Form NNC2 Change of Company Name Hong Kong: Requirements, Fee and Filing Steps
File Form NNC2 with the Hong Kong Companies Registry to change your company name. Learn the requirements, fee and steps.
NNC2 at a glance
- Official title
- Notice of Change of Company Name
- Issued by
- Companies Registry
- e-Filing
- Available
We link the issuing authority's own index rather than hosting a copy, because the form is revised there and an out-of-date copy is worse than none.
Form NNC2 Change of Company Name Hong Kong: Requirements and Fee
A Hong Kong company changes its name by filing Form NNC2 with the Companies Registry. This form is the sole notice the Registry accepts under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622). The process requires three elements: a shareholders' special resolution, a name search confirming availability, and payment of the registration fee. The certificate of change of name issues only after these are complete.
Hong Kong Company Name Change Procedure
Directors first propose the new name. The company must then pass a special resolution, approved by at least 75 per cent of voting shareholders at a general meeting. A written resolution is also acceptable if the articles of association permit it.
After the resolution passes, conduct a name search via the Companies Registry’s e-services portal or by paper application. The Registry checks that the name is not identical to any existing company, body corporate or registered non-Hong Kong company. It will reject a name too similar to an existing one, or any offensive name.
With availability confirmed, complete Form NNC2. File it with a certified true copy of the special resolution. Deliver the form to the Companies Registry within 15 days of the resolution. Late delivery incurs a higher registration fee.
NNC2 Filing Fee Hong Kong
The fee is HK$155. This applies to both online and paper filings. File more than 15 days after the special resolution and the fee rises to the higher amount prescribed by the Companies (Fees) Regulations under Cap. 622. The fee covers processing and issuance of the certificate of change of name. Pay by credit card or PPS online. For paper filings, pay by cheque made payable to the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
Change Company Name Hong Kong Companies Registry
The Registry examines the application after receiving Form NNC2 and its supporting documents. If the proposed name complies with sections 100 to 104 of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), which prohibit offensive, identical, or criminally suggestive names, the Registrar issues a certificate of change of name. This certificate is the official confirmation.
The company must separately update its business registration certificate with the Inland Revenue Department. The Companies Registry does not handle this. Notify your bankers, suppliers and customers of the new name.
Required Board Resolution and Special Resolution
A board resolution alone is insufficient. The board cannot change the name on its own authority unless the articles of association expressly delegate that power. Most articles require a members’ resolution.
The special resolution must state the new name in English, Chinese, or both. If the company has a Chinese name, the resolution must specify the exact characters. Keep a copy of the resolution in the company’s records. File a certified true copy with Form NNC2.
Name Search and Name Similarity Risk
Conduct a company name search before passing the special resolution. The Registrar will refuse a name identical to an existing one, or one so similar it is likely to deceive. Names prohibited under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) are also rejected.
Perform a free name search on the Companies Registry’s public register at www.cr.gov.hk. This checks both English and Chinese names. No matching entries means the name is available.
Chinese Company Name Requirements
A Chinese company name must use Chinese characters and end with the Chinese equivalent of "Limited," "Corporation," or a similar term. The name must not be offensive or otherwise objectionable.
If the proposed Chinese name differs from the English one, the Registry checks each separately. You may propose an English name only, a Chinese name only, or both. Each language must comply with the naming rules in sections 100 and 101 of Cap. 622.
Offensive Company Name Prohibition
The Registrar rejects any proposed name that is offensive or contrary to the public interest. Vulgar, discriminatory, or names suggesting illegal activity are all refused. The Registry also rejects names implying a connection with the government or a royal family without authorisation.
Avoid names likely to cause confusion with established brands or trademarks. The Registry does not search trademarks. However, a name identical or similar to a registered trademark may be challenged by the trademark owner after the change.
Documents and Particulars Required
A director, the company secretary, or any board-authorised person must sign the completed Form NNC2. The form requires:
- The company number and current name
- The proposed new name in English, Chinese, or both
- The date the special resolution was passed
- A declaration that the resolution was passed in accordance with the articles and the Companies Ordinance
Attach a certified true copy of the special resolution. A director or the company secretary must certify it as a true copy. If the resolution is in Chinese, include an English translation certified by a qualified translator.
Filing Channels and E-Services Portal
File Form NNC2 through the Companies Registry’s e-services portal at www.eregistry.gov.hk. Electronic filing is faster. The system accepts PDF uploads and calculates the fee automatically.
Paper filing requires submitting the form at the Companies Registry counter or by post. Include the certified true copy of the resolution and the fee cheque. Paper filing takes longer. The Registry must scan and index the documents manually.
Certificate of Change of Name
The Registry issues a certificate of change of name once it approves the application. The certificate shows the company number and the new name. The company’s name is legally changed from the certificate’s date.
Ensure your registered office, company seal, business stationery and all official documents display the new name. The change does not affect the company’s legal identity. All contracts, rights and obligations continue under the new name.
Contrast with Non-Hong Kong Companies
A registered non-Hong Kong company follows a different procedure. For a name change, such companies must notify the Registry using a form prescribed for foreign companies. The fee and requirements differ. The Registry does not issue a certificate of change of name in the same manner as for local companies.
How to fill out Form NNC2
Page one of the official form. Every field named below appears on it in the same order.
Business Registration Number
Enter the first 8 digits of the Business Registration Certificate number issued by the Business Registration Office of the Inland Revenue Department. Do not include the digits after the hyphen. For companies incorporated on or after 27 December 2023, or for re-domiciled companies, this number is also the number shown on the Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Re-domiciliation.
Section 1 - Existing Company Name(s)
- Existing English Company Name: Enter the company’s current English name. If the company has no English name, write “NIL”.
- Existing Chinese Company Name: Enter the company’s current Chinese name. If the company has no Chinese name, write “NIL”.
If the company has both an English and a Chinese name, both boxes must be filled. Use traditional Chinese characters if completing in Chinese.
Section 2 - Date of Special Resolution for Change of Company Name
Enter the date the special resolution was passed, in DD/MM/YYYY format. This date must match the resolution. Under section 107(2), the form must be delivered within 15 days after this date. Under section 770(2) (restoration), the form must be delivered within 28 days after restoration.
Section 3 - Intended Company Name(s)
- Intended English Company Name: Enter the new English name. If the company wishes to keep its existing English name, enter that name here. If the company will have no English name after the change, write “NIL”.
- Intended Chinese Company Name: Enter the new Chinese name. If the company wishes to keep its existing Chinese name, enter that name here. If the company will have no Chinese name after the change, write “NIL”.
Signature
The form must be signed by a director or the company secretary. Delete whichever does not apply. The signatory must print their name and enter the date of signing in DD/MM/YYYY format. An unsigned form will be rejected.
Presentor’s Reference
Complete this section. Provide the presentor’s name (in Chinese and English), address, telephone, fax and email. The Companies Registry will notify the presentor by email or fax to collect the Certificate of Change of Name in person. If a representative collects it, a written authorization is required. Leave the “For Official Use” box blank.
Download the current form — always file the version on the issuing authority's site, not a copy.
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