550100Hotels
酒店
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 subclass covers establishments primarily engaged in providing short-term lodging services for travelers and tourists. Hotels may offer a range of amenities, including meals, room service, and recreational facilities, catering to various types of guests.
This classification includes
- hotels
Licences and approvals
What this activity needs to operate
Activities under this code trigger the following licensing regimes. Emerhub prepares and files each application on your behalf.
Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Licence (Hotel Licence / Guesthouse Licence)
Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Authority, administered by the Office of the Licensing Authority, Home Affairs Department (HADLA)
Under the Hotel and Guesthouse Accommodation Ordinance (Cap. 349), any premises providing sleeping accommodation at a fee for periods of less than 28 consecutive days must hold a hotel licence or guesthouse licence before operating. Licences are normally valid for up to 36 months, extendable to 84 months for purpose-built hotels or guesthouses with good compliance records.
- Processing time
- Office of the Licensing Authority performance pledges: result of initial document checking within 4 working days; site inspection and letter of upgrading requirements within 22 working days; notification of application result within 35 working days of receipt of the report of completion of required works
Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14
Offshore profits claim feasibility
LowHotel operations are inherently tied to Hong Kong premises and local customers. Contracts for accommodation services are typically negotiated and concluded within Hong Kong, making it difficult to qualify for offshore treatment.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
HOTEL OPERATIONS AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES
40/60 characters
Chinese 中文
酒店經營及管理服務
9/30 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 do I need to operate a hotel?
You need a hotel license from the Hong Kong government, along with a business registration certificate.
Can I operate a hotel without a physical location?
No, a physical location is required for hotel operations in Hong Kong.
What are the tax implications for hotel profits?
Hotel profits are subject to Hong Kong profits tax, as the activity is conducted within the territory.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a hotels 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