Global Daily Tax News, Hong Kong To Offer Digital Certificates Of Residence Status, (Nov 7, 2025)

Hong Kong's Inland Revenue Department has announced that it will begin offering Digital Certificates of Resident Status from November 10, 2025.

A Certificate of Resident Status is a document issued by IRD to a Hong Kong resident who requires proof of resident status for the purposes of claiming tax benefits under a double tax agreement.

The competent authority of Hong Kong will issue a Certificate of Resident Status after the relevant DTA between Hong Kong and the other jurisdiction has become effective.

The IRD has confirmed that, from November 10, 2025, taxpayers may newly secure a digital certificate in respect of Hong Kong's double tax agreement with Mainland China.

The IRD said, generally, the digital certificate will be sent in PDF format to the inbox of the applicant's ITP/BTP account. The IRD said non-individual applicants without a business registration number can instead download the certificate as follows:

• Click the "View All Services" tab on the login page of the BTP;

• Click the "Certificate of Resident Status" tab on the "Online Services" menu;

• Click the "Download Certificate of Resident Status with Access Code" tab on the "Certificate of Resident Status" menu;

• Input the applicant's file number and access code; and

• Click the "View/Download Certificate" button.

For DTAs with other jurisdictions, the IRD will issue these certificates in paper form, by post. Alternatively, those wishing to collect the certificate in person are required to make a written request when submitting the relevant application form and the required documents.

With the introduction of digital certificates, the IRD has introduced a new website where Hong Kong's DTA partners can verify the authenticity of the certificate.