Hong Kong Company Secretary
Hong Kong company secretary, done properly
Every Hong Kong company must appoint a licensed company secretary.
We handle all statutory obligations, filings, and governance, so you never miss a deadline.
TCSP
Licensed provider (TC002595)
100%
Compliance handled
500+
Companies served
What is a company secretary?
A statutory requirement for every HK company
A Hong Kong Company Secretary is a statutory officer required by law under the Companies Ordinance.
Every company registered in Hong Kong must appoint one, and that person or firm must be locally resident or incorporated.
Woodburn is a licensed TCSP holder (TC002595)
As a Trust or Company Service Provider licensed in Hong Kong, we are fully compliant with the Companies Ordinance and anti-money laundering obligations. Your company is in safe hands.
What's included
Our company secretarial services
We handle every statutory obligation from day one no missed filings, no compliance gaps.
Compliance with legal requirements
Ensuring full compliance with the Companies Ordinance and other Hong Kong regulations. Filing annual returns and submitting necessary documents with the Companies Registry.
Corporate governance and administration
Maintaining statutory books including the register of members, directors, and secretaries. Organising and keeping minutes of board meetings and general meetings.
Communication with authorities
Acting as the primary liaison between your company and the Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department. Ensuring timely submissions and compliance with statutory reporting requirements.
Expert advisory on compliance and governance
Advising company directors on corporate governance best practices. Ensuring company decisions align with the articles of association and Hong Kong legal obligations.
Record keeping and document management
Keeping accurate records of company resolutions, shareholder agreements, and other critical corporate documents. Managing official records for easy access and regulatory compliance.
Annual General Meeting support
Coordinating and preparing for AGMs, including drafting notices and agendas. Ensuring proper meeting procedures are followed and decisions are accurately recorded.
Why Woodburn
Large firm expertise. Without the overhead.
With extensive experience in corporate compliance, we provide a reliable and efficient company secretary
service in Hong Kong, keeping your company fully compliant with the Companies Registry and
safeguarding your business from unnecessary risk.
TCSP licensed (TC002595)
We are a fully licensed Trust and Company Service Provider in Hong Kong, compliant with AML and counter-terrorist financing obligations.
Manage everything digitally
All documents, filings, and updates are handled online. No paperwork, no chasing, your company records are always accessible and up to date.
A dedicated relationship manager
You get one named point of contact who knows your company. No call centres, no ticket queues, just direct, expert support when you need it.
How we work
Appoint Woodburn as your
company secretary
We can discuss your needs, confirm the scope, and have everything in place with zero disruption to your business.
Book a free call
Schedule a 30-minute no-obligation call with our Head of Business Advisory. We'll discuss your company's current setup and what's needed to get compliant.
Tell us about your company
Share basic details about your existing company secretary and compliance status. We review everything at no charge and confirm the full scope of work.
We handle the transfer
Change of company secretary and registered address filings are done entirely by our team, no action needed from you. Zero disruption to your business.
Ongoing expert support
Your dedicated relationship manager takes over from day one, annual returns, AGM prep, statutory filings, and compliance, all handled digitally.
Frequently asked
Is a company secretary legally required in Hong Kong?
Yes. Every company registered in Hong Kong must appoint a company secretary under Section 474 of the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622). This applies from the moment of incorporation and never lapses, even if the company is dormant. Failing to appoint a qualified company secretary can result in fines of up to HKD 100,000 and potential striking off the register.
Can a sole director act as the Company Secretary?
No. Under Section 475(2) of the Companies Ordinance, the sole director of a Hong Kong company is expressly prohibited from also acting as its company secretary. If your company has only one director, you must appoint a separate individual or a licensed professional firm. This is one of the most common compliance gaps Woodburn helps founders fix.
What is a TCSP license and whay does it matter?
A Trust or Company Service Provider (TCSP) licence is required under the Anti-Money Laundering Ordinance (Cap. 615) for any corporate entity providing company secretarial services in Hong Kong. It ensures the provider meets strict standards for compliance, AML controls, and counter-terrorist financing obligations. Always confirm your provider holds a valid licence before appointing them. Woodburn's licence number is TC002595.
When does the Hong Kong annual return need to be filed?
The Annual Return (Form NAR1) must be filed with the Companies Registry within 42 days of your company's incorporation anniversary each year. Missing this deadline results in late filing fees and penalties. Woodburn tracks this on your behalf and files on time, you don't need to remember it.
Can I switch my company secretary to Woodburn?
Yes, and it's straightforward. You can change your company secretary at any time by filing Form ND2A with the Companies Registry within 15 days of the change. Woodburn handles the entire transfer process, including compliance review, change of registered address, and any filing catch-up, with zero disruption to your business. There's no cost to switch, and we can usually have everything in place within a few business days.
Get in touch