Every Hong Kong company must maintain a registered office address in Hong Kong at all times. This is a legal requirement under Section 658 of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), not an option. The address appears on your Business Registration Certificate, on the Companies Registry public record, and on all official government correspondence. This guide explains what qualifies, which options are available, and how to change your address if needed.
Highlights of this article
- Every Hong Kong company must have a registered office address under Section 658 of the Companies Ordinance. P.O. boxes do not qualify.
- The address must be a physical location in Hong Kong that can receive mail and correspondence during business hours.
- Residential addresses are legally permitted but become public record and must meet display and accessibility requirements.
- Virtual office addresses from a licensed TCSP (Trust and Corporate Service Provider) are the most common option for international businesses.
- Changes to the registered address must be notified to the Companies Registry within 15 days. Failure to notify is a continuing offence.
What Is a Registered Address?
A registered address (also called a registered office address) is the official address of your company on the Hong Kong Companies Registry. It is used for:
- Receiving statutory documents and government notices from the Companies Registry and IRD
- Storing the company's statutory records (register of members, register of directors, articles of association)
- Public display of the company name and liability status
- Official filings. The address appears on the Business Registration Certificate and all Companies Registry forms.
The registered address is separate from where the business operates day to day. A company can have its registered address at a TCSP office and conduct its actual business from a different location, or remotely from overseas. Many international founders using Air Corporate's company registration in Hong Kong service never visit Hong Kong at all. For the full company formation process, see how to register a company in Hong Kong. The registered address also appears on the Business Registration Certificate, which must be displayed at your place of business at all times.
Legal Requirements for a Registered Address
Under Section 658 of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622):
- The registered office must be a physical address in Hong Kong. A P.O. box does not satisfy the requirement.
- The address must be capable of receiving documents and correspondence during business hours.
- The company name and liability status (e.g., "Limited") must be displayed legibly at the registered office.
- Statutory books and records must be kept at the registered address or at another place in Hong Kong notified to the Companies Registry.
The company must notify the Companies Registry of any change to the registered address within 15 days of the change taking effect. Late notification is an offence.
Registered Address Options for Hong Kong Companies
Option 1: Your Own Commercial Office
If your company has a physical office in Hong Kong, you can use that as the registered address. This is the straightforward option for businesses with a local presence.
Requirements:
- The address must be a full street address, not just a building name
- Your company name and "Limited" must be displayed at the premises
- Statutory records must be kept at this address or at a notified alternative address
Considerations:
- If you change offices, you must update the Companies Registry within 15 days
- The address becomes public record
Option 2: Residential Address
Residential addresses are legally permissible but come with practical drawbacks:
| Consideration | Detail |
|---|---|
| Public record | Your home address appears in Companies Registry searches |
| Tenancy agreement | Some residential leases prohibit commercial use. Check before using. |
| Mail access | You must be able to receive government documents during business hours |
| Display requirement | You must display the company name legibly at the premises |
| Perception | A residential address may reduce credibility with banks and clients |
Most professional advisors recommend against using a residential address unless the business is genuinely home-based and the owner understands the public disclosure implications.
Option 3: Virtual Office / TCSP Address (Most Common)
A licensed Trust and Corporate Service Provider (TCSP) can provide a professional registered address in Hong Kong. This is the standard option for international founders, non-residents, and companies that do not need a physical Hong Kong office.
What a TCSP registered address service typically includes:
- Registered office at a Hong Kong business address (often Central, Wan Chai, or similar)
- Receipt and scanning of all government mail and statutory notices
- Company name display at the service provider's premises
- Storage of statutory records (or digital records management). This is typically coordinated with the company secretary, who is legally required to maintain statutory books at the registered address
- Mail forwarding or notification by email
Air Corporate's registered address is included as standard in all incorporation packages from USD 1,070. Our address is located at Unit 909, Prosperity Millennia Plaza, 663 King's Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong Island. If you ever visit us and come by MTR, you may just stop at Quarry Bay Station, take Exit C and walk for less than 2 minutes. Quarry Bay is a lively business district, suitable for all official filings and bank account applications.
Important: TCSP providers must be licensed by the Companies Registry under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615). Always verify your provider holds a valid TCSP licence before using their address. Air Corporate holds a valid TCSP licence.
What Cannot Be Used as a Registered Address
The following do not satisfy the registered address requirement:
- P.O. boxes
- Mailbox-only services with no physical presence
- Overseas addresses (the address must be in Hong Kong)
- Addresses that cannot receive documents during business hours
- Addresses where the company name is not displayed
How to Change Your Registered Address
If you need to change your company's registered address, the process involves 3 steps. If you are still setting up your company and want an overview of the full formation process, see the step-by-step guide to setting up a Hong Kong company.
Step 1: Pass a board resolution
The directors must pass a resolution approving the change to the new registered address.
Step 2: File Form NR1 with the Companies Registry
Submit Form NR1 (Notice of Change of Address of Registered Office) to the Companies Registry within 15 days of the change. This can be filed through the Companies Registry e-Registry portal. There is no government fee for this filing.
Step 3: Notify the IRD and update your Business Registration Certificate
The IRD must be notified of the address change within 1 month. The Business Registration Certificate will be updated to reflect the new address. The BRC fee is not charged again for an address change.
After the address change, also notify:
- Your corporate bank (most banks require written notification for a change of registered address)
- Any counterparties with contracts specifying the registered address
- Any government licence holders where the registered address appears on the licence
Registered Address vs Business Address vs Correspondence Address
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably but they are distinct:
| Address Type | Definition | Public Record? |
|---|---|---|
| Registered address | Official Companies Registry address. Legal requirement. | Yes |
| Business address | Where the company actually operates. No legal requirement. | No |
| Correspondence address | Preferred address for general mail. Can differ from registered address. | Depends |
Banks, clients, and suppliers often use the registered address as a proxy for verifying a company's legitimacy. A registered address in a recognised business district in Hong Kong carries more credibility than a residential address or a remote suburb.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
Failure to maintain a valid registered address or to notify the Companies Registry of a change within 15 days constitutes an offence under Cap. 622. Penalties include:
- A fine for the company and every responsible officer
- A continuing daily fine for each day the offence continues
- Potential issues with company bank accounts if the BRC shows an outdated or unverifiable address
Practical consequences also include missed government notices and statutory deadlines. If the IRD sends a profits tax return or assessment to an outdated address and it goes unacknowledged, the company may face late filing penalties without knowing a filing was due.
Need a registered address in Hong Kong? Air Corporate provides a business district registered address as standard in all incorporation packages. Includes mail scanning, email notifications, and company name display. Get started →
