HSIC V2.0Subclass

561108Italian cuisine restaurants

意式餐館

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 includes establishments primarily engaged in preparing and serving Italian cuisine. These restaurants offer a variety of Italian dishes, such as pasta, pizza, and regional specialties, catering to customers dining in or taking out.

This classification includes

restaurants serving Italian food

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.

General Restaurant Licence

Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD)

Required for any premises selling meals or unbottled non-alcoholic drinks for consumption on the premises, with no restriction on cooking methods or food types. Issued under the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X). Applicants may obtain a provisional licence while working toward the full licence.

Processing time: FEHD performance targets: Application Vetting Panel meeting within 20 working days of acceptance of the application; letter of requirements issued and final verification inspection within 8 working days of notification of compliance; provisional licence issued over the counter within 1 working day when all essential requirements are met

Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14

Liquor Licence

Liquor Licensing Board (executive and secretarial support provided by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department)

Required by any person selling or supplying liquor for consumption on the premises, under the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (Cap. 109) and Dutiable Commodities (Liquor) Regulations (Cap. 109B). The Liquor Licensing Board is an independent statutory body that considers applications, generally for premises holding or applying for a restaurant licence. A liquor licence is issued only once the premises hold a full or provisional restaurant licence, or a Certificate of Compliance for club liquor licences.

Required in addition to the restaurant licence where liquor is served

Processing time: About 8 weeks for non-contested applications and about 10 weeks for contested or contentious applications, per the Liquor Licensing Board application guide flow chart

Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14

Offshore profits claim feasibility

Low

Italian cuisine restaurants primarily serve local customers and operate from physical premises in Hong Kong. Contracts for services are typically negotiated and concluded within the region, making the activity inherently tied to the local market.

Business registration wording

Suggested business nature for this activity

English

ITALIAN CUISINE RESTAURANTS SERVING AUTHENTIC DISHES

52/60 characters

Chinese 中文

意式餐館

4/30 characters

Test your own wording in the checker

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 calendar

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a license to operate an Italian restaurant?

Yes, you need a food business license from the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.

What are the tax implications for my restaurant?

Profits from your restaurant will be subject to Hong Kong profits tax, as the business operates locally.

Can I serve other cuisines in my Italian restaurant?

Yes, you can serve other cuisines, but ensure that Italian dishes remain the focus to maintain classification.

Incorporate in Hong Kong

Starting a italian cuisine restaurants 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