Unique Business Identifier (UBI) Phase 2 update! From late October 2023, the Companies Registry began sending letters to Hong Kong limited companies, notifying them that Phase 2 of the Unique Business Identifier will be implemented on December 27, 2023, and that the company will use the Business Registration Certificate number to replace the Company Number.
“Unique Business Identifier”Phase 2Four major impacts on limited companies:
1. Application for a Certificate of Incorporation (CI): The Business Registration Certificate number (i.e., an 8-digit number) will be used as the company’s Unique Business Identifier.
2. Company name change: The Certificate of Change of Name will also use the Business Registration Number as the company’s Unique Business Identifier.
3. All Companies Registry documents such as the Annual Return (NAR1): the Business Registration Certificate number will replace the Company Number (CI Number).
4. Companies Registry systems: the Business Registration Number will be used for searching and identification.
Related articles: Companies Registry Forms Guide | What are the Companies Registry e-Services? | e-Services User Registration Tutorial
*Note: The Companies Registry will not reissue the CI due to the change of the Unique Business Identifier.
After the Business Registration Number becomes the “Unique Business Identifier”,
how can you provide proof of the change?
To facilitate the public, the Companies Registry revamped the Company Search system on December 27, 2023. Each limited company’s document index will include a reference document confirming that the identifier has been changed to the Business Registration Number for public inspection. In addition, limited companies may apply for a confirmation letter as proof for HK$130. For enquiries, please call the “Unique Business Identifier” hotline at 3142 2316.
In summary, from December 27, 2023, the “Unique Business Identifier” is the Business Registration Certificate number. It is the unique identifier for each limited company, and all Companies Registry documents, such as the Certificate of Incorporation (CI) and Annual Return (NAR1), will be recorded and identified using the Business Registration Number.
Further reading:
