Q & A for Application for Business Registration Documents

What is the Public Search Purpose?

A public search refers to an application made by any person to the Commissioner under section 19 or 19A of the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310), requesting the Commissioner to supply copies of business registration documents and / or extracts of information on the Business Register. A Public Search Purpose refers to the purpose of making available business registration particulars which is specified in section 19B, i.e. to enable any person to ascertain whether a business is registered under the Business Registration Ordinance and the particulars of the businesses so registered.

I am now claiming for the unpaid wages from my employer and need to apply for an extract of information of the related business on the Business Register to ascertain the details of the business registered under the Business Registration Ordinance. Is this application compatible with the Public Search Purpose?

The application is compatible with the Public Search Purpose. You are reminded that the documents / information obtained from the application can only be used for the activities relating to the Public Search Purpose. In addition, if the extract of information is related to a sole proprietorship or partnership, you must comply with the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) in respect of the use of personal data and shall not use such personal data for any purposes other than the Public Search Purpose or any purposes not directly related to the Public Search Purpose.

I intend to enter into a contract with a new supplier and therefore need to apply for an extract of information of the related business on the business register. Does this application conform with the Public Search Purpose?

The purpose of the public search service is to enable any person to ascertain whether a business has been registered and the details of the registered business, so that the applicant can know with whom (i.e. the business operator) he / she is transacting. Therefore, your application can be regarded as a matter within the Public Search Purpose.

If the extract of information is related to a sole proprietorship or partnership, you must comply with the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) in respect of the use of personal data and shall not use such personal data for any purposes other than the Public Search Purpose or any purposes not directly related to the Public Search Purpose.

What has to be provided when making an application for electronic / certified extract of information of a sole proprietorship or partnership on the Business Register?

To enhance protection of personal data privacy, the person applying for the extract is required to provide his / her particulars and to declare that:

the information obtained from the application will only be used for activities relating to the purpose stipulated in the Business Registration Ordinance; and
the personal data obtained from the application will be used in a manner consistent with the provisions of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.

What are the advantages of the online application for duplicate Business / Branch Registration Certificate ("Duplicate Registration Certificate") via GovHK (www.gov.hk/br)?

After completing online application for Duplicate Registration Certificate via GovHK, the duplicate (in PDF format) will be available for instant download.

Besides, applicants can view, print (with the size option as “Actual Size”) or download the Duplicate Registration Certificates within 2 months from the date of successful application.

Can I request a Duplicate Registration Certificate in paper form if I make an online application via GovHK (www.gov.hk/br)?

No. Duplicate Registration Certificates for online applications will be issued only in electronic form.

What is the difference between the Duplicate Registration Certificate issued by the Business Registration Office (“BRO”) and an electronic Business Registration Certificate issued by the Companies Registry under the one-stop company incorporation and business registration regime?

An explicit statement “Duplicate certificate issued under regulation 5(2) of Business Registration Regulations (Cap. 310A)” together with a reference number will be printed on the new Duplicate Registration Certificate issued by the BRO.

You may download the following specimens for reference:

Duplicate Registration Certificate issued by the BRO
For applications made on or after 12 November 2012
For applications made before 12 November 2012
Electronic Business Registration Certificate issued by the Companies Registry under the one-stop company incorporation and business registration regime

How can I know whether my online application for certified copy of valid Business / Branch Registration Certificates submitted via GovHK (www.gov.hk/br) is successful?

You can check the result on GovHK by logging into the function “View and Download Previously Applied Duplicate Business / Branch Registration Certificate and / or Notification of Unsuccessful Cases” with your Transaction Reference Number and Applicant’s Name after 10:00 a.m. on the next calendar day of your application and within 2 months thereafter. All certified copies, successfully applied, will be issued in accordance with your selected delivery option. Unsuccessful cases will be listed in the “Notification of Unsuccessful Cases”.

How can I make the payment for application for business registration documents via GovHK (www.gov.hk/br)?

You can pay the application fee for business registration documents by credit card (JCB, Visa, MasterCard, China UnionPay), FPS or PPS. If you make the application via mobile devices, payment can only be made by credit card.

10.

How can I apply for refund of the fee paid if the application made via GovHK (www.gov.hk/br) is not successful?

If the payment was made by credit card or FPS, a refund will be credited to your credit card or FPS account. No application for refund is necessary.

If the payment was made by PPS, you can apply for the refund by completing and returning to the BRO by post the “Reply Slip” portion of the “Notification of Unsuccessful Cases”. The BRO will issue a refund cheque to you after receiving the “Reply Slip”.