Company deregistration services
Deregistration is suitable only for companies that meet the applicable conditions. The last trading date, assets, liabilities, outstanding tax matters and members’ consent need to be reviewed before the application. WeCorp provides eligibility checks, document preparation and application follow-up.
Matters to review first
Assets, debts, bank balances, employees and unfinished contracts.
Outstanding accounts, tax returns and tax correspondence must be dealt with before the application.
Shareholder consent, pending proceedings and other eligibility issues.
Stopping trade does not close the company
No transactions, an unused bank account or an expired business registration does not itself deregister a company.
Company deregistration requires the applicable tax, debt and company matters to be completed. Closing a sole proprietorship or partnership is a different procedure: notify the Business Registration Office within one month of cessation, using IRC3113 where appropriate, and complete the relevant tax filings. WeCorp also prepares and submits these cessation notifications.
The four stages of deregistration
- Obtain the Notice of No Objection
Check outstanding tax, returns and other obligations, then apply to the IRD using IR1263. The government application fee is HK$270. Obtain the notice before proceeding. - Apply to the Companies Registry within three months
Submit NDR1 and the required notice within three months of its issue date. The government registration fee is HK$420. Confirm the required form of the notice for paper or electronic submission. - First Gazette notice and objection period
After acceptance, the Registry publishes a proposed-deregistration notice with a three-month objection period. Monitor correspondence; submission does not itself dissolve the company. - Confirm dissolution after the second notice
If there is no objection or other impediment, the Registry publishes the deregistration notice and the company is dissolved on that date. Deal with company assets before completion and retain the records.
The two government charges total HK$690, separate from the service fee. The usual process takes around six to nine months and includes follow-up through tax clearance, application and Gazette notices.
Deregistration service scope
Review the company’s eligibility and outstanding matters, and prepare the required documents.
Prepare and follow up the deregistration application.
Provide application progress updates and follow up requests for further information. Liquidation and disputes may require separate professional advice.
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Frequently asked questions
Can every company that stops trading apply for deregistration?
No. An eligible private company or company limited by guarantee needs every member’s consent. It must never have traded or have ceased trading for the three months immediately before applying, have no outstanding liabilities and not be a party to legal proceedings. Neither it nor its subsidiaries, where it is a holding company, may own Hong Kong immovable property. An IRD Notice of No Objection is required, and other assets must be properly dealt with before applying.
What if the company bank account still has a balance?
The company’s bank balances and other assets must be reviewed and properly dealt with before the application, in accordance with the Companies Registry’s requirements.
Can official correspondence be ignored once an application is filed?
Before dissolution is confirmed, the company must continue to receive and respond to official correspondence, provide requested documents, and complete the applicable company secretary and tax matters.
Enquire about company deregistration
View application support, required documents and fees.