Business Registration Certificate in Hong Kong: Guide & Sample

To register your business in Hong Kong, one of the initial necessities is a business registration certificate. This certificate is a legal requirement that proves your business is officially registered and allowed to operate.

In this article, we explain what a Hong Kong business registration certificate is, why it matters, and the advantages it offers. We also outline the application process step by step and list the key documents you need to prepare.

Whether you are setting up a new venture or formalizing an existing one, understanding this process will help you comply with regulations and establish your presence smoothly in Hong Kong.

What is the Hong Kong business registration certificate?

A Hong Kong business registration certificate (BRC) is a document that confirms your business registration with the Business Registration Office under the Inland Revenue Department.

The business registration certificate is also proof of the company’s legal existence. For instance, when opening a corporate bank account, you will need to submit a certified true copy of your BRC to verify the company’s identity.

You are legally obliged to apply for a business registration certificate (BRC) within 30 days of commencing operations. This period also applies when your business undergoes any significant changes, such as assigning a new director or changing its address.

Here is a business registration certificate sample:

What details are listed in a business registration certificate?

A Hong Kong business registration certificate contains key information that identifies your business and confirms its legal standing. The certificate includes:

• Business name
• Nature of business
• Registered address
• Type of business (e.g., sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited company)
• Date of commencement
• Expiry date
• Business Registration Number (also known as the unique business identifier)

These details serve as proof of registration and are essential when opening a business bank account, signing contracts, or fulfilling tax obligations.

Since 27 December 2023, the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department has replaced the Business Registration Number (BRN) with the Unique Business Identifier (UBI). The UBI functions as the official identification number for businesses and applies across all government departments. 

Existing BRNs were automatically recognized as UBIs, so no re-registration or updated certificate was required. Business registration certificates issued before and after the change remain valid and continue to display the same number, now officially referred to as the UBI.

If you are asked to provide your UBI, you can simply use the number shown on your current certificate. This change is part of an ongoing effort by the Hong Kong government to streamline business administration and enhance efficiency.

Regulatory policies can change over time, and businesses are encouraged to consult the latest guidelines on the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department’s website to ensure compliance with current requirements.

Keeping the certificate updated and accessible will allow you to meet legal obligations and demonstrate your business’s legitimacy in Hong Kong.

Types of BRC in Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers two main types of business registration certificates, each available in one‑year or three‑year terms: Standard BRCs and Branch BRCs.

• Standard BRC: Required for your principal place of business or sole proprietorships, partnerships, or locally incorporated companies. You can opt for a one‑year (valid for 12 months) or a three‑year (36 months) certificate. The three‑year option eases administration by reducing annual renewals.
• Branch BRC: Mandatory for each additional branch office or other office operating under the same business entity. These also come in one‑year or three‑year variants and must be displayed at each location. Fees differ based on certificate type and duration.

Both certificates contain the same business details and carry equal legal standing. The choice comes down to your preference for either short-term flexibility or long-term convenience. In addition, you must ensure timely renewal before the certificate expires to remain compliant with Hong Kong’s regulations.

Which businesses are required to have a BRC in Hong Kong?

In Hong Kong, most businesses must apply for a business registration certificate within one month of starting operations. In fact, the requirement applies to a wide range of entities, regardless of size or structure.

• Sole proprietorships and partnerships, even if operated on a small scale, must register with the Inland Revenue Department and obtain a BRC. This applies to full‑time, part‑time, or even seasonal businesses.
• All locally incorporated companies are required to register as part of the company incorporation process. The Companies Registry forwards the registration information to the Inland Revenue Department, which issues the BRC.
• Non‑Hong Kong companies that establish a place of business in Hong Kong must also obtain a BRC for their branch or representative office. Even if the office is not generating revenue, such as a liaison or representative office, it still needs to register.

Essentially, any person or entity engaged in trade, commerce, or the provision of professional services in Hong Kong must hold a valid BRC. Timely registration is crucial, as failing to comply within one month of commencement can lead to fines and other penalties.

Business registration certificate vs. Certificate of Incorporation

Many new business owners in Hong Kong confuse the business registration certificate with the Certificate of Incorporation. While both are essential documents, they serve different purposes in the company setup process.

The Certificate of Incorporation is issued by the Companies Registry when a company is successfully incorporated under the Companies Ordinance. It confirms that the company exists as a legal entity in Hong Kong and is typically only applicable to limited liability companies.

The business registration certificate, on the other hand, is issued by the Inland Revenue Department. It proves that your business, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited company, or branch of an overseas company, is registered for tax purposes and allowed to operate in Hong Kong.

In short, incorporation establishes your company as a separate legal entity, while business registration allows you to conduct business activities and comply with tax and regulatory requirements.

For limited companies, both documents are required: you first incorporate the company and obtain the Certificate of Incorporation, then register the business and receive the BRC. For sole proprietorships or partnerships, only the BRC is needed, since no incorporation takes place.

What businesses will need a Hong Kong business registration certificate?

Under the statutory guidelines of corporate governance law, every business in Hong Kong must acquire the business registration certificate to display conspicuously.

Qualified business forms:

• Any form of activity conducted by an individual/ organization to generate profit.
• Any club that facilitates services/ provides physical premises for recreational activities.
• Every company incorporated under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance or a foreign company that has established a presence in Hong Kong, irrespective of whether or not it’s conducting any business activities in Hong Kong.
• Every non-Hong Kong company that maintains a representative/liaison office in Hong Kong, or has leased out a property in Hong Kong.

Note that there are several exemptions to this, which we will also go over below.

Exempted activities:

• Charitable work done by approved institutions
• Agricultural activities such as marketing, gardening, and livestock rearing/breeding, are conducted by small-scale businesses, i.e., non-incorporated businesses.
• Shoe-polishing job
• Hawkers who operate outside commercial buildings

When do you need to apply for a business registration certificate?

The timing for applying for a BR certificate depends on your business structure and start date:

• Local companies (limited by shares, not limited by guarantee):
  You must apply for a BRC at the same time you submit your incorporation documents to the Companies Registry (via Form NNC1/NNC1G). Hong Kong’s integrated “one-stop company and business registration” service ensures both your Certificate of Incorporation and BRC are issued simultaneously.
• Sole proprietorships, partnerships, branches, or representative offices:
  These entities are required to apply for a BRC within one month (30 days) after commencing business. Applications can be filed online, by mail, or in person at the Inland Revenue Department’s Business Registration Office.

Failing to comply within the prescribed timeframe may result in a HK$5,000 fine, up to one year of imprisonment, and back-dated late fees if registration is delayed by more than a year.

To ensure compliance:

1. Determine your business structure and planned start date.
2. For incorporated companies, use the one-stop service together with incorporation.
3. For others, apply for a BRC within 30 days of commencing operations.
4. Submit the correct form, supporting documents, and payment of the registration fee and levy.

Starting your business registration early helps you avoid legal penalties and enables you to open corporate bank accounts and enter into contracts smoothly.

How to apply for a Hong Kong business registration certificate

Applying for a Hong Kong business registration certificate is a straightforward process. Below is a breakdown of both the online and written application methods to help you decide which works best for your situation.

Online application process 

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) allows businesses to apply for a BRC conveniently through its eTAX portal. No appointment is necessary. This option is ideal for those who already have the required documents ready and prefer a faster turnaround.

To apply online, log in to the eTAX website and fill out the appropriate form for your business type. You’ll be prompted to enter basic details about your business, such as the name, nature of business, address, and commencement date.

Then, you must upload digital copies of supporting documents, such as identification papers or incorporation documents, depending on your business structure.

After completing the form, pay the required registration fee and levy online. Once processed, the IRD issues the certificate electronically or by post, typically within two working days.

This method is efficient, cost‑effective, and eliminates the need to visit the IRD office physically, making it a preferred choice for many businesses starting in Hong Kong.

Written application process 

To apply for a Hong Kong business registration certificate, you’ll need to complete the following steps:

If you prefer to submit your application in writing, you can do so either by mail or in person at the IRD Business Registration Office. Simply follow these six steps:

Step 1: Determine the type of your business entity

Before applying, identify whether your business is a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited company, or branch of a foreign company. This determines the correct business registration form and required documents.

Step 2: Prepare all necessary documents

Gather the relevant documents. For unincorporated businesses, this includes the owner’s or partners’ identification documents and proof of business address. For companies, include your Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Association.

Step 3: Complete the registration form

Fill out the appropriate form based on your business structure. These include:

• Form 1(a) for Sole proprietorships
• Form 1(b) for Hong Kong incorporated companies
• Form 1(c) for Local partnerships or unincorporated bodies
• Form 1(ca) for Limited Partnership Funds
• Form 1(d) for Branch offices of a non-Hong Kong company

Each form requires essential details such as your business name, nature of business, business address, commencement date, and entity type.

You can find and download all relevant forms from the Inland Revenue Department’s official business registration page.

Step 4: File your application with the relevant authority

Submit your completed form and documents to the IRD Business Registration Office, either in person or by post. If applying in person, no prior appointment is required.

Step 5: Settle the required fees and levy

Pay the prescribed registration fee and levy at the time of submission. Payment can be made by cash (in person), cheque, or other accepted methods.

Step 6: Obtain your business registration certificate

After processing, which usually takes about one to two working days, the IRD will issue your BRC. You can collect it in person or have it mailed to your registered address.

Cost to apply for a Hong Kong business registration certificate

Below are the current fees for business registration certificates and Branch Certificates, covering the period from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026.

Certificate Type	Validity	Fee (HK$)	Levy (HK$)	Total (HK$)
Business Registration	1 year	2,200	0	2,200
Business Registration	3 years	5,720	300	6,020
Branch Registration	1 year	80	0	80
Branch Registration	3 years	208	300	508

These fees include the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund levy, where applicable. They are paid at the time of application, whether online, by post, or in person.

It’s important to note that fees are reviewed annually. Always remember to confirm the current rates on the Inland Revenue Department’s website before applying.

What are the penalties for not complying with the requirements?

If you do not register for a business registration certificate in Hong Kong, you may be subject to fines and penalties. The amount of the fines and penalties will depend on the severity of the offense. Fines can be HK$5,000 to HK$100,000, while imprisonment can be up to 1 year. In the most serious cases, the company can be struck off the register and dissolved.

Why using professional services is recommended

No more stressing about preparing legal documents

The business owners will be able to focus on growing their business while an agency with expertise prepares and submits the required documents to the Business Registration Office.

Remember to consult with experts as soon as possible to ensure you have the time to get through the lengthy incorporation process.

Having support from the start will ease the additional essential procedures

A positive outcome of this approach is that the agency will be able to assist you with other business-related steps (e.g., opening a bank account, appointing a secretary, etc.) following your company’s specific conditions as well as requirements.

Complying with local specialties requires local experts’ experience and knowledge

Complying with Hong Kong’s business regulations requires more than just filling out forms. It demands local expertise and a deep understanding of what authorities expect.

A trustworthy agency brings years of experience working with companies across industries, knowing exactly what steps to take (and avoid) to improve your chances of building a successful business.

Since a business registration certificate is mandatory in Hong Kong, partnering with professionals makes the process faster, smoother, and far more efficient. Instead of navigating unfamiliar procedures, you benefit from expert guidance that saves time and prevents costly mistakes.

If you’re ready to register your Hong Kong business with confidence, BBCIncorp is here to help.

Quickly obtain your HK business registration certificate with BBCIncorp

Starting a business in Hong Kong offers incredible opportunities, but navigating the registration process alone can be challenging. That’s where BBCIncorp comes in. We make setting up your company simple, fast, and effortless.

With BBCIncorp’s Hong Kong company formation package, you get a complete solution that includes everything you need to incorporate your business from the beginning.

What’s included in the package?

• Preparation and filing of incorporation documents
• Application for your business registration certificate
• Opening a global business bank account with Airwallex, including exclusive benefits from us
• And other essential additional services for setting up your business

Why choose BBCIncorp?

• Years of expertise helping global enterprises establish in Hong Kong, Singapore, Delaware, etc.
• Proven track record across diverse industries
• Time‑saving, error‑free process with full compliance guaranteed
• Transparent fees and responsive customer care

Our all‑in‑one service package ensures your Hong Kong business is set up quickly, correctly, and ready to operate from day one. Get in touch with us today or visit our site for timely support.

Key Takeaway

A business registration certificate in Hong Kong is a crucial document to show the legal status of the business. This proves that a company is registered and compliant with Hong Kong law.

This certificate must be renewed every year, and businesses are responsible for keeping their registration up to date. Be mindful that business registration and company registration in Hong Kong are two different processes, so consult professionals before launching your business.

Feel free to contact us via service@bbcincorp.com for any concerns and questions about incorporating your Hong Kong company or doing business in general. We are here to help!

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