Introduction
Subject to the exceptions set out in the Estate Agents Ordinance, and unless otherwise stated therein, anyone practising estate agency work in the course of business in Hong Kong must hold a valid estate agent's licence. Anyone acting as a salesperson of an estate agent must also hold a valid licence. Failure to do so is an offence with a maximum penalty of 2 years of imprisonment and a fine of $500,000.
There are two types of licences—a salesperson's licence and an estate agent's licence—with different requirements. Before carrying on estate agency business, estate agents are also required to apply, for each place of business under each business name, for a statement of particulars of business. Application forms, required documents, fees and procedures may be found in this website.
A licence will expire on the date specified on the licence and may be attached with conditions. During the validity period, a licence may be suspended or revoked. Those wishing to continue to do estate agency work must make an application for renewal of their licences no earlier than 3 months and no later than 1 month prior to the expiration of their licences.
Individual licensees are issued with an estate agent card to facilitate identification by the public. Certain licensee information is made available to the public through the Licence List published in this website or in the Register maintained pursuant to the Ordinance.
Licensees and certain former licensees may register for and log in e-Services to submit their licence applications, to update their contact information and other personal particulars, to subscribe or unsubscribe reminders and publications, to submit certain notices required by the Ordinance and to access certain resources / services under the Continuing Professional Development Scheme. |