Guide to applying for Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate: Application process, fees, and time

New business owners, are you familiar with the procedures of applying for a Business Registration Certificate (BR) in Hong Kong? This certificate is required for all business entities, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and limited companies, to ensure compliance with legal and tax obligations. Beyond its legal significance, the BR serves as a public record, providing easy access to business information and facilitating processes such as applying for government grants or startup funding. Understanding the differences between the Business Registration Certificate and the Certificate of Incorporation, as well as the various application methods and fees, is essential for anyone looking to establish or manage a business in Hong Kong.

We have put together this handy guide with all the essential information and useful website links, so that you may start the application process right away.

What is Business Registration Certificate? 

The Business Registration Certificate, commonly known as BR, is issued by the Business Registration Office under the Inland Revenue Department. Whether you operate as a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited company, all business entities are required to have a Business Registration Certificate.

The purpose of the Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate is to help businesses meet their legal and tax obligations while providing the public with easy access to business information. If you're looking to apply for government grants or startup funding, you will also need to provide your Hong Kong Business Registration Number.

Difference between Business Registration and Certificate of Incorporation 

People often confuse a BR with a Certificate of Incorporation (CI). In fact, only a limited company is required to apply for a CI. 

This is because a limited company is considered a separate legal entity, which means it assumes legal responsibilities on its own, rather than the owner personally. The Certificate of Incorporation serves as ‌proof of the company’s corporate status. 

When you apply for the Certificate of Incorporation at the Companies Registry, you can also apply for the Business Registration Certificate simultaneously. You won’t need to apply for them separately. 

If you’re setting up a sole proprietorship or partnership, there is no need to apply for a Certificate of Incorporation. 

Two types of Business Registration Certificates

There are two types of Hong Kong Business Registration Certificates: the standard Business Registration Certificate, and the Branch Business Registration Certificate. Both are valid for either one or three years. 

Under Hong Kong law, businesses must display a valid Business Registration Certificate at every operational branch or office. If you have multiple branches, you will need to apply for a Branch Business Registration Certificate for each location. 

One-year and three-year certificates

The HKSAR government has increased the application fee for the Business Registration Certificate effective from 1 April 2024. However, the HK$150 annual levy for the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund will be waived for two years. The new registration fees are as follows:

*Information last updated in February 2025.

Example of calculating the fee of Business Registration Certificate in 2025 

If you apply for a standard one-year Business Registration Certificate, the fee will be HK$2,200.

If you choose to apply for a three-year certificate, the registration fee will be HK$5,720, plus a levy of HK$150, totalling HK$5,870.

If your business was established before 1 April 2024, but you only submit your Business Registration Certificate application in 2025, the fee will be based on your business' commencement date rather than the application date. Therefore, you will need to pay the old registration fee and levy, which is HK$2,150 for a one-year certificate (including levy), or HK$5,650 for a three-year certificate (including levy). 

Where do you apply for a Business Registration Certificate? Do I need to book an appointment? 

You can apply for the Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate by mail, in person at the Business Registration Office, or online. 

To submit a new Business Registration Certificate application, you can do so in person at the Business Registration Office counter located in the Inland Revenue Centre in Kai Tak, Kowloon. The Business Registration Office has also launched an online booking system, which lets you book a same-day appointment or up to five working days in advance. 

If you don’t have an appointment, you can simply put your application in the Business Registration Office’s drop box or submit it by mail. 

The quickest and easiest way to apply is through the eTAX online platform, where you can complete your Business Registration Certificate application in one go. 

If you wish to update your business registration details, you can do so via the online platform, or by submitting a written notice by mail. No appointment or visit to the Business Registration Office is required. You can find out more about updating your business details here. 

Applying for Business Registration Certificate via paper-based application

• Request an application form from the Inland Revenue Department. Sole proprietorships should use Form 1(a); partnerships should complete Form 1(c); and limited companies should fill out Form 1(b). You may obtain the form by emailing [email protected], fill out this form, or visiting the Business Registration Office in person. 

• Fill out the form. You may download these sample application forms for reference.

• Submit the form in person or by mail. The address is 2/F, Inland Revenue Centre, 5 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon, Hong Kong

• If you choose to hand in the form in person, you can collect your Business Registration Certificate within 30 minutes; it will otherwise take two working days if you submit it by mail.

Applying for Business Registration Certificate via eTAX

You can apply for the Business Registration Certificate via the eTAX platform If you’re setting up a sole proprietorship, a partnership with no more than six partners (excluding limited partnership funds), or a branch of any business type. The process only takes about 10-20 minutes. Here’s how to apply:

• Start your application via eTAX

• Read the Personal Data Collection Statement and Important Notes

• Select your application type

• Authenticate your identity

• Enter your application details, including your company name, business nature, etc.

• Sign*and submit

• Make payment to complete the process 

If you use your eTAX Password, digital certificate, or iAM Smart+ to apply for a Business Registration Certificate, you will be considered to have signed the application form electronically and are responsible for the accuracy of the information provided. 

Documents required for Business Registration application

To apply for a Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate, regardless of your company type, you will need to provide identification documents for the owner and all partners (if any). Non-Hong Kong residents are required to provide a copy of your passport or resident identity card issued by a government authority. 

For non-local limited companies, you will need to provide a copy of the company registration certificate or an equivalent document issued by your local government. The document must be in Chinese or English. 

Notifying Business Registration Office for changes in partnership

For any addition or removal of partners, you must notify the Business Registration Office within one month of the change. You will need to complete Form IRBR64, gather signatures from both old and new partners,  and submit the form along with the new partner's identification document, either in person or by mail.

If the addition of new partners results in a change in the business structure, e.g. from a sole proprietorship to a partnership, the Business Registration Office will issue a new Business Registration Certificate upon receiving the written notice. 

Notifying Business Registration Office for cease of business operation 

If you decide to close your business or any branch, you are required to notify the Business Registration Office in writing within one month of closure. The notice should include your Hong Kong Business Registration Number, or Branch Registration Number, business name, address, and the date of closure, along with your personal contact address and phone number. Alternatively, you may choose to complete Form IRC3113.

For more details, please visit the Inland Revenue Department website. 

What kind of businesses need a Business Registration Certificate?

According to Hong Kong’s Business Registration Ordinance, any business or activity conducted for profit, or any organisation providing facilities and services to its members, is required to obtain a Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate. Everyone can verify the Hong Kong Business Registration Number of any business on the MyGovHK platform, ensuring it operates legally in Hong Kong. 

Do I need a Business Registration Certificate to run an online shop?

Yes. Any for-profit business, whether operated through a physical location or online, is legally required to apply for a Business Registration Certificate. Therefore, running an online store also requires a Business Registration Certificate. 

Do IG shops and online shops need a Business Registration Certificate?

Yes. IG shops are also considered an online business. Just like running an online store, IG shops are also required to apply for a Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate. 

Do freelancers need a Business Registration Certificate?

Yes. Hong Kong’s Business Registration Ordinance clearly states that any for-profit commercial activity requires a Business Registration Certificate. As freelancers work as self-employed individuals, rather than under an employment contract, they are also required to apply for a Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate. 

Important notes about applying for a Business Registration Certificate

How long does it take to apply for a Business Registration Certificate?

It depends on your application method. The quickest and most convenient way to obtain your Business Registration Certificate is through the eTAX online platform, which only takes 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can choose to submit the application in person at the Business Registration Office and collect your Business Registration Certificate in about 30 minutes. If you apply by mail, it will take two business days to process. 

When should I apply for a Business Registration Certificate?

Hong Kong’s Business Registration Ordinance states that all businesses are required to obtain a Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate within one month of operations, or the owner may face a fine of up to HK$5,000 and imprisonment for up to one year. 

Fees for Business Registration Certificate-related documents

To request or replace your Business Registration Certificate-related documents, a fee will apply depending on the type of document you require:

*Information last updated in February 2025.

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Frequently asked questions

1. How do I renew my Business Registration Certificate? 

The Business Registration Office will issue a payment notice for the Business Registration Certificate approximately one month before the expiration date. The payment notice will serve as a valid Business Registration Certificate once the payment is made. 

2. How do I change my business address and/or business partners?

To update the business address on your Business Registration Certificate, you simply need to do so through the Companies Registry e-Services platform within one month of the change. 

Alternatively, you can notify the Business Registration Office in writing, stating your business registration number, business name, old and new business addresses, and the date of the change. You can choose to fill in Form IRC 3111A instead and submit it along with the proof of your new address, either in person or by mail.

If any partner is joining or leaving your partnership business, you must notify the Business Registration Office in writing within one month of the change. You will need to complete Form IRBR64, gather signatures from old and new partners, together with the new partner’s identification document, and submit it either in person or by mail. 

3. What are the consequences of failing to apply for a Business Registration Certificate on time?

If you fail to obtain a Business Registration Certificate within one month of starting your business operations, you could face a fine of up to HK$5,000 and imprisonment for up to one year.