The Companies Registry fully transitioned to new forms on June 27, 2024. General Accounting has been closely following the document updates to address questions regarding the completion of various new forms.
On March 28, 2024, the Companies Registry issued External Circular No. 1 / 2024¹, stating that many companies had incorrectly filled out the new Annual Returns. We hope this article clarifies the implementation details for the new forms to help you avoid submitting incorrect Companies Registry documents.
10 Common Errors in Annual Returns and Correct Filing Methods
10 FAQs on Companies Registry Forms
Q1. Why is the Companies Registry updating its forms?
The Companies Registry documents were updated on December 27, 2023, to align with the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) measures².
For more details: [Unique Business Identifier] Companies Registry Implements Phase 2 on December 27, 2023
Q2. When did the “new documents” of the Companies Registry come into use?
The new Companies Registry documents have been in use since December 27, 2023².
Q3. How long is the transition period for the updated CR forms?
The transition period lasted for six months, from December 27, 2023, to June 26, 2024².
For more details: [Guide to Companies Registry Forms] How to fill in “BRN” and “CI Number”? Includes download links for new CR forms
Q4. When is it mandatory to use the new Companies Registry forms?
Starting from June 27, 2024, the Companies Registry only accepts the new forms².
Q5. What are the differences between the new and old Companies Registry forms?
Each CR form has different changes, but the main points include:
- Business Registration Number (BRN) replaces the Company Registration Number (CI)
- Addition of Company Business Nature Codes
- Addition of Company Secretary License information
Related Articles: NAR1 Tutorial | Company Incorporation Process
Q6. What happens if I submit an incorrect old Companies Registry form?
The Companies Registry will refuse to accept the form and return the document to the presenter’s address.
Q7. Should I fill in the Business Registration Number or the Company Registration Number on the “new forms”?
You should fill in the first 8 digits of the Business Registration Number; there is no need to include the “000” at the end.
Q8. What are the consequences of entering the wrong Unique Business Identifier on the “new forms”?
The Companies Registry will return the incorrect document to the presenter’s address.
Q9. Will the Companies Registry’s online forms be updated?
The Companies Registry updated its online forms on December 27, 2023.
Q10. How many company documents did the Companies Registry update?
A total of 117 forms² were updated, including commonly used forms such as the Incorporation Form NNC1 and the Annual Return NAR1³.
Companies Registry Forms Download (Word)
Form NAR1 | NAR1 Sample
Form NNC1 | NNC1 Sample
Form NNC3
Form NNC2 | NNC2 Sample
Form NR1 | NR1 Sample
Form ND2A | ND2A Sample
Form ND4 | ND4 Sample
Form ND2B | ND2B Sample
Form NSC1 | NSC1 Sample
Form NDR1 | NDR1 Sample
Summary:
Further reading:
Sources
¹ Companies Registry External Circular No. 1 / 2024
https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/publications/docs/ec1-2024-e.pdf
² Companies Registry External Circular No. 2 / 2023
https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/publications/docs/ec2-2023-e.pdf
³ Companies Registry Forms
https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/forms/specified.htm
