Key Takeaways
- Businesses carrying on business in Hong Kong generally must register with the Inland Revenue Department’s Business Registration Office.
- For certificates commencing from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, the total payable for a 1-year Business Registration Certificate is HK$2,350, made up of a HK$2,200 fee and HK$150 levy.
- Business registration is separate from company incorporation, licensing, profits tax, and other operating obligations.
- Failure to comply with the Business Registration Ordinance may result in a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and imprisonment for 1 year.
Hong Kong laws state that businesses intending to operate in the jurisdiction must register with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). It’s commonly called the Hong Kong Business Registration. This business registration ensures entrepreneurs can access all their legal rights, obligations, and benefits.
To avoid unnecessary sanctions, business owners need to ensure that their business registration is up to date, including paying the business registration fee. Many business owners are unclear about the meaning and importance of the business registration fee. This piece will provide a detailed Hong Kong business registration fee breakdown.
What Is the Hong Kong Business Registration Fee?
The Hong Kong business registration fee is the statutory amount payable when a business obtains or renews a Business Registration Certificate or Branch Registration Certificate. The amount payable depends on the certificate commencement date, certificate duration, and whether the registration is for a main business or a branch. A Business Registration Certificate may be valid for 1 year or 3 years.
What Types of Companies Require Business Registration?
Businesses in Hong Kong are generally required to register with the Business Registration Office of the IRD unless an exemption applies. Business registration applies broadly to trade, commerce, craftsmanship, profession, calling, clubs, and other activities carried on for gain. It also applies to local companies, re-domiciled companies, registered non-Hong Kong companies, open-ended fund companies and limited partnership funds.
Sole Proprietorships
Sole proprietors are individuals who own and operate their businesses. In Hong Kong, sole proprietors must register their businesses with the government if they wish to conduct business activities. This includes obtaining a Business Registration Certificate and a Business Registration Number. The business owner must also register for any necessary licenses and permits to operate their business.
Partnerships
Partnerships in Hong Kong require business registration, just like sole proprietorships. Partnerships are formed when two or more individuals come together to start a business. Each partner is personally liable for the business’s debts and obligations. Therefore, it is crucial to register the partnership to ensure that all partners are aware of their responsibilities and liabilities.
Limited Companies
Limited companies are separate legal entities from their owners. A local limited company incorporated under the Companies Ordinance is deemed to be carrying on business and must be registered under the Business Registration Ordinance. Through Hong Kong’s one-stop company and business registration arrangement, a local company usually applies for business registration together with its incorporation submission.
Branch Offices
Foreign companies that establish a place of business in Hong Kong must register with the Companies Registry as registered non-Hong Kong companies and obtain business registration. A non-Hong Kong corporation may also require business registration if it has a representative or liaison office in Hong Kong or lets out property situated in Hong Kong.
Non-Profit Organizations
Non-profit organizations that operate in Hong Kong may still need to consider business registration unless an exemption applies. Certain charitable, ecclesiastical or educational institutions of a public character may be exempt where the statutory conditions are satisfied.
According to the IRD Business Registration Fee and Levy Table, for certificates commencing from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, the total payable for a 1-year Business Registration Certificate is HK$2,350, while the total payable for a 3-year Business Registration Certificate is HK$6,170. For branches, the corresponding totals are HK$230 and HK$658.
| Certificate type | Fee | Levy | Total payable |
| 1-year Business Registration Certificate | HK$2,200 | HK$150 | HK$2,350 |
| 3-year Business Registration Certificate | HK$5,720 | HK$450 | HK$6,170 |
| 1-year Branch Registration Certificate | HK$80 | HK$150 | HK$230 |
| 3-year Branch Registration Certificate | HK$208 | HK$450 | HK$658 |
STATISTIC-SOURCE: https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/pdf/brfee_table.pdf
Business Registration Certificate vs Branch Registration Certificate
| Item | Business Registration Certificate | Branch Registration Certificate |
| Main purpose | Registers the main business | Registers an additional branch of a registered business |
| Current 1-year total for 1 April 2026–31 March 2027 | HK$2,350 | HK$230 |
| Current 3-year total for 1 April 2026–31 March 2027 | HK$6,170 | HK$658 |
| Renewal basis | Based on the commencement date of the relevant certificate | Based on the commencement date of the relevant branch certificate |
How to Register Business in Hong Kong
Registering a business in Hong Kong is a straightforward process that can be completed within a few days. The process involves submitting the required documents and information to the Hong Kong Companies Registry and the Business Registration Office. Next, we will outline the steps to register a business in Hong Kong.
Choose a Business Structure
Before registering a business in Hong Kong, you must choose a business structure that suits your needs. The most common business structures in Hong Kong are sole proprietorships, partnerships, and limited companies. Each structure has advantages and disadvantages, and it’s crucial to understand them before deciding.
Choose a Company Name
Once you have chosen a business structure, the next step is to choose a company name. The name should be appropriate and, for a company, must comply with the Companies Registry’s requirements. You can check company name availability through the Companies Registry’s e-Services Portal.
Prepare and File Documents
The documents required depend on the business structure. In general:
Sole Proprietorship:
- Application for Business Registration
- Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card or Passport
Partnership:
- Application for Business Registration
- Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card or Passport of each partner
- Partnership Agreement
Limited Company:
- Application for Incorporation of a Company
- Articles of Association
- Form NNC1 (Incorporation Form (Company Limited by Shares))
- Notice to Business Registration Office and payment of the prescribed business registration fee and levy
A Hong Kong private company must also have at least one director and a company secretary. Business registration does not replace the need to comply with company law, tax filing, accounting, audit and licensing requirements.
Apply for Business Registration Certificate
Businesses other than corporations, such as sole proprietorships and partnerships, generally must apply for business registration within 1 month of commencement of business. For local companies, business registration is usually handled together with incorporation through the one-stop company and business registration service.
Obtain Licenses and Permits
The type of business you wish to open will determine the licenses and permits you need to get from the relevant authorities. For example, a restaurant business may require a food business licence from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department. Business registration alone does not mean that the business has complied with all relevant industry laws and regulations.
Open a Bank Account
The last thing to do is to open a bank account for your firm. This is important for managing finances, accepting payments, and paying bills. You will usually need the Business Registration Certificate, incorporation documents where applicable, identity documents, and bank due diligence information.
How to Pay Your Business Registration Fee
Business registration fees may be settled through the methods accepted by the IRD and GovHK, including electronic payment for eligible online services, payment upon application, and payment of renewal demand notes. For renewal, the Business Registration Office normally issues a demand note around the middle of the month before the new certificate commences. Once paid, the receipted demand note becomes the Business Registration Certificate.
If the demand note is not received or is lost, renewal can still be handled in person, by post, or electronically through eTAX where available. Business operators should ensure that payment is made on time and that the valid certificate is displayed at the place of business.
Exemption From Business Registration Fee and Levy
Some small business operators may apply for exemption from payment of the business registration fee and levy. This exemption is not available to local companies, re-domiciled companies, registered non-Hong Kong companies, open-ended fund companies, limited partnership funds, or operators carrying on two or more businesses.
For eligible businesses, the IRD indicates that exemption may be considered where average monthly sales or receipts do not exceed HK$10,000 for businesses mainly deriving profits from services, or HK$30,000 for other businesses. A new business must apply within the prescribed deadline, and exemption, if granted, is normally valid for 12 months. A fresh application is required for each subsequent year.
Ongoing Compliance After Registration
Business registration is not a one-time obligation. A valid Business Registration Certificate or Branch Registration Certificate must be displayed in a conspicuous place at the business address. If the certificate is issued electronically, a printed copy should be displayed.
The Commissioner of Inland Revenue must generally be notified within 1 month of changes in business particulars or cessation of business. Relevant changes may include business name, business address, business nature, partners, or cessation. For some company and limited partnership fund changes, the Companies Registry may transmit certain registered particulars to the IRD, but business operators should still confirm whether separate notification is required.
How Can We Help
Running a Hong Kong business is plenty of work, especially in its early stages. But no one is excused from paying the Hong Kong business registration fee. To avoid any sanctions, it’s worth hiring a partner to handle the process for you. Premia TNC is the ideal partner to make this happen.
Premia TNC is a top-rated business consultancy firm. It’s our job to partner with companies to keep them performing at the top level. We can help you handle business incorporation, including paying the Hong Kong business registration fee. Our job is to use a team of experts to tackle basic business processes, such as incorporation, taxation, accounting, etc.
Q: How much does it cost to register a business in Hong Kong?
For a Business Registration Certificate commencing from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, the total payable is HK$2,350 for a 1-year certificate and HK$6,170 for a 3-year certificate. Branch registration totals are HK$230 for 1 year and HK$658 for 3 years.
Q:How do I pay the Hong Kong business registration fee?
Business owners can pay through the channels accepted by the IRD and GovHK, including electronic payment for eligible online services, payment during application, and payment of renewal demand notes. After payment, the receipted demand note generally becomes the Business Registration Certificate.
Q: Can I hire someone to pay Hong Kong business registration fee?
Yes, a business owner may appoint a professional service provider to assist with business registration and payment administration. However, the business operator remains responsible for ensuring that registration, renewal, payment and statutory notifications are completed correctly and on time.
Q: What happens if a business does not comply with the Business Registration Ordinance?
A person who fails to comply with the Business Registration Ordinance may be liable to a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and imprisonment for 1 year. Businesses should also remember that business registration does not replace licensing, tax filing, accounting or company law obligations.
