✓ Free preliminary search — Companies Registry records · 公司名查冊
company name.A Hong Kong company name can be registered if it is not the same as a name already on the Companies Register and it complies with the naming rules under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622). Run the free checker below before you incorporate.
The check compares your proposed name against Hong Kong Companies Registry records — the same records searchable through the Registry’s e-Services Portal. It takes just a few seconds and helps you avoid the delays and re-filing costs of a rejected name.
Free search · 免費查冊
A valid email address is required — your search result will be sent to this address INSTANTLY. We use your email only to deliver your result and follow up on your enquiry · Privacy Policy
This tool provides a preliminary indication only. Final approval of any company name rests with the Registrar of Companies at incorporation.
Rule book · 01
The Companies Registry reviews every proposed name against the rules below. They are set out in the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) and the Registry’s Guideline on Registration of Company Names.
Your proposed name cannot match a name already in the Registry’s Index of Company Names. Even after registration, the Registrar may direct a company to change its name within 12 months if it is “too like” an existing one — choose a clearly distinctive name.
The English name of a private company limited by shares must end with “Limited” in full. The abbreviation “Ltd.” cannot be registered as part of the official name. Example: Bright Horizon Technology Limited.
A Chinese name must use traditional characters found in the Kangxi Dictionary or Ci Hai and contained in the ISO 10646 standard. Simplified characters are not accepted. The name of a limited company must end with 「有限公司」.
You may register an English name, a Chinese name, or both — each is an official name. But a single name combining English words and Chinese characters (e.g. “ABC 有限公司”) will be rejected.
Words suggesting a connection with the HKSAR Government or regulated activities — “Bank”, “Trust”, “Trustee”, “Chamber of Commerce”, “Department”, “Stock Exchange” — need prior consent from the Registrar or the relevant regulator.
The Registrar of Companies may refuse a name if its use would constitute a criminal offence, or if the name is offensive or otherwise contrary to the public interest.
Procedure · 02
Step 1
Type your preferred company name in English or Traditional Chinese and enter a valid email address to receive your result. Registering both an English and a Chinese name? Check each version.
Step 2
Your result lands in your inbox within seconds — whether an identical or very similar name already appears on the Companies Register, plus what to do next.
Step 3
If the name appears available, start your Hong Kong company incorporation with Captime right away. If not, adjust the distinctive part and check again.
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If your proposed name is identical to an existing registered name, the Companies Registry will reject your incorporation application and you will need to amend and resubmit your documents. A preliminary name check helps you:
Watch · 03
Video coming soon — Hong Kong company name, explained by Captime
Notes · 04
They cover different registers and protect different rights. Registering a company name with the Companies Registry does not give you trademark rights — and your registered company name can still infringe a trademark registered with the Intellectual Property Department (IPD).
If your company name will also be your brand, run a separate search on the IPD’s online trademark search before you commit — and consider registering the trademark.
Yes. A Hong Kong company changes its name by passing a special resolution, then filing Form NNC2 with the Companies Registry within 15 days. The change takes effect when the Registrar issues the Certificate of Change of Name.
Companies commonly rename when they rebrand, enter new markets, launch new lines, modernise their identity or restructure ownership. Captime prepares the resolution and handles the filing for you.
Answers · 05
Yes. Our name checker is free to use with no obligation. Enter your proposed name and a valid email address, and we perform a preliminary search against Hong Kong Companies Registry records — you can test as many name ideas as you like before incorporating.
Your search result is delivered to the email address you provide, so it must be valid. We use your email only to send your result and to follow up on your enquiry — see our Privacy Policy. We do not share your details with third parties.
No. The check gives a preliminary indication of availability. The final decision rests with the Registrar of Companies when your incorporation application is reviewed. A clear preliminary result, combined with following the naming rules on this page, greatly reduces the risk of rejection.
No. The registered English name of a Hong Kong limited company must end with the word “Limited” in full — the abbreviation “Ltd.” cannot be registered as part of the official name. A Chinese name must end with 「有限公司」.
No. A single company name combining English words and Chinese characters is not accepted. Instead, register an English name and a Chinese name separately — both will be official names of your company.
No. A Chinese company name must use traditional Chinese characters that appear in the Kangxi Dictionary or Ci Hai and are contained in the ISO 10646 standard. Simplified characters are not accepted by the Companies Registry.
Yes. A Hong Kong company may register an English name, a Chinese name, or both. Where both are registered, each is an official company name and both appear on the Certificate of Incorporation.
Words suggesting a connection with the HKSAR Government or with regulated activities — such as “Bank”, “Trust”, “Trustee”, “Chamber of Commerce”, “Department” or “Stock Exchange” — require prior consent from the Registrar or the relevant regulator before they can be used in a company name.
Modify the distinctive part of the name — adding a descriptive word or changing the wording — and run the check again. A name only slightly different from an existing one may still attract a “too like” direction later, so aim for a clearly distinctive alternative. Our consultants can suggest compliant options.
Yes. Pass a special resolution and file Form NNC2 with the Companies Registry within 15 days. The new name takes effect when the Registrar issues the Certificate of Change of Name. Captime can handle the entire process for you.
Captime — a TCSP-licensed corporate services provider in Hong Kong — takes you the rest of the way: Hong Kong company incorporation, company secretary services, bookkeeping services and audit and tax filing.