Professional Services in Hong Kong: HSIC Codes for Consultants and Professionals
Accountants, lawyers, consultants, engineers — every professional service provider needs the right HSIC code. This guide maps the most common professional roles to their codes.
In this article
Professional Services Under HSIC
Professional service businesses fall primarily under HSIC Section M: Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities. This section covers the widest range of white-collar service businesses — from law firms to architecture studios to market research agencies.
Key HSIC Codes by Profession
Management & Business Consulting (Division 70)
| HSIC Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 702001 | Management consulting |
| 702002 | Business strategy consulting |
| 702003 | HR and recruitment consulting |
| 702099 | Other business consulting n.e.c. |
Bank risk: Low. Management consulting is generally straightforward for bank account applications. Describe your specific specialisation in your Business Nature (e.g., "Supply chain management consulting for retail companies").
Accounting and Financial Advisory (Division 69)
| HSIC Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 692001 | Accounting, bookkeeping and auditing |
| 692002 | Tax consulting |
Note: While accounting itself is low-risk, firms providing financial advisory, investment advice, or fund management must ensure they're using the correct code. "Financial consulting" can be misclassified as banking/finance activities.
Legal Services (Division 69)
| HSIC Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 691001 | Legal services (law firms, barristers) |
Note: Solicitors and barristers practising in Hong Kong must hold a Practising Certificate from the Law Society or Bar Association.
Architecture and Engineering (Division 71)
| HSIC Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 711001 | Architectural services |
| 711002 | Quantity surveying |
| 711003 | Interior design |
| 712001 | Engineering services — civil and structural |
| 712002 | Engineering services — mechanical and electrical |
| 712003 | Environmental consulting |
IT and Technology Services (Division 62/63)
| HSIC Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 620001 | Computer programming and software development |
| 620002 | IT consulting and systems integration |
| 620003 | Mobile app development |
| 631001 | Data processing and hosting |
| 631002 | Web hosting and cloud services |
| 639001 | Digital marketing technology |
Market Research and PR (Division 73)
| HSIC Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 731001 | Advertising agencies |
| 731002 | Media buying |
| 732001 | Market research |
| 732002 | Public relations |
Other Professional Services
| HSIC Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 741001 | Product design |
| 741002 | Graphic design |
| 742001 | Photography and videography |
| 742002 | Film production |
| 749001 | Translation and interpretation |
| 749002 | Exhibition and event management |
| 749003 | Business process outsourcing |
Regulated Professions: Additional Requirements
For regulated professions, the HSIC code is just the start. You'll also need:
| Profession | Regulator | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Solicitor | Law Society of Hong Kong | Practising Certificate |
| Barrister | Hong Kong Bar Association | Call to the Bar + Practising Certificate |
| Certified Public Accountant | HKICPA | Practising Certificate |
| Architect | Architects Registration Board | Registration + Practising Certificate |
| Engineer | HKIE | Corporate Membership |
| Surveyor | HKIS | Membership |
| Doctor | Medical Council | Registration + Practising Certificate |
Choosing Between "Consulting" and "Services"
A common question: should your Business Nature say "consulting" or "services"? For banks:
- "Consulting" is fine and well-understood
- "Services" alone is too vague — specify what kind
- "Advisor" or "Advisory" can sometimes flag as financial advisory — be specific about the domain (e.g., "Human resources advisory" not just "advisory services")
Tax Considerations for Professional Services
Under Hong Kong's territorial source principle:
- Fees for services provided and contracts concluded in Hong Kong are taxable in Hong Kong
- Fees for offshore services may qualify for offshore exemption
- If you work remotely for overseas clients, get professional tax advice on your specific situation
Find Your Professional Services HSIC Code
Use the HSIC Code Finder to search by keyword. Try terms like "consulting," "engineering," "design," or your specific specialty. The finder shows the full 5-level hierarchy so you can see exactly where your business sits in the classification system.
Ongoing Compliance Execution
Ongoing statutory obligations are handled seamlessly through Captime's dedicated Hong Kong company secretary service, providing a licensed local representative and automated annual return management.
This guide is part of HK Company Guide's free resource library for Hong Kong entrepreneurs. Use the HSIC Code Finder to look up your specific code.
Related Guides
HSIC Section K: Financial Services in Hong Kong — Regulatory and HSIC Code Guide
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HSIC Section J: Information and Communications Technology — Hong Kong Registration Guide
How to select the correct HSIC Section J code for information and communications technology businesses in Hong Kong, with exact code titles, registration steps, government fees, and timelines.
HSIC Section I: Hotels and Restaurants in Hong Kong — Licensing and Classification
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