Last update: February 2025
Are you looking for a new company chop (stamp), or wondering what it is and where to get it? Or are you having doubts about whether you should order a company stamp in Hong Kong or not? This article will clarify all your questions related to the company seal in Hong Kong. Keep on reading for knowledge about the processes.
Company Stamp in Hong Kong
If you are starting a business in Hong Kong, it is important that you get a company chop or a company stamp. It is compulsory in specific jurisdictions and can replace the signature of a chief or legitimate agent to approve and bind a report or an agreement. Applicable laws in Hong Kong on organization hacks/stamps have changed throughout the years. This article elucidates the power of a company stamp in Hong Kong and its importance. We clarify the necessity of a company chop/stamp for Hong Kong businesses.
A Hong Kong company’s Common Seal authenticates business documents and makes them legally significant. Organizations within Common Law Jurisdictions typically use the company seal. Common Law prevails in Hong Kong, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. People also refer to the Common Seal as the Corporate Seal or Company Seal.
What is a company chop in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong companies use a company chop as a simple rubber stamp. They ink the rubber stamp, or company chop, in blue or red. The chop comes in two shapes: rectangular and circular. It displays the company name and registration number in English or Chinese. Companies also call rectangular stamps signing chops. These stamps have ‘For and on behalf of, (Company Name)’ and ‘Approved Signature’ engraved on them. If your Hong Kong company frequently deals with Mainland China, you should get a company chop. Mainland Chinese businesses often prefer companies that use chops.
What is the company chop/stamp in Hong Kong used for?
A company stamp in Hong Kong is used to stamp every one of the significant archives to signify that these are confirmed by the organization’s top managerial staff or leaders. These documents include offer testaments, worker contracts, minutes of a gathering, and other seller accomplice arrangements.
Is company chop a legal requirement in Hong Kong?
A Common Seal is certifiably not a mandatory requirement for organizations that are consolidated in Hong Kong, since the new Hong Kong Companies Ordinance 2014. Circumstances are different, presently, its utilization is optional.
If you want to know a little more history about it, here are a few specific examples , so you like how much simpler it is to maintain a business in Hong Kong now with a company chop. Under the Old Ordinance, each Hong Kong organization is expected to keep a typical seal with the organization name engraved neatly. It was used to execute deeds, issue share testaments, among others. Since the New Ordinance canceled this prerequisite in 2014, organizations no longer need to use the normal seal. They can assume that they need to. Nobody will stop you.
The Common Seal must be used on the power of the Directors. Anybody approved by the organization’s Director for signing to arrangements or organization reports. For instance, in the event that an offer certificate is given, the normal seal will be attached to the offer testament by chiefs in the organization as it were.
We recommend against buying a Common Seal unless your Articles of Association require it. If you need to review or amend your Articles regarding Common Seal use, we can help.
Where do I get a company chop in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong has no official company chop issuers. You can design your own. Give your details to a rubber stamp maker for custom creation. This takes a few days. Alternatively, order online. Some online providers create digital stamps for electronic signatures.
Startupr is one such organization that provides you with a variety of services and offers you a high-quality and unique corporate seal and stamps. You can order the stamps with startupr by filling the order form. As per the availability and other checks, the company takes around 3-5 business days to proceed with your order of a company seal. Once the company seal is ready, the company will notify you and deliver it to your address. Startupr does only offer company seals, but also many other services that could be helpful for your business. Contact the company’s support team today for more information.
Are you looking for expert assistance for forming your business in Hong Kong?
Now that you have adequate knowledge on whether you should have a company stamp or not, along with all its related questions, you may need more assistance to successfully form your Hong Kong business. If you are looking for an expert who could assist you, Startupr is the one. Startupr has a decade of experience and can assist you in company formation and company secretary services in Hong Kong. We can help you start your business here and manage your company with services such as annual return filings, profit tax filing etc. To learn more about the services we offer, contact us now!
FAQ
Do you have more questions? Read our “frequently asked questions” part, or contact us.
What is the difference between a company chop and a Common Seal?
A company chop is a rubber stamp used for general document authentication. A Common Seal, historically used for deeds and share certificates, is no longer mandatory since 2014.
Do I need a Common Seal for my Hong Kong company?
Not unless your company’s Articles of Association specifically require it. It is now optional.
Can I get a digital company stamp for electronic signatures?
Yes, some online providers create digital company stamps for electronic use.
Is a company chop important when dealing with Mainland China?
Yes, Mainland Chinese businesses often prefer companies that use chops, so it’s advisable for companies dealing with them.
