[Last updated: 1 January 2024, unless otherwise noted]

All materials to be distributed to shareholders must be in both the English and Chinese unless the Main Board Listing Rules specify otherwise.

Under the Main Board Listing Rules, all documents furnished to the HKSE in a language other than English must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

There are many issues a foreign company should examine when considering a cross-border listing. Whether the foreign company is already listed on any stock exchange or not, when considering a listing on the HKSE, the issuer, its directors and senior management should familiarize themselves with the continuing compliance obligations imposed by the HKSE and other relevant Hong Kong securities laws and regulations, such as the Codes on Takeovers and Mergers and Share Buy-backs (Codes). A secondary listed company on the HKSE is not subject to the Codes unless it is a "public company in Hong Kong" within the meaning of the Codes.

Key differences in requirements for domestic companies

Listing requirements for domestic companies are generally the same as those for foreign companies. Certain foreign companies are, however, subject to the HKSE's case-by-case assessment for suitability to list in Hong Kong.