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Q:
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Is there any restriction on the company name?
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A:
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Yes, there are some restrictions for the company name. In general, a company name must not meet any of the followings:
same as a name appearing in the index of Company Names that is kept by the Registrar;
same as a name from a name incorporated or established under an Ordinance;
in the opinion of the Registrar, the name would constitute a criminal offence; or
in the opinion of the Registrar, the name offense or contrary the public interest.
Besides, special approvals must be obtained from the Registrar for approval if the company contains any of the followings:
wordings that specified in the Companies (Words and Expressions in Company Name) Order (Cap. 622A). For example, “chamber of commerce” and “trust”;
wordings that give the impression that the company is connected to the Central People’s Government or its department or agency; or
wordings that give the impression that the company is connected to the Government of HKSAR or any other department or agency.
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Q:
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Is it possible to end the company name with words that is other than “Limited”?
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A:
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No. Pursuant to Section 102 of Companies Ordinance, a company name must end with Limited. Other wordings, such as “Corporation”, “Inc.” or “LTD” (Abbreviation of “Limited”), are not allowed.
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Q:
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Is it possible to dispense the word “Limited”?
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Yes. Defined in Section 103 of Companies Ordinance, it is possible to apply for a Registrar’s licence to dispense with “Limited” in the company name. Yet, it must be an association intended to be formed as a limited company and must fulfil and prove the followings to the Registrar:
the company is to be formed for promoting commerce, art, science, religion or charity or any other useful object;
the association intends to apply the company’s profits or other income in promoting its objects; and
the association intends to prohibit the payment of dividend to the company’s members.
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Q:
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Is there any way to check if the proposed company name is available?
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To check the availability, name search must be conducted. We could help to conduct a search on the proposed company name. Please feel free to contact us for details.
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Q:
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Is it possible to use Chinese Name only?
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Yes. A company can have Chinese Name only, English Name only, or both a Chinese Name and English Name.
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Q:
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What language can be used in the company name?
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The languages includes Traditional Chinese for Chinese name and English for English name only. Numeral and some symbols, specified by the Registrar, can be included in the name. However, Simplified Chinese is not allowed in a company’s Chinese name.
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Will the Registrar allow a Chinese name that is formed with a combination of Chinese and English?
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A:
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No. Company’s Chinese Name and English Name is registered separately. The Registrar will reject the registration for a Chinese name with combination of Chinese and English.
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Q:
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Is swapping company name allowed?
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Yes, explanation letters with application forms of two companies must be submitted to Companies Registry for approval. If the name swap is accepted by Companies Registry, a Certificate of Change of Name will be issued to the companies on the same date.
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What will happen when a company fail to comply with the change of name direction issued by the Registrar of Companies?
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Non-Compliance may result in the prosecution of the company and/or its officers. The maximum penalty is a fine of HK$100,000, together with a daily default fine of HK$2,000 for continuing default. The name of the company may also change to its company registration number by the Registrar.
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Q:
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What should I do if I want to change my company name?
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To change the company name, the company should check the availability of the proposed company name first. If you are interested in changing the company’s name, please feel free to contact us directly, or you may refer to Change of Company Name in Hong Kong - Fees and Procedures for more details.
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FAQ
