What Is a Hong Kong Company Reg. No.? All Details You Need to Know!

What Exactly is a Hong Kong Company Number? Everything You Need to Know!

When registering or operating a company in Hong Kong, you will inevitably come across a crucial numeric identifier the Company Number. Whether you are an entrepreneur, freelancer, or business owner looking to expand into Hong Kong, understanding this number and its function is fundamental to conducting business in the region.

1. What is a Hong Kong Company Number?

A Hong Kong Company Number, commonly referred to as the company registration number, is a unique identification code automatically assigned by the Companies Registry upon formal incorporation of a business. It typically consists of seven digits, such as 1234567. This number serves as the ID card for every legally registered company in Hong Kong, used to distinguish one business entity from another within official systems.

Whether dealing with banks, filing tax returns, or signing contracts with other businesses, the Company Number plays an essential role in verifying your company’s identity.

2. What Is the Purpose of a Company Number?

1. Proof of Legal Identity

Having a Company Number indicates that the company has been reviewed and officially approved by the Companies Registry, confirming its legal right to operate. It represents the legal status of the business.

2. Basis for Administrative Procedures

When communicating with government departments such as the Inland Revenue Department, Labour Department, or Customs, the Company Number is a key piece of information used to verify the company's legitimacy. For example, it is required when filing taxes, applying for subsidies, or obtaining import/export licenses.

3. Required for Opening a Bank Account

Banks typically require a Company Number when setting up a corporate bank account, as part of their due diligence to confirm the authenticity of the business.

4. Essential for Contracts and Business Transactions

In formal commercial contracts, both parties usually include their respective Company Numbers to ensure the legality and traceability of the agreement.

5. Public Access to Corporate Information

The public can search for basic company details-such as incorporation date, director information, and liquidation records-through the Companies Registry online platform cr.gov.hk using the Company Number.

3. How Do You Obtain a Company Number?

Upon successful completion of the company registration process, the Companies Registry will issue a Certificate of Incorporation, clearly stating your Company Number. You will also find this number on the following documents

Business Registration Certificate

Articles of Association

Company Seal

Official Correspondence Letters

If you registered your company through a professional agency, they will provide you with the Company Number and assist in keeping related documents secure.

4. Difference Between Company Number and Business Registration Number

Many people confuse the Company Number with the Business Registration Number BRN. Although both are important identifiers for business operations, they serve different purposes

Feature Company Number Business Registration Number

Issuing Authority Companies Registry Inland Revenue Department

Format Usually 7-digit number e.g., 1234567 Typically 8 characters including letters e.g., 1234567A

Use Case Identifies legal entity Used for tax and business registration

Mandatory Yes Yes

Publicly Accessible Yes No, unless voluntarily disclosed

In simple terms, the Company Number acts like a birth certificate for your company, while the Business Registration Number functions more like a business license. Both are essential for legal operation.

5. Can a Company Number Be Changed or Cancelled?

Once issued, a Company Number remains unchanged permanently. Even if the company changes its name, shareholders, or directors, the number stays the same. The only circumstances under which a Company Number is removed are when the company is formally deregistered or undergoes winding-up proceedings. If you acquire a company-whether through full purchase or partial shareholding-the existing Company Number continues to apply.

6. Recent News and Background

According to data released by the Companies Registry at the end of 2025, as of the third quarter of that year, the total number of registered companies in Hong Kong exceeded 1.4 million, with approximately 90,000 to 100,000 new registrations annually. With global economic recovery and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, increasing numbers of mainland Chinese and international investors are choosing to establish businesses in Hong Kong.

To enhance corporate compliance efficiency, the Companies Registry has continued to streamline electronic submission processes and strengthen transparency mechanisms since early 2025. These reforms mean that the use and verification of Company Numbers will become more frequent and stringent in the future.

7. Conclusion

A Hong Kong Company Number is far more than just a sequence of digits-it is the foundation of any business operating in Hong Kong. From daily operations and financial matters to long-term strategic planning, understanding and correctly using your Company Number is vital for every business owner.

We hope this guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of what a Hong Kong Company Number is, how it works, and why it matters. Armed with this knowledge, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the challenges of starting or investing in a business in Hong Kong.