Hong Kong TCSP licensing guide
Before engaging a company service provider, verify the contracting legal entity and its licence status in the official register. A licence check does not replace reviewing the engagement terms or service scope.
Step-by-step: how to check a TCSP
- Define the services you need. List whether you need a company secretary, registered office, annual filings, accounting coordination or other company services. This makes it easier to compare providers on the same scope.
- Identify the contracting legal entity. Ask for the provider’s exact registered name, company number, business address and the entity that will sign your engagement letter. Do not rely only on a trading name or website brand.
- Search the official TCSP register. Use the Companies Registry search to check the entity’s licence status and the information shown in the official record.
- Match the details. Confirm that the legal name and address in the register match the quotation, engagement letter, invoice and website contact details. Query any mismatch before paying or signing.
- Confirm the service scope. Ask which tasks are included, who will perform them, what documents are required, and which filings or reminders remain your responsibility.
- Review the commercial terms. Check fees, renewal dates, government charges, payment timing, cancellation terms, refunds, late-filing handling and any extra charges for changes or urgent work.
- Check data and communication controls. Ask how identity documents and company records are stored, who can access them, how instructions are authorised and how you receive filing evidence.
- Keep an audit trail. Save the register search result, quotation, engagement letter, invoices, submitted forms and filing acknowledgements. Recheck the provider when renewing or changing services.
Before you appoint a provider
- ☐ Exact legal entity identified
- ☐ Official register entry checked
- ☐ Licence details match the contracting entity
- ☐ Service scope and exclusions documented
- ☐ Fees, renewals and cancellation terms understood
- ☐ Data handling and filing evidence arrangements confirmed
Verify providers using the Companies Registry TCSP licence search. A register check is one part of due diligence and does not replace professional advice or a review of the engagement terms.
Scope note: This guide explains a practical verification workflow. It does not determine whether a particular provider is suitable, confirm the quality of its services, or replace legal, compliance or professional advice. Always check the current official register and engagement terms.
Frequently asked questions
What is a TCSP?
TCSP means trust or company service provider. In Hong Kong, a provider may offer services such as company secretarial support, registered office arrangements or other company administration. The exact service and licensing position should be checked against the current official register and applicable rules.
How do I check whether a Hong Kong TCSP is licensed?
Obtain the provider’s exact legal entity name, then search it in the Companies Registry’s official TCSP licence search. Match the register details with the engagement letter, quotation, invoice and business contact information before signing or paying.
Is a TCSP register search enough due diligence?
No. A register search helps verify the entity and licence record, but it does not assess service quality, pricing, responsiveness, data handling or suitability. Review the engagement terms, scope, fees, renewal arrangements and filing responsibilities separately.
What should I ask a TCSP before appointing it?
Ask which legal entity will contract with you, what services and exclusions apply, what documents are needed, how fees and renewals work, how changes are authorised, how records are protected and what evidence you receive after filings.