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2026.04.27
01 Key time nodes for annual review of Hong Kong companies
The statutory deadline for annual review of Hong Kong companies is within 42 days after the annual date each year. For example, if your company was established on March 1, 2025, the deadline for the annual review in 2026 will be April 12.This time window cannot be ignored. The Hong Kong Companies Registry has a clear penalty system for overdue annual reviews. The longer the delay, the higher the penalty amount.
The table below details the fines for different overdue periods, clearly reflecting the importance of timely annual inspections:
overdue time
Penalty amount (Hong Kong dollars)
Within 42 days from the day following the anniversary (under normal circumstances)
105
870
More than 3 months but not exceeding 6 months
1740
More than 6 months but not exceeding 9 months
2610
more than 9 months
3480
The consequences of not undergoing annual audits for an extended period are even more severe. The company may be deemed as "automatically dissolved" by the company registration authority, ultimately leading to forced liquidation, resulting in the freezing or loss of the company's assets.
02 Content and process of annual review for Hong Kong companies
The annual review of a Hong Kong company encompasses various specific contents, primarily including the renewal of the business registration certificate, submission of the annual return, renewal of the statutory secretary, renewal of the registered address, and maintenance of the significant controllers register.
The annual return (Form NAR1) is the core document for annual review, and it is necessary to accurately fill in the latest information about the company's shareholders, directors, secretary, registered address, etc. Any changes must be accurately reflected.
The annual review process typically consists of three stages: preparation, submission, and completion. Initially, it involves collecting and verifying company information, as well as preparing the necessary documents. Subsequently, the application is submitted either online or offline. Finally, the new business registration certificate and the annual return confirmation document are collected.
03 Analysis of the Cost Structure of Hong Kong Company Annual Audit
The cost structure of annual audits for Hong Kong companies is relatively transparent, primarily consisting of government fees and secretarial service fees. Government fees include the annual return registration fee from the Companies Registry and the renewal fee for the Business Registration Certificate from the Inland Revenue Department.
Secretarial service fees vary depending on the service provider. The annual audit services provided by professional secretarial companies typically include a full range of services such as document preparation, form filling, government submission, and follow-up.
Shengsen's practical record of handling Hong Kong company annual review: from entrustment to certificate collection
The annual audit service for Hong Kong companies includes:
1. Declare the company's business information
2. Payment of official fees on behalf
3. Renew Business Registration Certificate + NNC1 Incorporation Form/Annual Return
4. Provide a registered address for the new year
5. Provide statutory secretarial services for the new year
6. 1-year SCR, KYC, and electronic signage services
7. Receive letters
8. Salaries tax return with zero tax liability
9. Mail the annual review materials
Annual review agency process:
- First, sign a power of attorney with the client to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties as well as the scope of services.
- Upon receiving the commission, we will first conduct a comprehensive review of the company's documents to ensure that all information is accurate. Then, we will prepare the annual return NAR1 and the application for renewal of the business registration certificate, and submit them to the client for confirmation.
- After confirmation, our company will submit the application to the Hong Kong Companies Registry and the Inland Revenue Department. Once submitted, we will closely monitor the progress of the application and promptly handle any government inquiries or supplementary requirements.
- Generally, the entire process from submission to receiving the updated business registration certificate and confirmation of annual return takes about 10-14 working days. Upon completion, the documents will be delivered to the customer.
Our advantages:
- Professional team: With over 10 years of experience in serving Hong Kong companies, we are a licensed secretarial firm in Hong Kong, familiar with the latest regulations, ensuring compliance and accuracy in procedures;
- Price transparency: no hidden charges, package-style pricing, and exceptional value for money
- Expedited service: Supports expedited processing, with priority given to urgent situations
- Worry-free service: From company registration, account opening, annual inspection, auditing, to deregistration, we will provide long-term support for your business. Our dedicated team will be your point of contact throughout the process, and we are always ready to answer any questions you may have.
Shengsen International Business
For over 10 years, Shengsen has been dedicated to providing one-stop services including Hong Kong company registration, account opening, annual review, audit and tax filing, ODI filing, changes, notarization and certification, as well as specialized and talented personnel services
Consultation hotline: 13692187795 [also available on vx]
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