Hong Kong Company Search】How to carry out the search procedure through the Companies Registry, 5 major steps for searching without asking for assistance
You need to have a company name before applying for a company, but how can you avoid your company name being used? The Hong Kong Companies Registry provides online company search service, which allows enterprises and individuals to check the basic information of a company, including the company name. In this article, we will guide you to understand the content of the search, the search process and fees, so that even a novice can easily understand the company search!
What is a Company Search? The key to applying for company registration
What can be found in a company search?
A company search is an enquiry into the basic information of a locally registered company through the system of the Hong Kong Companies Registry (HKCR).
Such information includes the members of the company, the names of the directors, the registered address, and even if the company goes into liquidation, the relevant responsible persons will also be shown. All such information comes from the Companies Ordinance and is open and transparent for inspection by anyone.
What are the steps you must take before starting a business?
If we are toIncorporationIn order to do so, it is necessary to draw up the name of the company, so how can we ensure that the name we have drawn up will not be used by others?
We know that a company search can provide information about a local company registered in Hong Kong, including the name of the company. In this way, we can use the search to ascertain whether our intended company name has been registered and used again, so as to avoid affecting the progress of registration.
Company searches also serve these important purposes
If you are going to co-operate with a company, of course you would like to know whether it is legally registered and whether there is any suspicious background; or if you are an investor, you would like to confirm whether the directors of the company are trustworthy. A company search can help you to get at least the basic background of the company and minimise the risk, which is super important for businessmen.
What is the difference between a company search and a business registration certificate?
Many people get confused between "company search" and "company registration".Business Registration"In fact, the two have different purposes:
- Company Search: Checks on information recorded at the Companies Registry, such as directors, shareholders, company status, etc.
- Business Registration Certificate (BR): Issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), it mainly records information on business operations, such asBusiness Nature(b) the name, address, business name, etc., of the business; (c) the name, address, business name, etc. of the business.
Simply put, a company search looks at the "backbone structure" of the company, while a business registration favours the recording of "business activities".
How to conduct a company search? Three methods are the most convenient
There are three ways you can search for company information:
- Log on to the CR e-services website at the Companies Registry (https://www.e-services.cr.gov.hk/）
- Use your mobile phone to log in to the Company Search Mobile website (www.mobile-cr.gov.hk）
- In person at the E-Service Centre on 13/F, Queensway Government Offices, 66 Queensway, Hong Kong
Whenever there is a need, one can use these platforms to enquire about information, and the procedures are simple and inexpensive.
Who needs a company search?
Company search is not only for businessmen, but also for the following people:
- Those who are going to start a business and want to check the availability of the company name.
- Investors, partners, want to know the background of the company
- Lawyers, accountants, auditors and other professionals
- Job seekers who want to make sure that the interviewing company is legitimate.
- Public Inspection of Businesses for Record Keeping
Whichever your situation, a company search is a worthwhile tool that is both convenient and legal, with reliable information available in a matter of minutes.
What kind of information can be found in a company search?
Through a company search, you can find information on the current status of registered companies and visual records of registered documents kept in the Companies Register, even for dissolved companies.
Below are the types of key information you can access:
- Forms and documents submitted by companies: such as incorporation documents, annual returns, change of directors, etc.
- Information on Current and Former Directors: Identify who is actually in charge behind the company.
- Membership and Registered Particulars: to ascertain the latest details of the company, such as company name and registered address
- Company Charge RecordsFor example, whether a company has borrowed against its assets is an important reference for investment or co-operation.
If a more formal use is required, you can also apply for these documents below:
- Certified copy(Certified Copy): e.g. an official copy of the declaration form.
- Certificate of Incorporation(Certificate of Continuing Registration): certifies that the company is still validly existing.
New search arrangements
Because of the personal privacy implications, there are new search arrangements for some of the contents from 2021 onwards. Whereas the residential address and full identity card number of a director could previously be seen, this will no longer be available and will only be displayed:
- Director's Correspondence Address (in lieu of usual residential address)
- Partial identification numbers of directors and company secretaries (in lieu of full numbers for public inspection)
Such sensitive information is categorised as "protected information" and the general public can no longer access it casually, but have to apply for access.
The whole new arrangement will be implemented in three phases:
- Phase I (commencing 23 August 2021): companies can opt out of public access to protected information
- Phase II (commencing 24 October 2022): The Companies Registry has removed protected information from newly filed documents from public inspection.
- Phase III (commencing 27 December 2023)Even if the information is contained in old documents, the data subject can apply for non-disclosure.
Who can check? What is a "specified person"?
Although the new rules restrict access to some of the data, the protected data can still be accessed by persons with certain identities, who are the so-called "protected persons".specified person」。
The following persons or organisations are specified persons and may apply to the Registrar of Companies for full particulars:
- the data subject, or a person authorised in writing by me
- Members of the company concerned
- Liquidator, trustee in bankruptcy
- Public Officers or Public Organisations
- Table of Contents
- Solicitors, foreign lawyers
- Certified Public Accountants
- Financial institutions (e.g. banks), designated non-financial persons (e.g. estate agents)
If you are not one of the above, you will only be able to access basic data that has been protected, but this is good enough for general purposes (e.g. verifying the legality of a company).
How to do a company search? Complete Search Procedures
Hong Kong company search procedure is not difficult, as long as you know how to use a computer or mobile phone to access the Internet, you can complete the search within a few minutes. Below is a handy guide to show you how to do an online company search:
Step 1: Login to the Companies Registry e-Search Platform
Firstly, open your browser and go to the CR's e-services website:https://www.e-services.cr.gov.hk/
If you're checking on your mobile phone, you can access the mobile version of the platform:www.mobile-cr.gov.hk
Both systems support Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese and English interfaces, which are not too complicated to operate.
Step 2: Click on "Search" function
When you enter the main page, you will see the "Search" option on the toolbar. After clicking on it, the screen will jump to the search system interface, ready to input the enquiry information.
Step 3: Input searcher's information
Before you start a company search, you will need to fill in some basic information such as your name and email. This is to keep track of who is using the search service and is a normal procedure, so don't worry.
Step 4: Select the purpose of the search and enter the verification code.
Next, the system will ask you to select the purpose of the search, such as "verification of company information", "business co-operation purposes", etc., and choose the one that is closest to your purpose. Then enter the verification code on the screen to make sure it is not a machine operation.
Step 5: Select "Company Search" and enter your company name.
As the last step, select the "Company Search" function and enter the company name or company number you want to search in the search box. The system will list out a list of matching companies, and you can see the company's registration status, directors' information, filed documents and other information by clicking on it.
The whole process can be used without having to apply for an account, but if you frequently check out different companies, applying for a user account will be more convenient and have more features available.
Extended reading: "TheCompany Search】Simple 5 steps to confirm the availability of the company name (with free function tutorials)》
2025 Company Search Fee
You don't have to hire a lawyer to do a background check on a company, you can use the Companies Registry's search service. Although the search is open to the public, not all information is free of charge.
Some basic information can be accessed for free, but if you want to see images of documents or apply for certificates, you will have to pay extra. Here's a look at what you can check for free, what you'll be charged for, and how to pay for it in the most convenient way!
Free Search Service
In fact, you can get a lot of basic information for free, for example:
- Company Name: You can search by keyword, for example, enter "ABC" and all company names starting with ABC will appear.
- Document Indexing: I know what documents the company has submitted, but they do not contain the contents.
- Index of Disqualification Order Register: you can see the names of the persons and corporations disqualified by the court from holding the office of director, or other specified offices
- Index to the Register of Charges: shows whether the company has pledged assets, again indexed, without details
These free features are enough to help you do the initial background understanding, especially checking whether the company name has any collision, which is super useful for entrepreneurs.
What services are subject to charges?
If you want to see more in-depth content, such as the list of directors, historical documents, or apply for official certificates, then you need to pay a fee. The main fees are listed below:
Access to information on company lists or reports
| Category of Documents | Fee (HK$) |
| Access to Company Information (per company) | $ 22 |
| Index of Directors by Company Name (per company) | $ 11 |
| Access to Directors' Information (per Director or Alternate Director) | $ 11 |
| Index of Directors by Name of Director (per Director or Alternate Director) | $ 22 |
| Access to disqualification order information (per disqualified person) | $ 11 |
Application certificate or certified copy
These are usually used for legal purposes,Bank Account OpeningFor official purposes such as overseas applications, the fee will be higher.
| Category of Documents | Fee (HK$) |
| Obtaining a certificate of incorporation for a local company or a non-Hong Kong company that is still registered. | $ 170 |
| the certification fee for obtaining a certified copy of the document (or extract therefrom) or report (excluding the cost of providing a hard copy of the document or report) | $ 130 |
Viewing Image Records
| Category of Documents | Online Search (Download) Registration / Non-registration | Online Search (Online Viewing) Registration / Non-registration | Hardcopies of searches conducted by the Registry |
| Prospectus, instruments relating to charges, accounts / financial statements, memorandum, articles of association, memorandum and articles of association, charter, statute or similar document | $ 21 / 23 | $ 26 / 29 | $ 35 |
| Annual Return, Form NNC1, NC1, NNC1G, NC1G, NN1 or N1 | $ 16 / 18 | $ 21 / 23 | $ 30 |
| Other documents | $ 9 / 10 | $ 12 / 13 | $ 20 |
For more detailed charges, please refer to: Companies Registry'sFee Schedule for Major Services
How do I pay? What methods are supported?
The company search platform is divided into "Registered User" and "No Account User", and the payment methods will be slightly different:
Accountless users (on-the-spot payment) can choose from the following payment options:
- credit cardsVISA, Mastercard, JCB or UnionPay.
- electronic payment: Apple Pay, Google Pay (mobile version only)
- PPS: Online search centre use only
Please note that from 2021 onwards, the level of access to search data has been adjusted so that not all personal data can be searched. For details, please refer to the "New Search Arrangements" above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an unlimited company be searched?
Many people would think that all companies can be searched by the Companies Registry, but in fact "unlimited companies" is a different system.
Since the registration of unlimited companies is under the responsibility of the Business Registration Office of the Inland Revenue Department, which is not under the Companies Registry, the Companies Registry cannot be used to check the information of unlimited companies.
Unlimited company searches should be conducted using theGovHK Hong Kong Government One-stop ShopThe "website", through which information such as: business registration number, business name, registered address and electronic extracts can be found.
Can I download or print the search results?
Yes, most company searches can be viewed online, with the option to download or print:
- Online access to information: index of company names, charge records, list of documents, list of directors, index of disqualification orders, etc.
- Downloadable image records (e.g. PDF versions of returns, articles of association)
But be careful: if you have ordered a "certified copy" of the image record, then you can only get a hard copy from the Companies Registry. If you have made a search in person at the Public Search Centre, you can only get a hard copy of the search result.
Do I have to have a registered account for the company search service?
No need! You can check the register directly as a "no-account user" without registering an account, either by using a computer or a mobile phone, or by checking the information in person at the Companies Registry.
However, if you check your company frequently and want to manage your orders or download records conveniently, it is recommended that you register a user account, which will be more time-saving and easy to use.
Can I apply for a receipt for the company search service?
Yes, you can! If you are a no-account user, once you have completed the online payment, an e-receipt will be displayed immediately with the order number and enquiry reference number listed.
Remember to save or print your receipts before leaving the e-receipts page, as these numbers are your proof that you will be able to check back on an order or download a document in the future.
The service fee payable by the registered user will be deducted from your prepayment automatically, and the transaction number will be displayed for easy tracking after the transaction is completed.
Can I view ordered items if I don't have an account?
Yes, you can! Even if you don't have a registered account, as long as you are using the same computer or mobile phone, you can still check the information of your 20 orders within the last 72 hours in the system.
After entering the platform, click "Shopping" ➡ "My Transactions", you can see the order number and order enquiry reference number. With these information, you can check the order status or download the purchased items again.
Hong Kong Company Opening
If you are a first-time entrepreneur, unfamiliar with the company registration process, or wish to focus on developing your business and saving time, seeking professional agency services will be a more efficient and reassuring option.
As a TCSP licensed professional company service provider, LFB provides one-stop registration and aftercare support, including:
- Assist in the preparation and submission of documents required for company registration
- Provision of qualified registered address and company secretarial services
- Assisting in the opening of company bank accounts, tax filing and audit arrangements
- Reduce the risk of application errors and ensure a smooth process
Whether you are a local entrepreneur or an expatriate planning to enter the Hong Kong market, LFB can provide you with a tailor-made registration solution to meet your actual needs, so that you can start your company without any hassle.
Conclusion
Company search is an important function that provides important information and documents about a particular company. If you have any company and business related questions, please feel free to contact our team of business consultants at Lafont, we provide one-stop professional business services including Hong Kong company registration, bank account opening and secretarial services, etc. to help you focus on your business development!
Extended reading: "TheHong Kong Company Lazybones】Hong Kong Company Formation Process, Fees, Time and Frequently Asked Questions in One Article》