Whether you are a start-up entrepreneur or a business owner who has been operating for many years, the company’s registered address is an important statutory registration item. However, as the business develops, the company may relocate its office, switch to a virtual office, or need to change its registered address for other reasons. At this time, how can the change procedures be handled legally and compliantly? What are the precautions?
What is the company’s registered address? The purpose and requirements of the company’s registered address
According to Hong Kong law, all forms of companies, whether limited or unlimited, must register their registered addresses with the Companies Registry (Limited Companies) and/or the Business Registration Office (Limited + Unlimited) before they can obtain a business registration certificate.
In other words, the company’s registered address is equivalent to the company’s official contact address, mainly used for:
● Receiving statutory documents from government departments (such as tax returns sent by the Inland Revenue Department, business registration certificate renewal notices, etc.).
● As the delivery address of the company’s legal documents (such as court summonses, government notices, etc.).
● Displayed publicly in the business registration certificate and company registry records for public inspection.
In addition, according to the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance, the company’s registered address must meet the following conditions:
○ Must be a physical address in Hong Kong (overseas addresses are not accepted).
○ Must be able to receive mail (PO boxes cannot be used).
○ Must be registered with the Companies Registry and the Business Registration Office (limited companies must report to both at the same time).
Capital Business Center reminds that if the company does not have a fixed office location for the time being, it can consider renting a virtual office or a registered address service provided by a secretarial company, which can comply with regulations and maintain a professional image.
Off topic: What are the benefits of choosing a virtual office for a company’s registered address?
Many start-ups or freelancers may not need a physical office in the early stages, but still need a formal address for business registration. At this time, a virtual office is an ideal choice, and its advantages include:
Cost savings: Entrepreneurs do not need to bear the high rent of a physical office, and some virtual office plans also include value-added services such as mail collection and phone forwarding.
Enhance professional image: Capital Business Center has virtual office services in commercial areas such as Central and Admiralty, which effectively enhances the company’s professional image and enhances customer trust.
One-stop business service: Capital Virtual Office Service also provides additional business services such as company registration, accounting and tax filing, and conference room rental, so that entrepreneurs can focus more on business development and reduce administrative burdens.
How to change the company’s registered address?
If the company happens to move its office or switch to a virtual office, etc., and needs to change its registered address, what should it do? According to current Hong Kong laws, Hong Kong companies must submit a written notice to update the address within 1 month after the change of registered address. Among them,
Unlimited companies only need to fill in the “Notice of Change of Business Address Form (IRC 3111A)” and mail or hand it in person to the 4th floor of the Revenue Tower (Business Registration Office).
Limited companies need to fill in the “Notice of Change of Business Address Form (IRC 3111A)” and mail or hand it in person to the 4th floor of the Revenue Tower (Business Registration Office); and fill in the “Notice of Change of Registered Office (NR1)” and mail or hand it in person to 14/F, High Block, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong (Companies Registry).
Changing your company’s registered address may seem simple, but if you fail to follow the regulations, you may lose important documents or face fines. Whether you choose a virtual office or move to a new address, you should ensure that you comply with regulations and complete the change procedures in a timely manner. Therefore, if you are a start-up business or are not familiar with the relevant laws, it is recommended that you consult Capital Business Center to make your company run more smoothly and focus on business growth!
