What is the application process for a business registration certificate? What documents do I need to prepare when applying?
The Business Registration Regulations stipulate that business registration is required for any form of business activity. Whether you run an online store or are a freelancer, you should apply for a Business Registration (BR). This article will introduce you to the application process for a business registration certificate and the documents required for each type of business.
Business Registration (BR) application process
First, those who want to apply for a Business Registration (BR) must first prepare relevant documents by business classification (sole proprietorship business, partnership business, branch business, corporation, and other unincorporated corporations), including the identity of the applicant certified documents.
Second, the applicant must also choose the type of business registration certificate (Business Registration, BR) to apply for: business registration certificate or branch registration certificate; validity period: one-year certificate or three-year certificate, and their fees and levies are different. At the same time, it is best to prepare before applying for a business registration certificate (Business Registration, BR).
Third, in terms of application materials, one business can register multiple business names, and additional business names will be regarded as branch names. The Chinese business name can contain English letters, but cannot contain English words, and only designated symbols can be used.
Fourth, obtain the relevant Business Registration (BR) application form according to the above business classification, and submit it to the Business Registration Office (you can choose to submit it in person at the Wan chai Revenue Tower or mail it to “Hong Kong Gloucester Road Post Office Box No. 29015”), and wait to receive the Business Registration Certificate (BR).
Fifth, to obtain the Business Registration Certificate (BR), if you come to the tax office in person, the general process will only take 30 minutes to obtain; and the application form by post or fax will generally be collected within 2 working days.
In addition to visiting the Business Registration Office in person, Business Registration (BR) can also be applied electronically online, and mailing or faxing the application form is also an acceptable delivery method.
The application method is similar, through the “e-tax” website, first select the business type; then enter the smart ID card and other information to verify the identity; according to the business information and the validity period to be selected, the business registration certificate (Business Registration, BR) collection method; Then electronically sign and pay,
Finally, you can collect it at the Business Registration Office on the specified date.
It should be noted that if you want to set up a company, you should submit an application to set up a company at the Companies Registry. Those who have just started a sole proprietorship or partnership business can directly apply for a business registration certificate (Business Registration, BR) at the Business Registration Office.
Business Registration Certificate Application Form and Required Documents
By business classification, applicants for Business Registration (BR) will need the following different supporting documents and use the relevant application forms:
Sole Proprietorship – Form 1(a)
needed file:
• A copy of the proprietor’s Hong Kong identity card;
• For non-Hong Kong residents, submit a copy of the relevant government-issued passport or resident identity card.
Corporations (all non-Hong Kong companies) – Form 1(b)
needed file:
• Register the “Company Registration Certificate” issued by the local government;
• If the original certificate is not in Chinese or English, a Chinese or English translation must be attached.
Partnership (other than limited partnership fund) – Form 1(c)
needed file:
• Copies of Hong Kong Identity Cards of all partners;
• For non-Hong Kong residents, submit a copy of the relevant government-issued passport or resident identity card.
Limited Partnership Fund – Form 1(ca)
needed file:
• A copy of the “Certificate of Incorporation” issued by the Companies Registry;
• A copy of the general partner’s Hong Kong identity card;
• For non-Hong Kong residents, a copy of the relevant government-issued passport or resident identity card;
• If the general partner is a body corporate/limited partnership fund/limited liability partnership, submit a copy of a valid business registration certificate/certificate of registration.
Other unincorporated bodies – Form 1(c)
needed file:
• Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card or Passport of Principal Officers;
• For non-Hong Kong residents, submit a copy of the relevant government-issued passport or resident identity card.
Branch Operations – Form 1(d)
No documents need to be submitted.
The above information is for reference only. If you have any questions about Business Registration (BR) and business registration, we welcome your inquiries.
