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A Comprehensive Guide to Hong Kong Business Registration Numbers

Due to its many benefits for start-up companies, Hong Kong is a desirable destination for entrepreneurs. However, obtaining a Business Registration Number (BRN) from the Inland Revenue Department’s Business Registration Office is required prior to initiating operations. This tutorial will describe BRNs, their importance, and how to apply for one in Hong Kong.

What is A Business Registration Number (BRN)?

As per the Business Registration Ordinance, individuals who plan to carry out profitable ventures or conduct business in Hong Kong are required to register their business within a month after commencing operations. This comprises:

  • A non-Hong Kong business seeking to establish a representative or liaison office in Hong Kong or register there
  • Hong Kong-incorporated businesses
  • A corporation based outside of Hong Kong seeking to lease a local office

Presented on the registration certificate from the company Registration Office, a Business Registration Number (BRN) is a special identification number that the IRD assigns to a company entity. In Hong Kong, businesses must show their registration certificate at their registered office. If the certificate is electronic, a hard copy needs to be shown as well. A business must notify the IRD to cancel the registration certificate in the event that it decides to stop operating. You can accomplish this by following certain steps.

  • To cancel your enrollment, fill out Form IRC 3113; or
  • Send a letter to the Department together with the name and address of the business, your business registration number and the date you have ceased operations.

If you don’t get a BRN or cancel your registration certificate, you risk jail time and hefty fines.

Why is Hong Kong Requiring a Business Registration Number?

BRN is not a permit or license for trade or regulating business activities. It is a unique number the IRD assigns and functions as your tax identification number (TIN).

When filing taxes, creating bank accounts, filing business documents, or completing forms and paperwork from various government agencies, you have to include your BRN.

How Can Your Business Benefit from BRN?

Here are a few benefits of getting a business registration number:

1 – Helps with tax compliance 

Your tax identification number is the same as your business registration number. Your BRN must be included in your tax returns.

2 – Helps you open bank accounts for your business 

For your company to conduct daily operations, such as opening a bank account, applying for loans, and completing other financial transactions, you will need a business registration number.

3 – Simplifies the management of company information

When presenting formal business documentation, you can use your business registration number as a point of reference. This makes it possible for the appropriate authorities to obtain information about your business without requiring additional correspondence.

4 – Creates a unique identity for your business 

It helps set your company apart from competitors in the market, especially those with similar names, as it is an exclusive 8-digit number.

How to Get a Business Registration Number in HK

You can apply for a business registration number in Hong Kong in the following ways:

One-stop company services

IRD allows a one-stop service where a person can make a single application to incorporate their company with the Companies Registry and obtain business registration. 

  • If your business is local, you can get your BRN by submitting Form NNC1 or NNC1G to the business registration office together with a copy of your articles of incorporation and Form IRBR1 as a notification. You will also have to pay the applicable fees.
  • To register a non-Hong Kong company, you can send Form NN1 to the business registration office together with the required incorporation documents and Form IRBR2 as a notification.

During the registration process, you will need to indicate whether the business name is different from the company name, describe your business in detail, indicate when you started operating, and select a certificate lasting one or three years. For non-Hong Kong corporations, the registration fees are HKD 3,950 for a three-year certificate and HKD 250 for a one-year certificate. You can apply for a BRN before beginning operations by submitting a joint application, which might speed up the procedure. However, once you have your BRN, you must notify the Commissioner of the IRD. Partnerships, branch offices, and single proprietorships are not eligible for this option.

Prism Consultancy offers valuable assistance for individuals and companies looking to navigate the complexities of obtaining a Business Registration Number (BRN) in Hong Kong. As an experienced immigration consultant and Hong Kong visa agent, Prism provides tailored support for foreigners seeking to establish their business or work in the region.

Here’s how Prism can help:

  1. Expert Guidance: Prism’s consultants have in-depth knowledge of the BRN application process, ensuring that clients understand the requirements and steps involved.
  2. Application Assistance: They can help prepare and submit the necessary forms, such as Form NNC1, NNC1G, or NN1, along with relevant documentation to ensure a smooth incorporation process.
  3. Compliance Support: Prism assists with understanding tax obligations and ensures that clients reference their BRN correctly for tax filings and other official documents.
  4. One-Stop Services: Beyond BRN applications, Prism provides comprehensive services, including company incorporation, accounting, auditing, and tax filing, making it a convenient choice for clients.
  5. Immigration Services: For those needing resident visas or Hong Kong Identity Cards, Prism offers specialized support, facilitating the necessary applications alongside business registration.

Overall, Prism Consultancy streamlines the process for foreign entrepreneurs, helping them establish their businesses in Hong Kong efficiently and compliantly.

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DIY!HKCom (Prism Consultancy Co. Ltd.)
Suite 1404, Tung Wai Commercial Building,
Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong

DIY!HKCom is under the management of Prism Consultancy Co. Ltd. Besides Company Incorporation, we also offer services in Hong Kong Immigration, company secretary (or virtual office), registered office addresses, accounting, Xero accounting software subscription, audit, annual tax filing, payroll, website development, SEO, video production, and more.