In Hong Kong, a company that installs, maintains or repairs CCTV, burglar alarms or access control systems for others for reward must hold a Security Company Licence for Type III security work, and the workers must hold a Security Personnel Permit (Category D). The quickest way to verify a contractor is to search the list of licensed security companies or scan the QR code on its electronic licence. According to the official list (updated 7 October 2026), 1,463 companies hold a security company licence, of which 807 hold a Type III licence.
The three types of security company licence
| Type | Official scope | Typical examples |
|---|---|---|
| Type I | Provision of security guarding services | Building guards, shopping mall security |
| Type II | Provision of armoured transportation services | Cash and valuables in transit |
| Type III | Installation, maintenance and/or repairing of a security device and/or designing (for any particular premises or place) a security system incorporating a security device | Design, installation and repair of CCTV, burglar alarms and access control |
When hiring a contractor for CCTV, alarm or access control work, check that its licence covers Type III. A company holding only a Type I (guarding) licence is not licensed for security device work.
The law
- Section 11(1) of the Security and Guarding Services Ordinance (Cap. 460): no person other than a company holding a security company licence may supply, agree to supply or hold itself out as supplying individuals to do security work for others for reward. The maximum penalty on conviction is a fine of HK$100,000 and imprisonment for two years.
- Section 10: a person must hold a valid permit issued by the Commissioner of Police to do security work for others for reward.
- Section 12: no person may authorise or require a person without a valid permit to do security work for him for reward. The maximum penalty under section 10 or 12 is a fine of HK$10,000 and imprisonment for three months.
Full text: Cap. 460 on Hong Kong e-Legislation. For specific cases, consult the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority (SGSIA) or a legal adviser.
How to verify a security company licence
- Search the official list: look up the company name or licence number in the list of licensed security companies and confirm that the licence type includes Type III.
- Verify the electronic licence: security company licences have been issued electronically since 1 July 2023. Ask for the e-licence and scan its QR code with the e-licence verification service.
- Check the workers’ permits: staff installing, maintaining or repairing security devices must hold a Security Personnel Permit (Category D).
- Electrical work: if new power points or changes to electrical installations are needed, the contractor must be a registered electrical contractor; check the EMSD register.
The company name on the quotation and contract should match the name on the licence list.
Warning signs
- No licence number is given, or the contractor says a licence is not needed for installing cameras
- The company is not on the licence list, or holds Type I only
- The quotation shows only a total, without an itemised scope
- The contracting company differs from the licensed company
Our licence details
Projects for the website brand SECURITY HONG KONG LTD (香港防盜) are carried out by KNS SYSTEM LTD (傑成系統有限公司): Security Company Licence No. 1507 (Type III), issued by the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority, and Registered Electrical Contractor No. 029394. The telephone number shown for KNS System Limited on the licence list, 3170 7019, is our general enquiry line. We are an installer and distributor; survey, installation and maintenance are carried out by our own engineers. See CCTV installation, access control and burglar alarms. Chinese version: 如何核實持牌保安公司.
Privacy rules for using CCTV (Cap. 486, PCPD guidance, homes and village houses): CCTV laws and privacy rules in Hong Kong.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licensed company to install CCTV in Hong Kong?
Yes, if the work is done for reward. Installing, maintaining or repairing CCTV for others is Type III security work: the company needs a Security Company Licence and the workers need a Security Personnel Permit (Category D).
Is it illegal to install CCTV myself?
Cap. 460 regulates security work carried out for others for reward. Installing a system for your own home or business is not covered, but camera coverage and recordings must still comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
What is the difference between a Type I and a Type III licence?
Type I covers security guarding services. Type III covers installation, maintenance and repair of security devices and the design of systems incorporating security devices, such as CCTV, burglar alarms and access control.
How can I check whether a company holds a security licence?
Search the list of licensed security companies published for the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority by company name or licence number, or scan the QR code on the company’s electronic licence.
What does a Category D Security Personnel Permit cover?
Installation, maintenance and/or repairing of a security device and/or designing (for any particular premises or place) a security system incorporating a security device.
How are KNS SYSTEM LTD and SECURITY HONG KONG LTD related?
SECURITY HONG KONG LTD (香港防盜) is the website brand. Projects are carried out and contracted by KNS SYSTEM LTD (傑成系統有限公司), Security Company Licence No. 1507 (Type III) and Registered Electrical Contractor No. 029394.
Sources: list of licensed security companies (updated 7 October 2026), Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority licence and permit pages, and the Hong Kong Police Force notes on Cap. 460 (accessed October 2026).
General enquiries: +852 3170 7019 Sales hotline: +852 2122 9527 WhatsApp: +852 9439 8568