How do I renew my Business Registration Certificate in Hong Kong

How to Renew Your Business Registration Certificate

Every business in Hong Kong must renew its Business Registration Certificate (BRC) with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) before the expiry date on the certificate. The Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) governs this renewal. You can renew online, by post, or in person at the .

Business Registration Renewal Process

The IRD sends a renewal notice to the registered business address about one month before the certificate expires. This notice states the renewal fee and the period covered. Renew before the expiry date even if the notice does not arrive. A late renewal attracts a penalty of up to HK$300 and may lead to prosecution.

Pay the prescribed fee by the date on the notice. The IRD will then issue the new certificate, which you must display at your business premises.

Hong Kong BRC Renewal

BRC renewal is separate from the annual return (Form NAR1) filed with the Companies Registry. The Companies Registry handles incorporation and annual compliance under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622). The IRD handles business registration under Cap. 310. A company must meet both obligations.

Inland Revenue Business Registration

The sits within the Inland Revenue Department. You can renew through the IRD's e-services portal, by mailing the notice with a cheque, or by visiting the in person. Payment options include online payment via PPS or credit card, bank autopay, and cheque.

1 Year 3 Year Certificate

You can choose a 1-year or a 3-year BRC. The 1-year certificate costs the annual fee. The 3-year certificate costs three times the annual fee, plus a levy. Cap. 310 imposes this levy to fund the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund. The 3-year option saves the administrative effort of annual renewal.

When you incorporate a company, you select the 1-year or 3-year option on Form IRBR1. On renewal, you may switch between the options. The renewal notice lists the fee for each. To change from a 1-year to a 3-year certificate, select the 3-year option on the renewal notice.

Using the IRD's E-Services

The IRD's e-services portal lets you renew online without visiting the office. You need the renewal notice reference number and a payment method. The portal confirms the transaction and allows you to download a digital copy of the renewed certificate. The IRD also sends the physical certificate by post.

If you use a tax representative, they can renew on your behalf through the Tax Representative Portal.

What to Do if You Miss the Expiry Date

If the certificate expires before you renew, you must apply for a late renewal. The IRD charges a late fee in addition to the renewal fee. Submit the renewal notice with the late fee payment. The IRD may also issue a penalty notice. Continuing to trade with an expired certificate is an offence under Cap. 310.

Keeping Your Certificate Current

Display the BRC at the registered business premises. If you change your business address, notify the within one month using the prescribed form. A change of address does not alter the certificate's expiry date. You must still renew by that date.

For further details, check the IRD's website at ird.gov.hk or contact the .