Halal Certification Subsidy Launched for Restaurants in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has rolled out a new subsidy program to support restaurants in obtaining halal certification, a move widely seen as a step toward strengthening the city’s appeal to Muslim travelers and enhancing its reputation as a global food destination. The scheme, announced by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), aims to reduce financial barriers for businesses while addressing the growing demand for halal dining options in the city.

How the Subsidy Works

Under the scheme, restaurants that secure halal certification between September 2025 and December 2026 can apply for a reimbursement covering 50 percent of their certification costs, capped at HK$5,000. Each restaurant can only receive the subsidy once, but the financial support is expected to make certification far more accessible, especially for small and medium-sized businesses that often struggle with tight margins.

Certification fees in Hong Kong typically range from HK$2,500 to HK$4,000 per year, depending on the size and nature of the restaurant. For smaller establishments, this cost can be a barrier. By cutting the expense in half, the government is offering an incentive for more food outlets to enter the halal market and meet international standards recognized by Muslim travelers.

Rising Demand for Halal Options

Hong Kong’s halal dining landscape has been expanding steadily. As of late 2025, the city has about 195 halal-certified restaurants, up from fewer than 100 just a year ago. With the introduction of this subsidy, industry experts anticipate a further 200 to 300 restaurants could become certified by the end of 2025.

The demand is driven not only by local Muslims but also by international visitors. Hong Kong has long been a popular destination for travelers from Southeast Asia and the Middle East, where halal food is a priority. By improving its halal infrastructure, the city hopes to capture a larger share of the global Muslim travel market, which is projected to reach $350 billion by 2030.

Beyond Certification: Building Trust

While certification provides a recognized seal of assurance, stakeholders have pointed out that true success requires more than just paperwork. Restaurant operators are being encouraged to invest in staff training to understand halal food preparation, avoid cross-contamination, and accommodate cultural needs such as offering alcohol-free zones or prayer spaces.

This focus on service quality is crucial because halal travelers often seek a complete Muslim-friendly experience rather than a label alone. By combining certification with cultural sensitivity, Hong Kong hopes to position itself as a welcoming and trustworthy destination for Muslim visitors.

Economic and Tourism Benefits

The subsidy is expected to generate ripple effects across Hong Kong’s hospitality and tourism industries. With more halal-certified restaurants, the city becomes more competitive against regional destinations such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, which have long promoted halal tourism.

Local businesses also stand to gain. Restaurants that become halal-certified can attract a wider customer base, including Muslim residents and tourists, while also enhancing their brand reputation internationally. This could be especially valuable for restaurants in popular districts like Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, and Causeway Bay, where tourists frequently dine.

For Hong Kong’s economy, the move aligns with broader efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and rebound strongly from recent downturns. By targeting the Muslim travel market, the government is tapping into a segment that values trust, transparency, and religious compliance—qualities that can translate into long-term loyalty.

Applications for the subsidy are open until 31 January 2027, giving restaurants ample time to plan and apply. If successful, the scheme could be extended or expanded in future, depending on uptake and results.

Industry observers note that other global tourism hubs are closely watching Hong Kong’s initiative. If the city demonstrates measurable growth in halal-certified outlets and increased Muslim visitor arrivals, it could inspire similar subsidies in other parts of Asia and beyond.

For now, the program represents a clear signal: Hong Kong is committed to meeting the needs of Muslim travelers and ensuring its restaurant industry remains globally competitive.