BRN vs CRN in Hong Kong 2026: What’s the Difference?

Quick Answer

In Hong Kong, the Business Registration Number (BRN) is the key business identifier used under the Unique Business Identifier (UBI) framework. For UBI purposes, the BRN is the first eight digits of the Business Registration Certificate number.

Since 27 December 2023, the BRN has replaced the former Company Registration Number (CR No. or CRN) as the identification number for companies and certain other entities administered by the Registrar of Companies.

For founders in 2026, the practical rule is straightforward: use the identifier specifically requested by the relevant government authority, bank, platform, or business process. Older company records may still show a former CR No., so understanding the difference can help prevent errors and unnecessary delays.

BRN vs CRN in Hong Kong: What Founders Need to Know

If you run or are setting up a Hong Kong company, you may encounter both a Business Registration Number (BRN) and a former Company Registration Number (CRN or CR No.) in your corporate records.

This is particularly common for companies incorporated before Phase 2 of Hong Kong’s Unique Business Identifier system took effect.

Understanding BRN vs CRN in Hong Kong is important when dealing with company records, banking applications, business verification, tax administration, payment platforms, and corporate compliance.

Captime Corporate Management Limited (TCSP Licence No. TC010212) recommends checking exactly which identifier is requested instead of assuming that a BRN and former CRN can always be used interchangeably.

What Is a BRN in Hong Kong?

A Business Registration Number (BRN) is an identifier assigned through Hong Kong’s business registration system.

Under the UBI framework, the BRN serves as the Unique Business Identifier for companies and other entities covered by the initiative. For UBI purposes, it consists of the first eight digits of the Business Registration Certificate number.

The UBI framework provides a more consistent approach for relevant government departments and businesses to identify entities. For founders, this means the BRN is an important piece of company information to keep readily available when completing administrative, verification, or compliance processes.

What Is a CRN in Hong Kong?

CRN commonly refers to the former Company Registration Number, also known as the CR No.

Before Phase 2 of Hong Kong’s UBI initiative, the Companies Registry used the CR No. to identify registered companies.

From 27 December 2023, the BRN replaced the former Company Registration Number as the identification number for companies and entities under the administration of the Registrar of Companies.

Companies incorporated before this change may therefore continue to see their former CR No. on historical records. Its presence on an older document does not automatically mean the document is invalid.

Instead, founders should recognise that Hong Kong’s company identification framework has changed and confirm which identifier is required for the particular process they are completing.

BRN vs CRN: What Is the Difference?

The main difference between a BRN and former CRN is their role in company identification.

The BRN is the current identifier used as the Unique Business Identifier under Hong Kong’s UBI framework. It is based on the first eight digits of the Business Registration Certificate number.

The former CRN or CR No. is the historical Companies Registry identification number used before Phase 2 of UBI implementation.

In practical terms, the BRN is the key current identifier in 2026, while the former CR No. remains relevant when reviewing historical company records or matching older information.

However, founders should not simply replace one number with another on every form. A government department, bank, payment provider, professional adviser, or digital platform may specify exactly which company information it requires. Always follow the instructions for the particular process.

What Changed on 27 December 2023?

Hong Kong implemented Phase 2 of the Unique Business Identifier initiative on 27 December 2023.

The framework was extended to companies incorporated or registered under the Companies Ordinance and various other entities administered by the Companies Registry.

Following implementation, the BRN became the identification number for Companies Registry purposes for entities covered by the framework, replacing the former Company Registration Number.

This means founders dealing with current company information should be familiar with their BRN, even where older corporate records mainly reference a CR No.

Historical certificates containing the former CR No. are not automatically re-issued simply because the BRN became the UBI. Companies should therefore keep older corporate documents organised alongside their current records.

How Can You Check a Company’s BRN and Former CRN?

For companies registered before Phase 2 of UBI implementation, the Hong Kong Companies Registry provides a CR No./BRN Mapping function.

The official mapping facility can help users identify the corresponding BRN from a former CR No. or verify the relationship between the two identifiers.

This can be useful when reviewing historical corporate documents, conducting company verification, or reconciling older records with current company information.

Using the official Companies Registry facility is preferable to guessing or relying solely on information copied from outdated records.

Why Does BRN vs CRN Matter for Hong Kong Founders?

Company identification numbers can appear across government filings, banking and financial service applications, payment platforms, corporate verification, accounting, tax administration, and compliance processes.

Providing the wrong identifier can create confusion or processing delays.

If a form specifically asks for a BRN, provide the company’s BRN. If an older document contains a CR No., confirm whether the relevant process needs that historical number or the company’s current BRN.

This is especially important for founders managing companies incorporated before December 2023, because their records may contain both identifiers.

What Captime Recommends

For Hong Kong companies in 2026, Captime Corporate Management Limited (TCSP Licence No. TC010212) recommends keeping the company’s BRN readily available as its key current identifier under the UBI framework.

Most importantly, founders should not assume that the two identifiers are interchangeable in every situation. Check what the relevant government authority, bank, platform, or corporate process specifically requests.

Official References

For further information on Hong Kong's Unique Business Identifier framework and the use of Business Registration Numbers, refer to the following official government resources:

· Hong Kong Companies Registry — Unique Business Identifier (UBI) https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/publications/docs/UBI_Flyer-e.pdf

· Inland Revenue Department — Unique Business Identifier

https://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/tax/bre_ubi.htm

· Hong Kong Companies Registry — CR No./BRN Mapping

https://www.cr.gov.hk/en/electronic/e-servicesportal/e-search/lists_for_the_mapping.htm