How to Register a Pharmacy or Dispensary in Hong Kong

Eligibility: Who Can Register a Pharmacy in Hong Kong?

Only a registered pharmacist under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138) can apply for a licence to operate a pharmacy in Hong Kong. The applicant must be the proprietor of the business and must hold a valid practising certificate issued by the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong.

Under section 29(1) of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap. 138), "no person shall keep open a pharmacy unless the business is under the personal control and supervision of a registered pharmacist."

Key eligibility requirements:

• Individual proprietor: Must be a registered pharmacist with a current practising certificate.
• Company proprietor: If the pharmacy is owned by a company, the company must appoint at least one registered pharmacist as the "superintendent" who is responsible for the day-to-day control of the pharmacy. The superintendent must be a director of the company or an employee who is a registered pharmacist.
• Non-residents: Non-Hong Kong residents can own a pharmacy company, but the superintendent must be a Hong Kong-registered pharmacist ordinarily resident in Hong Kong.
• Business registration: Every pharmacy must also be registered under the Business Registration Ordinance (Cap. 310) with the Inland Revenue Department (IRD).

Who is this for vs not for:

Timelines: How Long Does Each Step Take?

The registration process involves multiple government bodies and typically takes 8 to 16 weeks from start to finish, depending on the completeness of your application.

1. Business registration (IRD): 1–2 weeks after submission of application (Form IRBR1).
2. Company incorporation (if applicable): 24 hours after ID verification via the Companies Registry's eCR system.
3. Pharmacy licence application (Pharmacy and Poisons Board): 6–12 weeks for initial assessment, premises inspection, and approval.
4. Premises inspection: Scheduled within 2–4 weeks after application submission; inspector issues a report within 2 weeks.
5. Licence issuance: 1–2 weeks after inspection report approval. Total estimated timeline: 8–16 weeks. Expedited processing is not available for pharmacy licences; the Board must inspect the premises and verify the superintendent's qualifications.

Cost Metrics: Exact Fees for Pharmacy Registration

All fees are set by the Hong Kong government and are subject to change. The figures below are current as of the latest published schedule.

Corporate Execution Layer

While the guide above outlines the regulatory framework, international founders and directors typically execute via a specialised digital platform. Founders complete remote setup in as little as 24 hours by using the Captime HK digital incorporation platform, which includes automated HSIC code guidance and full Companies Registry filing.

Note: Additional costs may include legal fees for drafting tenancy agreements, professional fees for a company secretary (if incorporating), and fitting-out costs to meet the Board's premises requirements (e.g., separate dispensing area, locked cabinets for poisons).

Suitability: Who Should Register a Pharmacy vs. Alternative Structures

Key suitability considerations:

• If your annual turnover exceeds HKD 10 million, a limited company structure offers better tax planning and liability protection.
• If you are a non-resident investor, you must incorporate a Hong Kong company and appoint a local pharmacist as superintendent.
• If you plan to sell only over-the-counter (OTC) medicines (not poisons or prescription drugs), you may not need a full pharmacy licence — but you must still register the business under the Business Registration Ordinance.

HSIC Codes for Pharmacies and Dispensaries

The Hong Kong Standard Industrial Classification (HSIC) Version 2.0, published by the Census and Statistics Department, provides the following codes relevant to pharmacy and dispensary operations:

Which code to use:

• For a standalone retail pharmacy: Use HSIC 477210 as your primary code. If you also sell online, add HSIC 477220 as a secondary code.
• For a dispensary within a clinic or hospital: Use HSIC 862000 (hospital) or HSIC 869010 (clinic) as the primary code, and add HSIC 477210 if the dispensary is separately licensed.

The Census and Statistics Department states that HSIC Version 2.0 "provides a standard framework for classifying economic activities in Hong Kong" and is used by the Inland Revenue Department for business registration purposes.

Step-by-Step Registration Procedure

Step 1: Register Your Business

If you are a sole proprietor: Complete Form IRBR1 (Application for Business Registration) and submit it to the IRD within one month of commencing business. The fee is HKD 2,150 for a one-year certificate or HKD 5,200 for a three-year certificate.

If you are incorporating a company: File incorporation documents with the Companies Registry via the eCR system. You will need:

• A proposed company name (check availability via the Companies Registry's Cyber Search Centre)
• At least one shareholder (can be an individual or corporate entity)
• At least one director (must be a natural person; the superintendent pharmacist can be a director)
• A company secretary (must be ordinarily resident in Hong Kong)
• A registered office address in Hong Kong

Step 2: Apply for a Pharmacy Licence

Submit an application to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board of Hong Kong, including:

• Completed application form (available from the Board's secretariat)
• Certified copy of your practising certificate
• Certified copy of your Certificate of Registration as a Pharmacist
• Floor plan of the proposed pharmacy premises
• Declaration of the superintendent (if the proprietor is a company)
• Application fee of HKD 1,040

Step 3: Premises Inspection

The Board will arrange for an inspector to visit your premises. The inspector will check:

• The premises are clean, well-lit, and adequately ventilated
• There is a separate dispensing area (if applicable)
• Poisons and dangerous drugs are stored in locked cabinets
• There is adequate shelving and storage for medicines
• The pharmacy sign is displayed as required by law

Step 4: Licence Issuance

If the inspection is satisfactory, the Board will issue a pharmacy licence. The licence must be displayed prominently on the premises. Renewal is required annually at a fee of HKD 520.

Compliance Obligations After Registration

Once your pharmacy is registered, you must comply with ongoing obligations under the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance and the Business Registration Ordinance:

• Annual licence renewal: Submit renewal application and fee to the Pharmacy and Poisons Board before expiry.
• Business registration renewal: Renew your Business Registration Certificate every year (or every three years if you opted for the three-year certificate).
• Poisons Register: Maintain a register of all sales of poisons (Part I and Part II poisons) as required by the Poisons List Regulations.
• Dangerous Drugs Register: If you sell dangerous drugs (e.g., controlled narcotics), maintain a separate register and comply with the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134).
• Superintendent changes: Notify the Board within 14 days if the superintendent changes.
• Premises changes: Obtain prior approval from the Board before moving the pharmacy to a new location.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Operating without a licence: It is a criminal offence under section 29 of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance to keep open a pharmacy without a licence. Maximum penalty: a fine of HKD 100,000 and imprisonment for 2 years.
2. Incorrect HSIC code: Using the wrong HSIC code on your Business Registration Certificate may lead to incorrect tax treatment or audit issues. Verify your code with the Census and Statistics Department's HSIC lookup tool.
3. Superintendent not on site: The superintendent must be personally present and in control of the pharmacy during operating hours. If the superintendent is absent, the pharmacy must close.
4. Failure to renew: Late renewal of the pharmacy licence incurs a penalty fee and may result in suspension of operations.

-> Use the HSIC Code Finder at /hsic-finder to look up your specific code.