Business licence renewal in Hong Kong
How to renew a business licence — how it works anywhere
Renewing a business registration in Hong Kong involves submitting a renewed Business Registration Certificate to the Inland Revenue Department. This process ensures the legal status of the business remains active for the upcoming year.
Most businesses receive a renewal notice one month before the expiration date. It is advisable to submit payment promptly upon receipt of this notice to avoid potential late fees or penalties, as processing and mailing times vary.
Start 30 days ahead
This corresponds to the typical notice period provided by the Inland Revenue Department before the current certificate expires.
The process
- 1Verify the business registration number and the expiry date on the current Business Registration Certificate.
- 2Wait for the renewal notice, which is typically issued by the Inland Revenue Department one month prior to expiry.
- 3Choose a payment method, such as e-payment, bank transfer, or payment by post.
- 4Complete the payment as specified on the renewal notice.
- 5Retain the payment receipt until the new Business Registration Certificate is received by mail.
What to bring
- Business Registration Certificate renewal notice
- Valid payment method (e.g., credit card, PPS, bank account, or cheque)
- Business Registration Number
Who handles it
稅務局 (Inland Revenue Department)
The fee is composed of the business registration fee and a statutory levy for the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Fund. The specific amount should be confirmed on the official Inland Revenue Department website, as fees are subject to periodic changes and may vary based on business type.
What commonly goes wrong
- Failing to notify the Inland Revenue Department if the business address has changed, which may result in not receiving the renewal notice.
- Overlooking the payment deadline, which can lead to late penalties or legal enforcement action.
- Assuming an automatic renewal without verifying that payment was successfully processed.
Sources
This guide is based on one official source.
- 稅務局 (Inland Revenue Department) ird.gov.hk
Don't rely on remembering
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