that your company is in good status and is still registered.
So how does one go about registering a business in Hong Kong? Don’t worry, there is the guide you need. Click that link to learn more.
The Certificate of Good Standing or Certificate of Continuing Registration is often the case to serve as proof of your business’s registration in Hong Kong. It is the same legal instrument when it comes to its legal power and authority. Such certificate is approved by international agencies and institutions at large. This is why the certificate can be viewed as a verification method.
Information Included in a Certificate of Good Standing
- The Hong Kong company has not submitted articles of dissolution, certificates of cancellation, or similar documents.
- As of the issuance date, the company remains listed in the Companies Register.
- The incorporation of your Hong Kong company was performed under the Companies Ordinance.
- This ordinance mandates that the company be listed on the Register of Companies maintained by the Hong Kong Registrar of Companies at the time the certificate is issued.
- An authorized officer’s signature is necessary at the Hong Kong Registrar of Companies.
Is a Certificate of Good Standing Necessary for Your Business?
Most often, a company will only require a Certificate of Good Standing when its requirement is demanded.
- A business relationship with an individual or a company has demanded you to write this letter. This will be most likely when you wish to open a business bank account, apply for a credit card for your business, or even apply for a corporate credit or business loans.
- You submit an application to the registrar of non-Hong Kong companies for registration of your foreign entity company in another state. This is the standard practice by local and foreign authorities that require a Certificate of Good Standing from the state in which the business was registered before they can register a foreign entity (to get business licenses).
What’s important to know is that the issuing of the Certificate of Good Standing would not take place if your company was not obligated to be legally registered and granted legal power by the state. Hence, learn more about how to set up a business in Hong Kong from this experience.
How to Apply Certificate of Continuing Registration?
You can apply online for a certificate of good standing through a web interface called the Cyber Search Centre which is available at the Registry. Moreover, applications can be submitted personally at the Registry Office which is located on the 13th Floor of the Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong.
You can choose between collecting your CCR at the Registry’s Public Search Centre or having it sent or delivered to you for a fee if you apply for a CCR online. However, if you apply in person at the Public Search Centre of the Registry, you must also pick up the CCR personally.
A CCR will normally be available for pickup at the Registry’s Public Search Centre within 6 hours from the placing of an order, except for the non-service hours and non-working days.
In case you opt for CCR mail or courier delivery you will receive it and it usually takes 6 hours since your order, except for postal courier agents closed for non-service hours and non-working days. The transit time of a mail or courier package is also not accounted for.
Conclusion
Keep in mind that both the Hong Kong Certificate of Good Standing and the Certificate of Continuing Registration have the same duties and effect towards business entities.
If you would like to demonstrate the fact that the company works well and that you know how to manage a business, definitely obtain one of these certificates.
How Can FastLane Help You
Hong Kong has a rather complicated process when it comes to starting a company. But with FastLane, you can hire an accountant and personnel who will file all your company registration papers on your behalf.
Take advantage of our company secretary service to get a Certificate of Good Standing for your business in Hong Kong. Our experienced professionals will handle the whole process of incorporation from the beginning till the end.
Want to learn more details? Contact us to chat with our experts!
