What is the Hong Kong Annual Return (NAR1)?
The Annual Return (Form NAR1) is a mandatory compliance document required under Section 662 of the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622). It must be filed with the Companies Registry (CR) within 42 days after a company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), documenting essential details including directors, shareholders, registered office address, and share capital. This statutory filing ensures corporate transparency and maintains a company’s active status in Hong Kong’s official register.
Why File the Annual Return (NAR1)?
Failure to submit Form NAR1 by the deadline can result in severe consequences:
- Legal Penalties: Fines up to HK$50,000 plus daily default charges
- Deregistration Risk: Potential removal from the Companies Register
- Director Disqualification: Personal liability for company officers
- Operational Disruption: Inability to obtain Certificates of Good Standing
- Reputational Damage: Public record of non-compliance
Timely NAR1 filing demonstrates corporate governance integrity and ensures continuous legal operation in Hong Kong.
What Services Do We Offer for NAR1 Filing?
Our comprehensive compliance solution includes:
- Automated Deadline Management:
- Real-time tracking of AGM and NAR1 deadlines (6 months post-FYE for private companies; 9 months for public companies)
- Proactive reminders 60/30/15 days before due dates
- Full NAR1 Preparation & Submission:
- Accurate updating of director/shareholder details
- Share capital structure verification
- Registered office address confirmation
- Significant Controllers Register (SCR) Compliance:
- Maintenance of SCR at registered office per Section 653D
- Regular updates for controllers holding >25% shares/voting rights
- AGM Documentation Support:
- Preparation of meeting notices, agendas, and minutes
- Drafting written resolutions for AGM waivers
- Historical Filing Correction:
- Audit and rectification of errors in previous submissions
- Resolution of CR queries and compliance notices
- Multi-language Assistance: English, Cantonese, and Mandarin support
Who Must File Form NAR1?
This service is essential for:
- All Hong Kong Incorporated Companies: Private, public, and listed entities
- Foreign-Owned Companies: Regardless of operational activity
- Dormant Companies: Even with no business transactions
- SMEs & Startups: Especially those without dedicated compliance staff
- Companies Undergoing Changes: With director/shareholder alterations
What Information is Required for NAR1 Filing?
To complete the Annual Return, companies must provide:
- Current register of directors and shareholders
- Details of share capital structure and transfers
- Registered office address verification
- Significant Controllers Register (SCR)
- Financial year-end date confirmation
- AGM date or written resolution documentation
- Historical filing reference numbers
Who Conducts the NAR1 Filing?
Our licensed corporate services team handles all aspects:
- TCSP-Registered Professionals: Holding Trust or Company Service Provider licenses
- HKICS-Certified Secretaries: Qualified under Hong Kong Institute of Company Secretaries
- Compliance Experts: Specializing in Companies Ordinance requirements
- Dedicated Case Managers: Providing end-to-end filing support
What are the Key Benefits of Our Service?
- Penalty Prevention: 100% on-time filing avoiding fines up to HK$50,000
- Risk Mitigation: Eliminates deregistration threats and director liabilities
- Accuracy Guarantee: Verification of all corporate data before submission
- Time Savings: Automated tracking reduces administrative workload by 80%
- Comprehensive Compliance: Integrated SCR maintenance and document support
- Continuous Monitoring: Year-round regulatory updates and deadline alerts
Maintain Your Hong Kong Compliance Effortlessly!
Ensure seamless NAR1 filing and corporate good standing with our expert service. [Get Compliance Consultation]
