1. Do I have to obtain a licence(s) from the Government for my business?

The following list contains some examples of the types of business that require a licence. You may have to obtain other statutory licences in relation to your particular business area.

• An appropriate food licence must be obtained from the Licensing Office of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department to run a general restaurant, light refreshment restaurant, seafood restaurant, bakery, cold store, factory canteen, food factory, fresh provisions shop, frozen confectionery factory, milk factory or "siu mei" and "lo mei" shop.
• A liquor licence or club liquor licence must be obtained from the Liquor Licensing Board to sell, advertise or expose for sale, supply or possess for sale and supply liquor. More information on food or liquor licensing is available from the website of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department at http://www.fehd.gov.hk/licensing/guide.html .
• A certificate of compliance and a licence must be obtained from the Office of the Licensing Authority of the Home Affairs Department to run a club with bedspace, hotel, guesthouse or karaoke establishment. More information is available from the website of the Home Affairs Department at http://www.had.gov.hk/en/public_services/licensing/lic_main.htm .
• Registration with the relevant professional bodies is required for a company that provides professional services in areas such as law, accounting or insurance brokerage.
• All motor vehicles that are used by business organisations of any form must be registered with the Transport Department. More information is available from the website of the Transport Department at http://www.td.gov.hk/public_services/licences_and_permits/index.htm .
• Factory registration with the Trade and Industry Department is necessary for factories that manufacture products that require a certificate of origin. More information is available from the website of the Trade and Industry Department at http://www.tid.gov.hk/english/import_export/cert/cert_aboutco.html .
• Approval must be obtained from the Immigration Department to employ foreign workers (please go to the Immigration topic for further information).
• A licence must be obtained from the Education and Manpower Bureau to run an educational institute or tuition classes. More information is available from the website of the Education and Manpower Bureau at http://www.emb.gov.hk/index.aspx?nodeID=113&langno=1 .
• A licence must be obtained from the Commissioner of Customs and Excise to manufacture optical discs. More information is available from the website of the Customs and Excise Department at http://www.customs.gov.hk/eng/faq_e.html .
• Business registration – please refer to the relevant question and answer.