A Key Step to Company Formation: Business Registration Number Search in Hong Kong
Before starting your company registration in Hong Kong, it’s essential to conduct a business registration number and company name search. This quick yet crucial step ensures your proposed company name is unique and complies with the Hong Kong Companies Registry’s guidelines.
Using the Registry’s online portal, you can easily perform a free Hong Kong company name check and verify your business details. Every registered company must also obtain a valid Business Registration Number (BRN), a key identifier for legal and administrative purposes.
This guide explains the importance of the Hong Kong business registration number and how to conduct a proper search for it before incorporation.
What Is A Business Registration Number In Hong Kong?
A Business Registration Number (BRN) is an 8-digit unique identifier assigned to every business in Hong Kong by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). It serves as the official tax identification number and is required for all legal, compliance, and government-related activities.
Format of a Hong Kong business registration number: XXXXXXX(Y)
- XXXXXXX → 7-digit numeric code
- (Y) → 1 check digit in parentheses
From 27 December 2023, under Hong Kong’s new Unique Business Identifier (UBI) system, the BRN has become the primary identification number for all types of businesses, replacing the traditional Company Registration Number (CRN) in most cases.
Key Characteristics of the Business Registration Number
- Purpose: BRN works as the tax ID for businesses and is required to operate legally in Hong Kong.
- Issuing Authority: It is provided by the Inland Revenue Department after successful business registration.
- Format: An 8-digit number shown clearly in the centre section of the Business Registration Certificate.
- Applies to All Business Types: BRN is essential for all, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and non-Hong Kong companies operating locally.
- Validity: Registration is issued for one or three years and must be renewed before expiry.
BRN vs. CRN: What’s the Difference in Hong Kong?
In Hong Kong, the key difference between the Business Registration Number (BRN) and the Company Registration Number (CRN) lies in their original purpose and how they are used today.
| Feature | Business Registration Number (BRN) | Company Registration Number (CRN) | |
| Issuing Authority | Inland Revenue Department (IRD) |
|
|
| Purpose | Tax identification for all businesses | Legal identification for incorporated companies | |
| Application | Required for all businesses (with limited exceptions) | Only for companies incorporated under the Companies Ordinance | |
| Expiration | Valid for 1 or 3 years; requires renewal | Not applicable | |
| Identifier Format | 8-digit number on the Business Registration Certificate | 8-digit number formerly on the Certificate of Incorporation |
Why Is a Business Registration Number Important for Hong Kong Businesses?
A Business Registration Number (BRN) is essential because it serves as a business’s official identity for tax, legal, and administrative purposes in Hong Kong.
Here’s why the BRN is so important:
- Legal Recognition: Your BRN proves your business is officially registered and allowed to operate in Hong Kong.
- Tax Purposes: The Inland Revenue Department uses it for all tax filings, annual returns, and other related obligations.
- Trust and Credibility: A BRN gives clients, partners, and suppliers confidence that your business is legitimate.
- Banking and Finance: You need it to open a business bank account or apply for loans and financial services.
- Operational Use: It’s used in contracts, licences, permits, and other official documents.
- Unique Identifier: It distinguishes your business from others for legal and administrative purposes.
- Official Documents: Appears on certificates and government records, serving as proof of your business’s identity.
In short, the BRN is the backbone of your business identity in Hong Kong, helping you stay compliant, build trust, and operate with confidence.
Hong Kong Companies Registry (CR): How It Differs from the Business Registration Office?
In Hong Kong, the Companies Registry (CR) is responsible for incorporating companies under the Companies Ordinance. It issues a Company Registration Number (CRN) as the legal identifier and provides the Certificate of Incorporation for limited companies, including both local and non-Hong Kong companies.
On the other hand, the Business Registration Office, part of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), issues a Business Registration Number (BRN) for tax and compliance purposes to all types of businesses, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, and companies.
What is Hong Kong Companies Registry (CR)?
The Companies Registry (CR) is the official authority for verifying the availability and details of incorporated limited companies in Hong Kong. Searches can be conveniently performed online via the Integrated Companies Registry Information System (ICRIS).
How to search:
- Visit the Companies Registry website at www.cr.gov.hk.
- Access the Cyber Search Centre through the e-Services Portal.
- Select your preferred search option — by company name, registration number, or Unique Business Identifier (UBI).
- Review the search results to determine if the name is available for registration.
- For detailed information such as directors’ names, incorporation date, and registered address, you will need to create an account and pay a small subscription fee.
Key takeaways:
- Always enter the exact and full company name for accurate results.
- An English company name must end with “Limited.”
- Chinese and English names are treated as separate; they cannot be combined into a single name.
- The system will reject names that are identical, too similar, or phonetically alike to existing ones.
How to Obtain Business Registration Number for Your Company
To obtain a Business Registration Number (BRN), you need to follow a series of steps that ensure your hong kong business is legally compliant and properly registered.
The process is straightforward: select your business structure and name, submit the necessary application and documents to the IRD, and receive your Business Registration Certificate once approved.
There are two convenient ways to obtain a Business Registration Number in Hong Kong: online or in person.
- Online Application: Businesses can complete the application and pay the required fees via the eTAX portal. This option is suitable for sole proprietorships, partnerships, and branches.
- In-Person Application: Alternatively, businesses can submit their documents and pay fees directly at the Business Registration Office of the Inland Revenue Department at the address.
For details, you can check https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/home/index.htm
How to Check & Verify a Business Registration Number in Hong Kong?
Verifying your Business Registration Number (BRN) is essential to ensure your business is properly registered and compliant with Hong Kong regulations.
- Visit the GovHK eTAX portal and use the Business Registration Number (BRN) Enquiry service.
- Enter the business name and address to retrieve the BRN instantly.
- For official or in-depth verification, submit a formal request to the Business Registration Office of the IRD.
Online verification via the eTAX portal is a quick way to confirm your BRN for day-to-day purposes. By following these steps, you can easily confirm your business’s registration number and ensure it is valid and up-to-date.
Legal Requirements and Considerations for Hong Kong Company Incorporation
Simultaneous Registratio
Since late 2023, new limited company applications in Hong Kong automatically include a business registration application. The Companies Registry (CR) now offers a streamlined, “one-stop” service, making Hong Kong company incorporation faster and more efficient.
Name Restrictions
When registering a company in Hong Kong, specific names are restricted or require prior approval. Names implying government affiliation or containing words such as “trust,” “bank,” or “insurance” are either prohibited or need explicit permission from the CR.
Final Approval
Checking the availability of a company name online does not guarantee approval. A company name is only officially confirmed once the Companies Registry completes its review and finalises the incorporation process.
Conclusion
A Hong Kong business registration number search and company name check is a quick step that prevents delays, name rejections, and compliance issues during incorporation. With the new Unique Business Identifier (UBI) system, verifying your BRN early ensures smoother tax, banking, and operational processes from day one.
By completing these checks before submitting your application, you set the foundation for a fast and hassle-free company setup in Hong Kong.
