How to Easily Find a Hong Kong Certificate Number? A Comprehensive Guide to Help You Out!

How to Easily Find a Hong Kong Registration Number A Comprehensive Guide

In today’s society, whether it's for personal affairs or business operations, the accuracy and completeness of identification documents are crucial. Among these, Hong Kong registration numbers serve as key identifiers for individuals or businesses and are essential in many situations. For instance, they are often required for cross-border business cooperation, visa applications, bank account openings, and legal procedures.

However, for many people unfamiliar with the system, quickly and accurately locating a Hong Kong registration number can be a frustrating challenge. This article provides a detailed guide to help you easily master the skills and methods for finding Hong Kong registration numbers.

1. What is a Hong Kong Registration Number?

Firstly, let's clarify what exactly constitutes a Hong Kong registration number. According to the systems in place in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, different types of registration documents correspond to different numbering systems

HKID Hong Kong Identity Card Number Every permanent or legally resident individual in Hong Kong receives a unique identity number consisting of a letter followed by digits e.g., A123456.

Business Registration Number Assigned by the Inland Revenue Department’s Business Registration Office, this number identifies businesses registered in Hong Kong.

Company Registration Number CR Number Issued by the Companies Registry, this number uniquely identifies every registered company.

Registration Numbers from the Immigration Department These include numbers associated with employment visas, student visas, and other types of permits.

Before starting your search, determine which type of registration number you need.

2. How to Find Personal Registration Numbers

2.1 Hong Kong Identity Card Number HKID

For Hong Kong residents, the HKID is usually printed on the front of the ID card in the format of one letter followed by six digits e.g., A123456. If you’ve lost your ID card, here are some alternative ways to retrieve your HKID

Visit the Immigration Department to apply for a replacement or obtain an official certificate.

Use the iAM Smart platform to verify your identity and access your electronic ID.

Check previous official documents such as bank statements, tax records, or educational certificates that may contain your HKID.

2.2 Registration Numbers for Non-Residents

Non-residents holding visas or residence permits will have their registration information managed by the Immigration Department. Examples include

Work Visas e.g., Mainland Talent Scheme The number is typically found on the approval letter or visa label issued by the department.

Student Visas The number appears on the entry permit or visa sticker.

Other Residence Permits Such as dependent visas or entrepreneurial visas, also include unique identification numbers.

If you cannot locate the number, visit the Immigration Department’s official website or contact their office directly for assistance.

3. How to Find Business Registration Numbers

For businesses operating in Hong Kong, two primary departments issue registration numbers the Inland Revenue Department and the Companies Registry.

3.1 Business Registration Number BR Number

Issued by the Inland Revenue Department, this 8-digit number is printed on both paper and electronic versions of the Business Registration Certificate. As a business owner or authorized representative, you can

Log in to the Inland Revenue Department’s online Business Registration service to search by company name or reference number.

Check past tax filings, invoices, or contracts, where the BR number is usually listed.

Apply for a replacement if the certificate has been lost.

3.2 Company Registration Number CR Number

This 7-digit number is issued by the Companies Registry and serves as the company’s legal identifier. You can find it in the following locations

On the Certificate of Incorporation.

In annual reports Form NAR1.

On company chops, bank account details, and formal contracts.

You can also use the Companies Registry’s online search center to look up the CR number by company name. Additionally, the recent introduction of the CR e-Filing service allows users to submit documents and retrieve information electronically, significantly improving efficiency.

4. Using Official Platforms and Tools for Efficiency

With the acceleration of digital transformation, Hong Kong has launched several online platforms to streamline the process of accessing registration information.

GovHK One-stop Government Portal This portal connects users to services provided by various departments, including the Business Registration Office, Companies Registry, and Immigration Department.

iAM Smart A digital identity platform that allows users to securely access government services and view personal registration details after completing real-name verification.

Companies Registry Search Centre Allows members of the public to search for company details using the company name or registration number, useful for verifying business credentials in scenarios like partnerships or legal matters.

5. What to Do If You Encounter Difficulties?

During the process, you may encounter issues such as

Lost documents or unclear information.

Outdated registration data due to unreported changes.

Lack of authorization when acting on someone else’s behalf.

Mistakes caused by unfamiliarity with the process.

To address these challenges

Keep digital backups of important documents to prevent loss.

Regularly update registration information, especially after changes such as company address, directors, or business scope.

Ensure you have proper authorization if acting on behalf of another person or entity.

Seek assistance from professional service providers-such as lawyers, accountants, or secretarial firms-if dealing with complex cases.

6. Conclusion

Finding a Hong Kong registration number doesn’t have to be complicated. The key lies in identifying the correct type of information you need and choosing the appropriate channel. Whether you're an individual or a business, mastering the right approach enables efficient and accurate retrieval of registration details.

We hope this guide offers you practical insights and helps you handle related tasks more confidently and effectively.