Hong Kong inaugurates electronic incorporation service

People can now incorporate companies and apply for business registration through the e-Registry portal.

People can now incorporate companies online, round-the-clock anywhere in the world, with the launch of the Companies Registry’s new electronic incorporation service and its 24-hour e-Registry portal.

Speaking at the launch ceremony on Friday, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Prof KC Chan said a convenient and efficient company registration system is indispensable to Hong Kong as a leading international business and financial centre, according to a government report.

“The new service not only enhances the business environment in Hong Kong, but also puts Hong Kong on a par with comparable jurisdictions like the UK and Singapore in company registration. It will further enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness,” he said.

Registrar of Companies Ada Chung said people can now incorporate companies and apply for business registration through the e-Registry portal.

Any person who submits an application for company incorporation will be deemed to have applied for business registration at the same time. If the applications are successful, the Companies Registry will issue electronic certificates of incorporation and business registration certificates in one go.

The time required for company incorporation and business registration will be significantly reduced from four working days to less than one day.

The Companies Registry will also issue commemorative records of registration to companies upon applications from their directors. Four designs are available and companies can insert photographs of their own choice in some of the designs.