When will the fully revamped Integrated Companies Registry Information System be available? The Companies Registry launched the new e-Services portal on December 27, 2023. What are the features of the new e-Services portal? General Accounting provides a detailed introduction to the top ten features of the revamped ICRIS e-Services portal.
What is “ICRIS”?
“ICRIS” stands for the Integrated Companies Registry Information System. The Companies Registry launched the electronic search service website in 2005, consolidating document data onto the ICRIS platform to facilitate user access to company information and documents. In 2011, the e-Registry was launched to implement electronic company incorporation services.
In line with the Phase 2 measures of the Unique Business Identifier (UBI), the Companies Registry fully revamped the Integrated Companies Registry Information System (ICRIS) on December 27, 2023. This merged four existing websites and services—the Cyber Search Centre, Company Search Mobile Service, e-Registry, and CR e-Filing—into the new Integrated Companies Registry Information System. The new e-Services portal URL is: https://www.e-services.cr.gov.hk (referred to as e-services.cr).
To learn more about online company incorporation, please visit:
[Online Company Formation] What is Electronic Incorporation? A Guide to Same-Day Limited Company Setup
Key impacts of the ICRIS revamp on users:
1. Unified Service Username as CR e-Services Account
As all services are consolidated into a single e-Services portal, you can access the new ICRIS e-Services portal by applying for one CR e-Services account.
To learn more about registering a personal CR e-Services account for ICRIS, please visit:
Companies Registry e-Services User Registration Tutorial | Registering an ICRIS CR e-Services Personal Account
2. Switching to the “CR e-Services” Email Name for User Contact
The unified name “CR e-Services” will be used to contact users via the email address “[email protected]” for matters such as issuing electronic incorporation receipts and notifying users of online company formation results.
↓ Emails issued by the Companies Registry on or after December 27, 2023 ([email protected])
↓ Emails issued by the Companies Registry on or before December 22, 2023 ([email protected])
3. Establishment of a New e-Services Centre
The new e-Services Centre opened on December 27, 2023. The Companies Registry will provide assistance and guidance to customers there.
Address: 13th Floor, Queensway Government Offices
Top Ten Key Features of the New e-Services Portal (ICRIS)
1. Consolidation of Companies Registry Services onto a Single Platform
All Companies Registry services and user data are consolidated into the same e-Services portal (ICRIS). Existing CR users can merge their usernames and data from different platforms into the ICRIS system, allowing for unified operations on the revamped ICRIS portal using a single CR e-Services account.
To learn more about merging and transferring ICRIS CR e-Services accounts, please visit:
What is Companies Registry e-Services? Handle e-Registry, Online Search, and CR e-Filing All at Once (Includes Account Transfer Tutorial)
2. Color-Coded ICRIS e-Services
The interface uses different colors to display various services, making them easy for registered ICRIS users to identify. For example, a green interface represents electronic document submission services, while a blue interface represents electronic search services.After logging in, CR e-Services users can navigate through different pages to select the appropriate online Companies Registry services.
Learn more about registering an ICRIS CR e-Services account:
Companies Registry e-Services User Registration Tutorial | Registering an ICRIS CR e-Services Personal Account
3. Unified CR e-Services Account Operations
Once registered and logged in, ICRIS users can manage their accounts on the user management page to register for various e-services. Once completed, the same account can be used to operate different electronic services.
Related Article: Company Name Search Tutorial | Step-by-Step: Features of the New Companies Registry CR e-Services Website
4. Adoption of Responsive Web Design
The ICRIS website design has been updated with a new interface compatible with computers, tablets, and mobile phones.
5. Frequently Used Services Displayed Prominently on Every Page
For example, on commonly used online company incorporation service pages, the functions related to online company incorporation applications are placed on a separate page for users’ convenience.
General Accounting has been established for over 18 years, providing one-stop professional company formation services. TCSP Trust or Company Service Provider License No.: TC002940.
6. Online Forms Fully Replace Document-Based e-Forms
ICRIS users do not need to download software; they can fill out Companies Registry forms directly online and save them at any time for later modification and submission.
7. New Review and Update Form Features
Users can review the accuracy of information before submitting forms electronically, and can also modify and update saved forms.
8. Electronic Search Using Unique Business Identifier (UBI)
Input fields and labels for electronic search services will use the Unique Business Identifier, meaning companies are searched and identified by the first 8 digits of their Business Registration Certificate.
However, the system also supports a quick search function that matches Company Registration Numbers with Business Registration Certificate numbers.
To learn more about the Unique Business Identifier, please visit:
What is a Unique Business Identifier? Is the Business Registration Number the same as the Company Number?
9. New Page for Specified Persons to Access Protected Information
Specified persons can access withheld or protected information through a newly added page.
10. Other Service Pages
The portal continues to provide the Annual Return e-Reminder and Monitor Service, with plans to extend the Annual Return e-Reminder service to non-registered users in the future.
Source: Companies Registry
Summary:
In summary, the revamped ICRIS offers a new e-service user experience through its innovative features, streamlined processes, and operational guidelines. This one-stop integrated information platform allows registered CR e-Services users to conveniently submit documents online, perform company name searches, and handle electronic company incorporation.
Furthermore, the revamped ICRIS aligns with the Phase 2 measures of the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) implemented on December 27, 2023. Although the Company Number will be replaced by the UBI, the ICRIS system will automatically recognize Company Numbers and map them to the corresponding UBI. This facilitates user searches and access to company data, enhancing the business environment in Hong Kong.
General Accounting has been established for over 20 years, providing professional company secretarial services. TCSP Trust or Company Service Provider License No.: TC002940. If you have any questions regarding the Integrated Companies Registry Information System, our professional customer service managers are available for a free initial consultation.
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