How to change a company name?

Step 1 – Choose a new name

Choose a new name for the company. Please refer to the "Guideline on Registration of Company Names for Hong Kong Companies" (pdf Format) for the points to note when choosing a company name.

A company name that is the same as a name appearing in the index of company names kept by the Registrar of Companies ("the Registrar") will be rejected. A company name search may be conducted free of charge through the e-Search Services under our e-Services Portal or at our e-Services Centre on the 13th floor of the Queensway Government Offices. Use the "Exact Name Search" mode and input the full and exact company name that you intend to register (use traditional Chinese characters for Chinese name).

A company name that may infringe the intellectual property rights ("IPR") of a third party should not be adopted. Infringement of the IPR of others may attract criminal or civil sanctions, either in Hong Kong or elsewhere. A search in the Trademark Register (https://esearch.ipd.gov.hk/nis-pos-view/) maintained by the Intellectual Property Department should also be conducted.

Step 2 – Deliver documents

The company has to pass a Special Resolution ("SR") to change the company name. The said SR and the Articles of Association as altered in relation to change of company name need not be delivered to the Registry. Only a Form NNC2 "Notice of Change of Company Name" together with the correct fees should be delivered to the Registry for registration within 15 days after the passing of the SR, either electronically through the e-Filing Services under the "e-Services Portal" or in hard copy form to the Shroff on the 14th floor of the Queensway Government Offices.

Step 3 – Collect Certificate

If the change of company name can be registered, download or collect the Certificate of Change of Name. The Certificate will be issued in electronic form or hard copy form, depending on the mode of delivery of the Form NNC2. Certificates in electronic form or hard copy form have the same legal effect.

Form NNC2 delivered in electronic form

Electronic Certificate of Change of Name will normally be issued within 1 hour. An email notification for download of the Certificate will be sent to the message box and registered email address of the registered user who delivers the Form NNC2.

Form NNC2 delivered in hard copy form

Certificate of Change of Name in hard copy form will normally be issued within 4 working days. The presentor will be notified by fax when the Certificate is ready for collection. The Certificate has to be collected in person at the Registry on presentation of the fax notification and the identification document mentioned therein. A written authorisation will be required if the presentor sends a representative to collect the certificate.

Notes

• The registrability of a company name can only be confirmed after the Form NNC2 has been processed by the Companies Registry. If the intended new company name(s) is/are incorrect or cannot be registered, the change of name may be rejected and the lodgement fee paid will not be refunded.

For details, please refer to the following information pamphlets:

Step 1 – Deliver documents

Within 1 month after the date of alteration of the corporate name, deliver the following documents with the correct fee either electronically through our "e-Registry" or in hard copy form to the Shroff on the 14th floor of the Queensway Government Offices:

1. Form NN10 - Return of Alteration of Corporate Name of Registered Non-Hong Kong Company; and

2. a certified copy of the supporting document(s) issued by the relevant government authority in the company’s place of incorporation (e.g. certificate of change of name) showing the alteration and the effective date of the alteration.

Step 2 – Collect Certificate

If the alteration of company name can be registered, download or collect the Certificate of Registration of Alteration of Name of Registered Non-Hong Kong Company. The Certificate will be issued in electronic form or hard copy form, depending on the mode of delivery of the application. The Certificate will normally be issued within 7 working days. Certificates in electronic form or hard copy form have the same legal effect.

For electronic applications, an email notification for download of the Certificate will be sent to the message box and registered email address of the registered user who delivers the application.

For applications delivered in hard copy form, the presentor will be notified by fax when the Certificate is ready for collection. The Certificate has to be collected in person at the Registry on presentation of the fax notification and the identification document mentioned therein. A written authorisation will be required if the presentor sends a representative to collect the certificate.

For details, please refer to the following information pamphlets: