Hong Kong International Corporate Secretaries

Form 2 notice of change in limited partnership

How to complete and file Form 2 to notify the Companies Registry of changes in a Hong Kong limited partnership.

Form 2 Notice of Change Limited Partnership

A registered limited partnership in Hong Kong must report any changes to its registered details using the Form 2 notice of change limited partnership submitted to the Companies Registry. This is the standard mechanism for updating the public record when a limited partnership alters its business name, principal place of business, general partner, or limited partner. The form ensures the register remains accurate and that third parties dealing with the partnership can rely on the information held by the Registry.

Limited Partnership Change Form Hong Kong

The prescribed document for updating a limited partnership is Form 2, which is distinct from the Form 1 used for initial registration. A limited partnership change form hong kong must be completed whenever a change in particulars occurs after the partnership is on the register. The form requires the partnership's registration number, the date of the change, and the new details being reported. Supporting documents, such as a copy of the amended partnership agreement or evidence of a partner's resignation, may need to be attached.

The Companies Registry provides the form on its website. The form can be filed in paper format or through the Registry's integrated electronic filing system. Paper filings are sent to the Registry's office at Queensway Government Offices. Electronic filings require a registered user account with the Registry's e-service platform.

Form 2 Limited Partnership Update

A form 2 limited partnership update covers any alteration to the information originally recorded on Form 1. Changes commonly reported include:

  • Business name change
  • Principal place of business (business address)
  • Addition or removal of a general partner
  • Addition or removal of a limited partner
  • Change in a partner's name or address
  • Change in the partnership's contribution amounts

Each change must be stated clearly on the form. If multiple changes occur at the same time, a single Form 2 can report them together. The form must be signed by or on behalf of the general partner. A general partner who is a corporate entity must provide a certificate of incumbency or a board resolution authorising the signing of the form.

Notify Change Limited Partnership HK

The requirement to notify change limited partnership hk arises from the Limited Partnership Ordinance (Cap. 37). The ordinance imposes a statutory deadline for lodging Form 2. The form must be delivered to the Companies Registry within 14 days of the date on which the change occurs. Failing to file on time is an offence, and the partnership and each general partner may be liable to a fine. The Registry may also refuse to register changes filed late until a written explanation is submitted.

The 14-day period runs from the event that triggered the change, not from the date the partnership receives confirmation of the change. For example, if a partner dies, the 14-day period starts from the date of death. If a partner gives notice of retirement, the period starts from the effective date of that notice.

Hong Kong Form 2 Partnership

To complete a hong kong form 2 partnership, the person responsible should gather the following information:

  • The partnership's registration number (found on the Certificate of Registration)
  • The full registered business name
  • The date of change
  • The new particulars being reported
  • Supporting documents evidencing the change

The form must be signed. If the general partner is an individual, that individual signs. If the general partner is a company, a director, the company secretary, or an authorised person signs on its behalf. The Registry may reject forms where the signature is not properly authenticated.

A filing fee is payable for each Form 2 submission. The fee level is set by the Companies Registry and is subject to revision. The registry's website publishes the current fee schedule.

Business Name Change

When a limited partnership changes its business name, the new name must comply with the naming rules under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) applicable to business names. The name must not be undesirable, too similar to an existing registered name, or imply a connection with the government or any public body. The Registry will check the proposed name against its name database before accepting the Form 2. If the name is rejected, the partnership must choose an alternative and refile the form.

General Partner Change

A change to the general partner of a limited partnership is a significant event. The general partner manages the partnership and is jointly and severally liable for its debts. A Form 2 filing for a new general partner must include the full name, residential address or registered office (if a corporate partner), and the partner's Hong Kong identity card or business registration number. The consent of the new general partner to act in that capacity must be provided, typically through a consent letter attached to the form.

If the change results from the death, retirement, bankruptcy or disqualification of the previous general partner, the partnership must file the form immediately. The partnership may continue trading only if at least one general partner remains in place after the change.

Limited Partner Change

A limited partner's liability is limited to the amount of their agreed contribution. Changes to a limited partner include admission of a new limited partner, withdrawal of an existing one, or a change in the limited partner's contribution amount. The Form 2 reporting a limited partner change must state the contribution amount agreed at the time of the change.

A limited partner who withdraws entirely ceases to be a partner on the date the withdrawal takes effect. The partnership must file Form 2 within 14 days of that date. If the contribution of a limited partner is reduced, the reduced amount must be recorded.

Principal Place of Business Address

Every limited partnership must maintain a principal place of business in Hong Kong. A change to that address must be reported on Form 2. The new address must be a physical location in Hong Kong; a post office box is not acceptable. The partnership must also update its business registration certificate with the Inland Revenue Department if the address change affects that certificate.

Supporting Documents

Supporting documents required for a Form 2 filing depend on the nature of the change. Typical documents include:

  • A certified copy of the updated partnership agreement or a deed of variation
  • Written consent of new partners to act in that capacity
  • A board resolution (if the general partner is a company)
  • A notice of resignation or retirement from a departing partner
  • A death certificate in the case of a deceased partner

The Companies Registry may request additional documents if the form or attachments are incomplete. Retaining copies of all filed documents is advisable.

Compliance Obligation

The compliance obligation to file Form 2 rests with the general partners. The partnership itself has no legal personality independent of its partners, so the general partners are personally responsible for ensuring the form is submitted on time. A failure to file is a breach of the ordinance and may result in prosecution. The Registry may also enter the partnership as "struck off" if notices of change are not filed and the partnership cannot be contacted.

Registration Update Confirmation

After the Companies Registry accepts a Form 2, it issues a confirmation notice and updates the register. The public can search the register online to view the current details of any registered limited partnership. The partnership should store the confirmation notice with its other statutory records.

Further Information

The Companies Registry website (www.cr.gov.hk) publishes the current Form 2 template, the fee schedule, and a user guide for electronic filing. Business owners and their advisers should consult that site for the most up-to-date requirements before preparing a filing.

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