NNC1 Form Guide 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Key Takeaways 

• Download the latest NNC1 form from the Companies Registry Website
• The latest NNC1 form now requires details such as business nature and phone number.
• Always attach the Articles of Association when submitting the NNC1 file. Without the Articles, the submission is invalid.
• Insert only the partial passport number in the NNC1 application, as per the official guidelines. Full or mismatched entries will cause rejection and delays.

Overview of the NNC1 Form in 2026

The NNC1 file is the cornerstone of company incorporation in Hong Kong, required for setting up a company limited by shares. The Companies Registry updates this form several times throughout the year, so it’s important to stay current. In this blog, we’ll give you an overview of the latest NNC1 document in 2026 – what new information is required, where to find and download the latest NNC1 document from the government website, what to expect when filling it out, and the key documents to prepare and bring before submission. This guide is designed to help entrepreneurs avoid common mistakes and streamline the incorporation process.

Where can I download the latest Incorporation Form NNC1? 

Below are 4 steps in guiding you how to download the NNC1 template file in 2026.

• Step 1. Visit the Companies Registry official website and select your preferred language. On the menu bar, mouse over ‘Forms’, and click ‘Specified Forms.’ 

• Step 2. Choose the sub-category “Local company and registered non-hong kong company”, you will then be directed to the next page. 

• Step 3: Select the sub-category “Incorporation of Local Companies,” a list of options will appear. 

• Step 4: Choose “Form NNC1 & IRBR1 Incorporation Form (Company Limited by Shares).” Note: If you’re registering a profit‑making company, ignore Form NNC1G, as that form is mainly for non‑profit organizations.

GSHK Expert Tips: When downloading the NNC1 form, always choose the PDF version instead of the Word document. The PDF is far more user‑friendly and avoids formatting issues that often cause rejection by the Companies Registry. Using the PDF saves time, prevents repeated submissions, and makes the process smoother.

What’s new with the Incorporation Form NNC1? 

Update 1: Business Nature

There are two key updates to the NNC1 incorporation form. At first glance, these changes may seem minor,  just a few added questions,  but they carry real importance. Missing or overlooking them can delay approval, and in some cases banks may question why your application was incomplete, which could affect your chances of opening an account.

Previously, the NNC1 document did not require you to state your business nature. For stronger corporate governance and transparency, the government now requires this information. Importantly, you cannot simply write a vague description — you must select the correct category from the official list and cite the corresponding code.

For example:

• Manufacturing has 23 sub‑categories, such as Manufacture of food products (010), Manufacture of beverages (011), and Manufacture of textiles (013).
• Import and export trade is code 045.
• Retail trade is code 047.
• Information technology service activities is code 062.

Choosing the wrong category can cause serious issues. Banks often cross‑check your business nature during account opening, and if your code doesn’t match your actual activities, they may refuse to open the account.

Tip: Pay close attention when selecting your business nature code. Don’t overlook this step or fill it out randomly, mistakes can lead to delays or rejection. If you need guidance, consult our incorporation experts at GetStarted.hk.

Update 2: Hong Kong Telephone number

Hong Kong remains one of the easiest places in the world to start a business, but with rising concerns over cybercrime and identity verification, the government has added a new question in the NNC1 form: What is your company’s telephone number?

This change addresses common issues when foreign entrepreneurs or one‑person companies incorporate without a local landline, making it difficult for authorities and banks to verify information. By including a phone number, whether landline or mobile, you demonstrate local presence and provide a reliable contact point.

At GetStarted.hk, we can arrange a local number for you, ensuring that both government authorities and banks can reach you directly when needed. This number also acts as a safeguard: when someone calls the bank, the bank can cross‑check your number against their records and the government’s records, making it far more difficult for imposters to pose as your company. 

Tips: While this update is still in soft launch and technically optional, more than 80% of our clients already provide a number because it strengthens credibility, protects assets, and costs as little as US$15 per month.

Details You Must Provide in the NNC1 Form

Regardless of updates before or after 2026, certain questions in the NNC1 file remain unchanged.

Proposed company name

To avoid rejection and unnecessary back‑and‑forth, run a company name search at the Companies Registry Cyber Search Centre to confirm availability. Avoid names that are too similar to existing companies, and steer clear of sensitive words that require prior approval. If you’re unsure how to conduct a name check, refer to our earlier blogs for guidance.

Registered office address

Another key requirement is your registered office address. This address will appear on both the NNC1 application and your Business Registration Certificate. While you can purchase a virtual office address, P.O. boxes and residential addresses are not accepted, and a commercial office address is mandatory.

If you don’t have a suitable address, GetStarted.hk offers a registered office address service in Central, providing a compliant and professional solution for your incorporation.

Company secretary details

The form NNC1 also requires you to provide details of your company secretary and designated representative in Hong Kong. These roles are crucial because they ensure your company complies with the Companies Ordinance and act as the point of contact to liaise with government authorities on your behalf.

By regulation, the company secretary must hold a TCSP license. Beyond licensing, it’s wise to appoint a firm backed by HKCPAs and Chartered Secretaries, as their professional expertise ensures proper compliance and smooth communication.

At GetStarted.hk, we have supported thousands of entrepreneurs, giving us extensive experience in handling the specific needs of each applicant. If you don’t have staff in Hong Kong, you can appoint us as your company secretary, and we will manage all compliance matters for you.

Share capital & share structure

The NNC1 document requires you to provide details of your company’s share capital and shareholding structure. In Hong Kong, the minimum requirement is at least one share with a capital of HK$1. However, the common practice is to set up with 10,000 shares at HK$10,000 capital. Establishing a company with only HK$1 capital may create the impression that the business is not serious, which can cause problems when opening a bank account or attracting investors. Following the standard HK$10,000 capital or more is generally recommended. For a private limited company, the maximum number of shareholders permitted is 50.

Tip: Be cautious of misinformation online. Some firms incorrectly claim that shareholders must be over 18. In reality, shareholders can be minors, provided that a legal guardian gives consent at the time of registration. However, directors must be at least 18 years old. Always rely on accurate guidance to avoid compliance issues. If you are unsure, consult our experts at GetStarted.hk for professional advice.

Shareholder & Director information

The NNC1 form requires you to provide details about both shareholders and directors. As mentioned earlier, directors must be at least 18 years old, while shareholders can be either above or below 18.

For each person, the government requires:

• Full name
• Residential address (local or overseas, but not a P.O. box — they need a complete, valid address to ensure contactability)
• Passport information for identification

When registering a company, you must present your passport to the company secretary. The secretary will cross‑check the passport details against an international compliance system. If a fake passport is submitted, both the payer information and the individual submitting it will be reported to the authorities.

The government has also updated the NNC1 application document: now, only part of the passport number is displayed, whereas in the past the full number was shown. It’s important to enter the partial number exactly as required, otherwise the application will be rejected or the mismatch may prevent bank account opening.

How to provide the partial passport number:

• If the identification number has an even number of characters, enter the first half of the sequence.
• If the identification number has an odd number of characters, enter from the first character up to the middle character.

Examples:

• Passport number: ABCDE234567 → Enter ABCDE2
• Passport number: ABCDE12345 → Enter ABCDE

To save time and avoid mistakes, you can let our incorporation experts at GetStarted.hk handle the entire process for you.

How to submit the NNC1 incorporation form? 

There are two different ways to submit the incorporation application NNC1. One is online submission and the other one is to print the document and submit it in person. While most people probably would want to do it online, online submission often requires support from a CPA or chartered secretary firm, because the Companies Registry requires applicants to provide a certified copy document to create the e-submission account. Only with the e-submission account, you can sign consent form online. Hence, if you decide to do and submit yourself, paper submission is a more practical option for layman. Conversely if you appoint a professional  Company secretary firm like getstarted, get started can actually arrange everything for you remotely, and it is included in the incorporation package.

• Important: Don’t Forget the Articles of Association

Many people remember to prepare the document NNC1 but overlook attaching the Articles of Association. This is a critical mistake. The Articles serve as the guidebook of your company, they outline the rules, structure, and governance of how your business will operate. Without them, your submission will not be approved by the Companies Registry.

It’s surprisingly common for applicants to focus only on the incorporation form, since that’s what everyone talks about, and then forget the Articles during submission. This oversight leads to rejection and wasted time. Always make sure the Articles are prepared and attached alongside the NNC1.

If you’re unsure how to draft or prepare the Articles of Association, our incorporation team at GetStarted.hk can assist you. We ensure your documents are complete and compliant, so you don’t risk delays or rejection.

Frequently Asked Questions