Can a Hong Kong company use a PO box as its registered office?

A Hong Kong local company limited by shares cannot use a PO box for the proposed registered office on Form NNC1. The Companies Registry's notes also rule out non-Hong Kong and “care of” addresses. Section 658 of the Companies Ordinance requires a registered office in Hong Kong where communications and notices can be addressed.

Confirm which address the company can use

The proposed address on the registered incorporation form takes effect on incorporation. The company secretary's address is recorded separately. If a provider offers both services, confirm in writing which address the new company may use as its registered office and who will handle notices. Check the complete address, term of use and what happens when the service ends.

Suppose you are based overseas and a provider offers a Hong Kong PO box for ordinary mail. Before filing NNC1, confirm whether it also provides a suitable registered office address for your company. Keep the mail arrangement and the registered office arrangement separate in your records.

File NR1 if the registered office changes

If the registered office changes, deliver Form NR1 to the Companies Registry within 15 days after the change. When changing providers, record the last day of the old service, the date the new address becomes available, the effective date of the change and the NR1 filing receipt. Check separately which banks, customers or other organisations need updated address details.

See Hong Kong company registration and the first-year guide to NAR1 and business registration renewal.

Checked on 6 November 2026 against the Companies Registry's NNC1 notes, section 658 of the Companies Ordinance and NR1 instructions.