What Each Hong Kong Licence Costs: Fees for Food Business, Liquor, SFC and Trade Permits

Understanding Hong Kong Licence Costs

A business licence in Hong Kong costs what the issuing department charges for the activity it authorises. There is no single fee schedule. Each regulator sets its own application fee and annual renewal charge, and some add supplementary permit costs on top. Exact figures change periodically, so check the issuing department’s current schedule before applying.

The phrase “hong kong licence costs” covers a wide spread. A food business licence fee may be a few thousand dollars. A securities licence can run into tens of thousands. The sections below break down the costs by industry.

Hong Kong Food Business Licence Fee

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) issues licences for food premises. The fee depends on the licence category.

A general restaurant licence allows the sale of a full menu for on-site consumption. It carries a higher fee than a light refreshment restaurant licence, which is limited to a narrower range of items. A food factory licence, for premises that manufacture food for sale elsewhere, has its own fee band.

The FEHD charges an application fee when you submit the proposal and a separate licence fee when the licence is granted. Both are non-refundable if the application is refused. Annual renewal is required. The renewal fee is lower than the initial licence fee.

A general restaurant licence application fee and its annual licence fee each run into the low thousands of Hong Kong dollars. A light refreshment restaurant licence costs less. A food factory licence falls in a similar range. The FEHD also charges a permit fee for temporary food premises, such as those at events.

Hong Kong Liquor Licence Cost

A liquor licence is required to sell alcohol for consumption on the premises. The Liquor Licensing Board (LLB) administers the regime. The FEHD handles the application process.

The liquor licence cost includes an application fee and an annual licence fee. The annual fee is based on the type of premises: a bar or nightclub pays more than a restaurant that serves wine with meals. The fee for a restaurant liquor licence is in the low thousands per year. A club liquor licence, for members-only premises, has a separate fee band. The LLB also charges a flat fee for a temporary liquor licence covering a single event. It is lower than the annual licence.

Hong Kong SFC Licence Fee

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) licences firms and individuals that carry on regulated activities. The SFC licence fee structure is more complex than for food or liquor licences.

Pay the application fee when you submit the licence application. If the licence is granted, an annual fee is due on the anniversary of the licence. The annual fee depends on the number of regulated activities the licence covers. A licence covering one regulated activity costs less than one covering several.

For a corporation, the annual SFC licence fee is in the tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars. For an individual representative, the fee is a few thousand dollars per year. The SFC also charges a fee for each change to the licence, such as adding a new regulated activity or changing the responsible officer. The SFC publishes a fee schedule on its website. The fees are reviewed periodically and may increase.

Hong Kong Trade Permit Charges

Trade permits cover the import and export of controlled goods. The issuing department varies by the type of goods.

For dutiable commodities, alcohol, tobacco, and fuel, the Customs and Excise Department issues a licence and a removal permit. The licence fee is an annual charge. The removal permit, which allows the goods to move from a licensed warehouse to a retail outlet, carries a per-transaction fee.

For strategic commodities, which include military goods, dual-use items, and certain advanced technology, the Trade and Industry Department issues an import or export licence. The application fee is per shipment. There is no annual licence fee.

For most shipments, an import declaration or export declaration must be lodged with the Customs and Excise Department. The declaration fee is a small flat charge per shipment, under HK$100.

Other Licence Costs

Several other business licences have their own fee structures.

An employment agency licence is issued by the Commissioner for Labour. The application fee and the annual renewal fee are both in the low thousands of Hong Kong dollars. The licence is valid for one year and must be renewed annually.

A money service operator licence, issued by Customs and Excise, carries an application fee and an annual licence fee. The annual fee is in the tens of thousands, reflecting the higher compliance burden.

A money lender licence, under the Money Lenders Ordinance, has an application fee and an annual fee in the low thousands.

A travel agent licence, regulated by the Travel Industry Authority, has an application fee and an annual membership fee. The annual fee depends on the type of travel agent.

Fee Structure Summary

The table below summarises the fee structure for the main licence categories. Exact amounts are not stated because fees change. Check the issuing department’s website for current figures.

Key Points to Remember

• Licence costs vary by category and are set by the issuing department, not by a single authority.
• Fees change periodically. Always check the current schedule before applying.
• Application fees are generally non-refundable, even if the licence is refused.
• Annual renewal is required for most licences. The renewal fee may differ from the initial licence fee.
• Some licences require a separate permit for specific activities, such as a removal permit for dutiable commodities.

For the most up-to-date figures, refer to the relevant department’s website: the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Liquor Licening Board, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Customs and Excise Department, the Commissioner for Labour, the Travel Industry Authority, and the Trade and Industry Department.