Business Registration Fee: Essential Information for 2025
- Published: 22 July 2025
- 10 min read
- Starting a Company
Rodney Wong
Author
Rodney helps customers in Hong Kong navigate the details and benefits of our products and services, showing how technology can be a game changer for their business. A strong advocate for the power of the written word, he makes tech topics accessible, relevant, and, above all, practical—empowering entrepreneurs to pursue their big ideas.
Iris Kwong
Reviewer
Iris Kwong is our Corporate Secretary Manager based in the Hong Kong office. With more than 10 years of experience navigating Hong Kong's Companies Ordinance and regulatory requirements, she is our go-to expert on everything from company formation and annual returns to board meetings and shareholder resolutions. She knows the secrets to ensuring smooth business operations and carefully reviews our Hong Kong-focused content, ensuring it's accurate, up-to-date, and packed with useful tips.
Starting a business in Hong Kong? You’ll need to know about the mandatory business registration fee. This article covers what the registration fee is, who must pay it, the current costs of payment, and what happens if you don’t comply.
Key Takeaways
- The business registration fee in Hong Kong, as listed by the Companies Registry, is currently HK$2,200 annually or HK$6,020 for three years. It is mandatory for lawful business operations and must be renewed each year to maintain compliance.
- All business entities must register and pay the registration fee within one month of starting operations, with penalties for payment non-compliance including fines up to HK$5,000 and potential legal action.
- Osome offers streamlined online business registration support, including various packages designed to simplify compliance and management for new businesses in Hong Kong.
What is the Business Registration Fee in Hong Kong?
The business registration fee is a legal requirement for any business conducting operations in Hong Kong, as part of the business registration ordinance. This registration fee is not just a formality; it serves as official recognition and ensures compliance with local laws, providing businesses with the legal acknowledgement they need to operate legitimately. Payment of this registration fee is crucial for any business seeking official recognition and compliance within the Hong Kong jurisdiction.
This registration fee is an annual obligation, as outlined in the levy table, meaning businesses must renew their business or branch registration every year to maintain their legal status. Meeting this requirement helps businesses avoid legal complications and ensures alignment with Inland Revenue Department regulations.
Osome provides comprehensive company registration services recommended for entrepreneurs seeking a cost-effective solution to start their business in Hong Kong. Our team of local professionals minimises paperwork and ensures a hassle-free process of registration.
Who is required to pay the business registration fee?
All individuals or entities conducting business in Hong Kong are required to complete registration and pay the business registration fee and levy within one month of starting their operations. This payment requirement extends to all forms of business entities, including business or branch registration fees and partnerships. Failing to register or pay the fee on time can lead to significant penalties, including fines and potential legal action.
The penalties for payment non-compliance are stringent. If a business or person fails to pay the business or branch registration fee within the stipulated time, it may face a fine of up to HK$5,000 or even a prison sentence of one year.
Repeated failures can lead to a notice of cancellation of the business registration, severely impacting the business’s ability to operate legally in Hong Kong.
Current rates for the business registration fee
As of April 2024, the cost for a one-year business registration certificate is HK$2,200. This rate includes an increase that took effect on April 1, 2024, marking a 10% rise from previous years. This registration fee ensures that businesses are legally recognised and can operate without hindrance in Hong Kong.
For those looking for a longer-term solution, a three-year business registration certificate is available at a cost of HK$6,020. This option includes:
- An additional registration fee and levy from the levy table
- A cost-effective choice for businesses planning for long-term operations in Hong Kong
- Savings on overall costs compared to annual renewals
Components of the Business Registration Certificate
The Business Registration Certificate is a crucial document provided by the Business Registration Office. It serves as proof of a company’s legal status in Hong Kong and is essential for gaining credibility in the business environment. This certificate legitimises your business and ensures compliance with local laws.
A Business Registration Certificate is essential for lawful business operations in Hong Kong. Containing key information regarding the business’s legal status, it is indispensable for any business operating in the region.
Here’s a closer look at what this certificate includes and how to calculate the associated fees.
Information included on the Business Registration Certificate
The Business Registration Certificate includes critical details such as:
- Business name
- Address
- Type of business entity
- Nature of business
- Two types of identification
- Commencement and Expiry date
- Unique certificate number
These details help identify the business and ensure its legal recognition. These details are also essential for ensuring compliance, especially when updating or changing business details with the relevant authorities.
The certificate also provides the commencement date of the business, crucial for determining renewal timings and compliance requirements.
How to calculate your business registration fee?
To determine the business registration fee, businesses can utilise the levy table provided by the Inland Revenue Department. The table outlines the fees based on the duration of the registration and considers the business’s commencement date. The cost for a one-year Business Registration Certificate is HK$2,200 as of April 1, 2024. For those seeking a three-year certificate, the fee is HK$6,020.
The levy table ensures businesses pay the correct amount based on their business registration duration, including the business registration fee and levy from the levy table, as well as current charges listed by the Inland Revenue Department. This simplifies the payment process, helps businesses plan their finances by factoring in current charges and anticipating renewal dates for two types of certificates, and ensures compliance with local regulations before any deadline dates.
Payment and Compliance
Paying the business registration fee can be done through various methods, including electronic payments, in-person payments, or by post if you are willing to pay stamp duty. The Inland Revenue Department recommends using electronic means for the payment of the business registration fee, as it is more efficient and convenient. Payment facilities include links to online payment platforms of banks, making the process seamless.
Paying the business registration fee on the date of your business registration anniversary, which occurs once per annum, is crucial to avoid penalties. Timely payment keeps your business in good standing and ensures legal operation in Hong Kong. Be sure to check the deadlines for payment, and review your current charges to avoid any unexpected penalties..
Let’s explore the details surrounding different business or branch registration options, including when a statutory notice may be issued for non-payment.
Annual vs. three-year registration options
Businesses in Hong Kong have the option to register annually or choose a three-year registration certificate. Opting for a three-year business or branch registration can be more cost-effective than annual renewals. Choosing the three-year option helps businesses save on registration fees and reduces the administrative burden of annual renewals.
The three-year business or branch registration option saves money and provides peace of mind, knowing business registration is covered for an extended period. This makes it an attractive payment choice for businesses planning for the next two years or more of operations in Hong Kong, especially when compared against current charges for yearly renewals.
Consequences of non-payment
Failure to pay the renewal fee can result in:
- A HK$300 penalty for late renewal after the deadline date
- Additional penalties for continued delay, including potential court action
- Cancellation of the business or branch registration certificate, which will severely impact operations.
Non-compliance with payment obligations may result in a notice of deregistration from the Companies Registry and Inland Revenue Department. In extreme cases, ongoing non-payment can result in prosecution and disqualification from claiming a refund or accessing the Companies Registry again.
Wondering about Hong Kong compliance? Get our free guide
We cover everything you need to know about filing, deadlines and how to avoid penalties.
Special Cases and Exemptions
Certain businesses in Hong Kong may qualify for exemptions or reduced business registration fees based on specific circumstances. These exemptions are defined by the Inland Revenue Department and may apply to two types of entities under special conditions.
For instance, charities and specific types of agricultural activities are exempt from registering for business in Hong Kong. Businesses with low turnover may also apply for reduced fees, helping them manage costs while still complying with legal requirements. This exemption applies to various sectors and must be claimed through formal notice submission procedures.
Dormant company business registration fee
A dormant company in Hong Kong is a business entity that does not conduct any business activities or have current charges pending. These companies must meet specific criteria set by the Inland Revenue Department and remain aware of any applicable current charges.
Maintaining dormant status reduces admin tasks but does not exempt a company from paying the business registration fee and levy from the levy table or result in a refund.
While such companies may be exempt from certain filing obligations, they are still required to pay the full business registration fee as stipulated by the Inland Revenue Department.
Corporate Secretary Manager
Tax deductibility of the business registration fee
In Hong Kong, businesses can typically claim the business registration fee as a tax-deductible expense, unless disqualified due to insolvency fund obligations. This enables businesses to reduce taxable income by including the business registration fee as an expense on their tax returns.
The tax deductibility of the registration fee provides a financial benefit, helping businesses manage costs while complying with legal requirements. This makes it an advantageous aspect of the business registration process in Hong Kong.
Setting Up Your Business with Osome
Osome offers an entirely online business or branch registration service, minimising paperwork while ensuring compliance with local government regulations. Their streamlined process covers everything from incorporation to helping you download key registration documents and open bank accounts.
With Osome, businesses smoothly navigate the post-registration process, receiving tailored support for their operations. This includes document storage, tracking current charges, and other support to help businesses function effectively.
Types of packages for company incorporation
The Essential package at HK$ 4,500 includes the incorporation application and a Business Registration Certificate, which is a one-year certificate. This package covers all the necessary documentation required by the Companies Registry, making it a comprehensive solution for new businesses.
The Comprehensive package for company incorporation in Hong Kong is priced at HK$ 8,800, and includes services tailored for two types of businesses: local and foreign. This package goes beyond basic incorporation, providing ongoing compliance and company management support. It ensures businesses receive all necessary support for compliance and management, making it ideal for those seeking a more inclusive service.
Assistance with business bank accounts
Osome collaborates with various banks, including major players like HSBC and DBS, to facilitate the opening of business bank accounts for clients. This service is provided at no additional cost, which helps businesses manage wages and banking in one streamlined setup.
Through these partnerships, Osome ensures clients can set up business bank accounts efficiently and receive timely notice of account setup requirements. This assistance is part of their Comprehensive package, priced at HK$ 8,800.
Corporate secretary services
Osome’s corporate secretarial services include maintaining statutory records and ensuring compliance with Hong Kong’s legal requirements. This financial secretary service is essential for any responsible person managing company compliance in Hong Kong.
For HK$ 8,800, the Comprehensive package for business or branch registration offers additional help such as corporate secretary support and free document storage. This ensures that businesses can focus on their operations while Osome handles the compliance and administrative tasks.
Summary
In conclusion, understanding and managing the business registration fee in Hong Kong is crucial for legal compliance and smooth business operations. From operations, we've covered topics such as knowing who needs to pay the registration fee and the current rates, to understanding the consequences of non-payment and the benefits of Osome’s services. This guide has covered all the essential aspects.
By leveraging Osome’s expertise and comprehensive packages, businesses can simplify the business or branch registration process and focus on their core activities. Whether you're a new entrepreneur or an established business person, staying compliant with the Companies Registry and managing your business registration fee and levy obligations will support long-term success in Hong Kong.
Rodney helps customers in Hong Kong navigate the details and benefits of our products and services, showing how technology can be a game changer for their business. A strong advocate for the power of the written word, he makes tech topics accessible, relevant, and, above all, practical—empowering entrepreneurs to pursue their big ideas.
