How to Obtain a Business License in Hong Kong: A 2025 Guide

Starting a business in Hong Kong without a proper license is a bit like travelling without checking a tire that’s already starting to go flat.  At first, it might feel like you’re saving time by skipping the checklist, but the problem will catch up, and you won’t get far.

For businesses, inspectors will eventually show up. You will face fines, legal action, and closure. Then you have to spend time and money dealing with the fallout and rebuilding your business. On top of that, a record of non-compliance will damage your reputation and lead to increased scrutiny from authorities.

To help you avoid these pitfalls, this guide walks you through everything you need to know about obtaining a business license in Hong Kong—the foundation that makes your operations legal and credible—and shows you where to start.

We cover:

• Activities that require a license
• Common types of licenses and how to apply

A business license is an official authorisation that allows a company to legally carry out certain business activities in Hong Kong. 

It is different from:

• Business Registration Certificate (BRC) – issued by the Inland Revenue Department, this is required for all profit-oriented businesses (with rare exceptions, such as licensed hawkers) and is primarily used for tax purposes. The BRC allows your company to operate legally, but certain industries or regulated activities may still require additional business licenses.
• Certificate of Incorporation – issued by the Companies Registry, this mainly proves that your company exists as a legal entity.

The table below summarises business licenses, Business Registration Certificates, and Certificates of Incorporation.

In short, to operate legally in Hong Kong:

1. You need a BRC.
2. If you are setting up a company, you also need a Certificate of Incorporation.
3. Depending on your industry, you may need separate business licenses, such as a financial license if you are in the finance sector.

This means you have to obtain the Business Registration Certificate (BRC) and certificate of incorporation (for a company) before you can apply for separate business licenses.

Common industries that must obtain a business license to operate legally include:

Services & Institutions

Trade, Retail, Industrial & Manufacturing

For the full list of business types and licensing requirements, visit the Hong Kong Business License Information Service page. You can also search for specific products or services to determine whether a license is needed.

Checking what license you need

To find required licenses, use https://www.success.tid.gov.hk. With this website, you can access information on government licenses, permits, certificates, and approvals that are relevant to running a business in Hong Kong.

Checking if your business is successfully licensed

To verify whether your business already holds a license, visit the relevant regulator’s website (for example, SFC for financial services). Most regulators provide a public search tool, look for “License Search” or a similar option.

To verify company information, use the Companies Registry e-Search on cr.gov.hk

To verify a Business Registration Number, use Business Registration Number Enquiry via gov.hk

The process varies slightly depending on your business structure and the nature of your operations. Below are the general steps.

Before applying for specific licenses, all businesses must register with the IRD under the Business Registration Ordinance to obtain a Business Registration Certificate (BRC). This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and companies. 

To register, you will need the identification documents of the business owner(s), the business’s physical address, and the application form, which can be requested by filling this request form and email it to taxbro@ird.gov.hk or collecting the form directly from the Business Registration Office. Companies are also required to provide a copy of the Articles of Association.

Registration Methods:

• Online for companies: e-Registry
• Online for sole proprietorships or partnerships: GovHK e-Tax Service

Alternatively, you can visit in person at the Inland Revenue Centre, Kai Tak, Kowloon.

If you are establishing a limited company, you must register with the Companies Registry to obtain a Certificate of Incorporation. Without this certificate, you cannot apply for other business licenses as a company.

Conveniently, this registration is usually processed at the same time as your business registration application with the IRD, as described in the previous step. However, companies must also provide details of their local company secretary during the application process.

Once you have obtained the Business Registration Certificate (BRC) and, if applicable, the Certificate of Incorporation, you can proceed to apply for your specific business licenses.

You can search for the relevant license by entering your intended business activities on the SUCCESS Business License Information Service or find ones on the Hong Kong e-Licensing portal. Once you find the appropriate license, download and complete the application form, then submit it online or by email according to the portal’s instructions.

If you cannot locate your activities on the e-Licensing system, identify the regulator that oversees your industry. You can then access the necessary information and application forms directly on that regulator’s website.

Below is a list of some common business licenses and their respective regulators.

The next section provides an overview of some of the common license types, who requires them, the requirements, and links to official resources.

If your business is involved in regulated financial services, you will need a financial service license from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). 

This license is required for anyone providing or advertising regulated financial services in Hong Kong—whether locally or from abroad—including 

Applicants must register a company in Hong Kong (or as a foreign branch) and satisfy the SFC’s “fit and proper” criteria, which include showing financial stability, relevant qualifications, and a good reputation. Applicants cannot be in debt and must also meet the required levels of paid-up capital and liquidity.

Online applications can be submitted via the WINGS platform. You will need shareholder IDs, incorporation documents, a business plan, and financial information. 

Registration Fees: The fee ranges from HKD 1,790 to HKD 35,000, depending on the type of activity and license being applied for. In addition, applicants should be aware that the capital requirement is relatively substantial, ranging from HKD 100,000 to HKD 15,000,000, depending on activities. 

An employment agency is an establishment or individual whose purpose is to find employment for others or supply personnel to an employer. Applications for licenses should be submitted at least one month before the intended date of commencement of business

Under the Employment Ordinance (EO), anyone intending to operate an employment agency and offer job-placement services in Hong Kong must obtain a license before starting business operations.

Applicants need a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) or passport, a recent photograph, a Business Registration Certificate, financial institution information, a partner consent document (if applying as partnership), and incorporation documents (if applying as a company). 

The applicant and related persons must have no serious criminal convictions, bankruptcies, or prior violations of employment laws.

First, confirm your agency name with the Employment Agencies Administration (EAA) of the Labour Department by sending the proposed name and your telephone number via email at ea-ee@labour.gov.hk or fax at 2115 3756. 

Next, download and complete the application form and submit it to the EAA. An in-person interview is also required as part of the approval process.

Registration Fees: HKD 2,000 

Any company in Hong Kong that sells, arranges, or advertises travel services must get a license from the Travel Industry Authority (TIA). The TIA is a government body that manages the licensing and regulation of travel agents, tour guides, and tour escorts.

A travel agent license is required if you assist people in booking trips or travel-related services, whether for outbound or inbound travel.

For outbound travel, this includes arranging transport or accommodation outside Hong Kong and promoting trips abroad to people in Hong Kong. For inbound travel, it covers organising transport, accommodation, or other tourist services, such as tours, meals, and shopping, for visitors coming to Hong Kong.

Company, partnership, or individual sole proprietor can apply for a license. You will need to

• Meet the suitability requirement: financially sound, no serious criminal or regulatory breaches, mentally fit, and with responsible managers or officers fit to run a travel business.
• Provide guarantee money of $500,000 in the form of a bank guarantee.
• Completed Senior Secondary 3 (or equivalent) education with at least 5 years of travel industry management experience, or have 10 years of such experience.

Applications for a travel agent license can be submitted to the Travel Industry Authority (TIA). Download the relevant specified form from the TIA website, complete it with the required correspondence and email addresses, attach any supporting documents specified, and pay the applicable fee. For licensing enquiries, contact the TIA at lic@tia.org.hk.

Registration Fees: HKD 630 for a Travel Agent License, and HKD 300 for a Tourist Guide or Tour Escort License. Additionally, you will have to pay HKD 485/month to renew a Travel Agent License and HKD 150/month to renew a Tourist Guide or Tour Escort License.

Hong Kong operates as a free port, meaning no customs tariffs are imposed on imports or exports. However, certain controlled goods still require import or export licenses to comply with international obligations, trade agreements, or to protect public health, safety, and security.

While the Trade and Industry Department is responsible for general regulation, specific licenses may also be handled by different government authorities depending on the nature of the goods. For example, pharmaceutical products by the Department of Health.

Licensing is required for certain categories of goods. Common examples include:

This is not a complete list. To check whether your goods are restricted, what documents are needed, and which department to contact, please use the TID search system 

Provide supporting documentation such as a Hong Kong Identity Card, Business Registration Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation, and Registration of Directors. In some cases, the applicant must also be a Hong Kong resident. The exact requirements vary depending on the category of goods involved.

Applications for import/export licenses can be submitted online through the Trade Single Window (TSW) Portal. Forms are also available on the TID Forms Page and may be lodged in person or by mail. 

In some cases, applications may be made directly to the relevant regulatory authority, depending on the type of goods involved. For example, pharmaceutical products are regulated by the Department of Health, and the relevant forms can be found on the Drug office licenses page.

Registration Fees: Vary depending on the goods involved—for instance, textiles registration costs HKD 61 per year, while a license for pharmaceuticals is around HKD 1,530 annually.

All food and beverage businesses in Hong Kong must obtain a license from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). The FEHD regulates various establishments to ensure food safety, hygiene standards, and public health, including issuing food factory licenses, restaurant licenses, and more.

Any business that sells, prepares, or produces food or drinks generally needs a license or permit issued by the FEHD. This applies to everything from retail, restaurants to factories. Depending on the type of operation, additional permits may also be required, for example, a Liquor License or Restricted Food Permit.

You should have a clear explanation on how you will meet the safety standards for food premises. This includes details such as the size of the establishment, the equipment to be installed, and the type of air-conditioning to be used. These specifics should be prepared in advance so you can provide them when filling out the application.

You can download the required form from the FEHD Public Forms page or the FEHD Licensing Guide page. Some licenses can be submitted through the online platform, while others must be sent to the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) by email, fax, or post. The standard Application for Food Business License can be faxed to 507 2964 (Hong Kong), 3146 5319 (Kowloon), or 2606 3350 (New Territories). 

Fees: Depending on the type of food and beverages being sold, license fees typically range from HKD 500 to over HKD 1,000, with higher costs possible for certain categories.

If you plan to set up an educational institution in Hong Kong, you must obtain a license and permit from the Education Bureau.

Licensing applies to anyone operating an education-related institution, such as:

Applicants should meet qualification standards, such as providing an assessment report from the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications (HKCAAVQ) if the license requires one. 

Submit an application form and supporting documents through the Education Bureau (EDB).

In Hong Kong, the Intellectual Property Department (IPD) is the authority that regulates compliance with the Trade Marks Ordinance Chapter 559. According to the definition provided by the authority, trademarks are considered to be, either separately or combined, the following elements:

Anyone seeking to protect their brand, logo, or slogan from unauthorised use and to secure exclusive rights to their intellectual property within Hong Kong.

Your name, logo, or other elements you want to trademark must be distinctive and not describe the quality or nature of the product or service (e.g., terms like “new” or “good” will be rejected). Before applying, you can check availability by using the Preliminary Advice Service offered by the Intellectual Property Department, or do your own search for the existing trademarks through the online Trade Mark Search System.

You can apply through the Hong Kong Intellectual Property Department (IPD) either electronically via the IPD e-Filing System, or by submitting a paper application in person or by post to the Trade Marks Registry, Intellectual Property Department, 24/F, Wu Chung House, 213 Queen’s Road East, Wanchai, Hong Kong.

Fees: HKD 2,000 for registering a trade mark in one class of goods or services, with an additional HKD 1,000 charged for each extra class of goods or services included in the application.

It is important to mention that a registered trademark in Hong Kong will not be valid in Mainland China, since the systems are separated and regulated by different authorities and legislations. A trademark certificate can last up to 10 years, and it can be periodically renewed. 

After obtaining your business license in Hong Kong, it’s important to maintain compliance to ensure your business operates legally and avoids fines, penalties, or suspension. Key compliance requirements include:

• Displaying your business license in a prominent area visible to the public.
• Operating strictly according to the conditions stated on your license (e.g., permitted activities, business hours, location).
• Keeping records of relevant transactions and documents for audit or inspection purposes.
• Renewing licenses on time to maintain legal operations.

Most business licenses are valid for a specific period, typically one year. Renewal must be completed before the expiration date, often within about 30 days before or after the due date, to maintain legal operation. Steps for renewal usually include:

1. Submitting a renewal application to the licensing authority
2. Paying any required fees

Please consult the specific instructions for your license, which should be provided on the regulator’s official website, as requirements may vary depending on the type of license.

A business license in Hong Kong is an official authorisation that allows your company to legally carry out specific business activities. The type of license you need depends on your industry and operations, and you can find the full list of licenses and application details on the Hong Kong Business License Information Service.

Before applying for any business license, you must first register your business and obtain a Business Registration Certificate (BRC). If you are setting up a company, you will also need a Certificate of Incorporation. These steps are essential prerequisites to ensure your business can operate legally.

For entrepreneurs looking to incorporate a company in Hong Kong smoothly, Statrys Hong Kong Company registration service can help you through the entire process. We provide the following

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