Security Guard Services in Hong Kong

How to Become a Licensed Security Guard in the Hong Kong SAR

Private security work in Hong Kong is regulated by the Security and Guarding Services Ordinance (Cap. 460). People engaged in security work must hold a Security Personnel Permit issued by the Hong Kong Police Force under criteria set by the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority, and security companies must hold a Security Company Licence approved by the Authority.

Regulators: Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority (responsible for security company licenses and for setting permit criteria); Licensing Office, Hong Kong Police Force (responsible for Security Personnel Permits). sb.gov.hk

Requirements for Individual Applicants

• Permits fall into four categories: Category A (unarmed guarding work at a single residential building), Category B (other unarmed guarding work), Category C (guarding work that requires carrying arms and ammunition) and Category D (installing, maintaining or repairing security devices, or designing security systems)
• The minimum age for all categories is 18
• The upper age limit is 70 for Category B (raised from 65 in December 2015) and 60 for Category C; no upper age limit is set for Categories A and D
• Categories A and B: applicants aged 65 or over, or on reaching 65, must attach a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner, and then submit one every two years; Category C applicants may be required to submit a medical certificate at the Commissioner’s discretion
• Criminal record policy: a permit is generally not issued if the applicant was convicted of an offense listed in Schedule 2 within 5 years, is on probation, bound over or serving a suspended sentence, was released from prison within the past 3 years, or has 3 or more convictions within 5 years (excluding minor matters such as traffic tickets and littering); applicants may submit written representations
• Categories A, B and C require proof of competence, meeting any one of the following: passing a skills test recognized by the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority within 1 year before applying; passing the final examination of a quality assurance training course of the Authority within 1 year before applying; at least 3 years in total of lawful security work in Hong Kong within the past 5 years; or at least 1 year in total within the past 2 years
• Training courses recognized under the Quality Assurance System must provide at least 16 hours of training
• Category D: relevant training or skills (training certificates or employment records) and good character; a first application must include a letter of employment from a prospective employer
• Breaching a permit condition is an offense under section 10 of the Ordinance; the police FAQ states that the maximum penalty is a fine of HK$10,000 and imprisonment for three months

Application Steps

1. Obtain a Security Personnel Permit application form free of charge from the Licensing Office of the Hong Kong Police Force, a District Office of the Home Affairs Department or the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority
2. Read the guidance notes for applicants and determine the permit category required
3. Complete the application form and attach proof of competence and any required medical certificate
4. Submit the application by post, in person or through the employer to the Police Licensing Office (12/F, Arsenal House, Police Headquarters, 1 Arsenal Street, Wan Chai), and pay the non-refundable application fee and the issue fee
5. Applications are decided by the Commissioner of Police; applicants may appeal to the Administrative Appeals Board within 10 days of receiving notice of the decision

Security Company Licensing

Security companies carrying out Type I (security guarding services), Type II (armored transportation) or Type III (security devices and systems) work must hold a Security Company Licence, and applications are decided by the Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority. New applications use Form SGS 6 (submitted on paper or electronically), each type of work has a document checklist, and applicants are subject to inspection; fees are paid according to the Authority’s fee schedule. The Authority also provides an annual inspection checklist. Renewals use Form SGS 12.

Armed guarding work requires a Category C Security Personnel Permit. Applicants must be between 18 and 60 years old and must hold a valid arms license issued by the Commissioner of Police that covers the weapon used on duty.

Permits are valid for five years or a shorter period set by the Commissioner of Police. Renewal applications must be made between six months and three months before the permit expires. Security Company Licences are renewed with Form SGS 12.

Sources

• SGSIA: About the Authority
• Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority: How to apply for a Security Personnel Permit
• Security and Guarding Services Industry Authority: Security Personnel Permit, four categories of security work
• Hong Kong Police Force: Criteria for Security Personnel Permit applications
• Hong Kong Police: Commissioner’s policy on criminal convictions for SPP applicants (April 1, 2003)
• Hong Kong Police Force: Relaxation of upper age limit for Category B SPP
• LCQ12: Security Personnel Permit (Government press release, March 13, 2024)
• SGSIA: Quality Assurance System recognized training courses
• SGSIA: Quality Assured In-house Training scheme
• SGSIA: Security Company Licence
• District Councils of Hong Kong

Requirements change. Confirm current rules with the official regulator before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice. Last reviewed November 2026.