What is inward re-domiciliation to Hong Kong

Inward Re-Domiciliation to Hong Kong Explained

What Is Inward Re-Domiciliation?

Inward re-domiciliation is a statutory process introduced by the Companies (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance 2025. It allows a foreign company to transfer its legal domicile to Hong Kong without winding up or losing its legal identity. The regime took effect on 23 May 2025. A company that completes the process continues as the same legal entity under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), with its existing rights, assets and obligations intact. The re-domiciliation hong kong regime is inward only; there is no equivalent outward process.

Inward Re-Domiciliation Hong Kong: Eligible Company Types

Only four types of company may apply for inward re-domiciliation: a private company limited by shares, a public company limited by shares, a private unlimited company with a share capital, and a public unlimited company with a share capital. The company type under the law of the original domicile must be the same as, or substantially the same as, the Hong Kong type applied for.

Company Continuation Hong Kong: Legal Effect

This is a process of continuation, not re-incorporation. The company's legal identity is preserved. There is no court process and no winding up. The company's annual return date moves from the anniversary of incorporation to the anniversary of re-domiciliation. Form NAR1 is due within 42 days of that new return date.

Move Company to Hong Kong: Conditions

To move a company to Hong Kong, the law of the original domicile must permit outward re-domiciliation. The members must consent to the transfer. The application must be made in good faith and not to defraud existing creditors. The company must deregister in its original domicile within 120 days of re-domiciliation.

Hong Kong Re-Domiciliation Regime: Application

The application is made to the Companies Registry. The company must provide evidence that the conditions are met, including members' consent and confirmation of good faith. The regime is available only for inward re-domiciliation; a Hong Kong company cannot re-domicile to another jurisdiction.