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A business registration search in Hong Kong lets you check a company or business against official government records before you sign a contract, open a bank account, or onboard a new partner.
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) Business Register covers every business, including sole proprietorships and partnerships, while the Companies Registry holds extra records for limited companies. Since 27 December 2023, a company’s 8-digit Business Registration Number (BRN) is also its Unique Business Identifier (UBI) at the Companies Registry.
Key Takeaways
- A business registration search Hong Kong checks the IRD Business Register, which covers every business, including sole proprietorships and partnerships.
- The IRD’s Business Registration Number Enquiry finds a BRN from the full business name and location; an electronic extract (HK$27) shows the registered particulars.
- Limited companies also appear on the Companies Registry’s e-Services Portal, where name searches are free and a Company Particulars Search costs HK$22.
- Since 27 December 2023, a company’s 8-digit BRN is also its Unique Business Identifier (UBI) at the Companies Registry.
- Business registration is not a licence to trade, and Business Register data is for reference only, so pair official searches with KYC documents.
What is a business registration search in Hong Kong?
A business registration search in Hong Kong is a check of the Business Register kept by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310). Every business carried on in Hong Kong must apply for registration within 1 month of starting and display a valid Business Registration Certificate at its place of business.
A business registration search provides essential details that help businesses perform verification with confidence. An extract of the Business Register shows the current registered information of the business and, where applicable, its operator, such as its business name, address, nature, and BRN.
These data points enable companies, investors, and compliance teams to conduct due diligence, assess operational legitimacy, verify active status, and understand the nature of the business they intend to partner with.
Organizations commonly use BR searches for vendor onboarding, Know Your Customer checks, compliance reviews, and general background screening. Since Hong Kong has a strict requirement for timely business registration renewal, the search also identifies expired or suspicious registrations.
By using a BR search Hong Kong to check registered business information directly from the IRD, global businesses reduce the risk of dealing with fraudulent entities and strengthen their compliance posture.
Note that the IRD only summarily checks the information businesses submit and states that the Business Register is for reference only, so treat a matching record as one due diligence signal, not proof of good standing.
Business Registration Number (BRN) explained
A Business Registration Number (BRN) is the 8-digit number the IRD assigns to every registered business in Hong Kong. You can find it on the Business Registration Certificate or look it up through the IRD’s Business Registration Number Enquiry.
What is a BR number and why does it matter?
A Business Registration Number is an eight-digit identifier issued by the Inland Revenue Department to businesses operating in Hong Kong. It applies to incorporated companies, sole proprietors, partnerships, non-Hong Kong entities with local operations, and charities that engage in commercial activities.
The number links each business to its formal registration record and plays a key role in compliance.
Businesses must use it for tax filing, renewing their Business Registration Certificate, and keeping registration details updated with the authority. Because the number is unique to each entity, it is also used widely to verify business identity.
Organisations conducting due diligence, KYC checks, or a business registration search use the BRN to confirm that a business is on the IRD Business Register. Business registration is not a licence to trade, so regulated activities still need a separate licence check with the relevant regulator.
Where to find your BR number?
The BRN appears clearly on the Business Registration Certificate, which is issued upon successful registration and renewal. This certificate remains the most direct document for confirming the number when performing a BR search Hong Kong or when stakeholders need to check registered business information.
You can also look up a BRN through the Business Registration Number Enquiry on eTAX at GovHK by entering the business’s full name and its location (Hong Kong, Kowloon or New Territories).
In addition, employees seeking their employer’s BRN may also locate it on employer records, such as tax forms and payroll documentation.
Quick Note
Since that date, the Companies Registry uses the BRN, the first 8 digits of the Business Registration Certificate number, as each company’s Unique Business Identifier (UBI), and you can match a CR No. to its BRN with the “CR No. / BRN Mapping” quick search on the e-Services Portal.
Understanding how the BRN works and where to locate it enables global businesses to complete a business registration search efficiently and maintain confidence in the accuracy of their verification process in Hong Kong.
Types of business registration searches in Hong Kong
The IRD offers two official business registration searches through eTAX at GovHK: the Business Registration Number Enquiry, which finds a business’s BRN from its full name and location, and the Supply of Information on the Business Register, which issues extracts and certificate copies for HK$20 to HK$27 per document.
Business Registration Number Enquiry
This service lets you look up the BRN of a target business so that you can apply for its business registration documents. You enter the business’s FULL name in English or Chinese and select its location: Hong Kong, Kowloon or New Territories. Because the enquiry is built for locating a BRN, you still need an extract to see the business’s registered particulars.
Business Register extracts and certificate copies
Once you have the BRN, you can apply online at GovHK (www.gov.hk/br) for the documents below. Paper applications were fully replaced by this online service on 4 September 2023.
| Document | What it is for | IRD fee (HK$) |
|---|---|---|
| Electronic extract of information on the Business Register (uncertified) | Shows the current information of the business and its operator, if applicable; delivered online once payment is confirmed | 27 |
| Certified extract of information on the Business Register | Certified version for formal or legal use | 27 |
| Certified copy of a valid business or branch registration certificate | Certified copy of the current certificate | 27 |
| Duplicate of a valid business or branch registration certificate | Replacement copy of the current certificate | 20 |
For a company registered through the one-stop company and business registration service, the electronic extract is normally available 2 working days after incorporation.
Supplementary checks: trademark and online searches
These checks are not business registration searches, but they close gaps the registers leave open.
A trademark search through the Intellectual Property Department adds another layer of protection. Even if a name is not used by an incorporated company, it may be protected as a trademark. Reviewing the database prevents infringement issues and fosters stronger brand planning.
A general online search lets you identify domains, brands, and unregistered businesses using similar names. Despite being unofficial, this step complements the formal searches by revealing potential conflicts that may not appear in government records.
How to do a Business Registration Number Search (BRN search) via IRD
To run a business registration number search in Hong Kong, use the Business Registration Number Enquiry on eTAX at GovHK: enter the business’s full registered name and its location to find the BRN, then order an electronic extract of the Business Register (HK$27, delivered online after payment) to confirm its registered particulars.
The Inland Revenue Department manages this information, and businesses can access it through GovHK and the Business Registration Certificate issued by the IRD. The process is straightforward when each step is followed carefully.
Using the IRD Business Registration Number Enquiry
The official starting point is the IRD’s Business Registration Number Enquiry, which identifies the BRN you need before you order Business Register documents.
Step 1: Open the BRN Enquiry on eTAX at GovHK
The IRD provides its business registration electronic services, including the Business Registration Number Enquiry, through eTAX at GovHK.
Step 2: Enter the full business name and location
Type the business’s FULL name exactly as registered, in English or Chinese, and select its location: Hong Kong, Kowloon or New Territories. A trade name, abbreviation, or missing suffix such as “Limited” can return no match.
Step 3: Note the BRN
Record the BRN returned for the target business and check it against the number on its contracts, invoices, or Business Registration Certificate.
Step 4: Order an electronic extract
Apply for an electronic extract of information on the Business Register through GovHK (www.gov.hk/br) and pay HK$27. The extract is delivered online once payment is confirmed and shows the current registered information of the business and, where applicable, its operator. You must confirm that you will use the information only to check the business’s registration particulars.
Notes on accuracy and common mistakes
Search results depend on the exact name provided. Many foreign companies overlook suffixes such as Limited or Company. Others search using a trade name instead of the legal name.
For the most accurate business registration number search, always use the corporate name stated in official documents or contracts. This ensures that the BR search Hong Kong process produces reliable and valid results.
Checking details on the IRD Business Registration Certificate
The Business Registration Certificate is a physical or digital document issued by the Inland Revenue Department. It confirms a company’s registration status and must be renewed every one or three years, depending on the business choice.
Business name
This shows the official name recorded with the IRD. It must match the name used in the GovHK enquiry tool.
Business registration number
The BRN is a unique identifier with eight digits assigned to each business. It is the number used for business registration checks in Hong Kong and for filing obligations with the IRD.
Business nature
This field describes the general activity of the business. Although broad, it shows that the entity operates in the expected sector.
Business address
A registered address in Hong Kong is required under local law. Any significant difference from publicly listed addresses may indicate outdated information.
Validity period
The certificate can be issued for a one-year or three-year period. Businesses must make certain that the certificate presented is within this validity period to confirm that the entity remains registered.
Cross-check with an official extract
Because Business Registration Certificates can be downloaded as PDF files, do not rely on a certificate’s appearance alone. Compare the copy you receive with an electronic extract ordered directly through GovHK.
Tips for identifying outdated BRCs
An outdated certificate may show an expired validity date or an old address.
Businesses must notify the IRD in writing within 1 month of any change to their registered particulars, and an amended certificate is issued for changes of business name, address, or nature. If a certificate does not match what you know about the business, check the latest extract through GovHK before proceeding.
Business registration search vs. company search: which register should you check?
Use the IRD Business Register to check any business in Hong Kong, and add a Companies Registry search when the business is a limited company. Sole proprietorships and partnerships appear only on the Business Register, while limited companies appear on both, linked by the same BRN since 27 December 2023.
A business registration search Hong Kong and a company registration search are often confused, but they serve distinct purposes. Below is a summarized table of the differences between these types of search:
| Feature | BR Search (IRD) | Company Registration Search (CR) |
|---|---|---|
| Covered entities | All businesses (companies, partnerships, sole proprietors) | Incorporated companies only |
| Identifier | 8-digit BRN | BRN (used as the UBI since 27 Dec 2023); pre-2023 companies may also have a legacy CR No. |
| Information provided | Registration status, business nature, and address | Incorporation details, directors, shareholders, and filings |
| Typical use | Verify existence, tax compliance, and due diligence | Name availability, corporate filings, and incorporation verification |
| Where to search | eTAX at GovHK (www.gov.hk/br) | Companies Registry e-Services Portal (www.e-services.cr.gov.hk) |
| Official fees | Extracts and certified copies HK$27; duplicate certificate HK$20 | Name and document index searches free; Company Particulars Search HK$22; image records from HK$9 |
IRD Business Register: every business
The IRD Business Registration Register covers all businesses operating in Hong Kong, including incorporated companies, sole proprietorships, partnerships, and non-Hong Kong entities with local operations. It provides the business registration number (BRN), registration status, business nature, and registered address.
Foreign entrepreneurs sometimes confuse BRNs with CR numbers because both are used to confirm legitimacy. A BR search is suitable when verifying any business, including non-incorporated entities, for compliance, KYC, or due diligence.
Companies Registry: limited companies
The Companies Registry, however, maintains records of incorporated companies only. A company registration search provides detailed incorporation information, company structure, directors, shareholders, and statutory filings such as annual returns and charges.
Since 27 December 2023, the Companies Registry identifies each company by its BRN, used as the Unique Business Identifier (UBI); companies formed earlier may also carry a legacy CR No.
And a company registration search is essential when reviewing incorporated companies, checking name availability before incorporation, or accessing detailed corporate filings.
You search the Companies Register through the Companies Registry’s e-Services Portal (www.e-services.cr.gov.hk), launched with the revamped Integrated Companies Registry Information System (ICRIS) on 27 December 2023.
Step 1: Open the e-Services Portal
You can search as an unregistered online user or subscribe as a registered user (HK$500 a year for a principal account) for lower image-record fees.
Step 2: Search by company name or BRN
Company Name Search and Document Index Search are free. Use the BRN as the search key; for older records, the “CR No. / BRN Mapping” quick search matches a legacy CR No. to its BRN.
Step 3: Order the records you need
A Company Particulars Search costs HK$22 per company and shows core details such as the company type, incorporation date, registered office, and its current status, for example live or dissolved, with any remarks such as liquidation or deregistration.
Downloading an annual return (NAR1) or incorporation form (NNC1) costs HK$16 for registered online users or HK$18 for unregistered users.
The portal also displays important filings such as annual returns, charge documents, and deregistration notices. These records reveal compliance history, financial obligations, and structural changes.
Director names are public, but under the new inspection regime rolled out in three phases (23 August 2021, 24 October 2022 and 27 December 2023), the register shows directors’ correspondence addresses and partial identification numbers. Usual residential addresses and full identification numbers are Protected Information that only “specified persons” can apply to access.
When you need to check registered business information
Verifying business registration details is a critical step for global businesses before entering the Hong Kong market.
Due diligence and fraud prevention
Global businesses should check registered business information whenever they engage with new suppliers, partners, or service providers in Hong Kong.
Verification is essential for due diligence and fraud prevention. It also helps you spot altered or out-of-date certificates before you sign contracts or release payments.
Conducting a business registration search or a company registration search allows businesses to confirm legitimacy, verify BRNs, and cross-check company status, addresses, and business nature with official records.
Opening bank accounts and compliance requirements
Checking registered business information is also critical when opening bank accounts in Hong Kong. Banks require the BRN and company details to complete onboarding and comply with anti-money laundering regulations.
They often request official documents such as the Business Registration Certificate, CR filings, proof of directors, and incorporation documents. Cross-checking IRD and Companies Registry records helps banks validate the authenticity of these documents.
Through performing BR and CR searches before entering contracts or financial arrangements, global businesses protect themselves from fraudulent entities, maintain regulatory compliance, and establish a reliable foundation for operations in Hong Kong.
Common problems during a business registration search
Performing a business registration search Hong Kong is essential for global businesses to verify partners, suppliers, and service providers. Even with official tools, several challenges can affect the accuracy of verification.
Mismatched business names
Companies often operate under different English and Chinese names, or trade names differ from the registered legal name. Entering an incorrect or partial name can return incomplete or irrelevant results, making it important to cross-check the official name registered with the IRD or Companies Registry.
Deregistered or expired BR records
Businesses that have ceased operations, failed to renew certificates, or been deregistered may still appear in unofficial databases, causing confusion about their active status. Confirm the information directly with the IRD through an electronic extract so that you see the current registration status.
Multiple branch management
Entities with multiple branches can hold separate Business Registration Certificates, which may result in multiple BRNs linked to the same business. Identifying the correct certificate corresponding to the branch or headquarters relevant to a transaction is critical.
Outdated third-party information
Commercial directories, online listings, or other unofficial sources can present stale or inaccurate details. Official IRD and Companies Registry records provide the most reliable way to confirm active status, registered addresses, and business nature.
Confusion between CR number and BRN
Since 27 December 2023, the Companies Registry has used the BRN as the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) and as the key number for its Electronic Search Services. Companies formed earlier keep their original CR No. on older documents, and the “CR No. / BRN Mapping” quick search links the two.
Entities with no business registration, such as those exempt under the Business Registration Ordinance, receive a dummy BRN with a letter prefix (for example, C0012345), which does not appear on the IRD Business Register.
BBCIncorp solutions for Hong Kong business verification and compliance
BBCIncorp provides specialised advice to help global businesses navigate Hong Kong’s regulatory environment with confidence. Our Hong Kong corporate services cover incorporation, banking, compliance guidance, and ongoing corporate governance. Our clients can easily comprehend obligations and make the right move with expertise.
We advise clients on business registration search Hong Kong, BRN verification, and company registration search to confirm the legitimacy of your partners, suppliers, and service providers.
Our guidance extends to interpreting key documents, including NAR1 filings, Business Registration Certificates, and IRD filings, so clients can assess business status, registered addresses, and corporate structure accurately.
BBCIncorp also supports due diligence and KYC processes, providing expert guidance for foreign founders and corporate teams unfamiliar with Hong Kong systems. Clients gain clarity on which searches to perform, how to verify BRNs and CR numbers, and how to review official filings for compliance purposes.
By working with BBCIncorp, you can simplify complex verification and compliance processes efficiently, allowing your team to focus resources on core business activities.
For more details, please visit our company secretary in Hong Kong page or chat with us with any questions you may have.
Conclusion
Performing a business registration search Hong Kong is an essential step for any entrepreneur or company operating in Hong Kong. It ensures compliance with local regulations, promotes transparency in business dealings, and helps mitigate risks associated with fraudulent or unverified entities.
Knowing the distinction between the IRD and Companies Registry systems is crucial: a BR search Hong Kong covers all registered businesses, including sole proprietorships and partnerships. Meanwhile, a company registration search focuses on incorporated entities and statutory filings.
As the jurisdiction continues to digitalize public corporate data, accessing accurate and timely information has become faster and more efficient, supporting confident cross-border operations.
Get in touch with BBCIncorp today for more information on our Hong Kong company services: chat with us
Information reviewed on 29 September 2026. Fees, requirements, and processing times may change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to conduct a business registration search in Hong Kong?
Looking up a BRN through the IRD’s Business Registration Number Enquiry carries no listed document fee. An electronic or certified extract of the Business Register costs HK$27, and a duplicate certificate costs HK$20.
At the Companies Registry, name and document index searches are free, a Company Particulars Search costs HK$22, and most image records cost HK$9 to HK$23 to download, depending on the document and account type.
Why should you run a name search before setting up a company?
A name search tells you whether your proposed name is already taken before you file. For a limited company, the Companies Registry will reject a name that is the same as one on its Index of Company Names, so the free Company Name Search on the e-Services Portal is the key check. Checking the IRD Business Register and trade mark records as well helps you avoid confusion with existing businesses and brands.
What is the best way to find out whether my proposed business name is already registered in Hong Kong?
Start with the Companies Registry’s free Company Name Search, which covers every limited company and registered non-Hong Kong company. Then use the IRD’s Business Registration Number Enquiry to check an exact name, since it needs the full business name and its location and only returns exact matches. Finish with a trade mark search at the Intellectual Property Department to spot protected brands.
If I register my business name, does that give me trademark ownership?
No. Business registration records your business on the IRD Business Register, but the IRD states it is not a licence to trade, and neither business nor company name registration gives you trade mark rights. To protect a brand name or logo, you need to register it with the Trade Marks Registry of the Intellectual Property Department.
Is business registration the same as company registration in Hong Kong?
No. Business registration is handled by the IRD’s Business Registration Office under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) and covers every business carried on in Hong Kong, including sole proprietorships and partnerships.
Company registration is handled by the Companies Registry and covers only incorporated companies and registered non-Hong Kong companies. A limited company appears on both registers, and since 27 December 2023 both use its BRN as the common identifier.
Is a business registration search different for a sole proprietorship than for a limited company?
Yes. A sole proprietorship or partnership appears only on the IRD Business Register, so you find its BRN through the Business Registration Number Enquiry and confirm its particulars with an electronic extract (HK$27).
A limited company appears on both the IRD Business Register and the Companies Register, so a full check also includes a Companies Registry search on the e-Services Portal for its incorporation details, directors, and filings.
Can I still search a company by its old CR number?
Yes. Companies incorporated before 27 December 2023 keep their original CR No. on older documents, and the “CR No. / BRN Mapping” quick search on the Companies Registry’s e-Services Portal links it to the company’s BRN. The BRN is now the key number for Companies Registry searches, so use it wherever you can.
Disclaimer: While BBCIncorp strives to make the information on this website as timely and accurate as possible, the information itself is for reference purposes only. You should not substitute the information provided in this article for competent legal advice. Feel free to contact BBCIncorp’s customer services for advice on your specific cases.
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