In this course · 6 of 7
Course 2
Register your company
7 lessons · 8 min
- 1Do I Need Business Registration in Hong Kong? Who Is Exempt?
- 2How do I incorporate a limited company in Hong Kong, step by step?
- 3Documents Needed to Incorporate a Company in Hong Kong
- 4How long does it take to incorporate a company in Hong Kong?
- 5How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Company in Hong Kong in 2026?
- 6Hong Kong Business Registration Fee and Levy 2026/27: Current Rates
- 7Hong Kong Business Registration Renewal: 1-Year or 3-Year Certificate?

The short answer
From 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, a Hong Kong business registration certificate costs HK$2,350 for one year (HK$2,200 fee plus HK$150 levy) or HK$6,170 for three years (HK$5,720 plus HK$450). A branch certificate costs HK$230 for one year.
The Inland Revenue Department's table (the amount depends on the certificate's commencement date):
| Certificate start date | 1-year total | 3-year total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr 2026 to 31 Mar 2027 | HK$2,350 (2,200 + 150) | HK$6,170 (5,720 + 450) |
| 1 Apr 2025 to 31 Mar 2026 | HK$2,200 (levy waived) | HK$6,020 |
| 1 Apr 2024 to 31 Mar 2025 | HK$2,200 (levy waived) | HK$5,870 |
Branch registration certificates (for a second or further business location of the same business): HK$80 fee plus HK$150 levy = HK$230 for one year, or HK$658 for three years, for the 2026 to 2027 period.
Points to note
- The levy funds the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund.
- Three-year certificates paid a levy of HK$150 (2024/25) and HK$300 (2025/26); the levy was waived for one-year certificates only.
- For a new company, the amount is fixed by the date the incorporation is submitted to the Registry.
- For renewals, the amount follows the commencement date of the renewed certificate.
- Small unincorporated businesses with very low turnover may apply for an exemption, but local companies and registered non-Hong Kong companies cannot.
- Some websites still show the older HK$2,200 total; check the IRD table or the "List of Current Charges" for the date that applies to you.
Legal basis and sources
The law
- Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310)
General information for business owners, not legal, tax or professional advice. Rules change, so check the sources or ask a licensed professional before you act.
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