781000Activities of employment placement agencies
職業介紹代理活動
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 provision of services that facilitate the recruitment and placement of individuals into jobs. It includes various types of employment agencies, such as commercial agencies, household servant agencies, online platforms for job placements, and agencies specializing in casting for theatrical productions.
This classification includes
- commercial employment agency
- household servant employment agency
- online employment placement agencies
- theatrical casting agency
Classified elsewhere
These activities look similar but belong under different codes.
- air crew agents
- crew agents
- personal theatrical or artistic agents or agencies
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.
Employment Agency Licence
Labour Department (Employment Agencies Administration)
Under section 51(1) of the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57), no person may operate an employment agency without a licence or certificate of exemption issued by the Commissioner for Labour. The licence covers businesses that place job seekers with employers, including recruitment firms and agencies placing foreign domestic helpers, and is valid for 12 months. The application must be submitted no later than one month before the intended commencement of business.
- Processing time
- Application must be lodged at least one month before intended business commencement; no other published target time
Official sourceVerified 2026-07-14
Offshore profits claim feasibility
LowEmployment placement activities are typically conducted within Hong Kong, involving local clients and candidates. Contracts are usually negotiated and executed in Hong Kong, making it challenging to qualify for offshore treatment.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENT AGENCY SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES
51/60 characters
Chinese 中文
職業介紹代理活動
8/30 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 for an employment agency?
Yes, you must obtain a license from the Labour Department to operate an employment agency in Hong Kong.
What are the tax implications for my agency?
Your agency will be subject to Hong Kong profits tax on income generated from local operations.
Can I operate online employment services?
Yes, online employment placement services are permitted, but you still need to comply with licensing requirements.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a activities of employment placement agencies 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