Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Formation Document
I need a formation document for establishing a private limited company in Hong Kong, including details on the company's name, registered office address, share capital, and the appointment of at least one director and one company secretary. The document should comply with Hong Kong's Companies Ordinance and include provisions for electronic communication and virtual meetings.
What is a Formation Document?
A Formation Document is the official paperwork you need to legally start a company or organization in Hong Kong. It includes key details like your company's name, registered address, business activities, and shareholder information - essentially your business's birth certificate under the Companies Ordinance.
This vital document must be filed with the Companies Registry and typically comes in different forms: for private companies, it's Form NNC1; for public companies, it's Form NNC1G; and for companies limited by guarantee, it's Form NNC1G. Once approved, it proves your company exists legally and can conduct business in Hong Kong's thriving commercial landscape.
When should you use a Formation Document?
You need a Formation Document when starting any new business venture in Hong Kong - it's your first step in establishing a legal company structure. This applies when launching a private company, setting up a public corporation, or creating a non-profit organization limited by guarantee.
The timing is critical: submit your Formation Document to the Companies Registry before conducting any business activities, hiring employees, or opening corporate bank accounts. Many entrepreneurs file these papers alongside their business registration application, making it easier to handle both requirements at once. This document becomes especially important when seeking investment, as potential partners often request proof of proper company formation.
What are the different types of Formation Document?
- Joint Venture Operating Agreement: Essential Formation Document for partnerships between multiple companies, detailing ownership, management, and profit-sharing structures.
- Business Agreement Contract: Basic Formation Document suitable for small to medium enterprises, outlining fundamental business structure and operations.
- Board Resolution Change Of Board Of Directors: Formation Document variation specifically for corporate governance changes, documenting leadership transitions.
- Board Resolution To Dissolve Corporation: Specialized Formation Document type used when winding up operations, addressing dissolution requirements.
Who should typically use a Formation Document?
- Company Founders: Primary initiators who must sign and submit the Formation Document, taking responsibility for its accuracy and compliance with Hong Kong law.
- Company Secretary: Often handles the preparation and filing of Formation Documents, ensuring all legal requirements are met.
- Directors: Must be listed in the Formation Document with their details and consent to serve in their roles.
- Shareholders: Their information and shareholding structure must be clearly documented in the initial Formation Document.
- Legal Advisors: Review and validate Formation Documents before submission to protect clients' interests and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Companies Registry: Reviews, processes, and maintains official records of all Formation Documents in Hong Kong.
How do you write a Formation Document?
- Company Details: Gather your proposed company name, business scope, and registered office address in Hong Kong.
- Stakeholder Information: Collect full names, addresses, and identification details of all directors, shareholders, and company secretary.
- Capital Structure: Decide on share capital amount, types of shares, and initial shareholding distribution.
- Business Model: Define your main business activities and revenue streams clearly for accurate documentation.
- Document Generation: Use our platform to create a legally-compliant Formation Document that includes all required elements.
- Internal Review: Double-check all information accuracy, especially names, addresses, and shareholding details.
- Filing Preparation: Organize necessary supporting documents and prepare filing fees for Companies Registry submission.
What should be included in a Formation Document?
- Company Name: Full proposed name in English and/or Chinese, with any required suffixes like "Limited".
- Registered Office: Complete Hong Kong address for official correspondence and legal notices.
- Business Objectives: Clear statement of intended business activities and scope of operations.
- Share Capital Structure: Details of authorized share capital, share classes, and initial share allocation.
- Director Information: Names, addresses, and identification details of all initial directors.
- Company Secretary: Details of the appointed company secretary (must be Hong Kong resident or registered firm).
- Shareholder Details: Complete list of founding shareholders with their shareholding percentages.
- Articles of Association: Internal governance rules aligned with Companies Ordinance requirements.
What's the difference between a Formation Document and a Constitution Document?
While Formation Documents and Constitution Documents might seem similar, they serve distinct purposes in Hong Kong's corporate landscape. A Formation Document establishes your company's legal existence, while a Constitution Document governs how it operates after formation.
- Timing and Purpose: Formation Documents are filed once at company creation, while Constitution Documents evolve throughout a company's lifecycle.
- Legal Requirements: Formation Documents must meet Companies Registry filing standards, whereas Constitution Documents focus on internal governance rules.
- Content Scope: Formation Documents contain basic company details and structure, while Constitution Documents outline detailed operational procedures and shareholder rights.
- Modification Process: Formation Documents rarely change after initial filing, but Constitution Documents can be amended through proper shareholder resolutions.
- Primary Users: Formation Documents are mainly used by regulators and banks, while Constitution Documents guide directors and shareholders in daily operations.
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
ұԾ’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; ұԾ’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.