Hong Kong’s Companies Registry has made business interactions smoother with its e-Services Portal. Whether you’re submitting documents, searching company info, or accessing restricted data, you can now use it’s e-Services Portal to register your company online. Let’s break down how to get started.
Content Outline
What is the E-services Portal?
The e-Services Portal (the “Portal”) is a comprehensive online platform created by the Companies Registry (the “Registry”) to provide various online services (the “e-Services”), such as document submission and company information searches. Users can access all Registry e-Services with a single login to the Portal. The available services include:
(i) e-Filing Services
This service allows users to submit forms and documents electronically to the Registrar under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) and other related ordinances.
(ii) e-Search Services
This service provides online access to public records, including information from the Companies Register maintained by the Registrar of Companies.
(iii) Access to Withheld/Protected Information (Access to WI/PI Services)
This service enables users to obtain withheld information (as defined by section 47 of the Companies Ordinance) or protected information (as defined by section 53(1) of the Companies Ordinance) held by the Registrar.
How To Access The Portal and Start My Registration?
You can access the e-Services Portal at www.e-services.cr.gov.hk 24/7.
Do I need To Register? Are There Any Fees?
To use the e-Filing Services and Access to WI/PI Services (for designated individuals), users must register for an account, but there is no registration fee. For e-Search Services, account registration is optional. There is an annual fee of $500 for a principal account and $100 for additional accounts for e-Search Services. Users can also access e-Search Services as an Unregistered Online User without needing an account.
E-services Portal Registration Steps
Step 1: Select User Type and Services
Choose the appropriate user type and services:
- Individual
- e-Filing
- e-Search
- Access to WI/PI
- CR Company
- e-Filing
- e-Search
- Access to WI/PI
- BR Entity
- e-Filing
- e-Search
- Access to WI/PI
- Non-individual
- e-Search
- Access to WI/PI
(Attach a copy of a valid Business Registration Certificate)
Step 2: Provide Identification Details
Submit documents online:
- Use a Digital Certificate
- Attach a certified true copy of your identification document and other supporting documents
(Present original documents to the CR for verification) - Input the name of the account administrator (include identification information if subscribed to e-Search Services)
Step 3: Review Account Details
- Accept the Terms and Conditions of the subscribed services
- If subscribed to e-Filing or WI/PI Services, attach supporting documents
- Pay the annual registration fee (and any prepayment)
Step 4: Submit Application
The CR will send emails for activating your user account and separate emails for each approved service
The CR will check identification and supporting documents
Who Can Register Companies Online in Hong Kong?
(i) Individual User
Any individual person, whether or not you are a Hong Kong Citizen, can register for an Individual user account and start the company registration process online.
(ii) CR Company User
A local or registered non-Hong Kong company that is registered with the Companies Registry under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) can create a CR Company user account and register their company online.
(iii) BR Entity User
A business registered solely with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) under the Business Registration Ordinance (Chapter 310 of the Laws of Hong Kong), such as firms or partnerships, can register for a BR Entity user account.
(iv) Other Non-Individual User
Any applicant not falling into the above three categories can register for an Other Non-Individual user account.
What Documents Are Required For The Online Registration?
To start using the E-services Portal for online registration, you need to provide identification proof for both Individual and BR Entity users. Individuals must provide a Hong Kong Identity Card or a passport (for non-Hong Kong Identity Card holders). BR Entity users need to submit a copy of their valid business registration certificate. These identification documents must be certified as a true copy by the following agencies:
- A notary public practicing in Hong Kong
- A solicitor practicing in Hong Kong
- A certified public accountant (practicing) as defined by section 2 of the Accounting and Financial Reporting Council Ordinance (Cap. 588)
- An officer of the court in Hong Kong authorized by law to certify documents for any judicial or legal purpose
- A professional company secretary practicing in Hong Kong
- A TCSP licensee as defined by section 1 of Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615)
- A consular officer from the user’s home country, in the case of a non-Hong Kong resident
- The authority or body which issues the document
Summary
We have a lot of enquiries from companies or individuals abroad who are looking to register a company in Hong Kong, but find it inconvenient to do so in-person. This guide aims to educate them in how to register a company online. It also showcases how complex it can be, no matter how much support the government’s E-services Portal can provide. Contact us to help you register your company!