# What is Business Registration Certificate (Hong Kong)?

Country: Hong Kong

A Business Registration Certificate is required under the Business Registration Ordinance for all businesses operating in Hong Kong. Issued by the IRD, it must be obtained within 1 month of commencing business. Annual renewal costs HKD 2,000 plus a small government levy.

## Current rate (1 April to 31 March)

HKD 2,000 per year (1-year certificate) or HKD 6,000 (3-year certificate), plus levy.

## Example

A sole trader starts a consultancy in June. They must register with the IRD within 1 month (by end of July), pay HKD 2,000 plus levy, and receive a BR certificate to display at their registered business address.

## How Business Registration Certificate (Hong Kong) works in Hong Kong

**Legal basis**

The Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) requires every person carrying on a business in Hong Kong to register with the Inland Revenue Department. This applies to sole traders, partnerships, companies, and branches of overseas companies.

**Registration timeline**

A new business must apply for a Business Registration Certificate within 1 month of commencing business. Application is made online via the IRD's eTAX portal or in person at the Revenue Tower. The certificate is typically issued immediately on payment.

**Annual renewal**

The certificate must be renewed annually by the anniversary of the business commencement date. Renewal options:
- 1-year certificate: HKD 2,000 + levy (currently HKD 250, making total HKD 2,150)
- 3-year certificate: HKD 6,000 + levy (HKD 750, making total HKD 6,750)

The 3-year option saves administration time but requires a larger upfront payment.

**Penalty for non-registration or non-renewal**

Failure to register within the 1-month grace period: fine of HKD 5,000 plus a further penalty of 300% of the registration fee for each year of non-registration. This can result in substantial back-charges for businesses that operated without registering.

Failure to renew: same 300% surcharge structure applies. A late renewal fee of HKD 140 per month applies for delays up to 2 years.

**Display requirement**

The BR certificate must be prominently displayed at every place of business in Hong Kong. For multiple premises, a certified copy should be displayed at each additional location.

**Branch registration**

Overseas companies carrying on business in Hong Kong must register with both the Companies Registry (as a registered non-HK company) and obtain a Business Registration Certificate from the IRD within 1 month of establishing a place of business. Branches are separately registered.

**Interaction with Companies Registry**

For newly incorporated HK companies, the Companies Registry submits the Business Registration application on behalf of the company at incorporation. The new company receives a CR certificate and a BR certificate simultaneously. However, annual renewal of the BR certificate is separate from the CR annual return.

**Change of business details**

Any change to the business name, address, nature, or partners/proprietors must be notified to the IRD within 1 month using the prescribed form. Changes to a HK limited company's registered address are also filed with the Companies Registry.

Source: https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/tax/bus_reg.htm

## Related terms

- [Companies Registry (Hong Kong)](https://accounts-os.com/hk/glossary/companies-registry-hk)
- [Private Limited Company (Hong Kong)](https://accounts-os.com/hk/glossary/private-limited-company-hk)
- [Profits Tax (Hong Kong)](https://accounts-os.com/hk/glossary/profits-tax-hk)