Hong Kong Company
Deregistration
Made Simple
Closing your Hong Kong company doesn’t have to be complicated. Geekaysys handles every step from IRD tax clearance to Companies Registry filing so your dissolution is legal, efficient, and worry-free.
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What is Hong Kong company deregistration?
Hong Kong company deregistration is the formal legal process of dissolving a private limited company by removing it from the Companies Register maintained by the Companies Registry (CR). Once deregistered, the company ceases to exist as a legal entity.
This process is governed by Section 750 of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622) and involves obtaining a “no objection” letter from the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) before the Companies Registry can process the application.
Deregistration is the most cost-effective way to close a solvent, dormant company in Hong Kong, avoiding ongoing annual fees, audit requirements, and compliance obligations.
Unlike winding up (liquidation), deregistration is suitable for companies that are already dormant, have no outstanding liabilities, no assets, and have ceased all business operations. It is simpler, cheaper, and faster for qualifying companies.
Key facts about deregistration
What every director needs to know before starting the process.
- Governed by Section 750 of the Companies Ordinance
- Requires IRD "no objection" letter first
- Government fee: HK$420
- All members must consent in writing
- Company name published in HK Gazette
- 3-month objection period after Gazette notice
- Company struck off after objection period
- Governed by Section 750 of the Companies Ordinance
- Assets vest in the Government if not distributed
Is your company eligible for deregistration?
Answer these quick questions to find out if your company qualifies for the simple deregistration route – or if you need an alternative approach.
Eligibility checker
Select yes or no for each condition. All must be met for standard deregistration to apply.
The deregistration process in Hong Kong
A clear, step-by-step breakdown of how Geekaysys guides your company through the full deregistration process.
Initial assessment & pre-deregistration preparation
We review your company's status, confirm all business has ceased, verify there are no outstanding liabilities, ensure all accounts are up to date, and confirm all members are in agreement. We also advise on clearing any outstanding tax returns or employer's returns with the IRD before applying.
Apply for IRD "No Objection" letter
We prepare and submit the application to the Inland Revenue Department for a "Notice of No Objection to a Company Being Deregistered." This includes filing all outstanding tax returns, ensuring the company has no outstanding tax liabilities, and settling any outstanding profits tax, salaries tax, or employer obligations. The IRD typically takes 3–6 weeks to issue the letter.
Submit NDR1 form to the Companies Registry
Once the IRD "no objection" letter is received, we prepare and file Form NDR1 (Application for Deregistration) with the Companies Registry along with a copy of the IRD no-objection letter and the government fee of HK$420. The CR reviews the application to ensure all statutory conditions are met.
Gazette notice & objection period
The Companies Registry publishes a notice of the intended deregistration in the Hong Kong Government Gazette. A mandatory 3-month objection period follows during which any creditor or interested party may formally object to the deregistration. If no objections are received, the process continues automatically.
Final deregistration & certificate issued
After the objection period expires with no objections, the Registrar of Companies strikes the company's name off the register. A formal deregistration notice is published in the Gazette and the company officially ceases to exist. All directors, shareholders, and officers are released from ongoing statutory obligations. We provide you with the official confirmation documents for your records.
Conditions that must be met
Before applying for deregistration, your company must satisfy all of the following statutory conditions under Section 750 of the Companies Ordinance.
Business operations must have ceased
The company must have completely stopped trading or carrying on business. Any remaining business activity disqualifies the company from the simple deregistration route.
No outstanding liabilities
The company must have no outstanding debts, liabilities, or obligations — including bank loans, unpaid invoices, employee salaries, tax liabilities, and any other financial obligations.
All members must consent
Every shareholder/member of the company must formally agree to the deregistration. This consent is typically obtained via a written resolution signed by all shareholders.
No pending legal proceedings
There must be no ongoing court proceedings, arbitration, or legal disputes involving the company. Any pending litigation prevents deregistration until fully resolved.
No assets remaining
The company should have no assets at the time of deregistration. If there are remaining assets, they must be properly distributed to shareholders before applying. Any undistributed assets will vest in the Government upon deregistration.
Tax obligations must be cleared
All outstanding profits tax returns, employer's returns, and other tax filings must be submitted and any tax liabilities settled with the IRD before a "no objection" letter can be issued.
Deregistration timeline visualiser
Click on each phase to understand what happens at every stage of your company’s deregistration journey.
Full deregistration journey
Typical timeline: 6 to 12 months from initial assessment to final dissolution. Click a phase to explore details.
Deregistration vs winding up - which route is right for you?
Understanding the difference between deregistration and winding up is critical. Here’s a direct comparison to help you choose the correct path.
| Factor | Deregistration ✓ Recommended | Voluntary Winding Up | Court Winding Up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suitability | Dormant / solvent companies with no assets or liabilities | Solvent companies with assets to distribute to shareholders | Insolvent companies or where creditors apply to court |
| Government fee | HK$420 | Varies (liquidator fees apply) | Court fees + liquidator costs (HK$50,000+) |
| Typical timeline | 6–12 months | 12–24 months | 12–36+ months |
| Complexity | Low | Medium | High |
| Liquidator required | No | Yes | Yes (court-appointed) |
| Outstanding liabilities allowed | No — must be cleared | Yes — settled during process | Yes — court manages creditors |
| IRD clearance needed | Yes — "No Objection" letter | Yes | Yes |
| Best for | Companies never traded or ceased all activity | Active companies being wound down profitably | Companies facing creditor pressure or insolvency |
Documents required for deregistration
Geekaysys prepares and submits all required documents on your behalf. Here’s what is typically needed throughout the process.
Form NDR1
The official application form for deregistration, to be submitted to the Companies Registry along with supporting documents.
IRD No Objection Letter
The official notice from the Inland Revenue Department confirming there is no tax objection to the deregistration proceeding.
Shareholder Written Consent
A written resolution or consent form signed by all members/shareholders confirming unanimous agreement to dissolve the company.
Business Registration Certificate
A copy of the company's current Business Registration Certificate, which must be surrendered as part of the deregistration process.
Final Tax Returns & Financial Statements
Outstanding profits tax returns, employer's returns, and financial statements must be prepared and filed with the IRD prior to application.
Proof of Registered Office Change
If the registered office address has changed, updated address documentation must be filed with the Companies Registry before submitting the deregistration application.
Documents required for deregistration
Choose the level of support that matches your company’s needs. All packages include government fee and full filing management.
- Eligibility assessment
- IRD no-objection application
- Form NDR1 preparation & filing
- Government fee included (HK$420)
- Progress tracking & updates
- Tax return preparation
- Financial statement preparation
- Dedicated case manager
- Eligibility assessment
- IRD no-objection application
- Form NDR1 preparation & filing
- Government fee included (HK$420)
- Progress tracking & updates
- Up to 2 years tax return filing
- Basic financial statement preparation
- Dedicated case manager
- Eligibility assessment
- IRD no-objection application
- Form NDR1 preparation & filing
- Government fee included (HK$420)
- Priority progress tracking
- Unlimited years tax return filing
- Full financial statement preparation
- Senior dedicated case manager
Why businesses in Hong Kong trust us
We’ve helped hundreds of companies navigate Hong Kong’s regulatory landscape. Here’s what sets us apart.
Deep regulatory expertise
With over 20 years specialising in Hong Kong corporate compliance, our team understands every nuance of the Companies Ordinance and IRD requirements — ensuring your deregistration proceeds without delays or rejections.
Efficient, transparent process
We provide a clear timeline upfront, proactively handle every filing and follow-up with the IRD and Companies Registry, and keep you informed at every stage — no surprises, no delays caused on our end.
Dedicated case management
Every client is assigned a dedicated case manager who serves as your single point of contact throughout the entire process — from initial assessment to final confirmation of dissolution.
Competitive, all-inclusive pricing
Our fees are transparent and competitive, with no hidden costs. The government fee is always included in our quoted price, and we provide a fixed-price commitment so you know exactly what you'll pay.
Full tax & accounting support
Unlike many corporate service firms, Geekaysys offers in-house accounting and tax expertise — meaning we can prepare outstanding financial statements and tax returns as part of your deregistration, saving you time and money.
Bilingual service (English & Chinese)
Our team provides seamless bilingual support in English and Traditional Chinese, ensuring clear communication with both our clients and government departments throughout the entire process.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know about deregistering a Hong Kong company.
How long does Hong Kong company deregistration take?
What are the eligibility conditions for company deregistration in Hong Kong?
What is the government fee for deregistering a Hong Kong company?
What happens to company assets upon deregistration?
Can a deregistered company be restored in Hong Kong?
Do I need an auditor to deregister my Hong Kong company?
What is the difference between deregistration and winding up in Hong Kong?
What if my company has outstanding tax returns - can it still be deregistered?
Ready to close your Hong Kong company?
Let Geekaysys handle the entire process. Get a free consultation today and we’ll assess your company’s eligibility and provide a clear plan of action.