Most Hong Kong businesses need only incorporation and Business Registration to start. Some activities, however, require a specific licence or permit before trading begins. Operating without one can be an offence and may void insurance or contracts. Check the position before signing a lease or launching.
Licensing depends on the activity, not the company structure. Some licences relate to premises, so the location must be suitable before you commit to a lease.
At a glance
- Most businesses
- Incorporation and Business Registration only
- Depends on
- The activity, not the company structure
- Premises-based licences
- Check before signing a lease
- Starting point
- GovHK Business Licence Information Service
Common licences and authorities
| Activity | Licence or registration | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants and food businesses | Food business licences | Food and Environmental Hygiene Department |
| Sale of liquor | Liquor licence | Liquor Licensing Board |
| Employment agencies | Employment agency licence | Labour Department |
| Travel agents | Travel agent licence | Travel Industry Authority |
| Money lending | Money lenders licence | Licensing Court / Companies Registry |
| Estate agency | Estate agent licence | Estate Agents Authority |
| Insurance broking or agency | Licence | Insurance Authority |
| Securities and asset management | SFC licence | Securities and Futures Commission |
| Trust or company services | TCSP licence | Companies Registry |
| Money changing and remittance | MSO licence | Customs and Excise Department |
| Precious metals and stones dealing | DPMS registration | Customs and Excise Department |
| Import and export | Trade declarations; licences for controlled goods | Customs and Excise Department / Trade and Industry Department |
| Hotels and guesthouses | Hotel or guesthouse licence | Office of the Licensing Authority, Home Affairs Department |
Planning for a licence
- Identify every activity your business will carry out.
- Check which require a licence, permit or registration.
- For premises-based licences, check zoning, building and fire requirements before signing a lease.
- Prepare the people side; some licences require fit and proper or qualified personnel.
- Build the licensing timeline into your launch plan.
- Diarise renewals and conditions after approval.
Questions we are often asked
Does an online shop need a licence?
Most online retail needs only Business Registration, but some products, for example food, medicines, cosmetics with certain claims, liquor or controlled goods, require licences or permits.
Can I start operating while my licence is being processed?
Generally no, for activities that require a licence. Some food businesses can apply for a provisional licence. Check before opening.
Who checks whether my premises can be licensed?
The licensing authority, often with the Buildings Department and Fire Services Department. Ask a licensing consultant to check before you sign a lease.
Self-check: where do you stand?
| Question | If the answer is no |
|---|---|
| Have you listed every activity your business will carry out? | List them now |
| Have you checked each against licensing requirements? | Check with authorities or advisers |
| Is your proposed premises suitable for licensing? | Check before signing |
| Are licence renewals diarised? | Add them to your compliance calendar |
- Corporate set-up and documents for licence applications.
- Coordinating with licensing consultants and lawyers.
- Tracking licence renewals in your compliance calendar.
In summary
- Check licensing before you lease or launch.
- Premises-based licences take time.
- Diarise renewals.
Official references
- GovHK: Business Licence Information Service, www.gov.hk
- Food and Environmental Hygiene Department; Labour Department; Customs and Excise Department; Companies Registry