A Definitive Guide to Business Registration Number in Hong Kong

Thinking of having a business in Hong Kong? If so, getting a Business Registration Number (BRN) is one of the first steps you’ll need to take.

Issued by the Business Registration Office of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), the BRN is required before you can legally operate your business in Hong Kong.

What is a Business Registration Number (BRN)?

As per the Business Registration Ordinance, anyone who wants to carry out business in Hong Kong or an activity to make a profit must register their business within one month of commencing operations.

This includes:

• Non-Hong Kong company that wants to register in Hong Kong  or set up their representative/liaison office in Hong Kong
• Companies incorporated in Hong Kong
• Non-Hong Kong company that wants to rent out a local office

A business registration number is a unique number the IRD assigns to a business entity. It is printed on the registration certificate issued by the Business Registration Office. 

Every company in Hong Kong should display its business registration certificate at its registered office address. The company should display a printed copy if the certificate is in electronic format. 

How to Cancel Your BRN

If you cease operating your Hong Kong business, you must notify the IRD to cancel your business registration certificate. To do that, you can either:

• Fill up Form IRC 3113 to cancel your registration; or 
• Send a letter to the Department along with the name and address of the business, your business registration number and the date you have ceased operations. 

Not obtaining BRN or failing to cancel your registration certificate attracts imprisonment and heavy fines.

Why Is a Business Registration Number Required in HK?

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).

You need to refer to your BRN when filing tax returns, company returns, opening bank accounts, or even filing forms/documents issued by various government authorities.

Format of Business Registration Number 

BRN is an 8-digit number. No special characters or alphabets are used. 

Typically, the format of BRN is 1XXXXXXX – 000-04-11A. You can find it printed on your business registration certificate.

It is usually located at the bottom of the certificate under the title Certificate No.

Apart from BRN, the registration certificate also contains other information, such as:

• The name and nature of your business
• Date of commencement of business operations
• Address
• Whether it is incorporated by an individual or a partnership
• Date of issue and expiry of the certificate

The certificate does not include the details of the proprietor/partners of the business. You must obtain an excerpt from the business register to find relevant information. 

Here is a sample of 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 business registration number functions as your tax identification number. 

When filing your tax returns, you need to quote your BRN.   

2. Helps you open bank accounts for your business 

A business registration number is important for your business’s day-to-day operations, such as opening a bank account, borrowing loans, and conducting other financial transactions. 

3. Simplifies the management of company information

You can add your business registration number as a reference number when you submit official documents in connection with your business. 

This allows the relevant authorities to obtain information about your company without additional correspondence.

4. Creates a unique identity for your business 

Since it is a unique 8-digit number assigned only to your business, it helps distinguish it from other businesses in the market, especially those with a similar name. 

What are the Documents Needed to Apply for a Business Registration Number?

To get a Business Registration Number (BRN) in Hong Kong, you must submit specific documents to the Business Registration Office.

The required paperwork varies depending on the type of business.

For example, sole proprietors must submit their HKID or proof of identity for non-residents, along with a completed application form. Limited companies first register with the Companies Registry to gain legal status before registering with the Business Registration Office to start operations.

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. 

Indicate if the business name is different from the company name, the nature and description of your business, the date of commencement of operations, and whether you want a certificate valid for three years or one year. 

Applying After Starting Operations

IRD also allows applications for business registration numbers after you have commenced operations. This option is available for all business structures including:

• Sole proprietorships
• LLCs
• Branch, subsidiary, or representative offices of a foreign/non-Hong Kong company  

You can fill out Form IRBR 37, pay the applicable fees, and submit it within a month of starting your business operations. You can submit the form in person to the Business Registration Office or apply online on the e-Tax portal. 

For sole proprietorship, the applicant must submit proof of identity, such as a copy of the Hong Kong identity card in case of local residents or a copy of a passport for foreign residents.

LLCs can submit a copy of their Certificate of Incorporation (along with a certified translation if the certificate is not in Mandarin or English). You don’t need to furnish any identity documents to get the business registration number of a foreign branch office, subsidiary, or representative office.

Is that a lot of work you need help with? Opt for a hassle-free registration process with Air Corporate and incorporate your company within 48 hours.

Air Corporate can also help you get your business registration number and assist with other company secretarial services.

What’s the Difference Between a CRN and a BRN?

In Hong Kong, businesses need two important numbers: the Business Registration Number (BRN) and the Company Registration Number (CRN).

The BRN is given by the Business Registration Office of the Inland Revenue Department and is mainly used for tax purposes. The CRN, on the other hand, is a seven-digit number found in the top left corner of the Certificate of Incorporation and is issued by the Companies Registry. It serves as the official ID for a company and is used for legal paperwork.

Here is a sample of CRN:

Both numbers are necessary for running a business in Hong Kong. While a CRN is needed for legal documents and official forms, a BRN is used for tax-related matters. Business owners must have both numbers when opening a bank account, renting an office, or signing contracts to operate legally.

What Happens if You Don’t Have a BRN?

In Hong Kong, every business must get a Business Registration Number (BRN) as part of the registration process. If a business operates without one, it is breaking the law under the Business Registration Ordinance (BRO).

Running a business without a BRN can lead to a fine of up to HK$5,000 and even one year in jail.

According to the law, businesses must apply for registration within one month of starting operations. If they apply more than 12 months late, they must pay the current registration fee along with any unpaid fees from previous years.

Conclusion

Business Registration Number (BRN), now called the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) serves as your tax identification number and is essential for handling official tasks like opening a bank account, filing tax returns, and registering employees.

If you're ready to launch your business in Hong Kong, don't wait. Take the first step by applying for your BRN today to ensure you're compliant and fully prepared to operate.

Need help navigating the process? Here at Air Corporate, we make the registration process quick and stress-free while you focus on other important matters!