A Complete Compliance Guide to Hong Kong Business Registration Search

How can businesses know for sure that they are engaging with legitimate companies in Hong Kong? A business registration search Hong Kong offers a dependable method for companies, investors, compliance teams, and foreign entrepreneurs to check registered business details and verify official status.

Performing a business registration number search adds to thorough due diligence, reduces fraud risk, and ensures compliance with Hong Kong regulations.

As a guide, our article will outline key concepts, available search tools, legal obligations, and distinctions between business registration and company registry searches. We will also demonstrate how our professional support can simplify the process for global businesses seeking to operate efficiently, and securely in Hong Kong.

What is a business registration search in Hong Kong?

Under Hong Kong’s regulatory framework, every business must hold a valid Business Registration certificate issued by the Inland Revenue Department. A BR search Hong Kong lets users check registered business information directly from official records.

Business registration search in Hong Kong

A business registration search provides essential details that help businesses perform verification with confidence. The information typically includes the business registration number, official business name, current status, business nature, registered address, and the expiry date of the registration.

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.

Is Business Registration the same as Company Registration?

The answer is no, they are not. Business Registration and Company Registration operate as two separate systems in Hong Kong. In particular:

The governing authority

Business Registration is managed by the Inland Revenue Department and applies to all forms of businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Its primary function is to make sure that every business engaging in activities in Hong Kong is properly registered for tax and regulatory purposes.

Company Registration, on the other hand, is overseen by the Companies Registry and applies exclusively to incorporated companies formed under the Companies Ordinance. This system governs company formation, statutory filings, and corporate records.

The main purpose

A Company Search provides access to incorporation documents, director and shareholder information, company structure, and other statutory filings.

In contrast, a BR search focuses on basic business details such as existence, registration validity, and business nature, which are essential for tax and compliance checks.

Using both search types appropriately enables global businesses to operate more securely, maintain regulatory alignment, and make well informed decisions when entering or expanding within the Hong Kong market.

Business Registration Number (BRN) explained

In this section, we will clarify what a Business Registration Number is, why it matters, and where global businesses can locate it when conducting a business registration search or a business registration number search in Hong Kong.

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.

Moreover, the number links each business to its formal registration record and forms a core element of Hong Kong’s regulatory system. Further, the BRN 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 rely on the BRN to confirm that a business exists and is authorised to operate. A correct number fosters accurate verification, supports risk assessment, and prevents engagement with unlicensed operators.

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.

The BRN is also accessible through the Inland Revenue Department’s enquiry service available via GovHK eTAX. This system allows users to look up registration details securely, which is particularly useful for compliance teams and international businesses that need immediate confirmation.

In addition, employees seeking their employer’s BRN may also locate it on employer records, such as tax forms and payroll documentation.

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 company registration searches in Hong Kong

Let’s take a look at the main search tools available for global businesses to conduct a reliable business registration search or company registration search before entering the Hong Kong market.

IRD Business Registration Number Search

The IRD’s Business Registration Number Enquiry allows users to confirm whether a business is properly registered with the Inland Revenue Department.

This search covers entities such as sole proprietorships and partnerships, which means results may include businesses that are not incorporated companies. It also helps users check whether a business name is already recorded for tax registration, which is useful during initial screening or preliminary due diligence.

Companies Registry Company Search through ICRIS

The Companies Registry provides a separate Company Search through its ICRIS system. This tool verifies incorporation details, confirms company status, and supports users who need to check name availability before forming a new company.

Because Hong Kong applies strict rules around names that may cause confusion, this search ensures that the intended name is not identical or too similar to one already registered. It is a core verification step for investors and entrepreneurs preparing to establish a Hong Kong entity.

Trademark search through the Intellectual Property Department

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.

Online and social media search

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.

Together, these searches provide a complete view of the market landscape and allow the enterprise to verify legitimacy, protect brand identity.

How to perform a company registration search via the Companies Registry (CR)

The search is conducted through the Integrated Companies Registry Information System, known as ICRIS. Here is how the process works.

Searching through ICRIS

Step 1: Access the ICRIS portal 

Begin by accessing the ICRIS portal on the Companies Registry website. The system offers two main search functions: Company Name Search and CR Number Search.

Users may enter a full name, partial name, or company number, which is useful when screening entities with similar names or incomplete information.

Step 2: Review the business categories

After initiating a search, review the categories displayed. ICRIS distinguishes between local companies, non-Hong Kong companies, and dissolved companies.

Users can then confirm whether an entity is active, registered overseas with a Hong Kong presence, or no longer operating.

Step 3: Look for your company information

Selecting the correct record provides core company information. This includes the incorporation date, registered office address, share capital structure, company type, and current status.

Director details are also available, although disclosures follow the personal data reforms introduced in 2023, meaning only partial identifiers are shown publicly while full records remain protected for authorised users.

ICRIS provides both free and paid search options. Basic information such as company name and status, is available at no cost.

On the other hand, detailed documents require a paid download. These include the incorporation form, annual return NAR1, charge and mortgage records, and notices related to deregistration or winding up.

Completing these filings creates a foundation for due diligence, making the platform an essential tool for any company registration search or business registration search conducted before building partnerships or entering into agreements.

What information can you obtain from CR searches?

A Companies Registry search provides verified data so that users can check registered business information with confidence.

Key information includes:

• The registered office address
• The incorporation particulars, and
• The company status, which may reflect whether the entity is active, dormant, deregistered, or undergoing liquidation.

Notably, director information is available with limited disclosure due to privacy regulations, and additional entries may outline the business scope.

ICRIS also displays important filings such as annual returns, charge documents, and deregistration notices. These records reveal compliance history, financial obligations, and structural changes.

Together, these details create a reliable br search Hong Kong process and help global businesses assess risk, confirm legitimacy, and make informed decisions when entering the Hong Kong market.

How to do a Business Registration Number Search (BRN search) via IRD

A business registration number search lets global companies verify who they are dealing with in Hong Kong.

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 GovHK Business Registration Number Enquiry system

The most reliable way to conduct a business registration number search is through the official GovHK BRN Enquiry tool. It connects directly to the Inland Revenue Department database and provides the core information needed to confirm a business identity.

Step 1: Visit the official GovHK BRN Enquiry page

Go to the Business Registration Number Enquiry section on the GovHK website. This page links to the IRD system and is the only government authorised channel for this type of search.

Step 2: Enter the business name in English or Chinese

Type the full business name as registered. Hong Kong businesses often use similar names, so accuracy matters. Using partial names may generate a long list of unrelated entities, and spelling differences may lead to no results.

Step 3: Filter the results and identify the correct entity

Review all entries carefully. Look for matching information such as the business address or business nature if available. Global businesses should pay close attention to names that look alike, since subsidiaries, branches, and sole proprietorships may appear separately in the database.

Step 4: Retrieve the registration details

Once the correct entity is identified, the system displays the business registration number, registration status, registration date, and branch information. This verification confirms whether the business is active and compliant under the Business Registration Ordinance.

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 used for all business registration search Hong Kong checks 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.

IRD watermark and anti-fraud identifiers

Certificates include security features to prevent misuse. Genuine certificates carry IRD watermarks and specific print characteristics that distinguish them from altered copies.

The key differences between a BR Search vs. Company Registration Search 

A business registration search Hong Kong and a company registration search are often confused, but they serve distinct purposes.

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.

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. The CR number uniquely identifies entities in this registry.

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.

And a company registration search is essential when reviewing incorporated companies, checking name availability before incorporation, or accessing detailed corporate filings.

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	BRN	CR number
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

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, as there have been cases of companies presenting counterfeit Business Registration Certificates or falsified corporate documents to secure contracts or financing.

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. Confirming information directly through the IRD so that the registration status reflects the current situation.

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

A BRN applies to all registered businesses, including sole proprietorships and partnerships, whereas a CR number is specific to incorporated companies. Using the correct search method based on the entity type will enable accurate verification in line with Hong Kong regulations.

Being aware of these challenges and reviewing records carefully allows global businesses to check registered business information accurately, reduce operational risks, and proceed with confidence in cross-border partnerships.

BBCIncorp solutions for Hong Kong business verification and compliance

BBCIncorp provides specialized advisation 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 site or send a message to our chatbox with any questions you may have. Our team will provide dedicated assistance right away.

Conclusion

Performing a business registration search 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 at service@bbcincorp.com for more information on our Hong Kong company services today.

Share this article