One: What Is a Business Registration Certificate, and Why Is It Required?
A Business Registration Certificate (BR) is an official document issued by Hong Kong’s Inland Revenue Department confirming registration and lawful business operation. Limited companies, unlimited businesses, sole proprietorships and partnerships carrying on business in Hong Kong, including trading, services and online stores, must apply within 1 month of starting business.
A Reminder from M&N:
- Proof of lawful operation: the Business Registration Certificate is required for government funding applications, bank accounts and business agreements.
- Public searches: business information, such as the name and address, is available for public inspection, supporting customer confidence.
Two: Business Registration Fees in 2025
Current Fee Structure
The one-year Business Registration Certificate fee increased to HK$2,200 on 1 April 2024 and remains unchanged for 2025-26. The fee has two components:
- Business registration fee: the government’s administrative processing charge.
- Levy: a contribution to the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund. The $150 levy for 2025-26 remains waived until 31 March 2026.
One-Year or Three-Year Certificate?
| Certificate Type | Total Fee | Suitable Businesses |
| One-Year Certificate | HK$2,200 | Start-ups, short-term projects and businesses with uncertain revenue |
| Three-Year Certificate | HK$6,020 | Established businesses planning to operate long term and reduce renewal frequency |
Three: Who Can Apply for a Fee Exemption?
Strict Eligibility Requirements:
- Under Inland Revenue Department rules, an applicant must meet these conditions:
- Unlimited businesses only: limited companies, re-domiciled companies and open-ended fund companies are not eligible.
Turnover Thresholds:
- Service businesses: average monthly turnover ≤ $10,000
- Other businesses: average monthly turnover ≤ $30,000
- Number of businesses: the sole proprietor or the same partners must not operate multiple businesses simultaneously.
Application Points:
- Deadline: existing businesses must apply 1 month before certificate expiry; new businesses must apply within 1 month of registration.
- Documents: existing businesses need records for the preceding 6 months; new businesses need projected turnover for their first 6 months.
- Annual reapplication: an exemption lasts only 1 year and must be renewed annually.
M&N Professional Services: we assess eligibility and handle the application for qualifying clients, saving time and costs.
Four: Limited Companies and Unlimited Businesses—Different Application Processes
1. Limited Companies
Combined incorporation and registration: an incorporation application to the Companies Registry also serves as the business registration application, so no separate application is needed.
M&N’s one-stop service includes the Certificate of Incorporation (CI), Business Registration Certificate (BR), company constitution and seals, with completion in as little as 1 day.
2. Unlimited Businesses (Sole Proprietorships / Partnerships)
Apply directly to the Inland Revenue Department using IRBR1 for a sole proprietorship or IRBR1C for a partnership. Applications can be made online, by post or in person.
Required documents: copies of the owner’s or partners’ identity cards and proof of the business address.
Five: Why Choose M&N for Business Registration?
M&N’s Key Advantages
- Limited company registration: certificates in as little as 1 day;
- Unlimited business applications: completed in 5-7 working days.
- All-Inclusive Services Without Hidden Charges:
- Government fees, document preparation, company secretarial services and a registered address in one package.
- Support from an Experienced Team:
- Experienced advisers provide tax planning, bank account referrals and annual audit support.
More Related Services
Company Incorporation Services
Tax Filing Services
Company Secretarial Services
Virtual Offices
Start Your Business with M&N
Business registration is the first step towards compliant operations. Choose Professional Services and let us handle the paperwork so you can focus on business development. Act now to enjoy our exclusive 2025 offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Renew within 1 month after expiry or the Inland Revenue Department may issue a penalty notice. M&N offers automatic expiry reminders to help prevent missed renewals.
You must submit a business cessation form (IRC3113); otherwise registration fees remain payable.
Yes. Profit-making activities, including online stores, require registration.
References:
GovHK: Business Registration and Company Incorporation
https://www.gov.hk/tc/business/registration/businesscompany/index.htm
