Renewing your Business Registration Number (BRN) is a must for every Hong Kong enterprise. If you want to stay compliant with Hong Kong’s law, you need a valid BRN. This process involves renewing the Business Registration Certificate (BRC), which serves as an official record confirming a business’s identity with the government.
Without an active BRN and BRC, you cannot open a bank account, sign major contracts, or issue official invoices. A lapse can lead to a fine of up to HK $5,000 and 12 months’ imprisonment—a steep price for missing a simple renewal date.
Read this guide to take note of the key steps and detailed documentation.
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Ways to Renew your Hong Kong Business Registration Number (BRN)
In Hong Kong, every business—local or foreign, sole proprietorship, partnership (incl. LLP) or limited company—renews its Business Registration Certificate in the same way.
About one month before expiry, the Inland Revenue Department issues a demand note. Paying that note automatically renews the certificate, whether you choose a 1-year or 3-year term, with responsibility resting on the owner(s) or company officers.
There are 4 common ways to handle, namely:
- By post
- In person
- Through a representative (Authorise your company secretary, CPA, or other agent)
- Online/Electronic payment (Internet/Phone banking, ATM, e-Cheque, or the eTAX portal)
BR Fee Structure
Below is a quick snapshot of what you will pay for a Business Registration Certificate (BRC) that starts between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026:
Current BR fees (2025/26)
Certificate | Fee (HK$) | Levy (HK$) | Total due |
1-year BRC | 2,200 | 0 levy waived until 31 Mar 2026 | 2,200 |
3-year BRC | 5,720 | 300 | 6,020 |
Branch (1 yr / 3 yr) | 80 / 208 | 0 / 300 | 80 / 508 |
Why the zero levy on the 1-year certificate?
The Government is waiving the HK $150 Environmental & Conservation Fund levy for certificates that begin on or before 31 March 2026. No extra concessions were added in the 2025/26 Budget, so the headline fee stays at HK $2,200.
Common BR Renewal Pitfalls
Below are 3 frequent errors, plus the easy habits that avoid them.
1. Forgetting to track the renewal date
- Set two calendar alerts: one month before expiry and another a week before.
- Opt for a 3-year certificate if paperwork is a burden; fewer deadlines mean fewer chances to miss one.
2. Misplacing the demand note
- Scan and save the note to a shared compliance folder as soon as it arrives.
- Have a backup plan: if the note is lost, request a duplicate through eTAX or collect one at the IRD counter, then pay immediately.
3. Not updating details before filing
- Review your address and business nature as soon as the note lands; any changes must be reported within one month.
- Synchronise filings: submit updates to the Companies Registry (Form NR1, etc.) and the IRD (IRC 3111A or IRBR 193) at the same time so the new BRC shows the correct information.
Follow these simple practices and renewal remains a quick task, not a last-minute scramble.
Business Registration: Post-Renewal Obligations
Renewing is only half the job; you also have to show the world (and the authorities) that your paperwork is in order.
1. Put the new BRC on display
The law says the valid certificate must hang “in a conspicuous place” at every business address so inspectors (or visiting clients) can see it without asking.
2. Keep the registries in sync
If your registered office or principal place of business moves or your business nature wording changes, tell both regulators:
- Companies Registry: file Form NR1 (address) or the relevant form for other particulars.
- Inland Revenue Department (IRD): send a written notice or the IRD’s fillable PDF (e.g., IRC 3111A for address, IRBR 193 for nature) within 1 month of the change. A handy one-stop e-filing option on the Companies Registry portal updates both records at once.
3. Update your BRC after structural changes
Any material shake-up, whether it is a new branch or a change of shareholders, directors, or business name, also triggers a BRC update. File the relevant IRD form inside the same one-month window so the certificate mirrors your current structure and avoids future banking or licensing hiccups.
Tick these 3 boxes, and you’ll stay on the right side of the Business Registration Ordinance long after renewal day.
Follow the steps above to officially complete your business registration renewal and take advantage of Hong Kong’s dynamic market. At the same time, keep an eye on our e-Marketplace for a range of quality products online:
This article is originally published by Sleek:
Sleek
Sleek is a revolutionary one-stop solution for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and investors. It allows them to register new businesses from anywhere and effortlessly manage their accounting, payroll, tax compliance, business accounts, and governance through a simple online platform with first-class support. With a presence in Singapore, the UK, Australia, and Hong Kong, Sleek has served over 450,000 clients worldwide.
Business Registration in Hong Kong FAQ
What is the difference between a new business registration and a renewal?
A new registration creates your Business Registration number for the first time. A renewal simply pays the demand note to keep that existing number active and updates any changed details.
Do foreign-owned companies have different renewal requirements?
No. Once a foreign company sets up a place of business in Hong Kong, it follows the same renewal timetable, fees, and filing rules as local entities.
