Abstract: All persons carrying on business in Hong Kong need to apply for a Business Registration Certificate, and the application process is not complicated, this article will introduce the application process of Business Registration Certificate, including the application method, application type, required forms and fees.
Business Registration Certificate Application Process
The Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) stipulates that an operator of a sole proprietorship or partnership business must apply for business registration within one month from the commencement of the business concerned. Click on the Business Registration Certificate to understand its definition and role.
1. Select the application method
2. Select the application category
3. Collect the application form
4. Preparation of application materials and business registration fees and levy fees
Finally, you can choose to submit according to the chosen business registration application method.
How to apply for a business registration certificate
Apply in person: Business Registration Office at Kai Tak Tax Centre 2/F can make an appointment for counter service online in advance.
By post: The mailing address is P.O. Box 29015, Coordination Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Online application: Online application for GovHK is only applicable to sole proprietorship, partnership business (except limited partnership funds) and branch registration. To apply for a Business Registration Certificate electronically, you need to enter a digital certificate or use iAM Smart+Account Verification for identity verification and digital signature.
Different ways to apply for a business registration certificate are also different in the way to obtain the license, so if you don’t know which method is better, you can consider choosing from the convenience of the way of obtaining it.
How to obtain a business registration certificate
Visit the Business Registration Service counter at the Business Registration Office in person: Collect a paper copy of the Business Registration Certificate at the counter about half an hour after submitting the application
Postal method: Receive a paper business registration certificate by mail within about 2 working days after receiving the application form
Apply online via CollGovHK: Download the electronic record of the Business Registration Certificate via GovHK within about 2 working days after receiving the application form
Select the application category
Before applying, you need to distinguish the types and information that need to be applied, the types of application are sole proprietorship, corporation, partnership, limited partnership fund, other unincorporated bodies, branch business, different types need to fill in different information and application forms, you must first know the type of business registration certificate you need to apply for before applying.
Depending on the type of business registration certificate, different identification documents are required
Sole Proprietorship – Form 1(a)
A photocopy of the proprietor’s Hong Kong Identity Card or, if not a Hong Kong resident, a photocopy of his/her passport or resident identity card issued by the relevant government agency.
Corporations – Form 1(b)
A photocopy of the Certificate of Incorporation or equivalent document issued by the local government of incorporation, if the original is not Chinese or English, please attach a certified Chinese or English translation.
Partnership – Form 1(c)
A photocopy of the Hong Kong Identity Card of all partners or, if they are not Hong Kong residents, a photocopy of their passport or Resident Identity Card issued by the relevant government agency.
Limited Partnership Fund – Form 1(CA)
a photocopy of the Certificate of Registration issued by the Companies Registry and a photocopy of the GP’s Hong Kong Identity Card or, if not a Hong Kong resident, a photocopy of his/her passport or resident identity card issued by the relevant government agency; If the general partner is a body corporate/limited partnership fund/limited liability partnership, a photocopy of his/her valid business registration certificate or certificate of incorporation/registration is required.
Other Unincorporated Bodies – Form 1(c)
A photocopy of the Hong Kong Identity Card or passport of the principal senior officer or, if not a Hong Kong resident, a copy of his/her passport or resident identity card issued by the relevant government agency.
Branch Business – Form 1(d)
If the proprietor/all partners/key officers of the business are not Hong Kong residents, they must appoint a Hong Kong resident as the agent of the business to handle the business registration matters. In this case, please complete
IRBR Form No. 177
or submit a Power of Attorney stating the agent’s name, Hong Kong Identity Card number and Hong Kong residential address; and provide a photocopy of their Hong Kong Identity Card.
Obtain and complete the application form
You need to request the application form IRBR194
to obtain a Business Registration Certificate by email to [email protected], post or fax to 2824 1482, the following is a sample of each application form, but cannot be used for application.
Form 1(a) – Application for Business Registration of an Individual Carrying on a Business in Hong Kong
Form 1(b) – Application for Business Registration of the Body Corporate
Form 1(CA) – Application for Business Registration of a Limited Partnership Fund
Form 1(d) – Application for Business Registration to carry on a branch business in Hong Kong
Business registration fees and levy charges
There are two types of business registration certificates, which are valid for one year and three years, and the commencement date may vary depending on the application for registration, except for local companies established through one-stop company registration and business registration services. For a company incorporated in Hong Kong, the commencement date is generally the date on which the registration application is successful.
For non-Hong Kong companies carrying on business in Hong Kong, the commencement date shall be the date on which the business commences. The following is a fee table, the fee is payable according to the commencement date, and the total levy includes the registration fee and levy part.
summary
While the business registration process is not complicated, if you want to save time and hassle, the Langfeng Business Services team can assist you. If you have any questions about the Business Registration Certificate or Hong Kong company registration, please feel free to contact the Langfeng Business Services team.
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