Company registration tutorial: 5 steps to confirm the company name is available, avoiding application rejection.
Before applying for a company, it is necessary to confirm that the intended name has not been registered by another company; otherwise, the application will be rejected. This article provides the complete steps for checking the ICRIS system and common considerations after the check.
- The check must use the ICRIS system of the Companies Registry, which is available for free 24 hours a day without the need to register an account.
- The check can only filter for exactly the same names; the determination of "too similar" is still decided by the Registrar of Companies.
- The Chinese name and the English name must be checked separately; both cannot be covered in one check.
- A check result showing "no records" does not guarantee approval; it is recommended to prepare 2-3 alternative names.
Company name checking process tutorial
The following is a sample of the search procedure of the Online Search Centre for company name search:
Step 1: Access to the Online Company Search Centre
Web site as:www.icris.cr.gov.hk.Generally, you will be able to select no account users.
Step 2: Provide your real name information and select the purpose of use
The system is available in English, Traditional Chinese and Simplified Chinese, and you will be required to provide the real name of the searcher, followed by the verification password and the purpose of the search.
Step 3: Click on "View", "Company Name".
Find the search service through the top menu, select "Search", "Company Name".
Step 4: Full Name Search, Enter Company Name
You can choose to check "by full name," then select the language, and input the company name you wish to inquire about to check if the company name has been registered. Additionally, the Chinese name and the English name must be checked separately.
Step 5: Enquiry Result
unavailable
If the company name is"Present"If the name is still registered and in use, the name can no longer be used.
You can use the
But if the search results show"No record matches the query data entered".If the name is not registered for use, you can choose this name as your company name.
Company search provides verifiable information for enterprises and individuals, and establishes a highly transparent business environment in Hong Kong. Entrepreneurs can first visit the online search centre to confirm the availability of their preferred company name to avoid rejection when submitting company applications.
Longfeng Business reminds you: After checking the company name, pay attention to these.
The check only filters for exactly the same names.
The ICRIS system only compares exactly matching names and cannot determine if they are "too similar." Even if the check shows "no records," if the Registrar of Companies believes the name is too similar to an existing company, the application can still be rejected.
It is recommended to prepare 2-3 alternative names.
Prepare alternative options before the formal application to avoid wasting time restarting after a rejection.
The Chinese name and the English name must be checked separately.
The two are independent checking items; confirming the Chinese name is available does not mean the English name is also available, and they need to be checked separately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does company registration require a fee?
Checking whether a company name is available is completely free and does not require account registration. If you need to check detailed information about the company (such as director and shareholder information), a fee will be required.
Can the company registration result of "no record" definitely be used?
Not necessarily. ICRIS only filters out exactly the same names, and the final approval authority lies with the Registrar of Companies. Even if the search results show availability, it may still be rejected due to the name being too similar to an existing company.
Can the Chinese name and English name be searched together?
No, you cannot. The Chinese name and the English name are independent search items and need to be entered separately for inquiry.
How long after the company registration is the application valid?
The search results do not have an expiration date, but the status of the company name may change at any time. It is recommended to submit the application as soon as possible after the search to avoid having the desired name registered by others during the waiting period.
Conclusion
Make good use of the ICRIS check to eliminate name issues before the formal application, significantly reducing the risk of rejection.
If you need assistance with name checking or preparing company application documents, feel free to contact the Longfeng Business Consulting Team; we provide one-stop company formation services.
Extended Reading:
Hong Kong Company Setup Guide: 6 Major Steps, Costs, Required Documents
Top 3 things you need to prepare in advance to open a company in Hong Kong