What is the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) for Hong Kong Companies?
Last updated: March 2024
As of December 27, 2023, the Hong Kong Companies Registry implemented a new Unique Business Identifier (UBI) system for all entities overseen by the Registrar of Companies in Hong Kong. This article will explain what UBI is and its implications on businesses registered in Hong Kong.
- What is the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) in Hong Kong?
- What businesses and entities are impacted by the UBI?
- What is the UBI of my company/entity and where will UBI be used?
- Will there be evidence on the change in identification number of my company / entity to UBI?
- What is the ‘Revamped’ Integrated Companies Registry Information System (ICRIS)?
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) in Hong Kong?
UBI is a unique identifier number assigned to legal entities.
Business Registration Number (BRN), comprising the initial 8 digits of the Business Registration Certificate number, is adopted as the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) for all entities under the administration of the Hong Kong Companies Registry.
UBI will facilitate the communication and data sharing among government departments and businesses. It will also aid governments in improving public service delivery and regulatory efforts, and assist companies in efficiently verifying their identity to business partners.
BRN vs CRN: What’s the difference?
What businesses and entities are impacted by the UBI?
This is the second phase of implementing the UBI system. The initial phase began with Limited Partnership Funds on November 1, 2021. The second phase now encompasses the following:
- Companies incorporated or registered under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622).
- Open-ended fund companies incorporated or registered under Part IVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571).
- Limited Partnerships registered under the Limited Partnerships Ordinance (Cap. 37).
- Registered Trustees incorporated under the Registered Trustees Incorporation Ordinance (Cap. 306).
- Other entities established or registered under various Ordinances overseen by the Registrar.
What is the UBI of my company/entity?
The Business Registration Number (BRN), which consists of the first 8 digits of the Business Registration Certificate number, given by the Business Registration Office of the Inland Revenue Department (IRD), will now serve as the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) for companies and entities.
For companies registered on or after December 27, 2023, the BRN will also be used as the “No.” on the Certificate of Incorporation or Certificate of Registration of Non-Hong Kong Company provided by the Companies Registry.
For existing companies registered before December 27, 2023, and entities formed or registered under various ordinances overseen by the Registrar of Companies, a dummy BRN derived from the previous Company Number, CR Number, or Company Registration Number in the Registry’s records will be adopted as their UBI.
- For existing local companies without a Business Registration Number (BRN), a “C” will be added as a prefix for the dummy BRN. Similarly, for other entities without a BRN, the original alphabetic prefix will be retained as the prefix for the dummy BRN. If the resulting number is less than eight digits, zeros will be added between the alphabetic prefix and the numerals to create the dummy BRN.
- For instance, a local company incorporated before December 27, 2023, with a Company Registration (CR) Number “12345” but no BRN will have a dummy BRN “C0012345” as its UBI. Likewise, a registered non-Hong Kong company with a CR Number “F1234” but no BRN will have a dummy BRN “F0001234.”
- Entities with a dummy BRN do not have business records in the Business Register maintained by the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). The BRN with an alphabetic prefix is solely assigned by the Registry for UBI purposes and does not exempt any entity from the statutory requirements of business registration.
After the implementation of the UBI system’s second phase on December 27, 2023, you can find the corresponding BRN of a company or entity using the existing Company Number, CR Number, or Company Registration Number, and vice versa, through the “Quick Search > CR No. / BRN Mapping” feature in the Electronic Search Services of the Companies Registry.
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Where will UBI be used?
The BRN will continue to serve as the tax identification number for Hong Kong companies and will also be utilized in the following ways:
- Displayed on certificates of incorporation, registration, and name change issued by the Companies Registry.
- Referenced on designated forms and documents submitted to the Companies Registry, replacing the current Company Registration Number (CRN).
- Employed for searching and identifying companies or entities across various services offered by the Companies Registry.
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Will there be evidence on the change in identification number of my company / entity to UBI?
After the Revamped ICRIS launch on December 27, 2023, an Information Sheet confirming the adoption of BRN as the identification number for every company on the Companies Register will be accessible for public viewing.
This Information Sheet can be obtained as an image record through the Electronic Search Services on the Registry’s new e-Services portal. Details regarding the applicable fee can be found in the “Price Guide to Main Services” pamphlet, downloadable from the Registry’s website. Alternatively, you can request a Letter of Confirmation from the Registry through the same portal, with an application fee of HK$130.
What is the ‘revamped’ Integrated Companies Registry Information System (ICRIS)?
On December 27, 2023, the Companies Registry upgraded the ICRIS and introduced a new e-Services Portal. This portal allows access to all electronic services provided by the Registry, including document submission and search services, anytime and from anywhere.
The Unique Business Identifier (UBI) now serves as the identification number for all companies or entities managed by the Registrar of Companies, replacing the previous Company Registration Number (CRN).
The electronic submission services offered through the e-Filing Services on the new e-Services Portal have replaced the earlier services provided on the e-Registry and GovHK platforms.
To support the launch of the Revamped ICRIS, the Registrar of Companies has outlined requirements for documents to be submitted electronically or in other formats for registration under various Ordinances.
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Frequently asked questions
What is UBI and why is it important?
UBI stands for Unique Business Identifier and serves as a distinct identification number for companies or entities in Hong Kong. It is crucial for streamlined communication with government departments, businesses, and in regulatory processes.
How is UBI different from CRN?
UBI replaces the previous Company Registration Number (CRN) and is assigned to all companies or entities under the administration of the Registrar of Companies. Unlike CRN, UBI is a more comprehensive identifier and facilitates better data exchange and identification.
How is UBI obtained for existing companies?
For existing companies without a Business Registration Number (BRN), a dummy BRN will be assigned, typically using the original alphabetic prefix or adding a “C” prefix. This ensures each entity has a UBI for identification purposes.
Where is UBI used?
UBI is used in various interactions with government departments, businesses, and in filing specified forms and documents with the Companies Registry. It is also essential for electronic search services to identify companies or entities.
How can I verify UBI or obtain related documents?
UBI information and related documents can be accessed through the Integrated Companies Registry Information System (ICRIS) and the new e-Services Portal launched by the Companies Registry. Additionally, verification and documentation services are available through the Registry’s website and electronic search services.
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