The first step in registering a Hong Kong company is to check the name. It sounds simple, but in reality a lot of people get stuck at this step - the name is rejected, re-checked, and rejected again ...... Some people have been delayed for a week or two going back and forth.

Today, the 5 most common cases of name check rejection are listed, so you can check them against each other before registration and pass them at once.

If you've already thought of a company name but aren't sure if it will go through, contact us today!
📞 Cell phone: 18676749275 ｜ 💬 WeChat: qcygscszk

01 Rules to get clear first: the basic format of the Hong Kong company name

There are two formats for Hong Kong company names, and you must choose one of the two:

• Chinese name: End with “Ltd.” (e.g., So-and-so Trading Co. Ltd.)
• English name:: Ending in “LIMITED” or “LTD” (example: ABC Trading Limited)

You can have both English and Chinese, but you can't mix English and Chinese in the same name (e.g., you can't use the form “So-and-So Trading Limited”).

02 5 Rejection Scenarios, which one is most often stepped on?

❌ Scenario 1: Name is exactly the same as a registered company

The Company Registry's weight checking system is automatic and identical names are rejected directly without any room for accommodation.

cure: Go to the Companies Registry's Online Search Center before submitting (icris.cr.gov.hk) Check yourself and change your name immediately if you find a duplicate name.

❌ Case 2: Name “too similar” to a registered company”

This is the worst of the bunch, as the determination of “too similar” is somewhat subjective.

Common Trigger Example:

• Only one word has been changed (“Hong Kong Ying Trading” → “Hong Kong Ying Commerce and Trade”)
• English case only (“ABC Trading” → “A.B.C. Trading”)
• Added prefixes such as “Hong Kong” and “International” (“XX Trade” → “Hong Kong XX Trade”)

cure: The name should be clearly distinguishable and not be fine-tuned from the registered name.

❌ Scenario 3: Contains sensitive words that require pre-clearance

The following words appearing in the name need to be approved by the relevant government department before they can be submitted for registration:

Direct submission of a name containing the above terms will be rejected because it “needs to be accompanied by a document approved by the relevant authorities”.

cure: If the business does require the use of these words, consult the relevant department in advance; if they are not required, change the common vocabulary.

If you're not sure if the name you've chosen contains sensitive words, or want to know which words need to be approved, contact us - a professional consultant will help you review your name for compliance.
📞 Cell phone: 18676749275 ｜ 💬 WeChat: qcygscszk

❌ Scenario 4: Name violates the prohibition of use in the CO

Some words are expressly prohibited by the CO, such as words that are deceptive or misleading - for example, names that imply a connection with a government agency (“China Official”, “Government Licensed ” etc.).

These types of dismissals are relatively rare, but when they do occur, being asked to amend them may also raise additional concerns.

❌ Scenario 5: Inconsistency between the meaning of the English and Chinese names (deemed inconsistent by the registry)

The Registrar of Companies has the power to require that the English and Chinese names are approximately the same in meaning. If the Chinese name is “金龙貿易有限公司” but the English name is “Blue Sky Technology Limited”, it may be challenged for inconsistency.

cure: Keep the Chinese and English names corresponding in meaning, or register only monolingual names (pure English or pure Chinese).

03 Name checks are valid for only 3 months

After the name check is approved, the validity period is3 monthsIf the registration is not completed within 3 months, a new name check is required. So after the name check is approved, move forward with the registration process as soon as possible and don't procrastinate.

04 Practical advice: prepare three alternative names, three at a time for name checks

Three names can be checked at the same time for each submission and are processed by the Companies Registry in order of priority.

Suggested name preparation strategies:

• First choice: Optimal name
• Option 2: Option 1 add a distinguishing word (e.g., add industry word or region word)
• Option 3: English names mainly (English names are usually less likely to be rejected than Chinese names)

05 Hong Kong CompaniesFull Registration Process

Step 1: Determine company information (prepared in advance)

Company name (Chinese name + English name, at least 3 alternatives)
Registered address (must be a physical address in Hong Kong, not a personal residence)
Director Information (at least 1 director, may be a Mainland resident)
Shareholder information (natural or legal persons are allowed, no restriction on Hong Kong nationality)
Registered capital (no minimum requirement, usually HK$10-100,000)
Description of major operations (affecting bank account opening audits)

Step 2: Submit Registration Application

✅ Full online submission, no need to come to Hong Kong in person
✅ Main document:
Proof of identity of shareholders/directors (ID card + passport for mainland residents)
Form NNC1 (Company Formation Form)
Draft Articles of Association (M&A)
Proof of registered address
⏱ Processing time: 3-5 business days (expedited for quick review)

Step 3: Receive Registration Documents

You will receive it after successful registration:

Step 4: Must-do follow-up

Getting the company is only the first step, these 4 things are not done, the company is equal to waste:

Contact us now - one-stop service for Hong Kong company registration, bank account opening, annual review, audit and tax filing.

📞 Cell phone: 18676749275 ｜ 💬 WeChat: qcygscszk

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