Business Registration Fee in Hong Kong 2026 Breakdown

Setting up a company in Hong Kong requires more than just a great business idea; it starts with proper registration. Every business operating in the city must obtain a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) from the Inland Revenue Department, serving as official proof of legal operation.

Along with this requirement comes the business registration fee in Hong Kong (BR fee), a compulsory payment tied to maintaining compliance with local regulations.

The business registration certificate fee may vary depending on the registration period and government adjustments. Since April 2024, the Hong Kong government has introduced several updates affecting the BR fee and related waiver policies.

This article outlines the latest fee structure, explains the recent changes, and provides key insights to help business owners manage costs and ensure full legal compliance.

What is the business registration fee?

Definition and legal framework

The business registration fee (BR fee) in Hong Kong is a mandatory government charge payable by any person or entity carrying on a business in the territory. It is governed by the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) and administered by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

Payment of this fee is required for the issuance of a valid Business Registration Certificate, which serves as official proof that the business has been properly registered with the IRD.

Who is required to pay the BR fee?

Liability to pay the business registration fee in Hong Kong applies to any person or entity carrying on a business in the territory, as defined under the Business Registration Ordinance.

This includes:

• Sole proprietors
• Partnerships and limited partnerships
• Locally incorporated limited companies
• Branches of foreign companies operating in Hong Kong

In practice, the requirement applies broadly to any individual or organization conducting business activities in Hong Kong, unless specifically exempt under the Ordinance.

Current BR fee structure in Hong Kong

The business registration fee in Hong Kong was revised following the end of temporary relief measures. Under the 2026–2027 Hong Kong Budget, the fee structure was further adjusted with the reinstatement of the levy component.

Businesses are required to pay the full business registration certificate fee and levy as prescribed by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

Breakdown of fees and levies

As of April 1, 2026, the total business registration fee in Hong Kong is HKD 2,350 per year. This consists of two components:

• Registration fee: HKD 2,200 (fixed government fee)
• Levy to the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund: HKD 150

The levy was reintroduced under the 2026–2027 Budget after a temporary waiver period in prior years. Together, these components form the total business registration certificate fee payable to the IRD.

Businesses may choose to pay this fee annually or opt for a three-year registration.

Annual vs. three-year certificate fees

Businesses in Hong Kong can choose between a one-year or three-year Business Registration Certificate:

• One-year certificate: HKD 2,350
• Three-year certificate: HKD 6,170

The three-year option reduces administrative effort by avoiding annual renewals and may provide cost efficiency depending on the prevailing fee structure.

The BR fee table explained

The BR fee table provided by the Inland Revenue Department outlines fees based on the entity type:

• Business (sole proprietorship or partnership) costs HKD 2,200 for one year, HKD 6,020 for three years.
• Branch registration has the same rates as above, payable separately for each branch.
• Non-Hong Kong companies are also subject to the same fee structure.

In essence, the current business registration certificate fee ensures all businesses contribute equally to adhering with legal and regulatory standards. Understanding the latest BR fee structure helps business owners plan ahead, stay compliant, and operate smoothly in Hong Kong’s dynamic commercial environment.

Waiver of business registration fee

The waiver of the business registration fee has been a key temporary measure used by the Hong Kong government to support businesses during periods of economic difficulty. These waivers were introduced to ease financial pressure, maintain business continuity, and support employment.

Previous waivers and government relief measures

According to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) announcements, the business registration fee was fully waived during the 2020–2021 and 2021–2022 financial years. In the 2022–2023 financial year, partial concessions were introduced, under which businesses were only required to pay the levy portion of the business registration certificate fee.

These waivers formed part of broader economic relief initiatives implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective was to help businesses preserve cash flow, sustain operations, and remain compliant during a period of significant uncertainty.

The temporary reduction in business registration costs benefited a large number of registered entities, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, by lowering the administrative burden associated with maintaining legal status.

Current position through recent updates

Following the gradual recovery of the business environment, the Hong Kong government phased out these relief measures. No waiver of the business registration fee was introduced in the 2024–2025 and 2025–2026 Hong Kong Budgets, marking a return to full fee payment.

A further adjustment was made under the 2026–2027 Hong Kong Budget, where the government reinstated the HKD 150 levy to the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund. This levy had previously been waived as part of earlier relief measures.

As a result of this reinstatement, the total business registration certificate fee increased to HKD 2,350 per year with effect from April 1, 2026, while the base registration fee remains unchanged at HKD 2,200.

This change reflects a broader shift toward fiscal normalization, with the government gradually withdrawing temporary support measures introduced during the pandemic period.

Outlook for future waivers

The business registration fee in Hong Kong is reviewed annually as part of the government’s budget planning process. While fee waivers or concessions may be introduced during periods of economic support, such measures are discretionary and depend on prevailing economic conditions.

At present, there is no indication of further waivers following the 2026–2027 Budget. Therefore, Hong Kong businesses should plan based on full fee liability and monitor future Hong Kong Budget announcements for any updates.

When and how to pay the business registration fee in Hong Kong

Payment of the BR fee is required upon initial registration and each renewal of the Business Registration Certificate.

Payment methods and platforms

To facilitate timely payment, the Inland Revenue Department provides several convenient channels:

• Online: Payment can be completed through the eTAX platform using a digital certificate or eTAX credentials. Accepted methods include credit card, Faster Payment System (FPS), and PPS. Businesses may also pay via the GovHK portal or through internet and telephone banking.
• In person: Payment may be made at the Business Registration Office using cash, cheque, EPS, or FPS.
• By post: Applications and payments can be submitted by mail to the IRD’s designated address with appropriate postage.

Notably, online payment requires secure authentication. In addition, fax or email payment methods are not accepted

Deadlines and late payment penalties

To remain compliant with Hong Kong’s business regulations, companies must carefully observe the payment deadlines for the Hong Kong BR fee. The timing depends on whether the business is newly established or renewing an existing registration.

• Newly established businesses: The business registration fee is payable at the point of application. Payment is required for the issuance of the initial Business Registration Certificate, which serves as official proof of registration with the Inland Revenue Department.
• Existing businesses: The Inland Revenue Department typically issues a renewal demand note approximately one month before the current certificate expires. The fee must be paid within this period. Please note that failure to receive the demand note does not relieve the business of its obligation to pay on time.

Payments completed by the due date, including those made electronically, are treated as timely.

BR certificate issuance, renewal, and display obligations

The Business Registration Certificate (BRC) is a key compliance document that confirms a business has been properly registered with the Inland Revenue Department. Businesses must ensure timely issuance, renewal, and proper display to remain compliant with Hong Kong regulations.

Certificate validity and renewal process

A valid Business Registration Certificate must be obtained within one month of commencing business operations.

• Issuance: The certificate is issued once the business submits the required registration details and pays the applicable business registration fee. It serves as official proof of registration with the Inland Revenue Department.
• Validity options: Businesses may choose a 1-year or 3-year validity period at the time of registration, depending on operational needs.
• Renewal: The Inland Revenue Department typically issues a renewal demand note about one month before the certificate expires. Upon payment, the receipted demand note constitutes the renewed Business Registration Certificate.

All business types are responsible for ensuring timely payment. Failure to receive the demand note does not remove the obligation to renew.

Display requirement under Hong Kong law

Under the Business Registration Ordinance, every business is required to:

• Display a valid Business Registration Certificate at a conspicuous location at its principal place of business
• Produce the certificate upon request by officers of the Inland Revenue Department

Consequences of non-compliance

Failure to pay the business registration fee on time may result in penalties and legal consequences. The Inland Revenue Department may impose financial surcharges for overdue payments, and continued non-compliance can lead to fines or prosecution.

In addition, failure to maintain a valid Business Registration Certificate may affect a business’s ability to operate smoothly, including potential disruptions in banking, contracting, and regulatory dealings.

Ensuring timely and accurate payment of the business registration certificate fee is therefore essential to avoid unnecessary legal and operational risks.

Exemptions and reduced BR fee eligibility in Hong Kong

In general, the obligation to pay the business registration fee applies broadly to entities carrying on a business in Hong Kong. However, limited exemptions may be available under the Business Registration Ordinance, subject to approval by the Inland Revenue Department.

Common cases include:

• Charitable or nonprofit organizations:
• Entities recognized by the Inland Revenue Department as charitable institutions may be exempt from the business registration requirement, provided they are not engaged in profit-making activities.
• Entities not carrying on a business:
• Individuals or organizations that do not meet the legal definition of “carrying on a business” in Hong Kong may not be required to register or pay the fee.

Exemptions are limited and assessed on a case-by-case basis. Businesses should not assume eligibility and are advised to confirm their status with the Inland Revenue Department where necessary.

How BBCIncorp helps you manage business registration in Hong Kong

Managing business registration in Hong Kong requires careful coordination across multiple steps, from initial setup to ongoing compliance. And BBCIncorp streamlines this process through an integrated, technology-driven platform, so you can focus on growth with ease.

End-to-end support for BR and company setup

BBCIncorp provides a full suite of services covering every stage of Hong Kong company formation and business registration certificate management.

• One-stop solution: From company incorporation to obtaining and renewing the Business Registration Certificate (BRC), all steps are handled within a single workflow.
• Accurate fee guidance: Clear guidance on the applicable business registration fee, including updates aligned with the latest Hong Kong Budget changes..
• Flexible registration options: Support in selecting the appropriate registration period based on operational needs and long-term plans.
• Error-free process: Applications and renewals are reviewed to reduce errors and ensure compliance with Inland Revenue Department requirements.

Proactive monitoring and compliance reminders

Beyond initial registration, BBCIncorp provides continuous support to help businesses stay compliant as regulations evolve.

• Timely compliance alerts: Automated reminders help businesses track renewal deadlines and avoid penalties.
• Centralized management platform: A secure dashboard provides access to corporate records, certificates, and payment history in one place.
• Secure data handling: Business information is protected through robust security systems, ensuring confidentiality and reliability.
• Continuous regulatory support: Ongoing updates and guidance help businesses adapt to regulatory changes, including fee adjustments and compliance requirements.

With BBCIncorp services, businesses can manage business registration in Hong Kong with clarity, consistency, and full confidence in compliance.

Conclusion

Ensuring compliance with the business registration fee in Hong Kong is essential for maintaining proper registration and avoiding operational disruptions. Following the 2026–2027 Hong Kong Budget updates, including the reinstatement of the levy, businesses must stay informed and manage payments on time to reduce compliance risks.

BBCIncorp supports businesses with accurate fee management, timely reminders, and streamlined handling of registration and renewals. This allows companies to maintain full compliance while focusing on growth. Contact our team today at service@bbcincorp.com to manage your Hong Kong business registration with clarity and confidence.

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