How to Smoothly Deregister a Hong Kong Company in Chengdu? Check Here!

How to Smoothly Deregister a Hong Kong Company in Chengdu? Look Here!

With the continuous changes in the global economic landscape, more and more companies are adjusting their development strategies. For some companies registered in Hong Kong but with business focus gradually shifting to mainland China, choosing to deregister their Hong Kong company has become a growing trend. In recent years, many foreign trade enterprises and cross-border e-commerce operators in Sichuan Province have turned their attention to this area, seeking more efficient and cost-effective solutions.

According to a 2025 report by Sichuan Daily, Chengdu, as a key central city in western China, has demonstrated strong growth momentum in foreign trade and cross-border investment. More and more local companies are setting up operations in Hong Kong to expand overseas markets. However, as their core business gradually returns to the mainland, how to legally and compliantly complete the deregistration process of their Hong Kong entities has become a pressing issue.

1. Understand the Eligibility Criteria

Before deciding to deregister, companies must confirm whether they meet the requirements set by the Companies Registry CR in Hong Kong. According to the Companies Ordinance, a company may apply for voluntary strike-off only if it meets the following basic conditions

1. The company has never carried out any business operations or has ceased all business activities;

2. The company has no outstanding debts;

3. All tax matters have been settled;

4. There are no ongoing legal proceedings.

If the company still has unsettled debts, tax issues, or legal disputes, it must first complete a formal liquidation process before submitting the necessary documents to the Companies Registry.

It’s worth noting that the 2025 revised Companies Ordinance has simplified the deregistration process for non-operating companies, significantly improving administrative efficiency. This is undoubtedly good news for small and medium-sized enterprises considering deregistration.

2. Prepare Complete Documents to Avoid Delays

While it’s not necessary for business owners to travel to Hong Kong in person to complete the deregistration process in Chengdu, a series of official documents must be prepared and submitted by an authorized agent. These typically include

A completed and signed application for strike-off by the company directors;

The company’s latest audited financial statements and audit report;

A Notice of No Objection to Deregistration issued by the Inland Revenue Department IRD;

Board or shareholder resolutions approving the deregistration;

Copies of the Business Registration Certificate and Certificate of Incorporation.

Since 2025, the IRD has implemented stricter scrutiny of deregistration applications, particularly checking for outstanding taxes and unpaid mandatory provident fund MPF contributions for employees. Therefore, it is highly recommended that companies collaborate with professional agencies to ensure all documents are accurate and complete, avoiding delays due to missing or incorrect submissions.

3. Engage Professional Agencies to Improve Efficiency

Given that the deregistration process involves coordination among multiple departments and frequent regulatory updates, many business owners lack the time and expertise to handle the entire process independently. In such cases, selecting a reputable and experienced service provider is crucial.

Currently, many international-standard professional service agencies in Chengdu offer one-stop deregistration services for Hong Kong companies. Law firms, accounting firms, and business consulting companies often have dedicated cross-border departments that can assist clients with the entire process-from document preparation and tax filings to the final submission of the deregistration application.

These agencies are not only well-versed in Hong Kong laws and regulations but also maintain strong communication channels with local authorities, significantly increasing the success rate and efficiency of the deregistration process.

4. Address Post-Deregistration Matters to Avoid Risks

Even after successfully completing the deregistration, companies should remain mindful of any follow-up obligations. For example

Bank accounts held under the company’s name should be closed in a timely manner;

If the company holds trademarks, patents, or other intellectual property rights that need to be preserved, they should be transferred to another entity in advance;

Any contracts or agreements previously signed with third parties should also be properly addressed to avoid potential legal disputes.

According to the Companies Registry, once a company is officially deregistered, its name will be reserved for a certain period and cannot be immediately reused. If a company wishes to reactivate the entity in the future, it may apply for reinstatement, although this requires meeting strict conditions and incurring additional costs.

5. Leverage Policy Benefits and Plan for Strategic Development

At present, the Chinese government is actively promoting the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, encouraging mainland enterprises to expand overseas while supporting the orderly exit of foreign companies. In this context, a standardized and efficient company deregistration mechanism offers businesses greater flexibility and room for development.

In summary, although deregistering a Hong Kong company may appear to be a complex administrative task, with proper preparation, compliance adherence, and professional support, the entire process can be smoothly completed in Chengdu. We hope this article provides valuable insights to help businesses successfully conclude their Hong Kong operations and free up more resources and energy for future growth.