What is Business Registration Certificate (BR)? Why does every Hong Kong business have to apply for it?
Business Registration Certificate（Business Registration CertificateShort TitleBRThe Business Registration Certificate (BRC) is an official document issued by the Inland Revenue Department of Hong Kong (IRD) to certify that a business has completed registration and is operating legally in accordance with the law. Regardless of whether it is a limited company, unlimited company, sole proprietorship or partnership business, as long as it engages in business activities (including trading, services, online store, etc.) in Hong Kong, it is required to apply for a Business Registration Certificate within 1 month after the commencement of business.
M & N thoughtful reminder:
- Certificate of legal operation: The Business Registration Certificate is a mandatory document for applying for government subsidies, opening bank accounts, and signing cooperation agreements.
- Public inspection mechanism: Corporate information (e.g. business name, address) will be open for public inspection to enhance customer trust.
II. Details of Business Registration Certificate Fees in 2025
Updated Fee Structure
Starting from April 1, 2024, the Business Registration Certificate fee will be adjusted to HK$$2,200 (for one-year certificate) and will remain unchanged in 2025-26. The fee consists of two parts:
- Business Registration Fee: Government administrative processing fee.
- Levy: For "Protection of Employees' Unpaid Wages Fund" but Levy $150 for 2025-26 continues to be exempted till 31.3.2026.
How to choose between 1-year license vs 3-year license?
| Certificate Type | Total cost | Suitable for Businesses |
| one-year certificate | HK$2,200 | New business start-ups, short-term projects, or businesses with unstable revenues |
| Three-year certificate | HK$6,020 | Long-term businesses with stable growth that wish to reduce the frequency of renewals |
C. Who can waive the Business Registration Certificate fee?
Exemptions are strictly limited:
- According to the Inland Revenue Department of Hong Kong (IRD), exemption can only be applied for if the following conditions are met:
- Unlimited companies only: Limited companies, relocated companies, open-ended fund type companies, etc. are not eligible.
Turnover threshold:
- Service business: Average monthly turnover ≤ $10,000
- Other business: Average monthly turnover ≤ $30,000
- Limitations on the number of businesses: A sole proprietor or the same partner may not carry on more than one business at the same time.
Points to note for waiver applications:
- Application time limit: Existing business should be submitted 1 month before the expiry of the registration certificate; new business should be applied within 1 month after registration.
- Documentation Requirement: Business records for the past 6 months (for existing business) or estimated turnover for the first 6 months (for new business) are required.
- Annual Reapplication: The waiver is valid for only 1 year and must be submitted annually.
M & N Professional ServicesWe provide exemption assessment and can handle the whole application process on behalf of eligible clients, saving time and cost!
Limited Company vs. Unlimited Company: Difference in Application Procedures
1. Limited companies
Incorporation and Registration in One: When an application for incorporation is filed with the Companies Registry, it is treated simultaneously as an application for business registration and does not need to be processed separately.
M & N One-Stop Service: IncludesCertificate of Incorporation (CI)、Business Registration Certificate (BR)、Articles of Incorporation and SealThe fastest way to do this is in 1 day.
2. unlimited company (sole proprietorship/partnership)
Apply directly to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD): Forms to be completedIRBR1 (sole proprietor)或IRBR1C (partner)The program can be done online, by mail, or in person.
Required documents: Photocopy of owner/partner's ID card, proof of business address.
Why choose M & N for Business Registration Certificate?
M & N Core Strengths
- Limited company registration Fastest 1 day to get the certificate;
- Unlimited Company Application 5-7 business days to complete.
- All-inclusive service with no hidden fees:
- Government fees, document preparation, company secretary and registered address are all-inclusive.
- Professional team support:
- Experienced consultants provide tax planning, bank account referrals, and annual audit support.
More Services
Company Formation Services
Tax Services
Company Secretary
Virtual Office
Conclusion: It's easy to get your business started with M&N!
Business registration is the first step in a business's compliance process.Professional ServicesLet us take care of the red tape and help you focus on growing your business! Act now to take advantage of our exclusive 2025 offer!
Frequently Asked Questions
M & N provides an automatic reminder service to avoid omission of the expiry date, which is required to be renewed within 1 month after the expiry date, otherwise, the Inland Revenue Department may issue a penalty notice.
A Closure of Business form (IRC3113) must be voluntarily filed or the registration fee will still be due.
Required! Registration is required for all activities (including online stores) as long as they are engaged in for profit.
References:
GovHK: Business Registration and Company Incorporation
https://www.gov.hk/tc/business/registration/businesscompany/index.htm
