An Essential Guide to a Business Registration Number in Hong Kong
- Modified: 18 July 2025
- 9 min read
- Starting a Company
Gabi Bellairs-Lombard
Author
Gabi creates content that inspires. She's spent her career writing compelling website copy, and now she specialises in product marketing copy. As the voice of our products and features, Gabi makes complex business finance and accounting topics easy to understand. Her top priority is ensuring that her words impact and inspire her readers.
If you’re setting up or running a business in Hong Kong, a Business Registration Number (BRN) is indispensable for compliance with the Companies Ordinance and operational efficiency. This 8-digit number, issued by the Inland Revenue Department, is found on the Business Registration Certificate, serves as proof of your business's legal status. It streamlines your tax and legal processes, establishing your organisation’s legal status.
Key Takeaways
- A Business Registration Number (BRN) in Hong Kong is an eight-digit identifier mandatory for all business entities, playing a vital role in tax filings, legal transactions, and access to government services.
- Companies, freelancers, and non-local legal entities engaging in business in Hong Kong must have a BRN, which is distinct from the Company Registration Number (CRN) used for company identification.
- The BRN streamlines operations, facilitates financial transactions, assists in opening bank accounts, and ensures tax compliance, thus serving as an essential tool for business efficiency and growth.
What Is a Business Registration Number (BRN)?
A Business Registration Number (BRN) is a unique 8-digit identifier issued by the Business Registration Office in Hong Kong, allowing a business to be distinguished from other entities. It serves as an official recognition of a company by the Inland Revenue Department, enabling it to be identified for tax-related and regulatory purposes. Beyond its practical use, the BRN symbolises a company’s compliance with Hong Kong’s business laws. However, it is distinct from a Company Registration Number, which we will explain in detail later.
Since 27 December 2023, the BRN has also served as the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) for entities in Hong Kong. This initiative aims to streamline business identification across various government departments, making the BRN the standard reference number for companies in official interactions.
Advantages of Having a Business Registration Number
A Hong Kong business can navigate the myriad regulatory requirements effectively by obtaining a Business Registration Number. The BRN is a crucial reference number that facilitates the smooth operation of businesses, underlining the importance of the company incorporation process and the issuance of company registration numbers. Although getting a business registration number is mandatory, there are key benefits of obtaining a BRN:
- Filing annual returns
- Engaging in legal transactions
- Establishing credibility and trust with customers and partners
- Accessing government services and benefits
- Complying with regulatory requirements
By obtaining a business registration number (BRN), local companies and non-Hong Kong company entities can ensure that they operate legally and efficiently in compliance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance.
Which Businesses Require a BR Number?
All businesses operating in Hong Kong, regardless of size or structure, are required to obtain a Business Registration Number (BRN), including sole proprietors, partnerships, local companies, and even offshore companies with operations in Hong Kong. The BRN is essential for legal compliance and enables the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) to track and tax business activities.
This requirement also applies to freelancers and self-employed individuals, as the BRN confirms the legitimacy of any commercial activity. However, some specific activities are exempt from registration, such as:
- Agriculture
- Market gardening
- Breeding and rearing livestock
- Fishing
- Charitable work
We’ll help you secure your Business Registration Number (BRN) quickly and hassle-free. From company registration to ensuring compliance with local regulations, we handle it all. Start your Hong Kong business journey with us today!
Business Registration Number Format
Following a specific format composed of eight digits without any special characters or prefixes — for example, 12345678 or 87654321 — the Hong Kong BRN is unique for every business, including both local and foreign entities. These eight digits are essentially the first digits of the Business Registration Certificate number. This number is obtained from the Inland Revenue Department using the required business incorporation forms, ensuring that every business has a unique identifier.
Example
The simplicity and consistency of the registration number format ensure ease of use across various industries and enterprises. For instance:
- A local limited company providing consultancy services might have a BRN such as 23456789.
- A foreign company operating an import-export business could hold a BRN like 98765432.
Regardless of the business type, the BRN serves as a standard reference, aiding in the company registration process and ensuring compliance during legal operations.
Get your Business Registration Number hassle-free
Start your business journey in Hong Kong with ease by obtaining your business registration number quickly and efficiently. Contact us today to get started.
What Are the Differences Between a CRN and a BRN in Hong Kong?
The Company Registration Number (CRN) is a seven-digit number issued by the Companies Registry, serving as the official company ID recognised by government agencies for incorporated companies. In contrast, the Business Registration Number (BRN), issued by the Business Registration Office of the IRD, is a critical identifier for tax purposes. To operate legally in Hong Kong, a business needs both a CRN and a BRN. These numbers are essential for signing legal documents, opening bank accounts, renting office space, and other official business activities.
| Aspect | Company Registration Number (CRN) | Business Registration Number (BRN) |
| Purpose | Official company ID for government recognition and legal compliance. ✅ | Identifier for tax purposes, issued by the Inland Revenue Department. 💰 |
| Issued By | Companies Registry 🏢 | Business Registration Office (Inland Revenue Department) 🏦 |
| Format | Seven-digit number 7️⃣ | Eight-digit number 8️⃣ |
| Location on Documents | Top left corner of the Certificate of Incorporation 📄 | Found on the Business Registration Certificate 📋 |
| Primary Usage | Used in legal documents and official forms (e.g., contracts, incorporation). 🖋️ | Used for tax purposes, including representative offices. 📊 |
| Requirement | Mandatory for incorporation and legal operations. 📑 | Mandatory for tax registration and compliance. 📝 |
| Key Applications | Opening a bank account, signing legal documents, renting office space. 🏦📃 | Filing tax returns, fulfilling tax obligations. 💵📈 |
How To Obtain a Business Registration Number in Hong Kong?
To get a Business Registration Number (BRN), you must register your business with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). The process depends on your business type – some can use the One-Stop Service, while others must apply directly.
Option 1: One-Stop Company and Business Registration Service
If you’re incorporating a local or non-Hong Kong company under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622), you can apply for business registration in a single step. This streamlined process is available through the Companies Registry.
How to apply:
- Online: Submit via the e-Registry Portal.
- In person: Visit the Business Registration Office
4/F Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Documents required for local businesses:
- Incorporation Form (NNC1 or NNC1G)
- Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR1)
- A copy of the Articles of Association (if applicable)
- Fee: HK$2,150 (1-year certificate) or HK$5,650 (3-year certificate)
For non-Hong Kong companies:
- Application Form NN1 and supporting documents
- Notice to Business Registration Office (IRBR2)
- Payment of the applicable fee
Option 2: Apply directly with the IRD
Businesses not incorporated under the Companies Ordinance, like sole proprietorships, partnerships, or branches, must register directly with the IRD.
Application methods:
- Online: Use the Business Registration Portal application page
- In person: Visit the Inland Revenue Centre
2/F, Inland Revenue Centre, 5 Concorde Road, Kai Tak, Kowloon
- By post: Send the documents by the following address
P.O. Box 29015, Concorde Road Post Office, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Make sure to affix sufficient postage – underpaid mail will be rejected
Requirements:
- Completed application form for your business type
- Suitable identification, such as a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID) for individuals or registration forms like Form NN1 for non-Hong Kong companies
- Payment of the business registration fee and levy
Once submitted, your application will be processed within a few working days. Upon approval, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your BRN.
How To Check a Business Registration Number (BRN)?
Once you have obtained your BRN from the Business Registration Office, verifying it for various purposes may become necessary. The verification process can be conducted online using the eTAX service provided on the Hong Kong government website. Through this service, individuals can inquire about the registration number of any business registered with the Business Registration Office.
By verifying a business registration number under the Business Registration Ordinance, businesses can access valuable information on the Business Register, including company registration details, business registration details, and trademark registration details. This enables local and non-Hong Kong registered companies to validate their legal establishment and ensures the accuracy of their company information by referring to government records.
A Business Registration Number is your key to doing business in Hong Kong smoothly. It is needed for a range of business functions, including opening a bank account, applying for licenses, and filing tax returns. It's an essential business tool as it helps you streamline operations and ensure your business remains tax compliant.
Corporate Secretary Manager
Utilising Your BRN for Business Growth
A Business Registration Number (BRN) is essential not only for compliance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance but also for supporting business growth. By leveraging your BRN, you can:
- Streamline operations by simplifying recognition by regulatory authorities and legal entities, optimising business processes, and easing tax matters and license applications.
- Facilitate financial transactions through accurate and secure processing, including filing tax returns and acting as a routing number for banks to enhance transaction security.
- Open bank accounts, as the BRN serves as a company identification tool necessary for tax administration during account setup.
- Ensure tax compliance by providing a unique identifier for all tax-related matters.
In fact, the business registration number is often a requirement for opening an account in Hong Kong. By presenting the BRN and other required documents, businesses can establish an account without requiring directors, shareholders, and signatories to be physically present.
Summary
In conclusion, understanding the role of a Business Registration Number (BRN) in Hong Kong is crucial for businesses operating in the region. From serving as a unique identifier to facilitating tax compliance and financial transactions, the BRN plays a pivotal role in business operations. By leveraging the business registration number, businesses can ensure regulatory compliance with the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance and unlock numerous benefits that contribute to business growth and operational efficiency.
Gabi creates content that inspires. She's spent her career writing compelling website copy, and now she specialises in product marketing copy. As the voice of our products and features, Gabi makes complex business finance and accounting topics easy to understand. Her top priority is ensuring that her words impact and inspire her readers.
