How to Smoothly Deregister a Hong Kong Company in Anhui? Step-by-Step Guide to Get It Done!

How to Smoothly Deregister a Hong Kong Company in Anhui A Step-by-Step Guide

With the continuous changes in the global economic environment, more and more companies are adjusting their strategic structures. Some companies registered in Hong Kong, due to business relocation, market contraction, or policy changes, have opted for deregistration. For business owners operating in Anhui but registered in Hong Kong, how to efficiently and compliantly complete the deregistration process has become a major challenge.

According to a recent report by China Business News, since the fourth quarter of 2025, over 1,500 Hong Kong-invested enterprises have applied for deregistration on the mainland, with approximately 6% of them based in Anhui. This trend reflects that cross-border business models between the mainland and Hong Kong are facing new challenges and adjustments.

This article, drawing on the latest practical experiences, provides Anhui-based business owners with a clear and feasible process for deregistering a Hong Kong company.

1. Understand the Basic Requirements for Deregistration

First and foremost, not all Hong Kong companies are eligible for direct deregistration. According to the Companies Registry in Hong Kong, only companies that meet the following conditions can apply for Deregistration Deregistration, which is a simplified form of dissolution

1. The company has never carried out any business or activity;

2. The company has no outstanding debts;

3. All members shareholders agree to the deregistration;

4. The company is not involved in any legal proceedings or bankruptcy procedures.

If the company does not meet these criteria, it must undergo Liquidation, a more complex and time-consuming process.

2. Prepare the Required Documents - A Critical Step

Although deregistration may seem straightforward, document preparation is a crucial step in practice. For applicants based in Anhui, many documents must be prepared with the help of a professional agency or lawyer due to the cross-border nature of the process.

The basic documents required typically include

Certificate of Incorporation;

Business Registration Certificate;

Articles of Association;

A written consent signed by all shareholders;

A declaration clearly stating that the company has either never conducted business or has completed liquidation;

A power of attorney and agent information, if an agency is appointed.

Notably, starting in 2025, Hong Kong has tightened its scrutiny of deregistration applications, requiring more background explanations and authenticity proofs to prevent malicious debt evasion.

3. Submitting the Application - Can Be Completed via a Local Agent

For business owners residing in Anhui, personally traveling to Hong Kong to submit documents is often impractical. Most cases involve appointing a qualified local Hong Kong law firm or business services provider to handle the process.

The general steps are as follows

1. Eligibility Confirmation The agent verifies whether the company meets the deregistration criteria;

2. Document Preparation All necessary documents are organized and translated;

3. Power of Attorney Signing Relevant documents are signed remotely;

4. Application Submission The agent submits Form DRS1 to the Companies Registry;

5. Wait for Approval The approval process typically takes around 4-6 months;

6. Publication in Gazette If approved, the deregistration will be published in the Hong Kong Gazette;

7. Official Deregistration If no objections are raised within three months of the publication, the company is officially deregistered.

In early 2025, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region launched an online deregistration system to further streamline the process. Although the system is primarily designed for local businesses, some agencies now assist mainland clients in completing the process online.

4. Handling Tax and Bank Account Matters - Details You Can't Ignore

Even if the company has not yet commenced business, it is advisable to complete the following tasks before deregistration

Tax Reporting Even if there is no income, a nil return should be submitted to the Inland Revenue Department of Hong Kong;

Bank Account Closure Notify the bank in advance to close the account to avoid maintenance fees;

Transfer or Abandonment of Trademarks and Other Intellectual Property If the company owns registered trademarks or other assets, their disposition must be clearly defined;

Employee Termination and Social Security Settlement If there are employment relationships, they must be legally terminated and relevant procedures completed.

These steps are not part of the deregistration process itself, but they directly impact whether the deregistration can proceed smoothly and must be taken seriously.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Q Can a company be reactivated after deregistration?

A In principle, once deregistered, the company is considered non-existent. However, under specific circumstances such as mistaken deregistration or special situations, the company may apply for reinstatement within 20 years, subject to court approval.

Q Is tax payable during the deregistration process?

A If the company has no profits and has completed tax reporting, no additional taxes are typically required. However, if there are outstanding debts or unpaid taxes, these must be resolved first.

Q Can I handle the deregistration myself without hiring an agent?

A It is technically possible, but due to language barriers, differences in legal systems, and unfamiliarity with procedures, it is strongly recommended to seek professional assistance to increase the chances of success.

Conclusion

Deregistering a Hong Kong company in Anhui is not inherently difficult, but it must be carried out strictly according to the prescribed procedures to ensure each step is legal and compliant. In today’s increasingly stringent regulatory environment, it is crucial not to cut corners and risk future legal issues.

Business owners are advised to plan ahead, consult professionals in advance, and carefully manage the timeline to ensure a smooth and successful deregistration process.