Hong Kong Security Company Licence

Hong Kong Security Company Licence | Bestar

Hong Kong Security Company Licence

To operate a security company in Hong Kong, you must obtain a Security Company Licence (SCL) issued by the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority (SGSIA). This is distinct from the Security Personnel Permit (SPP) held by individual guards.  

1. License Categories

There are three types of security work recognized for company licensing:  

• Type I: Provision of security guarding services (e.g., static guards, patrols, watchmen).  

  
  

• Type II: Provision of armoured transportation services (e.g., cash-in-transit).  

  
  

• Type III: Installation, maintenance, or repair of security devices and the design of security systems.  

2. Key Requirements for the Company

To qualify, your company must meet several stringent criteria:

• Corporate Status: Must be a company registered in Hong Kong (Certificate of Incorporation and Business Registration Certificate required).  

  
  

• Financial Standing: Must demonstrate a sound financial background, usually evidenced by a reference letter from a Hong Kong bank.  

  
  

• Premises: Must have a dedicated place of business (residential addresses are not permitted). If providing Type I services, a secure Control Room meeting specific construction standards (e.g., 40mm solid core doors, emergency alarms) is often required.  

  
  

• Insurance: Mandatory Public Liability Insurance (minimum HK$10 million per incident) and Employee’s Compensation Insurance.  

  
  

• Personnel Vetting: Directors and executives must be of "good character" (criminal record checks are standard).  

3. Application Process

The typical processing time is approximately 3 months.  

1. Submission: Submit Form SGS 6 (obtainable from SGSIA or the Police Licensing Office) along with your CI, BRC, and bank references.  

   
   

2. Payment: An application fee is payable upon submission.  

   
   

3. Inspection: The Security Companies Inspection Unit (SCIU) of the Hong Kong Police Force will inspect your office and equipment.  

   
   

4. Approval: If satisfied, the SGSIA issues a letter of approval. You then pay the annual fee to receive the license.  

4. Fees and Validity

• Validity: Generally valid for 5 years, subject to the payment of an annual fee.  

  
  

• Format: Since July 2023, the SGSIA has transitioned to issuing e-Licences.  

Summary Table

Requirement	Detail
Minimum Insurance	HK$10 Million Public Liability
Office Type	Commercial/Industrial (No residential)
Training	Staff must have 16 hours of basic training
Authority	SGSIA (Security & Guarding Services Industry Authority)

Note: If your company also intends to engage in specialized activities like Forex or CFD trading, be aware that those require separate licensing from the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC).

To secure a Security Company Licence (SCL) in Hong Kong, businesses must navigate a rigorous regulatory framework overseen by the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority (SGSIA). In 2026, compliance is no longer just about paperwork; it requires a strategic, "Agentic-First" approach to digital documentation and financial transparency.

As a multi-disciplinary professional services firm, Bestar Hong Kong provides the specialized advisory needed to bridge the gap between regulatory requirements and operational readiness.

How Bestar Hong Kong Facilitates Your Security Company Licence

Hong Kong Security Company Licence

1. Corporate Structuring & Statutory Compliance

The SGSIA requires applicants to be a company registered under the Hong Kong Companies Ordinance. Bestar manages the foundational setup:

• Entity Formation: Fast-track incorporation to ensure your business structure meets the "fit and proper" criteria.

  
  

• Company Secretarial Services: Maintaining statutory records and ensuring all filings with the Companies Registry are pristine, which is vital for the SCL vetting process.

2. Financial Soundness & Documentation

A major hurdle for new security firms is proving financial viability.

• Bank Reference Coordination: Leveraging Bestar’s professional relationships with major Hong Kong banks to facilitate the necessary financial standing letters.

  
  

• Audit-Ready Financials: As a firm with 30 years of accounting expertise, Bestar ensures your financial statements and projections meet the scrutiny of the Security Companies Inspection Unit (SCIU).

3. Specialized Regulatory Consulting

Operating in the "Asian Growth Triangle" (Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia) requires understanding cross-border nuances. Bestar assists with:

• Licence Categorization: Determining whether your firm requires Type I (Guarding), Type II (Armoured Transport), or Type III (Security Systems) licensing.

  
  

• Zero GST & Tax Optimization: Strategic consulting on "Zero GST Warehousing" and tax efficiency for security equipment imports or regional operations.

The Bestar Advantage: High-Impact Efficiency

Feature	Bestar’s Support
Processing Time	Streamlined document preparation to target the ~3-month approval window.
Expertise	Led by a team of Chartered Accountants and accredited tax professionals.
Digital Readiness	Guidance on transitioning to e-Licences and AI-driven compliance workflows.

Why Choose Bestar for Your SCL?

Winning in the Hong Kong market requires a mix of statistical probability and social engineering—knowing exactly what regulators look for and presenting a transparent, professional profile. Bestar acts as your "Virtual CFO" and compliance lead, allowing you to focus on recruitment and operations while we handle the regulatory heavy lifting.

FAQ: Security Licensing in Hong Kong

Can a residential address be used for a security company?

No. A dedicated commercial or industrial premises is required. Bestar can advise on location requirements, including the construction of the mandatory Control Room for Type I licenses.

What is the validity of the licence?

The SCL is typically valid for 5 years, but ongoing annual fees and compliance filings are mandatory to remain active.

How does Bestar help with international expansion?

If you are a Singapore-based firm looking to enter the HK market, we assist with the Market Readiness Assistance (MRA) Grant (as of April 2026 updates) to offset expansion costs.

Ready to launch your security firm? Contact Bestar Hong Kong today for a consultation on your Security Company Licence.