Hong Kong authorities plan to invite ride-hailing platform companies to apply for operator licences as early as August 2026, with approvals expected to begin in batches from the end of November 2026, Transport and Logistics Secretary Mable Chan announced on Thursday, July 16th.

This announcement came as lawmakers completed the negative vetting process to approve subsidiary legislation establishing the regulatory framework for ride-hailing services.

Chan detailed that a combined driving test for taxis and ride-hailing vehicles will be launched in the fourth quarter of 2026 to prepare interested drivers for applying for vehicle and driving permits. If the application and review process proceeds smoothly, the first batch of platform licences could be issued starting late November.

Most legal provisions regulating the sector will take effect on August 3, 2026. After receiving their operator licences, ride-hailing platforms will have about nine months to comply with the new regulatory requirements before full enforcement begins on August 22, 2027.

Additionally, the government plans to launch a dedicated website for ride-hailing services on Friday, July 17th, 2026.

Sources