Business licensing
Who needs a business licence, the categories, the conditions, renewals and the offence of trading without one.
Who needs a licence
You need a business licence if you sell goods or services on Coral Island, whether you trade through a company or on your own account.
Casino gaming is not covered: it is licensed by the Gaming Commission.
Categories
Licences are granted in these categories:
- retail
- food and drink
- accommodation
- entertainment
- transport
- marine services
- construction
- professional services
- other
Cost and how long a licence lasts
A licence costs $1,500 and lasts 90 days. The fee is paid before the application is decided. The Registry aims to decide within 48 hours of payment.
Who can apply
- For a company: only the registered owner of the company can apply for its licence.
- For a sole trader: you apply in your own name. Your name appears on the public register only if you agree.
Conditions
The Registry may attach conditions, for example about opening hours or the sale of alcohol. You must follow them. A licence can be suspended or revoked for breach of its conditions.
Selling alcohol also needs a premises liquor licence, applied for at the Business Registry counter.
Renewing a licence
You can renew from 14 days before your licence expires until 14 days after, from Your licences. A renewed licence starts when the old one ends.
Trading without a licence
From 1 November 2026 it is an offence under section 12 of the Business Licensing Ordinance 2026 to carry on business on the island without a licence in force.