Starting a business in Hong Kong? One of the foundational steps is securing your Business Registration Certificate (Business Registration Certificate)—in Cantonese, 商業登記證. Whether you’re forming a sole proprietorship, partnership, or limited company, understanding the BR application (BR申請) process, the necessary business registration (商業登記), the correct business registration application form (商業登記證申請表格), and knowing how to perform a business registration certificate enquiry (商業登記證查詢) are essential. This article—drawing on the detailed information from the GenAcct guide—explains every major aspect of business registration in Hong Kong in 2025.
What is the Business Registration Certificate (BR) (商業登記證)?
The Business Registration Certificate, commonly abbreviated as BR, is a legal document certifying that your business is properly registered under the Business Registration Ordinance in Hong Kong. It is essential for operating legally. The certificate includes information such as:
- Business name (in Chinese and English)
- Registered address
- Type of legal entity (sole proprietor, partnership, limited company)
- BR number (the unique identifier)
- Nature of business
- Effective date and expiry date of the BR
- Payment date of the BR fees
Once granted, the valid certificate must be displayed prominently at the place of business as required by law.
Why You Need to Apply for a Business Registration (商業登記) via the BR Application (BR申請)
If you engage in business activities in Hong Kong—regardless of whether it is an online business, a shop front, freelancing, or a company—you are required to apply for business registration (商業登記). The BR application (BR申請) must be made within one month of starting business operations. Reasons why the BR is necessary include:
- Opening a corporate bank account
- Entering into legal contracts under the business name
- Applying for government licenses or funding
- Registering for employee schemes like MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund)
- Meeting legal obligations when signing leases or purchase agreements
Failure to apply promptly may lead to penalties and difficulties in conducting business legally.
Costs and Fee Structure for the Business Registration Certificate (商業登記證費用)
The fees for obtaining a Business Registration Certificate include:
| Certificate Type | Registration Fee | Levy / Additional Fee | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| One‑year certificate | HK$2,200 | No levy (for FY 2024/25 and 2025/26 the levy is waived) | HK$2,200 |
| Three‑year certificate | HK$5,720 | HK$150 | HK$5,870 |
| Branch one‑year certificate | HK$2,200 | No levy | HK$2,200 |
How to Complete the Business Registration Application Form (商業登記證申請表格)
Filling out the business registration application form (商業登記證申請表格) is straightforward but must be accurate. The form typically requests:
- Proposed business name (English & Chinese)
- Nature of business
- Business address
- Owner/partners’ personal details (HKID/passport no.)
- Commencement date of business
- Signature of the proprietor or company director
You can submit the form online via the e-Registry or in person at the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). Many business owners prefer professional services like GenAcct to handle the process for them to avoid delays or rejections.
Business Registration Certificate Enquiry (商業登記證查詢)
A business registration certificate enquiry (商業登記證查詢) allows you to confirm the validity of your BR or verify the details of another business. The IRD offers a free online enquiry system where you can:
- Check BR number validity
- Confirm business name & status
- Verify registered address
This is especially useful for due diligence before signing contracts with suppliers or clients.
Renewal and Updating of Business Registration Certificate (商業登記證續期)
Your BR must be renewed annually (unless you applied for a three‑year certificate). Renewal notices are sent by the IRD about 1 month before the expiry date. Updates are required if:
- Your business name changes
- Your business address changes
- You change the nature of business
- You cease operations (you must notify the IRD within 1 month)
Failing to renew on time may result in penalties and fines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During BR Application (BR申請)
When completing your BR application (BR申請), be careful to:
- Use the correct legal business name
- Provide an accurate commencement date
- Fill in the form completely and legibly
- Pay the correct fee
- Keep copies of all documents submitted
Even small mistakes can delay approval and lead to fines.
Benefits of Having a Valid Business Registration Certificate (商業登記證)
Possessing a valid Business Registration Certificate (商業登記證) brings credibility to your enterprise. It allows you to:
- Gain customer trust
- Enter into formal agreements
- Apply for loans or grants
- Operate legally and confidently
- Avoid legal disputes
For small businesses and start‑ups, this is the first step toward building a professional reputation in the Hong Kong marketplace.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a first‑time entrepreneur or expanding your company, applying for a Business Registration Certificate (商業登記證) is not just a legal requirement but also an important step in building a solid business foundation. By completing your BR application (BR申請) on time, filling out the correct business registration application form (商業登記證申請表格), and performing regular business registration certificate enquiries (商業登記證查詢), you ensure your operations remain compliant with Hong Kong law.
For full details, forms, and assistance, you can refer to the official GenAcct resource on business registration.
