651200Non-life insurance underwriting
非人壽保險承保人
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 underwriting of non-life insurance policies, which provide coverage against various risks such as accidents, fire, and marine incidents. It includes the assessment and pricing of insurance for automobiles, homes, and export/import credit risks, as well as other general insurance services not classified elsewhere.
This classification includes
- accidents insurance underwriting
- automobile insurance underwriting
- export credit insurance underwriting
- fire insurance underwriting
- house insurance underwriting
- import credit insurance underwriting
- marine insurance underwriting
- general insurers or reinsurers, n.e.c.
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.
Authorization to Carry on Insurance Business (Authorized Insurer)
Insurance Authority (IA)
Required under the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41) for any company carrying on insurance business in or from Hong Kong, whether long term (life) business, general business or both. The IA assesses capital adequacy, fitness of controllers and directors and the business plan under a risk-based capital regime, with statutory minimum capital floors.
- Capital requirement
- Capital base not less than the higher of the prescribed capital amount, the minimum capital amount and HKD 20M (HKD 2M for marine insurers and captive insurers); IA assesses start-up capital case by case
- Processing time
- Approximately 2 to 2.5 months from submission to approval-in-principle (IA published estimate)
Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14
Offshore profits claim feasibility
MediumNon-life insurance underwriting activities are often tied to local regulations and customer bases in Hong Kong. While some contracts may be negotiated offshore, the services typically require a presence in Hong Kong to meet regulatory compliance and customer needs.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
NON-LIFE INSURANCE UNDERWRITING SERVICES
40/60 characters
Chinese 中文
非人壽保險承保服務
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 are required for non-life insurance?
You need to obtain an insurance license from the Insurance Authority in Hong Kong to operate in this sector.
How is non-life insurance taxed in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong does not impose tax on profits derived from non-life insurance underwriting, provided the business meets offshore criteria.
Can I underwrite insurance for clients outside Hong Kong?
Yes, you can underwrite insurance for clients outside Hong Kong, but ensure compliance with local regulations and licensing requirements.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a non-life insurance underwriting 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