782000Provision of temporary personnel
臨時人力供應服務
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 supplying temporary personnel to clients, which may include providing human resources to replace or supplement the existing workforce. It encompasses services such as labour hire, recruitment of construction workers, and the supply of temporary helpers across various sectors.
This classification includes
- labour hire services
- provision of human resources to temporarily replace or supplement the workforce of the client
- recruitment agent of construction workers
- temporary helper supply services
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.
Required where the firm places candidates rather than only supplying its own staff
- 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
MediumWhile some recruitment services can be performed offshore, the nature of temporary personnel supply often requires physical presence in Hong Kong. Contracts are typically negotiated with local clients, making it challenging to qualify for offshore treatment.
Business registration wording
Suggested business nature for this activity
English
TEMPORARY PERSONNEL SUPPLY SERVICES AND RECRUITMENT
51/60 characters
Chinese 中文
臨時人力供應服務
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 special license for this service?
Yes, you may need to obtain a license for employment agency services in Hong Kong.
How is tax applied to temporary personnel services?
Profits from this activity are subject to Hong Kong profits tax unless qualifying for offshore treatment.
What are the operational requirements?
You must comply with local labor laws and regulations regarding temporary staffing and employment.
Incorporate in Hong Kong
Starting a provision of temporary personnel 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