Unique Business Identifier (UBI) refers to the first 8 digits of a Hong Kong company’s Business Registration Number. Starting from December 27, 2023, the Companies Registry has replaced the Company Registration Number (CI number) with the Business Registration Number to uniformly identify limited companies.
The Unique Business Identifier applies to the following types of companies:
1. Companies formed or registered under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622)
2. Open-ended fund companies formed or registered under Part IVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571)
3. Limited partnerships registered under the Limited Partnerships Ordinance (Cap. 37)
4. Registered trustee corporations formed under the Registered Trustees Incorporation Ordinance (Cap. 306)
5. Other companies or entities formed or registered under other Ordinances administered by the Registrar of Companies
Further reading:
Ultimate Guide to Hong Kong Business Registration Certificates | Guide to Companies Registry Forms
Is the Business Registration Number the same as the Company Number?
For companies newly incorporated from December 27, 2023, the Company Number is the same as the Business Registration Number, which is the Unique Business Identifier.
However, for limited companies incorporated before December 22, 2023, the Company Number on the Certificate of Incorporation is not the Business Registration Number.
How can I confirm if my Certificate of Incorporation number is the Unique Business Identifier?
If the date of issue of the Certificate of Incorporation (i.e., the date of incorporation) is on or after December 27, 2023, the Company Registration Number will be 8 digits and will be the same as the Business Registration Number.
If the date of incorporation is on or before December 22, 2023, the Company Registration Number has only 7 digits. You must use the first 8 digits of the Business Registration Number to replace the Company Registration Number.
Revamped Companies Registry Website and Integrated Information System
As the Business Registration Number and Company Number have been unified into the first 8 digits of the BRN, the Companies Registry also revamped the Companies Registry Electronic Services Portal and the Integrated Information System on December 27, 2023. Users can use the Unique Business Identifier for the following functions:
1. One-stop service: log in once to submit forms online and conduct electronic searches
2. Pay fees and apply for services with a single user account
3. Responsive web interface compatible with desktop or mobile display sizes
4. New dedicated pages for users who frequently register companies
5. Ability to modify previously saved online e-forms before submission
6. Compatible search function: users can still use the old Company Number to search for limited company information
7. Option to apply to use a correspondence address and identification number instead of registered information at the Companies Registry
Further reading:
Company Name Search | Tutorial for Companies Registry Electronic Services User Registration
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Unique Business Identifier (UBI)?
The Unique Business Identifier (UBI) is a new measure introduced by the Hong Kong Government aimed at uniformly identifying legal entities. From December 27, 2023, the Companies Registry adopted the first 8 digits of the Business Registration Number issued by the Inland Revenue Department to replace the previous Company Registration Number (CI Number) as the primary identifier for limited companies and other entities. This measure facilitates data exchange and inquiries between businesses and government departments (such as the Inland Revenue Department and the Companies Registry).
Which companies or entities need to use the Unique Business Identifier?
- Companies formed or registered under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622).
- Open-ended fund companies formed under Part IVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571).
- Limited partnerships registered under the Limited Partnerships Ordinance (Cap. 37).
- Registered trustee corporations formed under the Registered Trustees Incorporation Ordinance (Cap. 306).
- Companies or entities formed or registered under other Ordinances administered by the Registrar of Companies.
Is the Business Registration Number the same as the Company Number?
- Companies incorporated on or after December 27, 2023: Yes, the Company Number on the Certificate of Incorporation will be 8 digits, exactly the same as the Business Registration Number (i.e., the UBI).
- Companies incorporated on or before December 22, 2023: No, the old Company Registration Number usually has only 7 digits. These companies must use the first 8 digits of their Business Registration Number to replace the original Company Registration Number when filling out forms or conducting searches.
What are the new features of the revamped Companies Registry information system?
- One-stop Service: Users can submit forms and conduct electronic searches with a single login.
- Single Account Payment: Fees can be paid and services applied for through a single user account.
- Responsive Design: The web interface automatically adapts to the display size of computers or mobile phones.
- Dedicated Pages: Convenient new pages are provided for users who frequently register companies.
- Editing Function: Allows users to modify saved e-forms before submission.
- Search Function: Users can still use the old company numbers to search for limited company information.
- Privacy Protection: Applications can be made to use a correspondence address and identification number instead of public registered data.
What are the benefits of the Unique Business Identifier for businesses?
- Business Facilitation: Businesses or government departments can use a single number (the first 8 digits of the BRN) to inquire about company information and apply for services, reducing errors caused by using different identifiers and improving communication efficiency.
- Enhanced Regulation: It facilitates data exchange between the Inland Revenue Department and the Companies Registry, allowing the government to more effectively monitor the operations and compliance of limited companies.
Summary:
The Unique Business Identifier is a new business-friendly measure. Businesses or government departments can use the UBI to inquire about limited company information and apply for various services from the Companies Registry. Furthermore, it facilitates data exchange between the Inland Revenue Department and the Companies Registry for more effective monitoring of limited company operations.
General Accounting has been established for over 20 years, providing professional company secretarial services (Trust or Company Service Provider License No.: TC002940). If you have any questions regarding the Unique Business Identifier, our professional customer service managers can provide a free initial consultation.
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