One-stop company registration in Dubai services

• Country: Hong Kong
• Services: Company formation
• Rating Count: 75
• Rating Value: 4.8

If you’re starting your global business journey with a Hong Kong company, understanding your company’s identification number isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. 

In this guide, our business experts will break down everything you need to know about the Business Registration Number (BRN), its conversion to the new Unique Business Identifier (UBI), and what that means for your company. 

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to manage your Hong Kong company more confidently and efficiently. 

The transition from BRN to UBI 

Starting December 27, 2023, Hong Kong began transitioning from the BRN to the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) system. 

Why? To unify business identification codes across all government departments and make digital interactions smoother. 

Here’s what you need to know: 

• Newly incorporated companies will automatically receive a UBI. 
• UBI is the BRN in function; it’s just more integrated. 
• Existing companies will have their BRNs automatically converted to UBIs. 
• You’ll need to use your UBI when dealing with any Hong Kong government agency. 

In this article, we’ll use BRN and UBI interchangeably to refer to your company’s business registration number. 

What Is a BRN (Business Registration Number)? 

The Business Registration Number (BRN) is a unique ID assigned to every business operating in Hong Kong by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). 

Think of it as your company’s “identity card.” Without it, you can’t legally conduct most business activities in Hong Kong. 

In short, your BRN/UBI has three main traits: 

• It is mandatory for every business structure, from sole proprietors to multinational corporations.
• It is issued by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). 
• It is used for all official interactions with the government.

BRN example from the IRD 

Why does a BRN/UBI matter in Hong Kong? 

Your BRN isn’t just a number. It’s the key that allows your Hong Kong company to operate legally, open bank accounts, and access essential services. 

Here’s what you can do once you have it: 

Every registered business must include its BRN on official tax filings and correspondence. It’s also used to identify your business clearly and distinguish it from others, keeping your operations transparent and compliant. 

Who needs to register for a BRN/UBI in Hong Kong? 

If your business earns income or operates for profit in Hong Kong, you must register and have a BRN/UBI. This includes: 

• All profit-generating businesses (trade, manufacturing, professional services, freelancing, clubs with income activities). 
• Any legal entity registered under the Companies Ordinance, even if it operates outside Hong Kong. 
• Foreign companies with a presence in Hong Kong (offices, branches, etc.). 
• Foreign entities leasing property or having a representative office in Hong Kong.
• Open-ended fund companies (OFCs) registered or re-domiciled under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571). 

What happens if you don’t register for a BRN/UBI? 

Operating without a valid BRN or UBI is a direct violation of Hong Kong’s Business Registration Ordinance (BRO). 

Here are the penalties: 

• Fine up to HKD 5,000. 
• Imprisonment up to 1 year.

Under Cap. 310, businesses must register within one month of the date operations begin.

If you register more than 12 months late, you’ll also need to: 

Pay all outstanding registration fees and penalties for past years (under Section 7(3)). 

How to find your Hong Kong company’s BRN or UBI 

You can locate your company’s BRN/UBI through these sources: 

Business Registration Certificate (BRC) 

• The BRC is issued by the IRD. 
• Your BRN/UBI appears clearly on the certificate. 

You should keep the original in a safe place. 

Official IRD Documents 

Tax returns, assessment notices, and correspondence from the IRD. 

eTax Portal 

• Log in to your eTax account. 
• Check and download your company’s registration info. 

Government Website 

Visit gov.hk’s BRN enquiry service and enter your company name to search for your BRN/UBI.

How to get a UBI for your Hong Kong company (The right way) 

To obtain a BRN or UBI, you’ll need to first incorporate your company in Hong Kong properly. ExportHelp can assist you through every step: 

• 1

  Incorporate

• 2

  Receive your business

Ready to get your Hong Kong BRN/UBI with us? 

Registering for a BRN/UBI is a mandatory step for running your business legally in Hong Kong and staying connected with government agencies. 

There isn’t a shortcut to mastering BRN and UBI in Hong Kong. 

But the businesses that stay compliant and scale fast all share three things in common:

• A proper company setup that meets Hong Kong’s legal standards. 
• Accurate BRN/UBI registration and up-to-date records with the IRD. 
• Reliable local support to manage filings, renewals, and compliance. 

Get these right, and you’re not just checking a box for government requirements. You’re building a strong foundation for trust, tax compliance, and international growth.

Want to make sure your Hong Kong company is set up the right way? We can help you from A to Z:

• Open a company in Hong Kong legally, fast with our one-stop support
• Get a reliable, experienced company secretary with our corporate secretarial service
• Support in opening your business bank accounts;
• Get an affordable, professional registered office address for your business;
• Support to open, authenticate, and manage Stripe and PayPal Business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S;
• Handle all your tax accounting needs, timely annual filings, auditing, and more.

Whether you’re a solopreneur, startup, or scaling business, we’ll make sure your Hong Kong setup is fully compliant, optimized, and affordable.

FAQs about Hong Kong BRN/UBI 

• Services: DUNS registration
• Rating Count: 49
• Rating Value: 5

The good news is you do not need a Duns number if you create a Google Developer account for personal use.

The not-so-bad news? You must have a Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) number for your company/your organization.

The great news? Obtaining your DUNS number is straightforward and can be completed in just a few steps with the assistance of our experts.

A client our DUNS team helped during the requirement period from the Google Play Console

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• Why Google requires a D-U-N-S® number for identity verification;
• The new verification process during your business Google Developer creation;
• How to get DUNS for your company’s Google Developer Account (with our expert support).

Let’s get into it.

What is the DUNS number for Google Developers, and why do you need it?

The D-U-N-S® number is a unique business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). 

You can think of it as a digital fingerprint for your company,  one that proves your business is legitimate, registered, and trustworthy.

Google uses this number to verify your organization’s identity during processes like Google Developer registration, Play Console, or Advertiser verification.

The DUNS number helps

1. Google matches your submitted info to official business records.
2. Google team checks it to assess your applications faster.

But it’s not just a Google thing.

The DUNS number is used worldwide, by Apple (Apple Developer Program), TikTok (Pangle account), Amazon, Microsoft, LinkedIn, Walmart, and even government agencies in the U.S., U.K., and EU for vendor registration, app publishing, and procurement.

If you're a developer, startup, or business owner looking to scale, whether it’s launching an app, expanding internationally, or landing B2B contracts, getting a DUNS number is a smart, future-proof move. It can take you a long way in your growth journey.

How to create a Developer account for your company? (The new process)

Now that you understand the importance of having a DUNS number, let’s first discover what information you must have to create your organization’s Google Developer account.

A Duns number is essential to have your  company’s Google Play Console verified

Your organization’s information helps Google verify your identity and keep users safe. Before starting, make sure you have the following information ready.

The new process of creating a Google Developer account for an organization

After submitting your information, Google will ask you to verify your:

• Organization name and address (via Google Payments profile)
• Emails and phone numbers (using one-time passwords)
• Your account can’t publish apps until verification is complete

To improve transparency and user trust, Google will display publicly on your developer profile:

1. Legal name;
2. Legal address;
3. Developer email address;
4. Developer phone number.

These details help users confirm they’re downloading from a legitimate source. In addition, your contact and developer emails and phone numbers must:

• Stay active and accessible at all times.
• Be verified using OTP;
• Be updated immediately if your organization’s contacts change.

How to get a DUNS number for your Google Play Console account?

The final step before publishing on Google Play is verifying your organization’s identity.

If you haven’t submitted your official business documents or D-U-N-S® Number, Google may place your verification on hold.

Global Link Asia Consulting will help you get your D-U-N-S® Number ready with our experts.

We simplify the process for global businesses, ensuring your Google Developer Account verification runs smoothly and efficiently.

• 1

  Step 1: Initial consultation

• 2

  Step 2: Document preparation

• 3

  Step 3: Submission to Dun and Bradstreet

• 4

  Step 4: D-U-N-S® Number issuance

Ready to verify your Google Developer Account?

If you’re a mobile game studio, software company, or tech firm planning to publish apps on Google Play, Global Link Asia Consulting can help you:

• Obtain your D-U-N-S® Number quickly
• Complete all verification steps correctly
• Get your developer account ready for approval

 Contact Global Link Asia Consulting today to simplify your D-U-N-S® registration and unlock your Google Developer Account.

FAQ about registering a Google Developer account

• Country: Hong Kong
• Services: Company formation
• Rating Count: 33
• Rating Value: 5

Most businesses assume the SFC license in Hong Kong only matters for big finance players. That’s the myth. 2025 compliance is a different landscape. Tighter regulations. Stricter audits. And penalties that can halt operations overnight.

It’s not just banks or hedge funds; fintech startups, asset managers, and even smaller advisory firms are now on the hook. Yet many teams still treat licensing as a box to tick later. 

In Hong Kong, licensing isn’t background paperwork. It’s the gatekeeper to your business staying open. This guide breaks down what the SFRC license is, who needs it, and why acting now protects your 2025 growth.

A short overview of the finance landscape in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s financial system is tightly governed,  and it matters for anyone entering the market. The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is the main regulator overseeing ‘securities’ and ‘futures’ activities under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571).

It also shares oversight of banks classified as ‘registered institutions.’ But primary supervision of those banks falls to the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) under the Banking Ordinance (Cap. 155).

For overseas financial institutions or foreigners opening a company in Hong Kong offering their Fintech, financial products/services, the key takeaway is clear: To operate in Hong Kong, you must understand the regulatory landscape, meet licensing requirements for Regulated Activity (RA), and follow the procedures set by the SFC and HKMA.

What is an SFC license?

An SFC license is an official permit issued by Hong Kong’s Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). It authorizes companies and individuals to carry out regulated activities (RA) in the securities and futures industry. Both local and foreign businesses need an SFC license to stay compliant, unless they meet specific exemptions.

12 types of regulated activities  that need licensing

Use the list below to understand the categories defined under the Securities and Futures Ordinance for businesses operating in Hong Kong’s securities and futures markets.  These are the activities that require licensing or registration with the SFC. 

If your company in Hong Kong offers business activities that resemble the regulated activities by the SFC, you must apply for a license.

When do SFC exemptions apply?

Not every business operating around securities or futures in Hong Kong needs an SFC license. So before you spend time and money applying, let’s be clear about when exemptions actually apply.

The 2 common exemptions from SFC licensing are group company exemptions and incidental exemptions.

Group company exemptions

Group company exemptions are the most common. A Hong Kong firm providing Type 4 (Advising on Securities) or Type 9 (Asset Management) services only to:

• It's 100% parent company
• Its wholly owned subsidiaries
• Other wholly owned subsidiaries of that parent

They qualify to skip a separate license. Because the SFC recognizes that regulated activities within a single corporate family don’t carry the same third-party risks.

If third-party money is involved, like managing a fund, even intra-group Type 9 activities won’t be exempt.

Imagine Harbor Capital Asia, a wholly owned subsidiary of Harbor Group Holdings, a global asset manager. Harbor Capital Asia manages portfolios exclusively for its parent company’s internal funds and for two other Harbor subsidiaries, with no outside investors.  Because all activity stays within the corporate family and no third-party money is involved, they qualify for the intra-group exemption and don’t need a separate Type 9 license.

Incidental exemptions

Incidental exemptions are another key area. Sometimes, one license lets you carry out closely related activities without needing a second one.

For example:

• A Type 1 (Dealing in Securities) licensee can also handle Type 4 (Advising on Securities) or Type 9 (Asset Management) if those are incidental to its main business.
• A Type 9 (Asset Management) licensee can carry out Type 1, Type 2 (Futures), Type 4, and Type 5 (Futures Advising) if these services are part of managing a client’s assets.
• Expanded permissions for Type 3 (Leveraged FX Trading) and Type 12 (OTC Clearing) aren’t active yet and await SFC guidance before relying on them.

 Consider Pearl Bay Investments, a Hong Kong asset manager holding a Type 9 license.  One of its institutional clients asks Pearl Bay to execute a small number of securities trades directly related to the portfolios Pearl already manages.

Instead of applying for a separate Type 1 license, Pearl Bay can rely on the incidental exemption: those trades are a necessary part of delivering its core asset management service.  By using this exemption properly, Pearl Bay saves time and compliance costs while staying fully within SFC rules.

Requirements for an SFC license

To help you get the license, our incorporation experts prepare a summary of what you need before applying. Each item is a foundation for smooth approval and long-term regulatory health.

These requirements below include, but are not limited to (Since each company must submit other documents based on their company activities, shareholding,  each depends on the SFC boards upon examination):

How to get your company's SFC license in 5 steps

• 1

  Step 1: Set up your Hong Kong company

• 2

  Step 2: Identify the regulated activities

• 3

  Step 3: Meet core requirements

• 4

  Step 4: Prepare and submit a strong application

• 5

  Step 5: Get approved and stay compliant

Is getting an SFC license worth it?

It should be pretty clear now: securing an SFC license in Hong Kong is complex, and it’s not necessarily the right move for every business immediately.

If you do not have 

• A well-defined, regulated-activity model;
• Qualified personnel and strong compliance structures;
• Enough resources for setup and ongoing obligations.

It may make sense to delay. For others, the risk of operating without a license or misinterpreting exemptions simply isn’t worth it.

For now, you should focus on validating your business model, building internal capacity, and ensuring you meet the core requirements.

When you’re ready, you can apply with confidence. Global Link Asia Consulting and our experts are here to support you. 

Global Link Asia Consulting will be your Hong Kong business partner, the one that helps you simplify complexity, reduce risk, and position your company for success from day one.

• Open a company in Hong Kong legally, fast with our one-stop support
• Get a reliable, experienced company secretary with our corporate secretarial service
• Support in opening your business bank accounts;
• Get an affordable, professional registered office address for your business;
• Support to open, authenticate, and manage Stripe and PayPal Business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S;
• Handle all your tax accounting needs, timely annual filings, auditing, and more.

FAQs about declaring company dormancy

Giấy phép kinh doanh là yêu cầu bắt buộc để kinh doanh thành công tại Mỹ, nhưng không phải công ty Mỹ nào cũng cần giấy phép.

Luật liên bang, tiểu bang và thành phố ở Mỹ rất khác nhau. Một số loại hình kinh doanh có thể hoạt động mà không cần giấy phép cụ thể, trong khi số khác bắt buộc phải đăng ký ngay từ khi mở công ty.

Sai một bước, Doanh nghiệp mất thời gian, tiền bạc và cơ hội mở rộng, tương tự như nhiều khách hàng chuyển dịch vụ sang Global Link Asia Consulting để khắc phục sự cố.

Hướng dẫn tổng quát sau đây sẽ giúp Doanh nghiệp  xác định chính xác khi nào phải đăng ký, giấy phép nào cần cho từng ngành và cách tiết kiệm chi phí trong năm 2025.

Giấy phép kinh doanh ở Mỹ là gì?

Yêu cầu nộp giấy phép phục thuộc vào địa điểm hoạt động công ty và yêu cầu chính phủ

Theo định nghĩa của cơ quan quản lý doanh nghiệp Mỹ (Small Business Administration (“SBA”)), đăng ký giấy phép là yêu cầu bắt buộc.

Giấy phép kinh doanh Mỹ là giấy phép chính thức cho phép một công ty hoạt động trong một lĩnh vực, một khu vực địa lý nhất định, do chính quyền địa phương, tiểu bang hoặc liên bang Mỹ cấp.

Phạm vi của giấy phép này phụ thuộc vào loại hình kinh doanh, vị trí và các quy định của ngành.

Ví dụ, một nhà hàng mở tại North Dakota cần giấy phép vệ sinh an toàn thực phẩm, giấy phép bán rượu và giấy phép kinh doanh để hoạt động trong tiểu bang North Dakota. Nếu nhà hàng sở hữu một trang trại trăn nuôi động vật lấy thịt, nhà hàng cũng cần có giấy phép chăn nuôi từ bộ Nông nghiệp Mỹ USDA.

Trong khi đó, một nhà thiết kế đồ họa tự do chỉ cần giấy phép cơ bản để cung cấp dịch vụ hợp pháp tại nhà nếu chọn mở công ty tư nhân.

Một giấy phép đúng chuẩn cần đáp ứng 3 chuẩn mực sau:

• Đảm bảo công ty tuân thủ luật pháp và quy định;
• Giúp chính quyền quản lý và giám sát doanh nghiệp hằng năm;
• Tạo uy tín cho doanh nghiệp

Có bao nhiêu loại giấy phép kinh doanh? 

Doanh nghiệp thành lập công ty tại Mỹ sẽ cần 1 trong 4 loại giấy phép sau: Giấy phép liên bang, giấy phép tiểu bang, giấy phép của địa phương (chính quyền thành phố, quận) và giấy phép kinh doanh tại nhà. 

Các chủ doanh nghiệp thành lập công ty tại Mỹ cần kiểm tra xem mình cần giấy phép nào từ chính phủ liên bang Mỹ và chỉnh phủ tiêu bang như Delaware, Texas, California  tại nơi mình mở công ty.

Giấy phép kinh doanh, vận hành cấp liên bang

Các doanh nghiệp mở công ty ở Mỹ cần kết hợp giấy phép từ cả cơ quan liên bang và tiểu bang. 

Nếu hoạt động kinh doanh của công ty thuộc lĩnh vực do cơ quan liên bang quản lý, Doanh nghiệp phải xin giấy phép hoặc giấy tờ phù hợp từ cơ quan quản lý cấp liên bang tại Mỹ.

Giấy phép kinh doanh từ cơ quan USDA trong lĩnh vực Nông nghiệp Mỹ cho từng chuyên môn

Các lĩnh vực kinh doanh công ty Mỹ cần đăng ký giấy phép từ cơ quan chính phủ liên bang bao gồm, nhưng không giới hạn ở các lĩnh vực trong bảng dưới đây:

Giấy phép kinh doanh, vận hành cấp tiểu bang

Các giấy phép và giấy tờ công ty Mỹ cần từ tiểu bang, quận hoặc thành phố sẽ phụ thuộc vào loại hình kinh doanh và địa điểm hoạt động trong tiểu bang đó.  Phí cấp giấy phép kinh doanh sẽ khác nhau tùy tiểu bang.

Tiểu bang thường quản lý phạm vi hoạt động rộng hơn so với liên bang. Một số loại hình kinh doanh phổ biến được quản lý ở cấp địa phương gồm:

• Xây dựng;
• Giặt khô;
• Nông nghiệp;
• Hệ thống ống nước;
• Nhà hàng;
• Bán lẻ;
• Máy bán hàng tự động;
• Lĩnh vực liên qua chuyên môn như bác sĩ chuyên khoa, kiến trúc sư, luật sư, nha khoa, sửa chữa ô tô.

Một số giấy phép và giấy tờ sẽ hết hạn sau một thời gian nhất định. Ví dụ, gấy phép hành nghề chuyên môn tại Delaware, chẳng hạn như giấy phép cho quản lý viện dưỡng lão (nursing home administrators), yêu cầu gia hạn hai năm một lần (biennial renewal).

Bên cạnh đó, Doanh nghiệp cũng cần lưu ý kiểm tra xem công ty có cần các giấy phép, giấy chứng nhận về thuế để làm việc với các cơ quan thuế tiểu bang (Resales certificate).

Kinh nghiệm của chuyên gia Global Link Asia Consutling cho thấy quy trình gia hạn giấy phép thường dễ hơn xin giấy phép mới. Vì vậy. chủ doanh nghiệp nên lưu ý về thời hạn gia hạn giấy phép để việc duy trì kinh doanh dễ dàng hơn.

Giấy phép và giấy tờ của địa phương

1 loại giấy phép khác cũng không kém phần quan trọng khi kinh doanh là giấy phép địa phương

Do chính quyền thành phố hoặc quận cấp, thường phụ thuộc vào loại hình và vị trí kinh doanh. Ví dụ:

• Giấy phép kinh doanh chung: Bắt buộc với hầu hết doanh nghiệp để hoạt động hợp pháp;
• Giấy phép quy hoạch (Zoning permit): Đảm bảo doanh nghiệp tuân thủ quy định về phân khu;
• Giấy phép xây dựng: Yêu cầu khi xây mới hoặc sửa chữa không gian kinh doanh;
• Giấy phép bảng hiệu: Quy định kích thước, kiểu dáng và vị trí biển quảng cáo;
• Giấy phép y tế: Dành cho nhà hàng, dịch vụ y tế hoặc ngành ảnh hưởng sức khỏe cộng đồng;
• Giấy phép phòng cháy chữa cháy: Cần thiết nếu doanh nghiệp sử dụng vật liệu dễ cháy hoặc có số lượng người ra vào lớn.

Zoning permit từ Wyoming County, New York

Giấy phép kinh doanh tại nhà

Nếu chủ doanh nghiệp đang sinh sống tại Mỹ có ý định kinh doanh ngay từ căn nhà của mình, công ty sẽ cần đăng ký 1 loại giấy phép đặc biệt để được vận hành kinh doanh.

Giấy phép kinh doanh tại nhà (Home occupation permit) cho phép công ty hoạt đọng tại nhà chủ công ty với điều kiện công ty đáp ứng yêu cầu đăng ký như lĩnh vực kinh doanh cho phép, mức độ tiếng ồn tối thiểu, số lượng nhân sự, vùng sinh sống, và địa chỉ ở.

Đăng ký giấy phép kinh doanh tại nhà tại District of Columbia DC Mỹ

GLAC hỗ trợ bạn đăng ký giấy phép kinh doanh cho công ty Mỹ như thế nào? 

Doanh nghiệp hoàn toàn có thể tự mình xin giấy phép kinh doanh. Tuy nhiên, công ty có thể gặp rủi ro bị từ chối hoặc không xin đủ các loại giấy phép cần thiết.

Global Link Asia Consulting hỗ trợ doanh nghiệp chuẩn bị hồ sơ và đảm bảo công ty nhận đúng giấy phép theo yêu cầu pháp lý sau khi thành lập công ty tại Mỹ.

• 1

  Bước 1: Xác định yêu cầu cụ thể

• 2

  Bước 2: Thu thập tài liệu 

• 3

  Bước 3: Hoàn thiện đơn đăng ký 

• 4

  Bước 5: Lên lịch kiểm tra 

• Country: Hong Kong
• Services: Tax - Accounting
• Rating Count: 567
• Rating Value: 5

When 2025 rolls in and your company closes its books, two things matter:

• Compliance with Hong Kong’s Companies Ordinance and Inland Revenue rules;
• Confidence from investors, banks, and partners.

Most companies meet one of those. Very few consistently achieve both. And that’s the risk.

According to our company Hong Kong CPAs, nearly 40% of already-established Hong Kong companies, owned by foreigners, missed this critical knowledge and sought our support after receiving a court summons.

Below is the case of one of the clients we helped. He received a court summons from the Hong Kong Eastern Magistrate’s Courts for failing to comply with the company audit and Profit tax return preparation.

We had to step in, secure all documents from his previous corporate service provider, and communicate with CR, IRD, and the court to help him reduce the penalty and comply with the laws.

Our customer story and how we helped

In this guide, you will learn, with insight from IRD-approved auditors that we partner with:

• Who really needs an audit in Hong Kong this year
• Key deadlines, exemptions, and costs you must know
• Step-by-step process to manage your company audit without a headache

Let’s break it down.

Overview of the Hong Kong auditing regulations

What is an audit for a Hong Kong company?

An audit in Hong Kong is a compulsory formal review of your company’s financial statements by a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Under Hong Kong’s Companies Ordinance (CO) Part 9 Accounts and Audit, every Hong Kong-incorporated company, except those officially declared dormant, must have its financial statements audited each year.

In addition, the Inland Revenue Ordinance (IRO) requires corporations to submit audited financial statements and an auditor’s report as supplementary documents when filing their Profits Tax Return (PTR).

The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and Companies Ordinance require this to:

• Verify accuracy – Make sure your reported profits, taxes, and records match reality;
• Ensure compliance – Confirm your company is following Hong Kong tax and corporate laws;
• Build trust – Provide investors, banks, and partners with reliable, unbiased numbers.

The audit is performed by an independent CPA. This third-party check prevents internal bias or miscalculations.

Who needs auditing in Hong Kong (and who doesn’t need?) 

Not every business in Hong Kong has to go through a full audit. But most do.

Here’s how it breaks down:

When do you submit your company audit and tax documents to IRD?

After your audit, you must submit your audited financial statements, tax computation, and PTR. 

First PTR: Issued 18 months after incorporation.The exact compliance date is printed on page 1 of your PTR—always double-check to avoid late filing.

If you need extra time to file tax returns, you can apply for an extension through your auditor or tax representative like Global Link Asia Consulting.

Let’s say your company was incorporated on January 1, 2024.TR would be issued by the IRD around June 2025 (18 months after incorporation). 

Small company exemptions: How to qualify for simplified reporting

If your company qualifies as a “small private company”, “eligible group,” or “dormant entity,” you may be able to:

• Reduce audit fees by 15–30%;
• Prepare much simpler financial statements;
• Avoid full disclosures under HKFRS;
• Minimize regulatory workload and review time.

But before you apply, you need to meet the size tests and follow the right approval process.

Global Link Asia Consulting recently reviewed a Hong Kong-based e-commerce company with low operating costs and a lean team.

At first glance, they assumed they were too “active” to qualify for small company reporting exemptions.

But after checking their latest financials, we found they easily met the threshold. 

The result? They qualified, and with that came a 25% reduction in their annual audit fees and simplified filing requirements for both directors and the tax team

To see if your company qualifies, you can use our qualification matrix here:

How to choose an audit service in Hong Kong

Once you know if your company in Hong Kong needs an audit or not. It is time you found an audit service. 

Your auditor must be external and independent, but beyond that, the right choice can save you time, money, and headaches.

Key factors you must consider are licensing, cost, and industry expertise.

Document required for your Hong Kong company audit

Audits aren’t just about numbers on a page. Missing or incomplete paperwork is one of the fastest ways to delay your audit or invite unnecessary scrutiny.

Staying organised makes the entire process faster, smoother, and less stressful. Here’s exactly the documents you need to prepare for the Hong Kong auditors.

Once your auditor receives these documents, they’ll review the statements and supporting records, then provide their professional opinion on accuracy and compliance. 

Proper preparation ensures your audit is handled efficiently and without surprises.

Step-by-step process for auditing with us

If you’re ready to audit your company, knowing what to expect can make the process far smoother and less stressful.

The steps below break down exactly how to stay audit-ready, file correctly, and optimize your tax position with Global Link Asia Consulting.

• 1

  Receive your quote

• 2

  Prepare for your company audit

• 3

  Maximize offshore exemptions

• 4

  Complete annual tax filing correctly

What audit non-compliance actually costs (Real penalty case)

Failing to comply with audit requirements in Hong Kong is expensive. And regulators are cracking down harder than ever.

Here are some real examples that you should know to see that Hong Kong takes audit requirements seriously.

Are you ready to get your Hong Kong company’s financial statement audited?

In Hong Kong, audits don’t just keep you legal, they shape how investors, banks, and tax authorities view your company’s credibility.

And right now, staying compliant is easier than ever. The rules are clear, and reliable CPAs are ready to handle the heavy lifting.

The process above gives you the direction. Run every step, and stay audit-ready year after year.

And if you need help, you can always count on us. Give us a call or send us an email, and our auditing and accounting experts will get back to you straight away to make sure everything is handled seamlessly.

With 10 years of expertise helping hundreds of Hong Kong companies comply and grow over the years, we know how to help your Hong Kong company create a breakthrough in the global market.

• Register a company in Hong Kong;
• Open a corporate bank account in Hong Kong with a 99% success rate;
• Choose the right company types for tax optimization in Singapore;
• Consular legalize all your Hong Kong important documents
  Apply for Singapore business licenses;
• Get an affordable, professional registered office address for business;
• Support to open, authenticate, and manage Stripe Paypal Business in Singapore, Hong Kong, and the U.S;
• Handle all your Hong Kong tax accounting needs, timely annual filings, auditing, and more.

FAQs about Hong Kong company auditing