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Bank account and personal information requirements for Shopify Payments in Hong Kong SAR

Before using Shopify Payments in Hong Kong SAR, you need to understand the requirements that are in place to comply with regulations and to prevent financial crimes. This article explains why personal information is collected, the accepted types of documentation, and provides guidance for ensuring that your documentation meets the necessary criteria.

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Requirements for using Shopify Payments in Hong Kong SAR

Before activating Shopify Payments in Hong Kong SAR, ensure that you meet the following requirements:

  • Eligible business types: Certain types of businesses and services aren't permitted to use Shopify Payments. To determine whether your business is eligible, review the list of prohibited business types for Hong Kong SAR in the Shopify Payments Terms of Service.
  • Bank account requirements: Your bank account must meet the following requirements before you can connect it to Shopify Payments:
    • The bank account must be a denominated checking account with a bank in Hong Kong SAR in HKD currency.
    • The beneficiary name and legal entity must match the name and type of account of your associated bank account.
    • If your business is listed as a sole proprietorship or an individual, then you must attach an individual bank account with your personal legal name as the beneficiary name.
    • If your business is a corporation or partnership, then you must attach a business bank account with the business name as the beneficiary name.

Unsupported bank account types

Certain bank account types aren't compatible with Shopify Payments. The following account types aren't supported:

  • Checking accounts that accept only wire transfers: These accounts don't work with Shopify Payments.
  • Savings accounts: Savings accounts can't be used for Shopify Payments payouts.
  • Flex-currency accounts: Accounts that support multiple currencies simultaneously aren't supported.
  • Money transfer services: Services that mimic bank accounts, such as some fintech platforms, can't be used with Shopify Payments.

Although non-Shopify virtual accounts are supported, you can experience more payout failures with these accounts.

To confirm whether your account can accept the transfer type listed for your region, contact your bank.

Purpose of collecting information

Shopify and its banking partners are required to collect and verify information about you and your business to comply with regulations in Hong Kong SAR that are designed to prevent financial crimes. As local rules and regulations evolve, you might be contacted by Shopify and its banking partners to provide additional information throughout the lifespan of your Shopify Payments account.

The information that's collected is used to confirm the identity of the business, the identities of individuals linked to the business, and the nature of the relationship between the two.

Shopify never physically mails documentation to you. Any important documents or communications are emailed, or made digitally available to the store owner in the Settings > Users page of your Shopify admin.

Review Shopify's Privacy Policy to learn about how your information is kept confidential and safe.

Required personal and business information for activating Shopify Payments in Hong Kong SAR

The personal information that Shopify is required to collect varies from country to country. For businesses in Hong Kong SAR, it's important that you correctly identify your business type because it determines the information that you need to provide.

If you don't have a Business Registration Number (BRN), then select Individual.

If you do have a BRN, then you can find your business type on your business registration certificate issued to you by the Business Registration Ordinance, under the "status" or "法律地位" section of the document. Select your business type based on the following guidance:

  • If your business type says "Individual", "Proprietorship", 獨資, or 独资, then you need to select Sole proprietorship.
  • If your business type contains the word "partnership", 合夥, or 合伙, then you need to select Partnership.
  • If you're simultaneously registered as a charity or non-profit in Hong Kong SAR, then you need to select Incorporated non-profit.
  • If you're not registered formally as a charity or non-profit in Hong Kong SAR, but your business is not-for-profit (for example, clubs or societies), then you need to select Unincorporated non-profit.
  • All other business types need to select Corporation.

If you need assistance with selecting the correct business type, then contact Shopify Support.

Review the following details of the information that's required for each business type.

Individuals

Individuals are single person businesses that don't have a BRN and are doing business privately. Individuals need to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last names: Your full legal name as it's displayed on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • HKID: The account representative's Hong Kong Identity Card number.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address for account-related communications.
  • Phone number: A contact phone number.
  • Residential address in Hong Kong SAR: Your home address that matches your government documentation.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government-issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

Sole proprietorships

Sole proprietorships are businesses fully owned by one person. Legally the owner and the business are the same entity, and the owner is responsible for the actions of the business.

The person displayed on your business registry as the owner must be the account representative. The account representative must provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last names: Your full legal name as it's displayed on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: Your birth date.
  • Identification Number: A personal identification number for the account representative. For example: Citizens of Hong Kong provide their HKID, or citizens of China provide their Passport number.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address for account-related communications.
  • Phone number: A contact phone number.
  • Residential address: Your home address matching your government documentation.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government-issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

Sole proprietors also need to provide the following details about their business:

  • Registered name: The legal business name as registered.
  • Business Registration Number (BRN): The business registration number.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official physical address of the business in Hong Kong SAR.

Your information is verified and compared against the business registry in Hong Kong SAR. Make sure to pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information that you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, BRN, and business address listed in your account matches exactly with the information on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

Corporations

A corporation is a business whose equity is divided into shares, owned by shareholders. A corporation is considered its own legal entity, separate from the people who run it. A corporation typically has a board of directors.

Corporations must assign either a beneficial owner or an executive with decision making power as their account representative. The account representative must provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last names: The account representative's full legal name as it's displayed on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: The account representative's birth date.
  • Job title: The job title of the account representative.
  • Identification Number: A personal identification number for the account representative. For example: Citizens of Hong Kong provide their HKID, or citizens of China provide their Passport number.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address for account-related communications.
  • Phone number: A contact phone number.
  • Residential address: The account representative's home address, matching government documentation.
  • Equity: The equity percentage that the account representative has in the business, if applicable.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government-issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

Corporations also need to provide the following details about the business:

  • Registered name: The legal business name as registered.
  • Business Registration Number (BRN): The business registration number.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official physical address of the business in Hong Kong SAR.

Your information is verified and compared against the business registry in Hong Kong SAR. Make sure to pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information that you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, BRN, and business address listed in your account matches exactly with the information on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

You also need to list any other people who are beneficial owners of the company, or on the board of directors. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as shown on their government documents. They may need to provide a photo ID or proof of address if their identities can't be verified automatically using the information provided.

Partnerships

A partnership is a business owned by at least two partners. Partnerships have equity, and the partnership is its own entity, separate from the owners.

Partnerships need to designate an owner or partner as the account representative of their Shopify Payments account. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last names: The account representative's full legal name as it's displayed on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: The account representative's birth date.
  • Job title: The job title of the account representative.
  • Identification Number: A personal identification number for the account representative. For example: Citizens of Hong Kong provide their HKID, or citizens of China provide their Passport number.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address for account-related communications.
  • Phone number: A contact phone number.
  • Residential address: The account representative's home address, matching government documentation.
  • Equity: The equity percentage that the account representative has in the business, if applicable.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government-issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

Partnerships also need to provide the following details about the business:

  • Registered name: The legal business name as registered.
  • Business Registration Number (BRN): The business registration number.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official physical address of the business in Hong Kong SAR.

Your information is verified and compared against the business registry in Hong Kong SAR. Make sure to pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information that you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, BRN, and business address listed in your account matches exactly with the information on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

You also need to list any other people who are also partners. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as shown on their government documents. They may need to provide a photo ID or proof of address if their identities can't be verified automatically using the information provided.

Incorporated non-profit organizations

A non-profit organization (NPO) is an entity that's established for purposes other than generating profit for its shareholders. Its primary mission is to serve a public or community benefit.

An incorporated non-profit is its own legal entity, separate from the members who have opened and operate it. It's simultaneously registered in Hong Kong SAR as an official charity or non-profit organization.

Incorporated non-profits must assign an executive with decision making power as their account representative. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last names: The account representative's full legal name as it's displayed on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: The account representative's birth date.
  • Job title: The job title of the account representative.
  • Identification Number: A personal identification number for the account representative. For example: Citizens of Hong Kong provide their HKID, or citizens of China provide their Passport number.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address for account-related communications.
  • Phone number: A contact phone number.
  • Residential address: The account representative's home address, matching government documentation.
  • Equity: The equity percentage that the account representative has in the business, if applicable.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government-issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

Incorporated non-profits also need to provide the following details about their business:

  • Registered name: The legal business name as registered.
  • Business Registration Number (BRN): The business registration number.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official physical address of the business in Hong Kong SAR.

Your information is verified and compared against the business registry in Hong Kong SAR. Make sure to pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information that you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, BRN, and business address listed in your account matches exactly with the information on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

You also need to list any other people who are on your board of directors or who are key decision makers. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as shown on their government documents. They may need to provide a photo ID or proof of address if their identities can't be verified automatically using the information provided.

Unincorporated non-profit organizations

A non-profit organization (NPO) is an entity that's established for purposes other than generating profit for its shareholders. Its primary mission is to serve a public or community benefit.

An unincorporated non-profit has a BRN and business registration, but isn't formally registered as a charity or non-profit. They can be a more informal gathering such as a sports club or school.

Unincorporated non-profits must assign an executive with decision making power as their account representative. The account representative needs to provide the following information:

  • Legal first and last names: The account representative's full legal name as it's displayed on government-issued documentation.
  • Date of birth: The account representative's birth date.
  • Job title: The job title of the account representative.
  • Identification Number: A personal identification number for the account representative. For example: Citizens of Hong Kong provide their HKID, or citizens of China provide their Passport number.
  • Email address: A valid and active email address for account-related communications.
  • Phone number: A contact phone number.
  • Residential address: The account representative's home address, matching government documentation.
  • Equity: The equity percentage that the account representative has in the business, if applicable.

Ensure that your name, date of birth, and home address are accurate and that they match your government-issued documentation. If your information can't be verified, then you're asked to update your name and date of birth to match your documentation, and you might be asked for a photo ID. Review the list of acceptable photo ID documents.

Unincorporated non-profits also need to provide the following details about their business:

  • Registered name: The legal business name as registered.
  • Business Registration Number (BRN): The business registration number.
  • Business phone number: An active contact phone number for the business.
  • Business address: The official physical address of the business in Hong Kong SAR.

Your information is verified and compared against the business registry in Hong Kong SAR. Make sure to pay careful attention to case, punctuation, and symbols.

If the information that you provide about the business can't be verified, then you might need to provide a business verification document. When providing this document, ensure that the registered name, BRN, and business address listed in your account matches exactly with the information on the document. Update the information in your account to match the document when necessary. Review the list of acceptable business documents.

You also need to list any other people who are on your board of directors or who are key decision makers. Ensure you enter their names, dates of birth, and home addresses exactly as shown on their government documents. They may need to provide a photo ID or proof of address if their identities can't be verified automatically using the information provided.

Acceptable document types

This section explains which documents you can use to verify your identity and business details.

Identity documents

The name and date of birth on your Shopify Payments account must be updated to match the information shown in the identity document you're providing. The documents must be valid and must not be expired. Take photographs of your documents instead of scanning or copying them. The following documents are accepted as proof of identity:

  • Passport
  • Identity card (Photographs of front and back are required)
  • Certificate of Registered Particulars
  • Certificate of Exemption
  • Vietnamese refugee card

Business verification documents

The following documents are accepted for business verification. They must clearly display the legal entity name, business registration number (BRN), and address of your business. The details on your Shopify Payments account must be updated to match the information displayed in the documents that you're providing:

  • Commercial register extract
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Business registration certificate

Ensuring documentation compliance

When providing your documents, ensure that they meet the necessary criteria. Review the following guidelines to ensure compliance:

  • Accuracy: Ensure that the information on your documents matches what you've entered in your Shopify Payments account. Update your account to match your documents, if necessary.
  • Clarity and legibility: Make sure that your documents are clear and large enough to read. Ensure the entire document is visible in the photograph.
  • Completeness: Ensure all the necessary details are visible on your document. Review the acceptable document types listed on this page to understand what details must be included on the document.
  • Original documentation: Take an original photograph of your document using a camera. Don't photocopy, scan, or screenshot your documents. Don't paste photos of documents into other documents. Don't take photos of computer screens or printouts.
    • If your document was issued to you digitally, then provide the PDF file with all pages as it was originally given to you, with no alterations.
  • Validity: Ensure photo IDs aren't expired and that proof of address is recently issued. If providing proof of business registration, then your business should still be actively registered and in good standing.

Troubleshooting common issues

Before contacting Shopify Support, review the following common onboarding issues and their solutions.

My bank account number isn't being accepted

Hong Kong banks often display account details as a combined string that includes the bank code, branch code, and account number together (for example, 004-406-789789-89). Shopify Payments requires these to be entered separately:

  • Bank code: 3 digits
  • Branch code: 3 digits
  • Account number: 6–9 digits, not including the branch code

If you've included your branch code at the start of your account number, then update your bank account information in your Shopify Payments settings to enter each section separately.

If your bank is Citibank, then Citibank issues both 8‑digit and 10‑digit account numbers. The 10‑digit version isn't compatible with the payout transfer system. When you enter your bank details, use your 8‑digit Citibank account number.

My document was rejected.

Make sure the information on your account matches the information in the document you're submitting, and update your account to match your documentation if needed. If your documents are still being rejected, then refer to the following sections on this page:

  • Acceptable document types: Which documents are accepted and what details they must include. Screenshots, printouts of online searches, and registry screenshots are not accepted.
  • Ensuring documentation compliance: Requirements for accuracy, clarity, completeness, original documentation, and validity.
My business information can't be verified.

If your business information can't be verified, then check the following:

  • Your registered business name matches exactly what's recorded in the Hong Kong business registry, including letter case, punctuation, and symbols.
  • Your business registration number (BRN) is entered correctly.
  • Your business address matches the address in the Hong Kong business registry.

If the information is correct and verification still fails, then you might need to upload a business verification document. Ensure that the document clearly includes the legal entity name, BRN, and address of your business.

Should I enter my business name in Chinese or in English?

Your information should be entered as it's shown on your documentation. If your documentation shows your business name and other details written in English, then enter your information in English.

Frequently asked questions

Review the following frequently asked questions about Shopify Payments requirements in Hong Kong SAR.

I live in China. Can I set up a Shopify Payments Hong Kong account?

If your business type is individual, then you're required to live in Hong Kong SAR to be eligible for Shopify Payments Hong Kong. If you live in China and don't have a Hong Kong BRN, then you must use a different payment provider.

If you live in China and you have a Hong Kong BRN, then you can sign up as either a sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, or non-profit, depending on your business structure. You can find your business type on your business registration certificate issued to you by the Business Registration Ordinance, under the status or 法律地位 section of the document.

Provide your accurate home address in China, and photograph a valid passport for identity verification. Don't scan, screenshot, or copy the document. Chinese driver's licenses and national ID cards are not accepted.

I'm a citizen of Hong Kong and I was born there, but I don't currently live in Hong Kong. Can I use Shopify Payments Hong Kong?

If your business type is individual, then you're required to live in Hong Kong SAR to be eligible for Shopify Payments Hong Kong SAR. If you don't currently live in Hong Kong SAR, then you must instead create a Shopify Payments account for the region you live in.

Update your store address to your current location. If your location is eligible for Shopify Payments, then you can create a Shopify Payments account for that region instead.

If you're a sole proprietorship, partnership, company, or nonprofit, then you're not required to personally live in Hong Kong SAR, but your business is required to be registered there and have a Hong Kong SAR business address. If you need help, then contact Shopify Support.

My business document says "body corporate". What business type should I pick?

If your business document lists your status as body corporate, body corp, corp, 股份有限公司, 擔保有限公司, or 担保有限公司, then select Corporation as your business type.

Even if your corporation is 100% owned by one person, select Corporation.

Why do you need my HKID/identification number if you already have my BRN?

Even if you sign up as a registered legal entity using a BRN, we require a personal identification number for the individuals on file to verify their identities. This information is used only for identity verification.

Will my personal and business information be kept private?

Yes. Personal information for owners and directors, such as names or home addresses, is kept private and is never shared publicly.

Do I need to own a registered business to use Shopify Payments in Hong Kong?

No. If you don't have a BRN, you can still use Shopify Payments by selecting Individual as your business type. Individuals must personally live in Hong Kong SAR.

How do I update my Shopify Payments account information?

If you are actively being asked to complete account verification, then you can make any updates to your information from in the verification page along with submitting any documents that are being requested.

Outside of the verification process, the account owner of the store can update these details through Settings > General > Business Details. Click the three dots beside your business entity and then click "edit" to update that business's information, including business type.

Note that any changes you make here are automatically sent to our banking partners for review, and the new information is re-run through their verification process. It's possible the changes automatically re-verify, but you may also be asked for supporting documents.

If you have any difficulty with this process, contact Shopify Support for assistance.

Before you contact Shopify Support about Shopify Payments in Hong Kong

Before reaching out to Shopify Support, gather the following information to help resolve your issue faster:

  • Screenshots of any error messages you received (censor sensitive information like bank account numbers)
  • The business type you selected during setup
  • Your Business Registration Number (BRN), if applicable
  • The specific step where you encountered the issue
  • The browser and device you're using
  • Your bank account details (country, currency, account type) without sharing the full account number

Having this information ready helps Shopify Support assist you more efficiently.