A Certificate of Good Standing is a document to certify a company is live and registered with the Companies Registry in Hong Kong. The certificate is granted and authorized by the Companies Registry. A Certificate of Good Standing is not a replacement of the Certificate of Incorporation. The latter is essential for a business to be able to operate in Hong Kong.

What is a Certificate of Good Standing?

In Hong Kong, the Certificate of Good Standing is also called a Certificate of Continuing Registration (CCR). Both are the same: legal proof that a company is in good standing and a confirmation that it is still registered with the Companies Registry in Hong Kong.

These certificates are relevant for local limited companies and non-Hong Kong companies registered under the Companies Ordinance.

A Certificate of Good Standing or CCR is accepted by international agencies and institutions as a means of verification.

What does the Certificate of Good Standing include?

The certificate includes the current business name and the date of incorporation or registration. The certificate also includes the following information:

• The company is still listed with the Companies Registry as of the date of issuance
• The Companies Ordinance was used to incorporate the company
• The company is still listed on the Hong Kong Registrar of Companies’ Register of Companies at the date of issuance.
• An authorized officer’s signature from the Hong Kong Registrar of Companies,

On the certificate, the Registrar will make the following declaration:

“[Company Name] was incorporated in Hong Kong under the Companies Ordinance on [date], and as at the date of this certificate, the company remains on the Register of Companies maintained by the Hong Kong Company Registry.”

The declaration proves the business is legally registered in Hong Kong and is allowed to conduct business in Hong Kong.

Do I need a Certificate of Good Standing for my business?

Often, it is only necessary to get a Certificate of Good Standing or CCR when requested. There are two situations likely for this:

1. A person or company you have a business relationship with has requested the certificate. For example, when opening a business bank account, applying for a credit or debit card for your business or applying for business loans.
2. You want to register your company as a foreign entity in another jurisdiction. Overseas and local authorities often require a Certificate of Good Standing from the jurisdiction where the company was originally incorporated in order to register a foreign entity.

HKWJ can help

The HKWJ Group is a one-stop holistic service provider and advisor to help your business grow.

Within the Group, HKWJ Tax Law assists with financial administration, such as payroll, bookkeeping and accounting, as well as tax and legal matters.

At Triple Eight Ltd, we provide a wide range of professional and corporate services, such as company secretarial services and company registration – including obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing if necessary.