Many companies in Hong Kong have two addresses. This might seem inefficient — most things only need one address, that’s kind of the point of addresses — but Hong Kong’s corporate governance system makes a distinction between a “registered address” for government correspondence and a “business address” for, well, business.
Your registered address is where the Companies Registry sends you stern notices about your regulatory obligations, and your business address is where you actually do the work that generates the activities requiring those regulations. They can be the same place — plenty of companies use their office for both — but understanding the difference between these two roles matters.
What is a Registered Address?
A registered address is the official address of a company as recorded with the Companies Registry. This address serves as the primary location where all official correspondence, legal notices, and government communications are sent. It is also the address listed on public records.
Key Features of a Registered Address:
- Must be a physical commercial address in Hong Kong (P.O. boxes and residential addresses are not permitted).
- It is primarily used for receiving official documents from the Hong Kong SAR government.
- Companies are required to maintain this address under Section 658 of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622).
- The company name and liability status must be displayed prominently at the registered address.
- Regulatory bodies, such as the Companies Registry, may perform inspections to ensure compliance.
What is a Business Address?
A business address refers to the physical location where a company carries out its day-to-day operations. This could be an office, a warehouse, or a retail space, depending on the nature of the business.
Key Features of a Business Address:
- It is where core business activities, client meetings, and transactions occur.
- Business addresses must be registered with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) for the issuance of a Business Registration Certificate.
- Each additional business location under the same company name requires a separate branch registration certificate.
- A business address is often displayed on company documents, including invoices, letterheads, and websites.
Registered Address vs Business Address: The Key Differences
- Purpose: The registered address is for official correspondence, while the business address is for operational activities.
- Governing Authority: Registered addresses are overseen by the Companies Registry, whereas business addresses fall under the jurisdiction of the Inland Revenue Department.
- Visibility: The registered address is publicly available in government records, while the business address may not necessarily be disclosed.
- Compliance: Companies must notify the Companies Registry of changes to their registered address within 15 days and the Business Registration Office of changes to their business address within one month.
Example Scenario:
Ms. Lee operates a digital marketing firm. Her registered address is in Central, Hong Kong, where all government notices and official documents are received. However, her primary business operations, including client meetings and project management, take place at her office in Tsim Sha Tsui, where her team works on day-to-day tasks and strategy development.
Why Understanding This Difference Matters
Maintaining clarity between these two addresses ensures compliance with Hong Kong’s regulatory requirements. Failing to distinguish or properly maintain either address can result in administrative complications, fines, or missed communications.
Virtual Offices
For small businesses and startups, a virtual office can serve as a registered address. It offers a cost-effective, professional business presence without the need for physical office space. Virtual offices are fully compliant with regulatory requirements and are suitable for receiving official government correspondence.
Secure Your Hong Kong Business Address Today with Monx
At Monx, we provide your business with a local registered address in Hong Kong to ensure compliance with local regulations and seamless operational efficiency.
Contact Monx today to learn how we can support your business growth and operational efficiency in Hong Kong.
