Hong Kong, a vibrant global business hub, attracts a diverse array of entrepreneurs, professionals, and investors from around the world. If you’re considering relocating or doing business in Hong Kong, understanding the various visa options is essential. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of the most common Hong Kong visas, for those looking to establishing a presence in this dynamic city.

Employment Visa

The Employment Visa is designed for foreign professionals who have secured a job offer in Hong Kong.

To qualify, applicants must possess relevant qualifications, experience, and a confirmed job offer from a Hong Kong-based employer.

The visa is typically valid for one or two years and is renewable as long as the employment continues. The applicant may bring dependents (spouse and children up to age 18).

There is no quota system for this type of visa and it is non-sector specific.

One of the most important requirements is for the sponsoring company to provide supporting documents and explain why they cannot fill the post locally.

The Employment Visa does not apply to:

• Chinese residents of mainland China (they may apply for the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)).
• Nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal and Vietnam.

Investment Visa

The Investment Visa is for foreign entrepreneurs who plan to establish their own business and relocate to Hong Kong to work in their own company.

Applicants must demonstrate a viable business plan and prove they have sufficient financial resources to support their investment. They must also prove that the business will substantially contribute to the local economy by having a reasonable economic substance. The specific kind of company that needs to be set up depends on the situation but usually it would be a limited company startup or a sole proprietorship.

Approval is granted on a case-by-case basis, and the visa is renewable for as long as the business remains operational. The applicant may bring dependents (spouse and children up to age 18).

This arrangement does not apply to:

• Chinese residents of mainland China.
• Nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal and Vietnam.

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

The TTPS was launched in December 2022 to attract top global talents with rich work experience and/or good academic qualifications to explore opportunities in Hong Kong. There is no need to have a job offer beforehand.

Once approved, applicants can work and live in Hong Kong for the next 24 months. You can apply for an extension within 4 weeks of the expiry date.

There are three categories of eligibility:

• Category A: individuals with an annual income of HK$2.5 million or more (or its equivalent in foreign currency) in the year immediately preceding the application date.
• Category B: degree graduates of the world’s top 100 universities with at least three years of work experience over the past five years immediately preceding the application date.
• Category C: degree graduates of the world’s top 100 universities, graduated in the past five years immediately preceding the application date, with less than three years of work experience. This category is subject to an annual quota, to be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.

During the validity of your TTPS visa, you can change employment or set up a business in Hong Kong without needing prior approval.

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

The QMAS is a points-based system for highly skilled or talented individuals who wish to live and work in Hong Kong without a prior job offer or own company.

Applicants must pass a points test based on factors such as age, education, work experience, and language proficiency. Additionally, they should have a sound financial standing and be capable of supporting themselves and their dependents.

Successful candidates will be granted a visa for an initial period, typically one to two years, with the option to renew. The applicant may bring dependents (spouse and children up to age 18).

This scheme currently has an annual quota of 1,000 entrants.

Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)

The IANG visa is designed for non-local graduates who have obtained a degree from a recognised Hong Kong institution or from the GBA campus (specified higher education institutions in the mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area).

To further specify, it covers undergraduate or higher qualifications in a full-time and locally-accredited programme.

Recent graduates refer to those who submit their applications within six months of the date of their graduation.

This visa allows recent graduates to live and work in Hong Kong without a job offer.

IANG visas are valid for one year initially, with the option to extend upon securing employment.

Permanent Residency

After residing in Hong Kong for a continuous period of seven years, foreign nationals can apply for Permanent Residency. This status grants individuals the right to live and work in Hong Kong without any visa restrictions.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have made Hong Kong their principal place of residence and have sufficient financial resources to support themselves.

Working Holiday Visa

The Working Holiday Visa is available to young people (usually aged 18-30) from participating countries, allowing them to live and work in Hong Kong for a limited period (usually 12 months).

This visa aims to promote cultural exchange and is subject to quotas and specific eligibility requirements depending on the applicant’s nationality.

Get Help with your Hong Kong Visas

Understanding the various visa options is crucial for foreigners looking to work, invest, or do business in Hong Kong.

This guide provides an overview of the most common visas, but a professional corporate services provider can help you determine the best visa option for your specific needs.

There is a lot to do when relocating to a new country. HKWJ Tax Law can give a helping hand by:

• determining the best visa for your needs
• preparing and submitting your visa application (also for your employees)
• assisting with the necessary documents for the investment visa application, such as the business plan
• human resources and hiring
• payroll

Contact us today via the form below or [email protected] for more information.