Hong Kong begins ride-hailing licence applications

The Hong Kong Transport Department opened a call for ride-hailing service license applications on Friday, with submissions due by October 30. This announcement came after the Road Traffic (Amendment) (Ride-hailing Services) Ordinance 2025 became law in October and regulatory details were finalized in mid-July. The new rules went into effect on August 3.

Platforms, vehicles, and drivers must now obtain the necessary licenses and permits to operate, ensuring safer and compliant point-to-point transport options for the public. The government emphasized that applicants must prove they have the operational capacity to deliver ride-hailing services. Eligibility requires being a Hong Kong-registered company with a local office and executive staff.

Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record, such as operating in a city with a population of at least 7.5 million and handling an average of 100,000 ride-hailing orders daily across two cities. Financial stability is crucial, with a minimum HK$50 million paid-up capital, HK$30 million in bank deposits, and HK$30 million in credit facilities.

Applicants must also provide audited financial statements from the past three years. An assessment committee made up of representatives from the Transport and Logistics Bureau, Digital Policy Office, and the Transport Department will review applications and submit recommendations to the Commissioner for Transport. Licenses will be valid for up to five years, with an annual fee of HK$1.2 million.

The Transport Department is also developing a real-time ride-hailing vehicle data management system to monitor licensed platforms' operations.