Company Deregistration

What is Company Deregistration?

Deregistration refers to the removal of a company from the register at the Companies Registry, formally ending the company’s existence as a legal entity. Once successfully deregistered, the company is no longer required to comply with any statutory obligations, such as submitting annual returns or paying business registration fees.

Hong Kong Company Deregistration Process

• 1. Cease Operations and Settle Accounts

  Ensure that the company has completely ceased all operations and business activities, and settle all outstanding debts, including taxes, payments to suppliers, and other legal obligations.

• 2. Apply for a “No Objection to Deregistration” Notice

  The company must apply to the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for a “No Objection to Deregistration” notice.

• 3. Submit Deregistration Application to the Companies Registry

  After receiving the “No Objection” notice from the IRD, the company must submit a deregistration application to the Companies Registry.

• 4. Review and Public Notice by the Companies Registry

  Upon receiving the deregistration application, the Companies Registry will review the application to ensure that all documents and conditions meet the requirements. Once approved, a notice regarding the deregistration will be published in the Gazette, publicly notifying the application for deregistration.

• 5. Successful Deregistration and Removal

  If no objections are received during the notice period, the Companies Registry will deregister the company from the register and issue a “Certificate of Deregistration” as proof that the deregistration has been completed.

Conditions for Applying to Cancel the Registration of a Hong Kong Limited Company

• All members of the company agree to the cancellation of registration.
• The company has not commenced operations or business, or has not operated or conducted business in the three months immediately prior to the application.
• The company has no outstanding debts.
• The company is not a party to any legal proceedings.
• The company does not hold any real estate.
• All subsidiaries of the company (if the company is a holding company) do not possess any real estate located in Hong Kong.
• The company has obtained a “No Objection to Deregistration” notice from the Director of the Inland Revenue Department.