Hong Kong Official Seals Which Is the Real Deal, the Long Seal or the Round Seal?

Which One Is the Real Company Seal in Hong Kong - the Round Seal or the Long Seal? An In-Depth Look!

In Hong Kong, a major international financial hub, seals play a crucial role as symbols of identity and authority in daily business operations and document signing. From commercial contracts to bank documents and company registration materials, seals are widely used. However, many people who are new to operating businesses in Hong Kong often ask which seal is truly the official company seal - the commonly seen round circular seal, or the less common oval or rectangular long seal?

To answer this question, we must first understand the basic definition and legal function of company seals under Hong Kong law. According to Section 622 of the Companies Ordinance, every registered company in Hong Kong must have a company seal, also known as a common seal. Traditionally, this seal has been circular in shape, with the company name engraved in the center, sometimes accompanied by an English version or other information. It is typically used for formal documents such as articles of association, bond agreements, and important contracts.

Historically, the round seal was regarded as the statutory corporate seal with significant legal weight, especially in matters of substantial importance to the company. However, with evolving business practices and the rise of digital workflows, more companies are moving away from strictly using the traditional round seal. Instead, some now use long or oval-shaped seals for day-to-day operations.

Is this practice legally valid? Yes. As long as the seal clearly displays the company name and has been authorized by the board of directors, it can be considered a legitimate company seal - regardless of its shape. Under Hong Kong law, there is no requirement that a company seal must be round. The legal validity of a seal does not depend on its shape, but rather on whether it has been officially recognized by the company and used appropriately.

In short, there is no single authentic form of official seal in Hong Kong. What matters most is the context of use and the authorization process.

In recent years, with the increase in cross-border investments and offshore company formations, disputes over seal usage have grown. For example, in a 2025 case reviewed by a mainland Chinese court, one party questioned the validity of a company seal that was not round. Although the case was eventually resolved on other grounds, it sparked widespread discussion within the legal and business communities about the understanding of Hong Kong company seals.

Legal experts point out that mainland Chinese companies often assume only round seals are legally valid when dealing with Hong Kong entities - a belief that is, in fact, a misconception.

It's also worth noting that besides the common company seal, Hong Kong uses various types of stamps, such as atomic stamps, embossing seals, and signature stamps, each serving different purposes. For instance, long seals are frequently used as bank reserved stamps for account management and fund transfers. In specific industries like construction and healthcare, specialized seals are used to ensure document authenticity and traceability.

So why does the debate between long and round seals exist? This reflects differences in regional culture and business practices. In mainland China, according to regulations set by the State Administration for Industry and Commerce, company seals are generally round, featuring a five-pointed star and the full name of the enterprise - a standardization that has become deeply ingrained. However, under the one country, two systems framework, Hong Kong maintains a legal system based on British common law, which places greater emphasis on substance over form.

To further illustrate this point, consider a recent news report from early 2025. A well-known multinational corporation headquartered in Hong Kong released an official statement bearing both a round seal and an oval seal. The head of the company’s legal department explained during an interview Both seals are officially authorized and used for different types of documents and situations. This serves as a clear rebuttal to the idea that only long seals lack legitimacy.

In conclusion, in Hong Kong, both long and round seals carry equal legal force as long as they are formally authorized by the board of directors or senior management and used in compliance with applicable laws. The choice of seal shape is largely a matter of internal corporate preference and operational convenience, not legal mandate.

For foreign investors and business partners, understanding and respecting this flexibility helps foster smoother cooperation and avoid unnecessary misunderstandings or disputes. Rather than focusing on which seal is the real official one, attention should be placed on the authorization mechanisms and usage protocols behind the seal. Ultimately, these are the key elements in ensuring transactional security and protecting corporate rights.