The question of a Tax Identification number (TIN) in Hong Kong is one that everyone asks right before a bank form stalls, a payroll setup freezes, or a cross-border filing kicks back. Here’s the punchline: Hong Kong doesn’t issue a universal “TIN,” but there is a clear equivalent you’re expected to use.
In the next few paragraphs, you’ll learn exactly what serves as your TIN (for both individuals and companies), where to find it fast, and how to enter it so your applications, from incorporation to opening a business bank account, sail through.
Secure your Business Registration Number (BRN) and launch your Hong Kong company
What is a Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Hong Kong?
A Tax Identification Number in Hong Kong is the ID the IRD and banks use to match you to tax filings and financial records. For individuals, it’s your HKID, including the check character with no brackets; for businesses, it’s the 8-digit Business Registration Number (BRN).
In this quick guide, you will learn what it is, where to find it, and when you will be asked for it, from incorporation and eTAX to bank self-certifications.
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How government agencies use TINs in Hong Kong
Your TIN is the key that links you to Hong Kong’s tax and reporting systems. It’s used to file with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and by banks and other financial institutions to meet international reporting rules.
TIN for Individuals
In Hong Kong, an individual’s TIN is their HKID number, including the check character, but written without the brackets that may appear on the physical card. Example: X123456A.
The HKID format is typically 1 to 2 letters + 6 digits + check character (often printed in parentheses on the card).
Note: The character inside the parentheses on the physical card is the check digit and is a required part of the TIN. The parentheses themselves should be omitted.
Item | Details |
Identifier | HKID number (including the check character) |
Issued by | Immigration Department |
Typical format | 1–2 letters + 6 digits + check character (e.g., X123456A) |
Where you use it | IRD filings/eTAX, bank and broker onboarding, compliance forms |
How to obtain TIN for individuals in Hong Kong
Your HKID is issued by the Immigration Department (generally for residents aged 11 and up), and that HKID becomes your TIN for tax purposes.
IRD also issues a “TIN (for eTAX login)” shown on returns or assessments. This is only for logging in to IRD’s online portal and is not the TIN used for CRS/AEOI reporting.
TIN for entities and businesses
For businesses in Hong Kong, the TIN is the Business Registration Number (BRN), the 8-digit number shown on the Business Registration Certificate. Example format: 12345678.
Since 27 December 2023, Hong Kong adopted the BRN as the Unique Business Identifier (UBI). For companies incorporated or registered on or after that date, the BRN is also printed as the company “No.” on the Certificate of Incorporation or Registration.
For companies and entities registered before 27 December 2023, their UBI is their existing 8-digit Business Registration Number (BRN). The former Company Registration Number (CRN) is no longer the primary identifier for most official filings, though it is still relevant for certain historical searches.
How the TIN for businesses is issued
The BRN is issued by the Business Registration Office (Inland Revenue Department). Many entities obtain it automatically via Hong Kong’s One-stop Company & Business Registration when incorporating at the Companies Registry (CR).
For corporations using the one-stop route, the Business Registration Certificate is issued together with the Certificate of Incorporation. Sole proprietorships and partnerships must apply within one month of commencing business.
Item | Details |
Identifier | Business Registration Number (BRN) |
Issued by | Business Registration Office (IRD) |
Typical format | 8 digits (e.g., 12345678) |
Also known as | Since 27 December 2023, BRN is the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) |
Where you use it | IRD filings, Companies Registry forms/searches, bank & broker onboarding, vendor KYC |
TIN vs SSN/EIN/VAT: Which number to use on global forms?
Not all IDs are created equal globally. Here’s how that compares to other common IDs:
- Individuals (HK): Enter your HKID including the final check character, with no brackets or spaces (e.g., X123456A).
- Businesses (HK): Enter your 8-digit BRN (also the UBI).
- No VAT/GST in Hong Kong: If a field only accepts a VAT/GST number, select “Not applicable / No VAT” or leave it blank per the form’s instructions.
- CRN ≠ TIN: Don’t use the Company Registration Number unless the form explicitly asks for the “company number.” Your BRN is the tax ID.
- Multiple tax residencies: Provide the TIN for each jurisdiction where you’re a tax resident.
Quick comparison
Identifier | Used in | Who it’s for | What it’s used for | Hong Kong equivalent |
TIN (HK) | Hong Kong | Individuals & entities | Tax filings, banking/KYC, CRS/AEOI | HKID (individuals); BRN/UBI (entities) |
SSN | United States | Individuals | Personal tax, benefits, identification | HKID serves a similar role for tax |
EIN | United States | Businesses | Business tax filings, payroll, banking | BRN/UBI |
VAT ID | EU/others with VAT/GST | Businesses | Indirect tax (VAT/GST) reporting & invoicing | N/A in HK (no VAT/GST) |
Company Registration Number (CRN) | Hong Kong | Companies | Companies Registry record identifier | Not a tax ID; for many newer incorporations, the BRN also appears as the company number, but the BRN is what you quote as TIN |
Incorporate in Hong Kong with Sleek and get your TIN-equivalent identification fast
For any business starting in Hong Kong, the official equivalent of a Tax Identification Number (TIN) is the Business Registration Number (BRN). This number is your key to all legal and tax matters in the city.
Sleek streamlines the process of getting Hong Kong’s TIN-equivalent: the Business Registration Number (BRN). We ensure you receive all official registration numbers quickly and provide a complete solution for:
- Your Official ‘TIN’: The Business Registration Number: We manage the full incorporation and registration process to secure your Business Registration Number (BRN). This 8-digit number from the Inland Revenue Department functions as your official Tax Identification Number (TIN) for all tax filings, government correspondence, and banking.
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Stop guessing about the requirements for a Hong Kong “TIN”. Let Sleek handle the official process and secure your Business Registration Number, so you can focus on what truly matters: your product, customers, and growth.
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FAQs about Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Hong Kong
Is the “TIN” printed on my tax return the same as my Hong Kong TIN?
No. The “TIN” shown on Individual Tax Returns/Assessments is only for eTAX login and is not the TIN used for CRS/AEOI or banking self-certifications. Use your HKID (individual) or BRN (entity) for those.
Where do I find my business TIN?
On your Business Registration Certificate: use the first 8 digits of the BR certificate number. Since 27 December 2023, Hong Kong adopted the BRN as the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) across government systems and many Companies Registry forms.
Is the Company Registration Number (CRN) the same as my TIN?
No. The CRN is a Companies Registry identifier. Your TIN for tax/KYC is the BRN. For companies incorporated/registered on or after 27 December 2023, the BRN is also shown as the company “No.” on the incorporation/registration certificate.
When do banks or brokers ask for my TIN?
During account opening and ongoing CRS/AEOI due-diligence. You’ll complete a self-certification quoting your HKID (individual) or BRN (entity). Financial institutions submit the required information to the IRD for exchange with treaty partners.
I’m a foreign national but tax resident in Hong Kong. What TIN do I use?
Use your HKID as your TIN on CRS/AEOI and KYC forms. Depending on other jurisdictions’ rules, you may also need to provide other countries’ TINs if you are tax-resident there too.
Who issues the numbers used as TINs?
- HKID is issued by the Immigration Department (serves as the individual TIN for CRS/AEOI).
- BRN is issued by the Business Registration Office (IRD) and is also the UBI adopted by Hong Kong for entities.
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