What Is a Business Registration Certificate for a Hong Kong Company?
Updated: 6 days ago
Quick answer: A Business Registration Certificate (BRC) is the document from the Inland Revenue Department that allows a business to operate in Hong Kong. For a limited company it is issued together with the Certificate of Incorporation, usually within 1–5 working days. It must be renewed before it expires, and most companies renew every year. The 1-year certificate costs HK$2,350.
Last updated: November 2026
If you're planning to launch or operate a business in Hong Kong, one of the first legal requirements you'll encounter is obtaining a Business Registration Certificate (BRC). But what exactly is it, why is it essential, and how do you get one?
In this article, we'll explain what a Business Registration Certificate is, how to apply for it, and why it matters for compliance in Hong Kong.
What Is a Business Registration Certificate?
A Business Registration Certificate is an official document issued by the Hong Kong Inland Revenue Department (IRD). It serves as proof that your company is legally registered to operate a business in Hong Kong.
This certificate contains key information, including:
Company name
Business registration number
Date of commencement
Type of business
Registered address
Validity period
It must be displayed at your principal place of business and renewed before it expires, usually every year.
Who Needs a Business Registration Certificate?
All entities doing business in Hong Kong are required to obtain a BRC, including:
Private limited companies
Sole proprietorships
Partnerships
Branches of foreign companies
Clubs, trade associations, and NGOs (if engaged in commercial activity)
Even companies not actively trading but incorporated in Hong Kong must apply.
When and How to Apply
For New Companies
When you register a Hong Kong limited company, the application for a Business Registration Certificate is made together with the incorporation process. The Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department coordinate to issue:
Certificate of Incorporation
Business Registration Certificate
These are typically issued within 1–5 working days.
For Other Business Types
Sole proprietorships and partnerships must register directly with the IRD by submitting:
Form IRBR37 (Application for Business Registration)
Proof of identity and address
Information about the business activities
You must apply within 1 month of starting your business operations.
Cost of a Business Registration Certificate
As of the current government fee structure, a 1-year certificate costs HK$2,350 (HK$2,200 fee plus HK$150 levy). This fee applies to certificates starting on or after 1 April 2026. Fees can change with government policy, so always check the IRD's business registration page for the latest figures.
Renewal and Penalties
You must renew your BRC before it expires. The IRD typically sends a renewal demand note one month before expiry. Late renewal or failure to display your BRC can result in fines of up to HK$5,000 and imprisonment for 1 year.
Issued by | Inland Revenue Department (IRD) |
Cost | HK$2,350 for a 1-year certificate (fee plus levy) |
Renewal | Every year. The IRD sends a demand note about one month before expiry |
Penalty | A fine of up to HK$5,000 and up to 1 year's imprisonment |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to apply for a Business Registration Certificate separately when I incorporate a Hong Kong company?
No. For a Hong Kong limited company, the business registration application is filed together with incorporation, and both certificates are issued at the same time.
How often do I need to renew the certificate?
Most companies renew every year. The IRD sends a renewal demand note about one month before the certificate expires. As your company secretary, Woodburn tracks the renewal date for you, so the certificate never lapses.
Where does the certificate need to be displayed?
At your principal place of business in Hong Kong. If you operate from a registered office or serviced address, keep the certificate there and make sure it is the current version.
What happens if I miss a renewal?
Late renewal is an offence. Operating without a valid certificate, or failing to display it, can lead to a fine of up to HK$5,000 and up to 1 year's imprisonment. Make sure the IRD has your correct correspondence address so the renewal demand note reaches you in time.
Related reading
Never miss a Hong Kong renewal deadline We register your company, file your business registration and track every renewal, so your certificates stay current without you having to chase them. Book your free 30-minute consultation → Or call Hong Kong +852 3978 0300 · Shanghai +86 21 5116 2893 |
About Woodburn Accountants & Advisors
Woodburn Accountants & Advisors helps international businesses set up and run companies in mainland China and Hong Kong. With more than 30 years’ experience and offices in Shanghai and Hong Kong, our team of chartered company secretaries, certified public accountants and tax specialists has guided hundreds of foreign companies, from first-time market entrants to established multinationals, through company registration, accounting, tax, payroll and annual compliance. We combine large-firm expertise with boutique responsiveness.
Our Hong Kong services: Hong Kong Company Registration · Company Secretary · Registered Office Address · Cloud Accounting & Financial Reporting · Cloud Payroll · Tax & Audit · Employer of Record · Trademark Registration
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