Choosing a Hong Kong Company Name

The answer first

A Hong Kong company can have an English name, a Chinese name, or both. The name must end with "Limited" (or "有限公司" for a Chinese name), and it must not be the same as a name already on the Companies Registry's index. There is no name reservation system in Hong Kong: a name is secured only when the company is incorporated.

Registering a company name does not give you trade mark rights; register the brand separately as a trade mark.

The basic rules

Rule	In practice
Ending	English names must end with "Limited"; Chinese names with "有限公司"
Language	A name may be in English, in Chinese, or both, but a single name cannot mix English and Chinese characters
Permitted characters	English letters, Arabic numerals and certain symbols; Chinese characters as accepted by the Registry
Same as existing name	Will be refused (minor differences such as punctuation, spacing or "Company" vs "Co." are generally ignored)
Too like an existing name	May be registered, but the Registrar can direct a change within 12 months of registration if an objection is upheld
No reservation	Names cannot be reserved in advance

Names the Registry will refuse or restrict

Identical names to those already on the Index of Company Names.
Offensive names, or names whose use would be a criminal offence.
Names suggesting a connection with the Government or a government body, unless approved.
Restricted words that need consent or a licence under other laws, for example "Bank", "Insurance", "Trust" or "Stock Exchange" in certain contexts, and "University" or "Polytechnic".

Key takeawayA name that is legally registrable can still infringe someone else's trade mark. Check the trade mark register as well as the company register before you commit to a name.

How to check and secure your name

Search the Companies Registry's free name search for identical and similar names.
Search the trade marks register at the Intellectual Property Department.
Check domain names and social media handles.
Incorporate promptly once you are satisfied; the name is only secured on incorporation.
Apply to register the name or logo as a trade mark if it will be used as a brand.

Changing a company name later

Step	Requirement
1. Resolution	Members pass a special resolution (or written resolution) to change the name
2. Filing	File Form NNC2 with the Companies Registry within 15 days after the resolution
3. Fee	HK$295 government fee (one-off)
4. Certificate	The Registry issues a Certificate of Change of Name; the change takes effect from the date of the certificate
5. Follow-up	Update Business Registration, bank accounts, contracts, letterhead, website and signage

The company's registration number does not change, and its rights and obligations are unaffected by the change of name.

Using your company name correctly

Display the company name at the registered office and every place of business.
Show the company name in legible characters on business letters, invoices, websites, contracts and other official documents.
Use the registered name exactly, including "Limited", on contracts and bank documents.
A trading name different from the company name should be registered with Business Registration and used consistently.

How DBMS Global can help

Name availability checks on the company and trade mark registers.
Incorporation and, later, change-of-name filings and follow-up updates.
Trade mark applications to protect the brand.

Official references