501301Ship owners of sea-going vessels for passenger transport
作客運服務的遠洋輪船船東
Why 6 digits?
HSIC subclasses are 6 digits. The first four match the international ISIC class; Hong Kong adds a two-digit local suffix for finer detail, especially across its import and export trade, so a code steps from a 4-digit class straight to a 6-digit subclass. More on the HSIC structure.
This activity involves the ownership and operation of sea-going vessels specifically for the transport of passengers. It includes chartering these vessels with crews to other operators for passenger transport, as well as renting them without crews on a bare vessel basis.
This classification includes
- passenger transport by own sea-going vessels
- chartering of own sea-going vessels with crews (i.e. on a full basis) to other operators for passenger transport
- renting of own sea-going vessels without crews (i.e. on a bare vessel basis) to other operators for passenger transport
Licences and approvals
What this activity needs to operate
No sector-specific licence applies to this activity. It can be set up as a standard Hong Kong company without extra regulatory approvals. Premises-based or product-based permits can still apply case by case; Emerhub confirms the exact position during scoping.
Offshore profits claim feasibility
MediumWhile passenger transport services can be conducted outside of Hong Kong, the nature of the business often requires local operations and licensing. Contracts are typically negotiated with local partners, which ties the activity to Hong Kong.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
PASSENGER TRANSPORT SERVICES BY SEA-GOING VESSELS
49/60 characters
Chinese 中文
海上客運服務
6/30 characters
Standard compliance
Compliance every Hong Kong company shares
Beyond anything specific to this activity, every Hong Kong company handles two-tiered profits tax, the annual return (Form NAR1) within 42 days of its incorporation anniversary, audited accounts, MPF enrolment for staff, and a company secretary. Emerhub runs all of it on your behalf.
See the full Hong Kong compliance calendarFrequently asked questions
What licenses are required for this activity?
You will need a local business registration and may require specific maritime licenses depending on the type of vessels used.
Can I operate without a physical office in Hong Kong?
Yes, but you must comply with local regulations and may need a local representative for legal matters.
How is tax applied to profits from this activity?
Profits derived from services performed outside Hong Kong may qualify for offshore tax treatment, but local operations may incur tax obligations.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a ship owners of sea-going vessels for passenger transport business in Hong Kong?
Emerhub incorporates your company, registers the business nature above with the IRD, files every licence application, and runs your company secretary and compliance calendar. You provide the documents; Emerhub handles every government interaction.
Start incorporation with Emerhub