{"id":5464,"date":"2025-06-17T15:14:46","date_gmt":"2025-06-17T07:14:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/?p=5464"},"modified":"2026-05-12T10:26:46","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T02:26:46","slug":"hk-business-registration-renewal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/hk-business-registration-renewal\/","title":{"rendered":"Complete Guide to Business Registration Certificate Renewal: What is the penalty for BR expiration? Includes 6 tips to avoid expiration (Latest 2026)"},"content":{"rendered":"<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">About one month before the expiration of the Business Registration Certificate (BR), the tax bureau will send out a payment notice. After payment, the notice will serve as a valid BR, and there is no need to obtain a new certificate. Renewal fees for the 2026\/27 fiscal year: 1-year HK$2,350, 3-year HK$6,170. Failure to renew on time may result in a fine of up to HK$5,000 and imprisonment for 1 year.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">About one month before the BR expires, the tax bureau sends out a renewal payment notice; after payment, the notice will serve as a valid BR, and there is no need to obtain a new certificate. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">Fees for the 2026\/27 fiscal year: 1-year HK$2,350, 3-year HK$6,170 (the exemption period expired in March 2026). <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">Failure to renew on time may result in a fine of up to HK$5,000 and imprisonment for 1 year, and will also affect banking, loan, and other business activities. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">Ensuring the registration address is valid and activating a tax easy account is the most effective way to avoid missing notifications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">Validity period of the Business Registration Certificate.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate is divided into. <strong>1-year term<\/strong>\u53ca <strong>3-year term<\/strong>Two types, the first issued BR is usually valid from the date of commencement. Before the expiration of the validity period, the business operator must handle the renewal; otherwise, it constitutes illegal operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">According to<a href=\"https:\/\/www.elegislation.gov.hk\/hk\/cap310\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">9. Any business activity in Hong Kong for profit, regardless of the form of operation, must apply for and regularly renew the registration according to the law.<\/a>Any person who fails to comply with any provision of the regulations without reasonable excuse shall be guilty of an offense and, upon conviction, is liable to a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and imprisonment for 1 year. Overdue debts will also be considered as tax arrears.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">Business Registration Certificate renewal fees (2026\/27 fiscal year).<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\" data-block-type=\"core\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Validity period<\/th><th>Registration fee<\/th><th>Levy<\/th><th><strong>Total cost<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>1-year term<\/td><td>HK$2,200<\/td><td>HK$150<\/td><td><strong>HK$2,350<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><tr><td>3-year term<\/td><td>HK$5,720<\/td><td>HK$450<\/td><td><strong>HK$6,170<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><em>Source of information:<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ird.gov.hk\/chi\/tax\/bre_lcc.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the Business Registration Fee and Charge Schedule of the Taxation Bureau<\/a>, 2026\/27 fiscal year<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>Longfeng reminds you<\/strong>From April 2024 to March 2026, the 1-year fee was exempted, and the fee was HK$2,200. The exemption period expired on March 31, 2026, and the current 1-year fee has returned to HK$2,350. Owners needing to renew soon should note that the fee has been adjusted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">Business Registration Certificate renewal process.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-1-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Business Registration Certificate Renewal\" class=\"wp-image-8322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-1-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-1.jpg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">Step 1: Pay attention to the renewal payment notice.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">The tax bureau generally mails the renewal payment notice to the company\u2019s registered address about. <strong>1 month<\/strong>One month before the BR expires. The notice specifies:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">Renewal fees and payment deadlines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">Available payment methods.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\">QR Code (supports Faster Payment System).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>Important.<\/strong>After receiving the notification letter, please keep it properly \u2014<strong>Once the payment is completed, the notification letter itself serves as a valid business registration certificate<\/strong>The tax bureau will not issue a new BR paper copy, and there is no need to collect it in person.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">Step 2: Complete the payment before the deadline<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">You can choose any of the following payment methods:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\" data-block-type=\"core\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th>Payment methods<\/th><th>Description<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Faster Payment System (FPS)<\/strong><\/td><td>Scan the QR Code on the notification letter to complete the payment via mobile, credited instantly<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Convenience store<\/strong><\/td><td>Payments can be made at designated convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Circle K<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Post Office<\/strong><\/td><td>Cash, check, or \"EasyPay\" payment, with the check made out to \"Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region\"<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Tax Bureau (Kai Tak)<\/strong><\/td><td>Pay in person at the Kai Tak Tax Center with cash, check, or EasyPay<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Please keep the receipt or transaction record after payment for future reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">Consequences of an expired business registration certificate: 3 aspects<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">1. Fines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">According to the Business Registration Ordinance, failure to pay on time may result in a fine of up to <strong>HK$5,000<\/strong>The specific amount depends on the length of the overdue period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">2. Legal liability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Failing to renew on time is illegal, and upon conviction, may result in a maximum penalty of<strong>Imprisonment for 1 year<\/strong>Overdue debts will also be regarded by the tax bureau as tax arrears, affecting the business credit record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">Business operations hindered<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">An expired BR is equivalent to operating without a license; many business activities require a valid BR, including: applying for or maintaining a bank account, applying for business loans, participating in government tenders, and applying for various business licenses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Longfeng reminds you<\/strong>Longfeng has handled numerous cases of overdue due to not receiving notification letters, with the reason almost always being that the registered address was not updated. If the address changes, you must notify the Business Registration Office within 1 month; otherwise, all subsequent tax and legal documents may not reach you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">6 Tips to Effectively Avoid BR Expiration<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\" data-block-type=\"core\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\" Methods to avoid BR expiration\" class=\"wp-image-8321\" srcset=\"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal-12x12.jpg 12w, https:\/\/setuphk.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hk-business-registration-renewal.jpg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>Set reminders<\/strong>Set reminders in your mobile calendar 2 months in advance; do not rely entirely on the tax bureau to send letters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>Activate an eTAX account<\/strong>You can instantly check the BR expiration date and download a copy of the payment notice, even if the physical letter is lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>Ensure that the registered address is valid<\/strong>If the address changes, immediately fill out the IRC3111A form to notify the Business Registration Office to ensure all notifications are delivered on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>Understand the difference between a 1-year and a 3-year term<\/strong>The 3-year term has a higher cost each time, but it can reduce the administrative burden of repeated annual processing; the 1-year term offers more flexibility, suitable for startups that are still adjusting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>Apply in advance if you want to change the validity period<\/strong>If you need to change from a 1-year term to a 3-year term (or vice versa), you must submit the application at least 1 month before the current BR expires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>Delegate to a company secretary for follow-up<\/strong>If your business has appointed a company secretary, you can ask them to track the BR expiration date and issue reminders, effectively reducing the risk of human error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">Can the renewal period of the business registration certificate be changed? Want to change from a 1-year term to a 3-year term?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Yes! There are two options for the renewal period of Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate (HKBRC), namely \"one-year\" and \"three-year\", which can be changed according to the needs of enterprises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">If you wish to change from a one-year to a three-year term, or from a three-year to a one-year term, you must apply at least one month before the expiry date of your existing Business Registration Certificate and complete the relevant declaration form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">What should I do if I have not received or lost the Business Registration Certificate Renewal Notice?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">If you have not received or lost the original Business Registration Certificate Renewal Notice, don't worry. You can take the initiative to contact the Business Registration Office of the Inland Revenue Department to enquire about the renewal status, or check the renewal status and download the \"Copy of Business Registration Demand Note\" through your eTAX account, and then make the payment on time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">How can I get a replacement Business Registration Certificate if my BR is lost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">If your Business Registration Certificate (BR) is lost inadvertently, you can apply to the Business Registration Office for a replacement. This usually involves completing an application form and paying a small administrative fee. You can also print out a copy of your latest BR yourself by logging into your eTax account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">Is it relevant that the Business Registration Certificate has expired after the company has closed down?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Relevance! The company has to complete and apply for a notice of cancellation to wind up its business. The business registration fee and levy paid will not be reimbursed, but the business registration certificate has to be valid until the company is formally dissolved or the business registration is cancelled, so it is necessary to<a href=\"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/cancellation-of-business-registration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cancellation of Business Registration<\/a>\u3002<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">What happens if I fail to pay the business registration fee? Will the registration card be cancelled?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Failure to pay your business registration fee will result in a penalty, and the longer you are overdue, the higher the penalty may be. The Inland Revenue Department will not cancel your registration certificate outright, but it will treat it as overdue and recover the outstanding amount and penalties. Serious overdue payments may result in legal action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" data-block-type=\"core\">Professional Business Registration Agent Service: Langfeng Business Consultants<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">If you want to save yourself the hassle of dealing with business registration certificate renewals and seek professional assistance to ensure compliance, Lafont Business Consulting is your trusted choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Since our establishment in 2014, we have assisted many clients to smoothly handle various Hong Kong company affairs, with rich experience and well-established processes, which are highly recognised by our clients. Our team upholds the highest standards in the industry to provide you with:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\" data-block-type=\"core\">\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>Professional and reliable service:<\/strong> From document review, to payment reminders, to payment of fees, we ensure accuracy so that your Business Registration Certificate is always valid.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>All-encompassing one-stop programme:<\/strong> Covering everything from renewal reminders, IRS notification processing, and even change of address reminders, you'll never have to worry about a thing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li data-block-type=\"core\"><strong>Efficiency and timeliness:<\/strong> Quick response and immediate reply help you to complete the renewal process in the shortest possible time and avoid any risk of overdue payment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Whether you are a small or medium-sized business owner, or an individual entrepreneur, you only need to provide the basic information, we can help you easily complete the Hong Kong company set up the big and small things, whether it is tax returns, company registration and other matters can be handed over to us, to help you focus on the future development of the worry-free!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\">Extended Reading:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><a href=\"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/business-registration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Complete guide to Hong Kong Business Registration Certificate: definitions, fees, and differences with CI<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><a href=\"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/apply-business-registration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Complete guide to applying for a business registration certificate: categories, documents, and steps.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><a href=\"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/hk-business-registration-corp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">What is the nature of the business \/ CORP? How to fill it out and change it?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><a href=\"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/faq-about-business-registration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Top 10 Must-Know Common Questions about Business Registration Certificates<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><a href=\"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/cancellation-of-business-registration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Canceling business registration: Complete guide to the closure process for unlimited companies<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p data-block-type=\"core\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u5546\u696d\u767b\u8a18\u8b49\uff08BR\uff09\u5230\u671f\u524d\u7d04 1 \u500b\u6708\uff0c\u7a05\u52d9\u5c40\u6703\u5bc4\u51fa\u7e73\u6b3e\u901a\u77e5\u66f8\u3002\u7e73\u8cbb\u5f8c\uff0c\u8a72\u901a\u77e5\u66f8\u5373\u70ba\u6709\u6548 BR\uff0c\u7121\u9700\u53e6\u9818\u65b0\u8b49\u66f8\u3002 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6246,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[233],"tags":[322,323,303,304,305],"class_list":{"0":"post-5464","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"hentry","7":"category-company-management","8":"tag-br","10":"tag-303","11":"tag-304","12":"tag-305"},"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5464"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5464\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8323,"href":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5464\/revisions\/8323"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6246"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/setuphk.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}