Sole proprietorship is a business entity that is easiest to form, thus may be a good start point if you want to have your own business. This guide will introduce you to the registration process of a sole proprietorship in Hong Kong.
Business Registration Ordinance (Cap.310)
A business registration application shall be made within 1 month of the coming into operation.
Step 1: Select a Business Name
Every registered business should have a legal name. A business may be registered with an English name, a Chinese name, or an English and a Chinese name. Pay attention to the rules below when selecting your name.
- The name should not suggest a connection with the Government or any public body when no such connection exists or has existed.
- The name should neither infringe on trademarks nor be offensive or otherwise contrary to public interest.
Rules for naming
Name in Chinese
- Latin alphabets may be used, but English words are not allowed.
- Besides Chinese character and Latin alphabets, only the following listed special characters are allowed to use in Chinese names.
Name in English
- Only the following listed special characters are allowed to use in English names
Notes
- A name suggesting that the business is incorporated with limited liability when it is not is disallowed.
- A name which suggests a connection with the Government or any public body is disallowed.
- Multiple names for one business is permissible. Each registered additional business name will be treated as a branch of the business
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
For the registration of a sole proprietorship, the following documents are required:
- The application form
- Form is on request by
- E-mailing to taxbro@ird.gov.hk with a completed form IRBR194 (available here: https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/pdf/irbr194.pdf), or
- Writing by post or by fax (2824 1482) to the Business Registration Office. The application forms will be sent to you by post, or
- Obtaining in person at the Business Registration Office at 4/F of Revenue Tower, Wan Chai.
- An official specimen here: https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/pdf/br_form1a_e.pdf
- Hong Kong Identity Card (for Hong Kong residents) / Passports (for non-residents)’
Step 3: Submit the Documents
- By post to P.O. Box 29015, Gloucester Road Post Office, Hong Kong. Underpaid mail will be rejected.
- Submit online via eTAXView online demo for application here
- Submit in person to the Business Registration Office at 4/F Revenue Tower, 5 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Step 4: Collect your certificate
| Application channel | Standard response time |
|---|---|
| Method 1 or 2: By post or through the GovHK | Within 2 working days |
| Method 3: In person to the New Application Counter at Business Registration Office at 4/F, Revenue Tower, Wan Chai | Within 30 minutes |
Notes for Non-Residents of HK
If you are foreign to Hong Kong but want to establish a business in the form of sole proprietorship, you should first apply for the Investment visa.
- For more information, please refer to the immigration department’s official website. https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/investment.html
To successfully acquire an Investment Visa, you should prove that you are going to make a substantial contribution to the Hong Kong. But due to the restrictions of sole proprietorship, there is little scope of satisfying these requirements.
Alternatively, business professionals may incorporate a company to unleash the business’s potential. For more information on incorporating a company in Hong Kong, please refer to our relevant guide.
Additional Readings:
- [Official] Business Registration by Inland Revenue Department
“Business” Required to be Registered and Application for Business Registration
PS!
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