591400Motion picture projection activities
電影放映活動
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 operation of facilities that project motion pictures for public viewing, commonly known as cinemas or movie theaters. It includes the management and administration of these venues, ensuring the screening of films and providing related services to audiences.
This classification includes
- cinema management offices
- cinema operation
- movie theatre operation
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.
Places of Public Entertainment Licence
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, authorised by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs as Licensing Authority under Cap. 172)
Required under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance (Cap. 172) for premises or places where public entertainment such as cinemas, theatres, concerts, exhibitions or amusement attractions is presented to the public, whether or not admission is charged. The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs is the statutory Licensing Authority and has authorised the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene to issue and cancel licences. Separate application guides apply to cinemas and theatres versus other places of public entertainment.
- Processing time
- Government performance targets for straightforward non-cinema applications: site inspection within 7 working days of an acceptable application; Application Vetting Panel meeting within 20 working days of acceptance of the licence application; letter of requirements issued at or before the panel meeting or upon departmental clearance
Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14
Offshore profits claim feasibility
LowMotion picture projection activities are inherently tied to Hong Kong premises and customers. The services are typically performed within local cinemas, and contracts are negotiated and concluded in Hong Kong. This limits the feasibility of qualifying for offshore treatment.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
MOTION PICTURE PROJECTION ACTIVITIES
36/60 characters
Chinese 中文
電影放映活動
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
Do I need a license to operate a cinema?
Yes, you need a license from the Hong Kong Film Censorship Authority to operate a cinema.
What are the tax implications for cinema operations?
Cinema operations are subject to Hong Kong profits tax. Ensure compliance with local tax regulations.
Can I screen foreign films without restrictions?
Screening foreign films requires prior approval and licensing from the relevant authorities in Hong Kong.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a motion picture projection activities 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