After establishing a Hong Kong limited company, the Companies Registry will issue a Certificate of Incorporation (CI). The CI is the only proof that the company has independent legal status, which is required for opening a bank account, applying for government subsidies, and signing contracts externally.
- The CI is the "birth certificate" of a limited company, proving that the company has independent legal status, while unlimited companies do not need to apply for it.
- The CI is issued by the Companies Registry and is automatically applied for when applying for a limited company, with no need for additional processing.
- The original CI is issued only once; if lost, only a certified copy can be applied for, so it must be kept properly.
- Starting from December 27, 2023, the CI number for newly established companies will change to an 8-digit number.
What is the Certificate of Incorporation (CI)?
The Certificate of Incorporation (CI) is issued by the Companies Registry and is the only legal proof of independent legal status for Hong Kong limited companies.
The function of the CI is similar to a company's "birth certificate" or "identity card"—when it is necessary to prove the company's legal existence in Hong Kong, the CI must be presented. Common usage scenarios include:
- Opening a company bank account
- Applying for government funding or subsidies
- Signing contracts in the name of the company
- Applying for specific industry licenses
Unlimited companies do not have independent legal status due to legal liabilities being on the owners personally rather than the company, thereforedo not need to apply for a CI.。
What is included in the Certificate of Incorporation?
The Certificate of Incorporation sets out three important pieces of company information, including the name of the company, the date of incorporation of the company and the company's registration number.
A company registration number can prove that a business has been registered with the Companies Registry and has the legal right to operate. When opening a bank account, applying for government subsidies, or using a company as the main body for formalities, there are chances that a certificate of company registration or a company registration number will be required to be presented.
What is the company registration number CI? What is it for?
Previously, the company registration number was a 7-digit number located at the top left corner of the certificate, which is like a company identity card number and is also the company's tax identification number for filing tax returns.
Unique Business Identifier Updated in 2023
The Companies Registry has replaced the company number with the Business Registration Certificate number with effect from 27 December 2023. for limited companies incorporated before 22 December 2023, the company number on the Certificate of Incorporation will be the 7-digit number in the upper left-hand corner of the Certificate. for limited companies incorporated after 27 December 2023, the company number will be the 8-digit number.
Is the CI number equivalent to the Business Registration Number (BRN)?
The company number for companies incorporated after 27 December 2023 is an 8-digit number, which will be the same as the first 8 digits of the Business Registration Certificate number. The format of the Business Registration Certificate number is XXXXXXXXXX-&&&-&&-&&-&. The first 8-digit number is the Business Registration Certificate number, and the subsequent digits and letters represent the effective month and year of the Business Registration Certificate as well as other information used by the Inland Revenue Department.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between CI and BR?
The CI (Certificate of Incorporation) is issued by the Companies Registry and is proof of independent legal status for limited companies; unlimited companies do not need to apply. The BR (Business Registration Certificate) is issued by the Inland Revenue Department, and all individuals or companies operating for profit in Hong Kong must apply, including limited and unlimited companies. The purposes of the two are different, and they are processed simultaneously when applying for a limited company; for details, please refer to:Complete Guide to Business Registration Certificate
Can I apply for a Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate at the same time?
Yes, company registration and business registration certificates serve different purposes. Company registration is for the purpose of the company having an independent legal status, whereas business registration is for business operators to operate legally and profitably.
What you need to fill in when applying to set up a limited companyNNC1、NNC1G及NNC3The above forms will be used to apply for Hong Kong company registration and business registration services at the same time, so you need to submit a notice to the Business Registration Office and the business registration fee at the same time when you need to register your application.
Can CI replace the Certificate of Incorporation?
No. The company must keep the original company CI in safe custody. According to section 305(1) of the Companies Ordinance, the original CI will only be issued once and the Companies Registry will not reissue a copy of the original. In case of loss, it can only apply for a certificate setting out the latest information on company registration, etc. or a certified copy of the original certificate.
Which one will be obtained first, CI or BR?
When applying for a limited company, the CI and BR are applied for simultaneously. After electronic applications are approved, electronic CI and electronic BR are generally issued within 1 hour, with no order of precedence.
Do I need a CI or a BR to open a bank account?
Both documents are required. Banks typically require CI, BR, company articles, and proof of identity for directors when opening an account. Some banks may require document certification, so it is advisable to confirm the required list with the bank before opening an account. For detailed account opening documents, please refer to:What documents do I need to bring to open a company account?
Conclusion
If you have any questions about the company CI or applying for company registration, please feel free to contact the Langfeng Business Consulting Team. We provide one-stop company registration services, assisting you throughout the entire process from application to obtaining the certificate.
Extended Reading:
Hong Kong Company Setup Guide: 6 Major Steps, Costs, Required Documents
Complete analysis of the costs of starting a company in Hong Kong
What documents are required to open a company account?
Complete guide to business registration certificate: BR application requirements and steps.
