Apply now for a full clinic licence, or a letter of exemption if you qualify, because the window for provisional licences closed on 13 April 2026. The Government has not yet announced when penalties take effect, and until the gazette notice, clinics that have applied may continue to operate.
Where things stand
Provisional licences were for clinics in operation on or before 30 November 2018. Once the deadline lapsed on 13 April 2026, all clinic operators must apply for a full licence, and the Government will announce the effective date of the penalties in due course.1 ORPHF's FAQ says that until the gazette notice, you may continue to operate the clinic.2
By 30 March 2026 there were 546 clinic licence applications, 193 of them for provisional licences, and 2,712 exemption requests.1
- Check the exemption first. If you qualify as a small practice clinic, request a letter of exemption. There is no fee.
- Otherwise apply for a licence. With a CME appointed and the fee paid.
- Meet the Code now. The inspection will test it.
- Watch for the gazette. The penalty date will be announced.
- Exemption eligible ______
- Application submitted on ______
- CME appointed ______
- Code of Practice gaps closed by ______
Questions
Can we still get a provisional licence?
No, the window closed on 13 April 2026.
Are penalties in force?
Not yet, and the Government will announce the date.
Can we keep operating?
ORPHF's FAQ says a clinic may continue to operate until the gazette notice.
Sources
- 1HKSAR Government, 2026Application for provisional clinic licences to close on April 13Read source
- 2Office for Regulation of Private Healthcare Facilities, 2026Frequently asked questions on the Private Healthcare Facilities OrdinanceRead 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.