Starting a new venture in Hong Kong is an exciting milestone. Whether you are launching a cutting-edge tech startup, a boutique consultancy, or an e-commerce store, the city offers a dynamic environment for growth. However, before you can print business cards or open a bank account, there is one crucial legal hurdle every founder must clear: Business Registration Hong Kong.
Navigating the bureaucratic landscape can feel overwhelming, especially when you just want to focus on your product. At Coffice, we support countless entrepreneurs in setting up their dream workspaces, and we know that getting your paperwork right is the foundation of success.
This guide covers everything you need to know about the Business Registration Office, fees, and requirements for 2026, ensuring your business is compliant and ready to operate.
What is Business Registration?
In Hong Kong, the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) requires every person who carries on a business to register with the Business Registration Office. Think of your Business Registration Certificate (BRC) as your company’s “ID card.” It proves you are a legal entity and is required for almost all official activities, from signing office leases to setting up payment gateways.
Who needs business registration?
Under the Business Registration Ordinance, you must register if you are:
- An individual or company carrying on any form of business in Hong Kong.
- A club which provides facilities, services, and exclusive club premises to its members.
- A foreign company that has established a place of business in Hong Kong.
- An online business or e-shop owner operating locally.
Even if you are running a Sole proprietorship Business Registration Hong Kong is mandatory. Many freelancers and side-hustlers mistakenly believe they are exempt, but if you are conducting business activities for profit, you need to register.
How to Register a Business in Hong Kong?
The process is streamlined, but it requires precision. Depending on your business structure (Sole Proprietorship, Partnership, or Limited Company), the steps may vary slightly.
1. Choose Your Business Type
Most new entrepreneurs opt for either a Limited Company or a Sole Proprietorship. A Limited Company offers separate legal liability, while a Sole Proprietorship is easier to set up but ties your personal assets to the business.
2. Prepare Your Address
This is a critical attribute of the registration process. You cannot use a P.O. Box as your registered business address. You must provide a physical local address.
Pro Tip: If you are working from home or don’t have a physical office yet, you can use a Virtual Office service like those offered at Coffice. This gives you a prestigious commercial address for government correspondence without the overhead of a full lease.
3. Submit Your Application
You can submit your application in person at the Business Registration Office Hong Kong in Wanchai, by post, or online via the eTAX services under the Business Registration IRD portal.
- For Sole Proprietorships: Form 1(a).
- For Partnerships: Form 1(c).
- For Limited Companies: This is usually done via the “One-stop Company Incorporation and Business Registration” service at the Companies Registry.
Business Registration Fee: 2026 Update
How much to register a business in Hong Kong?
Costs can fluctuate based on government budget announcements. As of early 2026, the standard Business registration fee structure typically includes the registration fee plus a levy for the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund.
- 1-Year Certificate: Approximately HK$2,200 (Subject to current Budget waivers, if any).
- 3-Year Certificate: Approximately HK$5,720 + Levy.
Note: The government occasionally waives the registration fee portion (leaving only the levy payable) to support SMEs. Always check the latest fee table on the IRD website before writing your cheque.
Verifying Your Status
Once you have submitted your documents, you might want to confirm everything is in order. How do I check my business registration in Hong Kong?
You can perform a Business Registration search through the government’s e-Services portal. This is often referred to as an Hk Business Registration search. This tool allows you to:
- Verify if a specific company is legally registered.
- Check the “Business Register” for valid BRC numbers.
- Request a certified copy of a Business Registration Certificate (often needed for opening bank accounts).
Transparency is key in Hong Kong’s business sector. Your partners and clients may also use this search to verify your legitimacy, which is why maintaining a valid BRC is non-negotiable.
The “Coffice” Advantage
Getting your Business Registration Hong Kong sorted is the first step toward building your empire. But a business needs more than just a certificate; it needs a home.
At Coffice, we provide more than just a desk. We offer the professional infrastructure your new business needs to satisfy Business Registration Office requirements and impress clients:
- Registered Office Address: Use our prime locations for your government registration.
- Mail Handling: Never miss a letter from the Business Registration IRD department.
- Flexible Workspaces: Scale from a virtual office to a hot desk or private room as you grow.
Don’t let paperwork slow your momentum. Secure your commercial address with us today and get your business officially registered with confidence.
Ready to launch? Visit Coffice.com.hk to view our Virtual Office and Workspace plans.