What is branch registration in Hong Kong

Branch Registration Hong Kong

A branch registration Hong Kong creates a place of business in the territory for a company incorporated outside Hong Kong. The process is governed by Part 16 of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622). The branch is not a separate legal entity; the parent company remains liable for all its obligations.

Hong Kong Branch of Foreign Company

Establish a physical location or other visible business presence in Hong Kong, and your foreign company becomes a registered non-Hong Kong company. The Companies Registry treats the branch and its parent as the same legal person for registration and ongoing compliance.

Register a Branch in Hong Kong

Apply on Form NN1, submitting it together with Form IRBR2 for business registration with the Inland Revenue Department. Your documents must include the company's constitutional documents, a certificate of incorporation from its original domicile, and particulars of directors and company secretary.

Part 16 Registration Hong Kong

Part 16 of the Companies Ordinance provides the registration framework. Approval yields a Certificate of Registration and a Business Registration Certificate. You must maintain at least one authorised representative in Hong Kong who is a natural person ordinarily resident here.

Non-Hong Kong Company Branch

After registration, file an annual return on Form NN3 with the Companies Registry. Report changes to directors or secretary on Form NN6, and changes of address on Form NN9. The branch must also meet annual audit and profits tax return requirements.

The principal difference between a branch and a subsidiary is liability. The branch does not have separate liability; the parent company is directly answerable for the branch's debts and legal obligations.