How do you get a clinic licence in Hong Kong under Cap. 633?

Appoint a Chief Medical Executive, meet the Code of Practice for Clinics, apply through e-Licensing with the fee, and pass the pre-licensing site inspection. A licence lasts up to 5 years and is renewed at least 6 weeks before expiry, under rules in force since 13 October 2025.

Who needs one

Cap. 633 regulates four types of private healthcare facility, hospitals, day procedure centres, clinics and health services establishments, 醫院、日間醫療中心、診所及衞生服務機構.¹ The clinic provisions took effect on 13 October 2025.² Every clinic needs a licence unless it qualifies as a small practice clinic and holds a letter of exemption.

1. Appoint a Chief Medical Executive. A doctor, or a dentist for a dental clinic, registered in Hong Kong for at least 4 years, serving no more than 3 clinics.³
2. Meet the Code of Practice. Management, premises, care process, infection control and risk management, in the 2026 edition.⁴
3. Apply with the fee. HK$8,840 for up to 5 rooms, HK$9,860 for 6 to 10, HK$10,900 for more than 10. Fees are non-refundable.³
4. Schedule the site inspection. ORPHF inspects before the licence is issued, and publishes weekly inspection slots.³
5. Display the licence. In a conspicuous place, since not displaying it is an offence.
6. Renew on time. A licence lasts up to 5 years. Renew at least 6 weeks before it expires.

1. Clinic address ______ Consultation rooms ______
2. Chief Medical Executive ______ Registered since ______
3. Code of Practice self-check done on ______
4. Fee paid ______ Application submitted on ______
5. Site inspection booked for ______
6. Licence expires ______ Renew by ______

Copy template

Questions

How long is a clinic licence valid?

Up to 5 years, or 1 year for a scheduled clinic.

When do I renew?

At least 6 weeks before the licence expires.

Is giving false information an offence?

Yes, false information in an application or request is an offence under the Ordinance.

Sources

1. 1Office for Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities, 2026Regulation of private healthcare facilitiesRead source
2. 2HKSAR Government, 2025DH starts accepting applications for clinic licences and letters of exemptionRead source
3. 3Department of Health, 2026Guidance notes for application for clinic licence, PHF(E) 32ARead source
4. 4Department of Health, 2026Code of Practice for Clinics, 2026 edition, PHF(E) 31ARead source

Written by the wai team from Office for Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities, Department of Health, Hong Kong guidance, checked on 15 October 2026. This is guidance, not legal advice. ORPHF does not endorse wai or any software.