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
How HSIC Industry Classifications Affect Your Business Bank Account
Your HSIC code determines which banks will accept your application, what compliance checks they run, and how long account opening takes. This guide explains the exact relationship between your HSIC classification and banking eligibility, with specific requirements for high-risk vs low-risk codes.
Understanding HSIC Codes: A Complete Guide for Hong Kong Business Owners
Every Hong Kong business must select an HSIC code when applying for a Business Registration Certificate. This guide explains what HSIC codes are, how to find the correct code for your business, and the legal consequences of choosing the wrong one.
Hiring Foreign Employees in Hong Kong: Visas, Permits and Compliance
A practical guide for Hong Kong employers on hiring foreign staff, covering employment visa eligibility, application timelines, government fees, and ongoing compliance under the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115) and Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57). Includes specific requirements for the General Employment Policy, Admission of Talents Scheme, and Technology Talent Admission Scheme.