What are the business registration fee and levy in Hong Kong now?
For certificates starting from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027, a one-year business registration certificate costs HK$2,350 (HK$2,200 fee plus HK$150 levy) and a three-year certificate HK$6,170 (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.
- 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
- Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310)
Sources
Applies to 2026 · Last reviewed 29 October 2026
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.
Related questions
- How do I change my Hong Kong company name, and what does it cost?Pass a special resolution of the members to adopt the new name, then deliver the notice and resolution to the Companies Registry, which charges HK$295. The change takes effect when the Registrar issues a certificate of change of name. Update contracts, bank accounts and letterheads afterwards.
- What are the late fees if I file the Hong Kong annual return late?Instead of HK$105, the Companies Registry charges HK$870 if the return is up to three months late, HK$1,740 for three to six months, HK$2,610 for six to nine months and HK$3,480 beyond nine months, counted from the return date. Failing to file can also lead to prosecution.
- How do I transfer shares in a Hong Kong private company, and what stamp duty applies?Transfers use a signed instrument of transfer, usually with a sold note and bought note, stamped at the IRD Stamp Office. Stamp duty on the sale is 0.1% each for buyer and seller of the consideration or value if higher, with a fixed HK$5 duty on the instrument of transfer. The company records the change and reports it in the next annual return.
- What ongoing filings and fees apply to a registered non-Hong Kong company?A registered non-Hong Kong company files an annual return within 42 days of the anniversary of its registration. The fee is HK$180 if on time and rises to HK$4,800 if more than nine months late. Changing its name costs HK$1,425. It also renews its business registration.
- How much does it cost to incorporate a company in Hong Kong (Companies Registry fee plus business registration)?The Companies Registry fee is HK$1,545 online or HK$1,720 on paper. On top of that, business registration costs HK$2,350 for a one-year certificate (HK$2,200 fee plus HK$150 levy) or HK$6,170 for three years, for companies incorporated between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027. Professional fees are extra.