Hong Kong Licensing Services
From a Money Service Operator licence to a precious-metals dealer registration, we guide companies through Hong Kong licensing regimes — assessing eligibility, preparing the application and standing by you until approval.
We take on your Hong Kong licensing case
Many business activities in Hong Kong need a licence, registration or permit before you can operate legally — from money changing and remittance to dealing in precious metals, consumer finance, regulated investment services and dutiable goods. Each regime has its own regulator, eligibility criteria and application process.
We do not try to list every permit that exists. Instead we focus on the licences our clients ask for most often, explain how they work, and take on the full case: checking whether you qualify, building the application pack, and dealing with the regulator on your behalf.
If your activity needs a licence that is not shown below, send us a short description of your business — we will confirm which authority regulates it and whether we can act for you.
Regulator for MSO and precious-metals dealers
SFC regulated activities we advise on
AML framework behind financial licences
Eligibility review through to approval
Start your licence application
Tell us what your business does and we will map out the fastest route to a Hong Kong licence.
+852 5803 1008Popular Hong Kong licences we handle
A selection of the licences clients approach us for most often. Each is a worked example of what we can take on — not an exhaustive list.
Money Service Operator (MSO) licence
Regulator: Customs & Excise Department
Required to run a money-changing and/or remittance business in Hong Kong. Granted under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (Cap. 615), with a fit-and-proper assessment of owners and officers.
- Money changing and cross-border remittance services
- Fit-and-proper test for directors, shareholders and the compliance officer
- AML/CFT systems, local premises and record-keeping in place
Precious Metals & Stones Dealer registration
Regulator: Customs & Excise Department
Dealers in precious metals and stones must register under the regime run by Customs since 2023. Category A covers non-cash business; Category B is required for cash transactions at or above HK$120,000 and involves a fit-and-proper review.
- Category A registration for non-cash dealers
- Category B registration for high-value cash transactions
- AML/CFT policies and customer due-diligence procedures
SFC licence — regulated activities
Regulator: Securities and Futures Commission
Any firm carrying on a regulated activity — such as dealing in or advising on securities, futures or asset management — needs an SFC licence (Types 1 to 10) under the Securities and Futures Ordinance, with qualified responsible officers.
- Type 1–10 corporate and representative licences
- Responsible officers and competence requirements
- Compliance manuals, risk and financial-resources rules
Money Lenders licence
Regulator: Licensing Court / Registrar
Lending money as a business outside the banking sector requires a Money Lenders licence under the Money Lenders Ordinance (Cap. 163). Applications pass through the Registrar, the Police and the Licensing Court, and the licence is renewed annually.
- Application to the Registrar of Money Lenders and the Police
- Licensing Court hearing and statutory notices
- Compliant loan agreements and interest-rate limits
Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence
Regulator: Securities and Futures Commission
Operating a virtual-asset (crypto) exchange in Hong Kong requires a VASP licence under the AML regime administered by the SFC, bringing exchanges into a full framework covering custody, AML and investor protection.
- Licensing for virtual-asset trading platforms
- Custody, AML/CFT and investor-protection standards
- Fit-and-proper responsible officers
Trade & dutiable goods licences
Regulator: Customs & Excise / Trade and Industry Dept
Importing or exporting controlled goods, or dealing in dutiable commodities such as liquor, tobacco, hydrocarbon oil and methyl alcohol, requires licences from Customs or the Trade and Industry Department.
- Dutiable commodities permits (liquor, tobacco, fuel)
- Import and export licences for controlled goods
- Registration and ongoing reporting obligations
What obtaining a licence usually involves
Most Hong Kong licensing regimes test the same core elements. Knowing what the regulator will look for lets us prepare a clean, credible application from the start.
Fit-and-proper test
Regulators assess the integrity, financial soundness and track record of owners, directors and key officers, often requesting background declarations and references.
Qualified personnel
Many licences require named responsible officers or a compliance officer with the right experience and, in some cases, professional qualifications.
AML/CFT framework
Financial and dealer licences demand written anti-money-laundering policies, customer due-diligence procedures and ongoing monitoring and reporting.
Business plan & substance
A clear business model, local premises, systems and adequate capital show the regulator the operation is genuine and properly resourced.
Supporting documents
Corporate records, identity and address proofs, financial statements and detailed application forms must be compiled accurately and consistently.
Ongoing compliance
A licence is not the end — renewals, returns, audits and record-keeping obligations continue for as long as you operate.
Tell us what your business does — we will map the licence
Licensing depends on the exact activity, not just the industry label. Describe what you plan to do and we will confirm which authority regulates it, whether you qualify, and what a realistic path to approval looks like.
What we assess
- The precise activity and who your customers are
- Whether a licence, registration or exemption applies
- Fit-and-proper standing of owners and officers
- The local presence, capital and personnel you will need
What we prepare
- The full application pack and statutory forms
- AML/CFT manuals and internal-control policies
- Supporting corporate and personal documentation
- Responses to regulator enquiries through to approval
An initial eligibility review gives you a clear go / no-go answer before you commit to a full application.
How we work
A structured path from first enquiry to an approved licence.
Eligibility review
We confirm which licence applies and whether you and your business qualify.
Scope & quote
We agree the workplan, timeline and a fixed quote for the case.
Prepare application
We build the full application pack — forms, policies and supporting documents.
Submit & liaise
We file with the regulator and handle enquiries, hearings and clarifications.
Approval & aftercare
Once licensed, we help with renewals and ongoing compliance obligations.
Cases we take on
Typical situations where clients ask us to handle a Hong Kong licence.
A fintech wants to offer cross-border remittance and currency exchange to customers.
Money Service Operator (MSO) licence
A jewellery trader will buy and sell gold and diamonds, sometimes for cash.
Precious-metals & stones dealer registration
An advisory firm plans to deal in and advise on securities for clients.
SFC licence — Types 1 and 4
A company intends to offer consumer or business loans outside the banks.
Money Lenders licence
A startup wants to run a regulated crypto exchange from Hong Kong.
Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) licence
An importer will bring in wine and spirits for the local market.
Dutiable commodities (liquor) licence
Fees
Licensing fees depend heavily on the regime, the complexity of the case and the regulator's own charges, so most work is quoted individually after an eligibility review. Related company and compliance services are shown below.
Licensing case: eligibility review, application & regulator liaison
Scope and fee confirmed after an eligibility review
On request
AML/CFT policy & internal-controls pack
For financial and dealer licences
On request
Hong Kong company formation
Private company limited by shares, all-inclusive — where a local company is needed to hold the licence
From US$1,600
Annual accounting
Bookkeeping many licences require
From US$300
Statutory audit of financial statements
From US$500
Government application and licence fees charged by the regulator are additional and vary by licence. We provide a full breakdown with your quote.
See full price listStart your licence application
Tell us what your business does and we will map out the fastest route to a Hong Kong licence.
Why work with us
One point of contact
Company, licence, accounting and compliance handled by a single team that already knows your structure.
Realistic assessment
We tell you honestly whether a licence is achievable before you invest in a full application.
Regulator-ready files
Applications prepared to the standard each authority expects, reducing enquiries and delays.
AML & compliance built in
We draft the policies and controls regulators now require, not just the forms.
Local presence
On-the-ground support, premises and personnel solutions where a licence demands substance.
Support after approval
Renewals, returns and ongoing obligations managed so your licence stays in good standing.
Frequently asked questions
Which activities need a licence in Hong Kong?
Many do — money changing and remittance, dealing in precious metals and stones, consumer lending, regulated investment services, virtual-asset exchanges, travel agency, food business and trade in dutiable or controlled goods, among others. If you are unsure, describe your activity and we will confirm.
Can you really handle any licence?
We focus on the regimes shown on this page and other common corporate, financial and trade licences. For a niche permit we will tell you honestly whether we can act or refer you to a specialist — after confirming who the regulator is.
Do I need a Hong Kong company first?
Most licences are granted to a locally incorporated company. If you do not have one yet, we can set it up as part of the same engagement.
How long does licensing take?
It varies widely — from a few weeks for a straightforward registration to several months for an SFC or VASP licence. We give you a realistic timeline after the eligibility review.
What is a fit-and-proper test?
It is the regulator's assessment of the honesty, competence and financial soundness of a licence applicant and its key people. We help you prepare the declarations and evidence it requires.
Do you prepare AML policies too?
Yes. Financial and dealer licences require written AML/CFT policies and procedures. We draft these and the related internal controls as part of the application.
Will you deal with the regulator for us?
Yes. We prepare and file the application, respond to enquiries, and represent you through hearings or clarifications until a decision is made.
What happens after the licence is granted?
Most licences carry renewal, reporting and record-keeping duties. We can manage these for you so the licence stays valid and compliant.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Licensing requirements, regulators and fees change and depend on your specific activity. We confirm the current position for your case before you proceed.
Related services
Ready to get licensed in Hong Kong?
Describe your business and we will confirm the licence you need and how we can get you there.