Do I Need Business Registration in Hong Kong? Who Is Exempt?

Who must register

• Anyone carrying on business, meaning trade, commerce, a profession or any activity for gain, and clubs.
• Every local company, re-domiciled company and registered non-Hong Kong company.
• A non-Hong Kong corporation with a representative or liaison office in Hong Kong, or one that lets out Hong Kong property.

Exemptions from registration include:

• approved charities;
• agriculture (companies cannot use this one);
• fishing;
• bootblacks;
• licensed hawkers (with exceptions);
• qualifying feed-in tariff businesses.

Timing and display

• Apply within one month of starting business.
• Companies get the application filed automatically with incorporation through the Companies Registry.
• Display the certificate (a printed copy if issued electronically) at the business address and show it on request.

Exemption from paying the fee Unincorporated businesses with very small turnover can apply for an exemption from the fee and levy (average monthly receipts of no more than HK$10,000 for service businesses or HK$30,000 for others). Companies are excluded.

A certificate does not authorise you to trade where a separate licence or professional qualification is required.