HK Bus Reg No. Lookup Guide How to Find These Essential Details?

Decoding Hong Kong Business Registration Numbers Where to Find These Key Details

In today's globalized economy, an increasing number of businesses and individuals are choosing to establish companies in Hong Kong. As one of the world’s leading financial centers, Hong Kong attracts a large number of investors due to its open business environment, efficient administrative system, and low tax rates. In the course of conducting business, understanding and mastering a company’s Business Registration Number BR Number has become particularly important. Whether for background checks on partners, contract signing, or tax filing, the Business Registration Number plays an indispensable role.

But what exactly is a Business Registration Number? What is its purpose? More importantly, how can we look up a company’s Business Registration Number? This article, based on recent updates and relevant information, will help you uncover the mystery behind this crucial identifier.

1. What is a Business Registration Number?

A Business Registration Number is a unique identification code issued by the Inland Revenue Department IRD of Hong Kong to every legally registered company or sole proprietorship. According to tax regulations, all businesses operating in Hong Kong must apply to the Business Registration Office under the IRD for a Business Registration Certificate and obtain a unique BR Number. This number usually consists of eight digits and is printed on the certificate, also commonly referred to as the BR Number.

This number is not only used by government agencies to identify businesses, but it is also essential for a variety of business activities, including opening bank accounts, signing contracts, filing taxes, and applying for import/export licenses.

2. Why Should You Look Up a Business Registration Number?

In recent years, with the rapid development of cross-border transactions and e-commerce, more and more businesses and individuals are engaging with Hong Kong-based companies. To ensure the legitimacy of potential partners, verifying their Business Registration Number has become a basic requirement.

For example, in mid-2025, a major mainland e-commerce platform suffered financial losses to consumers due to inadequate verification of merchant credentials, which allowed some fraudulently registered companies to operate on the platform. Following this, regulatory authorities tightened requirements for business verification, emphasizing the need to confirm information like Business Registration Numbers through official channels.

For investors considering investment or acquisition of Hong Kong-based companies, verifying the target company's business registration status is a crucial part of due diligence. Only by confirming the authenticity and validity of the registration information can potential risks be avoided.

3. How to Find a Company’s Business Registration Number?

Although the Business Registration Number is critical to a company’s operations, it is not as publicly accessible as a company name or address. Below are several common ways to locate this information

1. Check the Business Registration Certificate

The most direct method is to review the original or a copy of the company’s Business Registration Certificate. This document is typically displayed at the company’s office or provided during the initial cooperation with clients or suppliers for verification purposes.

2. Obtain from Company Documents

Many companies include their Business Registration Number on contracts, invoices, promotional materials, or their official website. If you are already a partner or client, you can retrieve this information from such formal documents.

3. Search via the Companies Registry Website

Although the Business Registration Number is not listed in the public information of the Companies Registry, you can visit the official website of the Hong Kong Companies Registry at https//www.cr.gov.hk/https//www.cr.gov.hk/ and search for a company using its name. This will provide details such as its incorporation date, company type, and operational status. While the BR Number itself won’t be displayed, this can help confirm the company’s legal existence.

4. Contact the Business Registration Office

If you are an authorized representative or have a legitimate reason to access the information, you may submit a written request to the Business Registration Office under the Inland Revenue Department. Non-authorized individuals are generally not allowed to access others' business registration details, as this is intended to protect commercial privacy.

5. Use Third-Party Service Platforms

In recent years, many professional business service providers and law firms have begun offering corporate background investigation services, including verification of business registration details. These services are particularly useful for cross-border cooperation, legal compliance, and investment activities.

4. Common Misconceptions About Business Registration Numbers

Many people mistakenly believe that the Company Registration Number CR Number is the same as the Business Registration Number. In fact, they are different. The CR Number is a unique identification code assigned by the Companies Registry to limited companies, usually consisting of seven digits. The BR Number, on the other hand, is issued by the Inland Revenue Department and is primarily used for tax administration.

Some small sole proprietors may only register for a Business Registration Certificate and have not incorporated a limited company, meaning they have a BR Number but no CR Number.

5. Conclusion

In today’s increasingly interconnected business world, having accurate Business Registration Numbers is not only a responsibility to your own business but also a safeguard for your partners. Verifying this information through official channels helps enhance transaction security and avoid unnecessary legal risks. Especially in the current climate of global economic uncertainty, ensuring the authenticity of your partners' credentials has become more important than ever.

We hope this article has helped you better understand the significance and retrieval methods of Business Registration Numbers, enabling you to navigate your business activities with greater confidence and clarity.