Hong Kong Visa Policy

You can realize your planned trip to Hong Kong by obtaining a Hong Kong visa. There are different types of Hong Kong visas depending on your purposes of visit.

• Visitor/Transit Visa
• Study Visa
• Employment Visa
• Training Visa
• Investment Visa
• Pre-arrival registration (for Taiwan citizens and India nationals only)

Citizens of People’s Republic of China Mainland can enter Hong Kong and stay there for up to 7 days with an Exit-Entry Permit (obtained from Public Security Bureau) to travel to and from Hong Kong Macao (Two-way Permit).

Chinese nationals with the right of abode in Macao can enter Hong Kong visa-free for a maximum period of 180 days with their Macao permanent ID Card. Non-permanent residents of Macao can enter for up to 30 days if they hold a Visit Permit for Residents of Macao to Hong Kong. Holders of MSAR passports or MSAR Travel Permits are granted a stay of 7 days providing they are transiting to a third country.

Chinese nationals living overseas must obtain a Hong Kong Visa/Entry Permit, obtained from Chinese embassies and consulates. The length of stay allowed with this permit varies between 2 weeks and 30 days.

If individual plans to visit or transit Hong Kong but do not enjoy a visa waiver concession or if he/she plans to stay beyond a visa-free period, he/she must obtain a visa prior to arrival. This entry agreement does not apply to Chinese residents of Mainland and Taiwan (other than People's Republic of China passport holders and Chinese residents of Taiwan living overseas).

An individual should consider the followings before applying for a Visitor/Transit visa:

• The applicant's bona fides are not in doubt; (Bona fide-absence of fraud or deception)
• The applicant shall have adequate funds to cover the duration of his/her stay without work
• For a transit visa, the applicant will hold a transit ticket to the next destination, unless the destination is the mainland of China or Macau.

Nationals of the below-mentioned countries need a transit visa even if they do not leave the airport area:

Required Documents for Hong Kong Visitor/Transit Visa

1. Application Form

• Completed by Applicant
• Duly Completed and signed

2. Photo

• The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.
• Details of any re-entry visa (if any)

4. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank statements
• Savings accounts passbooks
• Tax receipts
• Proof of employment
• Company leave letter
• Salary slips

5. Flight Itinerary

• Copy of flight reservation

6. For Tourism:

• Hotel reservation, receipt of joining a package tour to Hong Kong, itinerary, etc.

7. For Transit:

• Copy of onward flight ticket to the next destination, itinerary, etc.

8. For Business:

• Copy of proof of the proposed business visit to Hong Kong
• Letter issued by the applicant's employing company
  • Confirming his/her proposed business activities in Hong Kong
• An invitation letter issued by a local company
• Letter issued by a trade body
  • Confirming the applicant's attendance at trade fairs and exhibitions, etc.

9. For Family Visit:

• Proof of Relationship between a family member and the applicant
  • Marriage Certificate
  • Birth Certificate
• Visa/residence permit of a family member in Hong Kong

10. Other Purposes:

• Copy of proof of the proposed visit to Hong Kong

11. By Sponsor: (if any)

       When the sponsor is a company:

• Application Form
• Copy of Business Registration Certificate

       When the sponsor is an individual:

• Application Form
• Copy of ID Card
• Copy of Passport
  • Date of issue, date of expiry, and the latest arrival stamp/extension of stay label in Hong Kong (for a non-permanent resident of Honk Kong only)

*Additional documents may be required.

Processing Time for Hong Kong Visitor/Transit Visa

The average processing time for a Hong Kong Visitor/Transit visa is 5-28 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Hong Kong Visitor/Transit Visa Fee

Hong Kong Visitor/Transit visa fee is 30-55 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Hong Kong Visitor/Transit Visa?

You will apply for a Hong Kong Visitor/Transit visa in Chinese visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

The validity of a Hong Kong Study visa varies depending on the length of your study in Hong Kong. It is valid for a maximum of 6 years. Generally, the validity of a Hong Kong visa is 12 months.

Hong Kong Study visa is for the applicants who:

• Is admitted to a private school registered under the Education Ordinance or Post-Secondary Colleges Ordinance. Except for post-secondary education, entry for study in public/aided schools (other than English Schools Foundation Schools and Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools) is not permitted.

Hong Kong Study visa is not applicable to:

• Chinese residents living on the Mainland and Taiwan
• Former Mainland Chinese residents settled in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR), which had not been settled there before 14 January 1979
• Nationals from Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam

However, Chinese residents of the Mainland, Macao SAR and Taiwan and nationals of Vietnam may apply for entry to take up:

• For Chinese residents of the Mainland, Macao SAR, and Taiwan:
  • Studies in full-time locally-accredited post-secondary local or non-local programs
  • Studies in part-time locally-accredited taught post-graduate local programs.
  • Exchange in full-time locally-accredited local programs at a sub-degree level for not exceeding 6 months or exchange in full-time locally-accredited local or non-local programs at an undergraduate or above level for not exceeding one year;

Or

• Full-time, short-term studies, subject to the following conditions:
  • The program concerned is offered by Hong Kong higher education institutions with degree-awarding powers (excluding their continuing and professional education arms); and
  • The cumulative duration of short-term studies taken up by any student not exceeding 180 days within any 12-month period.

Additionally, Chinese residents of the Mainland may also apply for short-term exchange programs at the secondary school level approved by the Education Bureau for a period of not more than 2 weeks if teachers from the Mainland accompany them.

To apply for a Study Visa, the applicant should nominate a local sponsor. The local sponsor can be either an educational institution or an individual. If the sponsor is an individual, in this case, he/she should be:

• Above 18 years old
• A bona fide Hong Kong resident (Bona fide- the absence of fraud or deception)
• Acquainted with the applicant
• Financially capable of supporting the applicant and provide him/her with accommodation.

Required Documents for Hong Kong Study Visa

1.  Application Form

• Completed by Applicant
• Duly completed and signed

2. Application Form

• Completed by Sponsor
• Duly completed and signed

3.  Photo

• The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

4. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.
• Details of any re-entry visa (if any)

An applicant who is currently staying in Hong Kong:

• Copy of his/her passport page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in Hong Kong

A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit:

• Copy of Chinese ID Card

5. Copy of ID Card

6. Residence Permit/Visa Copy

• If your country of residence and citizenship are different

7. Acceptance Letter

• From the Educational Institution

8. Proof of Accommodation (If the applicant is under 18)

• Copy of applicant’s accommodation arrangement

9. Proof of Financial Stability

• Bank statements, savings account passbooks, tax receipts, and salary slips, etc.

10. For Macao Residents:

• Copy of Macao ID

11. For Taiwan Residents:

• Copy of applicant’s household registration
• Copy of Taiwan ID Card

Documents must be Submitted by Each Accompanying Dependant:

12. Application Form

• Part B duly completed by the dependant

13. Photo

• The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

14. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.
• Details of any re-entry visa (if any)

An applicant who is currently staying in Hong Kong:

• Copy of his/her passport page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in Hong Kong

A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit:

• Copy of Chinese ID Card

15. Proof of Relationship between Applicant and Dependant

• Marriage Certificate
• Birth Certificate
• Family Photos
• Family Letter (with Envelopes)
• Census Record Book
• Privilege Card for single child etc.

*Additional documents may be required.

Processing Time for Hong Kong Study Visa

The average processing time for a Hong Kong Study visa is 4-6 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

Hong Kong Study Visa Fee

Hong Kong Study visa fee is 30-55 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

Where to Apply for Hong Kong Study Visa?

You will apply for a Hong Kong Study visa in Chinese visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Hong Kong Investment visa is for individuals who plan to enter and stay in Hong Kong and realize his/her investment activities as an entrepreneur under the General Employment Policy (GEP) or to establish or joining businesses in Hong Kong. Once the Investment visa is granted, it is valid for 2 years.

This entry agreement does not apply to:

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

Requirements for Investor Visa:

• No security objection and serious record of crime against the applicant
• Having a good educational background
• Business Plan
  • The applicant who plans to establish a business in Hong Kong must submit a two-year business plan indicating its nature, market analysis, market positioning, etc.
• Business Turnover
  • If the applicant carries on a relevant business abroad or has joined a business in Hong Kong, he/she should submit a profit-and-loss account statement and a balance sheet showing the turnover and profit in the previous year. Those who intend to set up business in Hong Kong should submit a two-year forecast of the profit-and-loss account and balance sheet as indicated above, including the company's expected turnover to demonstrate the feasibility of the operation development of the company.
  • Immigration Department will consider whether the applicant has a significant investment or working experience in the business concerned. If necessary, the Immigration Department will seek advice from the relevant government departments or professional bodies to assess whether the business is suitable and capable of sustaining steady growth in Hong Kong and to give impetus to the industry concerned.
• Financial Resources
  • The applicant should submit his/her personal and company bank accounts for the previous year and proof of other sources of funding, as well as the latest audited financial report (if any) of the company, to show that he/she has sufficient financial resources to run the relevant business in Hong Kong and to support the smooth operation and sustainable growth of the business.
• Investment Sum
  • The applicant should provide documentary evidence showing the amount of capital investment in Hong Kong. The Immigration Department will consider whether the investment amount is capable of supporting the operation of the business.
• Number of Jobs Created Locally
  • The applicant should determine the organizational structure of his/her business and the number of staff and posts required, based on the nature and scale of the business. He/she should indicate the number and level of actual locally created jobs (managers, administrators, professionals, etc.)
• Introduction of New Technology or Skills (if applicable)
  • The applicant should explain how the latest technologies or expertise to be applied will inspire innovation in Hong Kong's high-value-added industries and whether he/she has taken out the patent, leading to the long-term growth of the knowledge-based economy of Hong Kong.

Start-up Business:

• The applicant may apply if he/she plans to establish or join a start-up. If a government-backed program funds the start-up with a robust screening and selection process and the applicant is the owner or associate of the start-up company or a key researcher, the Immigration Department may consider the application favorably. Examples of government-backed programs:
  • StartmeupHK Venture Programme administered by InvestHK
  • Incu-App, Incu-Bio, and Incu-Tech programs administered by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
  • Cyberport Incubation Programme
  • Small Entrepreneur Research Assistance Programme and Enterprise Support Scheme administered by the Innovation and Technology Commission; and
  • Design Incubation Programme administered by the Hong Kong Design Centre

Overseas Chinese nationals holding passports of the People's Republic of China who live overseas and meet the criteria set out above and the usual immigration conditions may apply to the HKSAR for investment if:

• The applicant has a permanent residence overseas.
• The applicant has been residing overseas for at least one year immediately before applying ("overseas" means places outside the Mainland, Hong Kong, and the Macao Special Administrative Region) and that the application is submitted from overseas.

Required Documents for Investment Visa

1. Application Form

• Completed by Applicant
• Duly completed and signed

2. Photo

• The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.
• Details of any re-entry visa (if any)

4. Copy of ID Card

5. Copy of Proof of Academic Qualifications and Relevant Work Experience

6. Proof of Financial Means

• Bank statements

7. Copy of Company’s Employment Contract or Letter of Appointment to the Applicant

• Including:
  • Post
  • Salary
  • Other fringe benefits (health insurance, vacation days, sick days, employer matching of Social Security and Medicare taxes)
  • Employment periods (if applicable)

8. Details about Two-year Investment Plan

• Details of proposed business activities
• Amount of investment
• Creation of local job posts
• Setting up of an office/showroom/warehouse, etc.

9. Proof of Company’s Business Activities

• Copy of contracts
• Invoices
• Proof of business deals under negotiation (if applicable)

10. Proof of Company’s Financial Stability

• Latest audited financial report
• Trading profit and loss account
• Profits tax return

11. Details about Company Background

• Business activities
• Mode of operation
• Background/connection of the company
• Product ranges
• Sources and markets
• Membership of chamber of commerce (if any) etc. (supported with catalogs, brochures, etc., if the applicant has invested in Hong Kong)

12. Copy of Tenancy Agreements/Supporting Documents on Office Set-up

13. Proof of Posts Created for Local Employees

• Copy of records of monthly contributions to Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme (if applicable)

14. If the Applicant has Invested in Hong Kong:

• Copy of Business Registration Certificate
• Copy of Business registration particulars, e.g., Inland Revenue Department

15. Copy of Documents Filed with the Companies Registry

• Such as Certificate of Incorporation/latest annual return/Incorporation Form (Company Limited by Shares)/Memorandum of Association/Articles of Association

16. Copy of Licences or Certificates for the Operation of the Business

• Relevant licenses for financial institutions issued by the Securities and Futures Commission) (if applicable)

17. For Applicants who Plans to Establish or Join in Start-up:

• The letter indicating valid support by a government-backed program

18. For Macao Special Administrative Region Residents:

• Copy of ID Card

19. For Taiwan Residents:

• Copy of ID Card
• Copy of the Applicant's Household Registration in Taiwan

20. For Overseas Chinese Holding Chinese Passports:

• Copy of proof of the applicant's overseas residence
  • Such as a copy of official documents showing the applicant's condition of stay and limit of stay endorsed by overseas authorities

21. By Sponsor:

       When the sponsor is a company:

• Application Form
• Copy of Business Registration Certificate

       When the sponsor is an individual:

• Application Form
• Copy of ID Card
• Copy of Passport including:
  • Personal information, date of issue, date of expiry, and the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in Hong Kong (for non-permanent residents of Hong Kong only)

Documents to be Submitted by Each Accompanying Dependant of an Applicant for Entry for Investment:

22. Application Form

• Part B duly completed by dependant

23. Photo

• The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

24. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.
• Details of any re-entry visa (if any)

The applicant who is currently staying in Hong Kong:

• Copy of his/her passport page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in Hong Kong

A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit:

• Copy of Chinese ID Card

25. Proof of Relationship between Applicant and Dependant

• Marriage Certificate
• Birth Certificate
• Family Photos
• Family Letter (with Envelopes)
• Census Record Book
• Privilege Card for single child etc.

26. For Macao SAR Residents:

• Copy of ID Card

27. For Taiwan Residents:

• Copy of ID Card
• Copy of the dependant's household registration in Taiwan

*Additional documents may be required.

Processing Time for Hong Kong Investment Visa

The average processing time for a Hong Kong Investment visa is 4-6 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

Hong Kong Investment Visa Fee

Hong Kong Investment visa fee is 230 HKD (30 USD). In some cases, it can be free of charge.

Where to Apply for Hong Kong Investment Visa?

You will apply for a Hong Kong Investment visa in Chinese visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

An individual can apply for Hong Kong Training visa if he/she plans to realize his/her training activities in Hong Kong.

This entry agreement does not apply to:

• Nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, and Nepal
• Chinese residents of the Mainland (other than Mainland employees and business associates of well-established and multinational companies based in Hong Kong).

You can apply for Hong Kong Training visa if the duration of training does not exceed 12 months.

Eligibility Criteria:

• No security objection and record of a serious crime against the applicant
• There is a contract between the applicant and the sponsoring company that proposes the training.
• The sponsoring company guarantees in writing the applicant's maintenance and repatriation and that the applicant will receive training in the sponsor's premises until the end of the agreed period, after which the applicant will return to his/her place of residence.

Required Documents for Hong Kong Training Visa

1. Application Form

• Completed by applicant
• Duly completed and signed

2. Photo

• The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.
• Details of any re-entry visa (if any)

The applicant who is currently staying in Hong Kong:

• Copy of his/her passport page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in Hong Kong

A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit:

• Copy of Chinese ID Card

4. Copy of ID Card

5. Copy of Proof of Academic Qualifications and Relevant Working Experience

6. For Macao Residents:

• Copy of ID Card

7. For Taiwan Residents:

• Copy of ID Card
• Copy of the applicant's household registration in Taiwan

       Documents to be Submitted by Sponsor:

8. Application Form

• Duly completed and signed

9. Copy of the Company's Training Contract with the Applicant including:

• Information about post
• Salaries, other fringe benefits (health insurance, vacation days, sick days, employer matching of Social Security and Medicare taxes)
• Training periods

10. Copy of the Business Registration Certificate

11. Proof of Financial Stability

• Latest audited financial report
• Trading profit and loss account
• Profit tax return etc.

12. Details about Company Background

• Business activities
• Mode of operation
• Background/ connection of company
• Product ranges
• Sources and markets
• Membership of chamber of commerce (if any), etc. (supported with catalogs, brochures, etc.

13. Detailed Business Plan

• Information about the source of fund
• Estimated capital injection
• Nature of business,
• Expected turnover,
• The volume of sales,
• Gross and net profit in the coming years
• Proposed creation of local job posts, etc.  (for companies newly set-up within 12 months only)

Note: For companies newly set-up within 12 months only

*Additional documents may be required.

Note: If the sponsoring company had obtained an employment or training visa/entry permit for a non-local staff in the past 18 months immediately before applying, then submitting the documents is not required by the sponsoring company.

Processing Time for Hong Kong Training Visa

The average processing time for a Hong Kong Training visa is 4-6 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

Hong Kong Training Visa Fee

Hong Kong Training visa fee is 230 HKD (30 USD). In some cases, it can be free of charge.

Where to Apply for Hong Kong Training Visa?

You will apply for a Hong Kong Training visa in Chinese visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Hong Kong Employment visa for Foreign Domestic Helpers is for employers who wish to employ a domestic helper/worker abroad.

Employers who plan to employ a domestic helper should have the following criteria:

• After the employer’s household expenditure has been deducted, the employer is still financially capable of employing a Helper. In general, the employer must have a household income of no less than HK$15,000 (1929 USD) per month or assets of the comparable amount to support a Helper's employment for the whole contractual period for every Helper to be employed. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government may adjust the monthly household income figure of HK$15,000 from time to time.
• The employer and the helper will enter into a standard Employment Contract specified by the Director of Immigration.
• As per the Schedule of Accommodation and Domestic Duties attached to the standard Employment Contract, the Helper will only be required to perform domestic duties for the employer.
• As mentioned in Clause 2 of the Standard Employment Contract, the Helper will not be required or allowed by the employer to take up any other employment with any other person during his/her stay in Hong Kong and within the contract period.
• The employer will pay the Helper a salary no less than the minimum allowable wage announced by the Hong Kong Government and prevailing at the date of application for employing the Helper.
• As mentioned in Clause 3 of the Standard Employment Contract, the Helper will work and reside in the employer's residence.
• The Helper will be provided with accommodation and reasonable privacy.
• The employer’s and the Helper’s bona fides are not in doubt; there is no known record to the detriment of the employer and the Helper. (Bona fide- the absence of fraud or deception)
• The employer is a bona fide resident in Hong Kong. (Bona fide- the absence of fraud or deception)

A Helper must be in possession of a proper visa before he/she travels to Hong Kong. Normal immigration requirements being met for the issuance of a visa to Helper (such as holding a passport with adequate returnability to applicant’s country of residence/citizenship; clear criminal record and raises no security or criminal concerns to Hong Kong, has no likelihood of becoming a burden on Hong Kong; etc.). Employers who satisfy the above criteria should not assume that their Helper's visa application would be approved automatically.

Helpers cannot bring dependants with them to Hong Kong as a resident.

These entry agreements do not apply to Chinese residents of the Mainland, Macao, and Taiwan and nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam.

The employer cannot employ the Helper if he/she has been convicted of any of the followings for a period of time:

• Offenses relating to the Helper under immigration law (including assistance and betting in breach of the status of stay)
• Offenses relating to a Helper under labor laws
• Offenses relating to assault or harassment of a Helper

Required Documents for Hong Kong Employment Visa for Foreign Domestic Helpers

1. Application Form

• Completed by Helper
• Duly completed and signed

2. Application Form

• Completed by Employer
• Duly completed and signed

3. Four Copies of Standard Employment Contract

• Should be completed and signed by the employer then forwarded to the Helper for his/her agreement and signature
• Copies of Employment Contracts will be distributed as follows:
  • One copy each for retention by the employer and the Helper;
  • One copy for the consulate concerned in Hong Kong
  • One copy for the Immigration Department to apply for a visa for the Helper

4. Photo

• The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

5. While Submitting the Application, the Employer must Enclose;

• Copy of the Helper's travel document containing his/her personal information, its date of expiry, details of any re-entry visa to his/her place of origin held (if applicable)
• An original copy of the standard Employment Contract should have been notarized by the appropriate consulate in HKSAR if so required by the relevant consulate
• Copy of the Helper's Identity Card (if any).

6. A copy of the Employer's Hong Kong Permanent ID Card/Hong Kong Identity Card

• If the employer is not a Hong Kong permanent resident, a person with the right to land or stay, please also make a copy of the travel document showing the employer's personal information and the latest landing endorsement/landing slip/extension of stay label.

7. Proof of Financial Stability of Employer

       If the employer is an employee of a company:

• Latest notice of assessment and demand for tax issued by the Inland Revenue Department
• Bank statements of last 3 months
• Salary statements/slips issued by the employer's company for the last 3 months
• Proof of the employer controls substantial assets such as recent properties tax assessment, fixed deposits/bank savings statements for the last 6 months (with an amount of no less than HK$350,000 (45,146 USD)), etc.

       If the employer is self-employed or a company director

• Latest notice of assessment and demand for tax issued by the Inland Revenue Department
• Company’s profit tax assessment return together with proof to show the employer's connection with the company such as Certificate of Business Registration/Return of Share Allotment
• Bank Reference Letter showing banking facilities granted to the employer's company or evidence showing that the employer is in control of substantial assets such as recent properties tax assessment, fixed deposits/bank savings statements for the last 6 months (with an aggregated amount of no less than HK$350,000 (45,146 USD)), etc.

8. Proof of the Employer's Residence Address

• With the latest demand for rates note or water/telephone/ electricity, utility bills within the last 3 months.

9. Testimonial of the Helper

• Showing that he/she has at least two years' working experience as a domestic helper.
• The testimonial must contain the name and address of the writer to facilitate verification.

10. Undertaking of Employer

*Additional documents may be required.

Processing Time for Hong Kong Employment Visa for Foreign Domestic Helpers

The average processing time for a Hong Kong Employment Visa for Foreign Domestic Helpers is 4-6 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

Hong Kong Employment Visa for Foreign Domestic Helpers Fee

Hong Kong Employment Visa for Foreign Domestic Helpers fee is 230 HKD (30 USD). In some cases, it can be free of charge.

Where to Apply for Hong Kong Employment Visa for Foreign Domestic Helpers?

You will apply for a Hong Kong Employment Visa for Foreign Domestic Helpers in Chinese visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Hong Kong Employment visa for Imported Workers is for individual who plans to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for employment as imported workers under the Supplementary Labour Scheme (SLS).

The employer who intends to import workers under the SLS needs to first apply to the SLS Application Office of the Labour Department for approval-in-principle. Subject to the grant of approval-in-principle, employers will arrange for their workers to submit a visa application to the Immigration Department within the period specified in the approval-in-principle letter. The approval-in-principle will automatically lapse if the visa application is not submitted on time.

Imported workers are not allowed to bring their dependants with them.

This entry agreement does not apply to the nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant is qualified and experienced for the job.
• The terms and conditions of employment are comparable to those in the local market;
• The applicant will remain under the direct employment of the employer for a specific job and will not be contracted out to other companies or sub-contractors;
• There is no adverse record to the detriment of the applicant and the employer;
• The employer is financially capable of employing the applicant, providing him/her with accommodation, and guaranteeing his/her maintenance and repatriation upon the termination of his/her contract.

Successful employers are required to pay a levy that goes to the Employees Retraining Board to increase the provision of training or retraining for local workers who are vulnerable in the economic restructuring process to changing their employment. The levy payable in a lump sum in respect of each imported worker is HK$400 multiplied by the number of months covered by the employment contract up to a maximum of 24 months. It will be collected after the approval for importing workers and before the visa issue as directed by the Director of Immigration. The levy paid is not refundable.

Required Documents for Hong Kong Employment Visa for Imported Workers

1. Application Form

• Completed by applicant
• Duly completed and signed

2. Photo

• The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.
• Details of any re-entry visa (if any)

The applicant who is currently staying in Hong Kong:

• Copy of his/her passport page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in Hong Kong

A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit:

• Copy of Chinese ID Card

4. Copy of ID Card

5. Copy of Proof of Academic Qualifications and Relevant Working Experience

6. Copy of Medical Report

7. For Macao Residents:

• Copy of ID Card

8. For Taiwan Residents:

• Copy of ID Card
• Copy of the applicant's household registration in Taiwan

       Documents must be Submitted by Employee:

9. Application Form

• Completed by employer
• Duly completed and signed

10. Four Copies of Standard Employment Contract

• Signed between the employer and the imported worker

11. Copy of the Approval-in-principle Letter

• Issued by the Labour Department

*Additional documents may be required by the embassy.

Processing Time for Hong Kong Employment Visa for Imported Workers

The average processing time for a Hong Kong Employment visa for Imported Workers is 4-6 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

Hong Kong Employment Visa for Imported Workers Fee

Hong Kong Employment visa for Imported Workers fee is 230 HKD (30 USD). In some cases, it can be free of charge.

Where to Apply for Hong Kong Employment Visa for Imported Workers?

You will apply for a Hong Kong Employment visa for Imported Workers in Chinese visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

TechTAS offers a fast-track arrangement for qualified companies to accept non-local technology expertise to carry out research and development (R&D) work for them in Hong Kong. Eligible businesses will have to apply for a quota first. An organization allocated a quota by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) may sponsor a qualified individual to apply for an employment visa. It must also comply with the need to hire new local workers in technology-related jobs. For detailed information, you can check the guidelines (Guideline 1, Guideline 2).

TechTAS does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam.

Eligibility Criteria:

• No security objection and known record of a serious crime against the applicant
• At the time of application, the employing company has a valid quota approved by ITC.
• The employer hires the applicant as a full-time employee in Hong Kong.
• The applicant has a degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM)

Work experience is not necessary for anyone with a Master's or a Doctoral degree. In contrast, anyone with a Bachelor's degree should have at least one year's work experience in the related field of technology. Persons who do not meet academic criteria but possess good technical knowledge in specialized fields, proven professional skills, and/or related experience and achievements can be considered on a case-by-case basis with full justifications. In such case, relevant documentary evidence should be provided.

• The applicant shall be given a wage not lower than the prevailing market standard for comparable employment in Hong Kong.
• The applicant shall comply with the clear information relating to the place of employment set out in the quota allocation letter provided by ITC.
• The bona fides of the employing company and the applicant are not in doubt.

Required Documents for Hong Kong Entry Visa under Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)

1. Application Form

• Completed by Applicant
• B Part Completed by dependents (if any)

2. Photo

• The photo should be of passport format, a recent whole-face capture with a light background.
• It must be in the size of 3.5 x 4.5 colored, and the head should take 70-80% of the photo.
• You must be looking straight at the camera with a neutral facial expression (no smile and mouth closed).
• Try to avoid uniforms or colors matching the background.

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.
• Details of any re-entry visa (if any)

The applicant who is currently staying in Hong Kong:

• Copy of his/her passport page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in Hong Kong

A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit:

• Copy of Chinese ID Card

4. Copy of ID Card

5.  Copy of Proof of Academic Qualifications and Relevant Job Experience

• Or proof of strong technical knowledge in specialist fields, proven professional skills, and/or relevant experience and achievements (if applicable)

6. For Macao SAR Residents:

• Copy of ID Card

7. For Taiwan Residents:

• Copy of ID Card
• Copy of applicant’s household registration in Taiwan

8. Copy of Proof of Applicant’s Overseas Residence

• Such as a copy of official documents showing the applicant’s conditions of stay and limit of stay endorsed by overseas authorities (only applicable to overseas Chinese who have obtained overseas permanent residence; or have been residing overseas for at least one year immediately before the submission of an application and the application is submitted from overseas)

9. Letter of Consent

   Documents Submitted by the Employing Company:

10. Application Form

• Part C completed

11. Copy of the Quota Allotment Letter

• Issued by the Innovation and Technology Commission

12. Copy of the Employing Company’s Employment Contract or Letter of Appointment to the Applicant

• Including information about the post
• Salaries
• Other fringe benefits (Health insurance, vacation days, sick days, employer matching of Social Security and Medicare taxes)
• Employment period

13. Copy of the Business Registration Certificate

Note: Not required if the employing company has successfully obtained an employment or training visa for a non-local staff in the past 18 months immediately before the submission of the application

*Additional documents may be required.

Processing Time for Hong Kong Entry Visa under Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)

The average processing time for a Hong Kong Entry Visa under Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) is 2-3 weeks. It depends on your visa application country.

Hong Kong Entry Visa under Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) Fee

Hong Kong Entry Visa under Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) fee is 230 HKD (30 USD). In some cases, it can be free of charge.

Where to Apply for Hong Kong Entry Visa under Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)?

You will apply for a Hong Kong Entry Visa under Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) in Chinese visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

An individual can apply for this visa if he/she wishes to work under GEP (General Employment Policy) as a professional in Hong Kong. Applicants who have special skills, knowledge, or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong can apply to come and work under GEP. The GEP is quota-free and non-sector-specific.

This entry agreement does not apply to:

• Chinese residents of the Mainland
• Nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam

Eligibility Criteria:

• No security objection and record of a serious crime against the applicant
• Good education background, relevant to the field that he/she applies for
• A confirmed offer of employment
• Income, accommodation, medical and other fringe benefits are provided for the applicant.

Overseas Chinese nationals holding Chinese passports who meet the criteria above and normal immigration requirements may apply to employment under the GEP if:

• The applicant has permanent residence overseas.
• The applicant has been residing overseas for at least one year immediately before submitting the application ("overseas" - countries or territories outside the Mainland, Hong Kong, and the Macao Special Administrative Region) and that the application is submitted from overseas.

Required Documents for Hong Kong Employment Visa under General Employment Policy

1. Application Form

• Completed by Applicant
• Duly completed and signed

2. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the return date.
• It also must have at least two blank pages.
• Details of any re-entry visa (if any)

A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit:

• Copy of Chinese ID Card

3. Copy of ID Card

4. Copy of Proof of Academic Qualifications and Relevant Work Experience

5. For Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Residents:

• Copy of ID Card

6. For Taiwan Residents

• Copy of ID Card
• Copy of household registration in Taiwan

7. For Overseas Chinese Holding Chinese Passports:

• Copy of proof of overseas residence

       By Employing Company:

8. Application Form

• Completed by Employer
• Duly completed and signed

9. Copy of Employment Contract

• Or a letter of appointment to the applicant including information about
  • Post
  • Salaries
  • Other fringe benefits
  • Employment periods

10. Copy of the Business Registration Certificate

11. Proof of Financial Stability

• Latest audited financial report, trading profit, and loss account, or profit tax return

12. Details about Company Background

• Business activities
• Mode of operation
• Background/ connection of company
• Product ranges
• Sources and markets
• Membership of chamber of commerce (if any), etc. (supported with catalogs, brochures, etc.) 

13. Detailed Business Plan (For companies newly set-up within 12 months only)

Note: Submission of the documents is not required if the company has obtained an employment or training visa/entry permit for a non-local employee in the past 18 months immediately before submitting the application.

Processing Time for Hong Kong Employment Visa under General Employment Policy

The average processing time for a Hong Kong Employment Visa under General Employment Policy is 5-28 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

Hong Kong Employment Visa under General Employment Policy Fee

Hong Kong Employment Visa under General Employment Policy fee is 230 HKD (30 USD). In some cases, it can be free of charge.

Where to Apply for Hong Kong Employment Visa under General Employment Policy?

You will apply for a Hong Kong Employment Visa under General Employment Policy in Chinese visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Taiwan citizens who wish to visit Hong Kong can apply for pre-arrival registration. The validity of pre-arrival registration is two months and double-entry. Visitors can stay up to 30 days.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Were born in Taiwan
• Were not born in Taiwan but admitted to Hong Kong as a Taiwan Resident before
• Do not have any travel document issued by other authorities outside Taiwan (except “Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents” (generally known as “Tai Bao Zheng”), and Entry Permit issued by the Immigration Department of the HKSAR).

Note: This pre-arrival registration is not applicable to Hong Kong permanent resident who has the right of abode in the HKSAR, or Hong Kong resident who has the right to land in the HKSAR.

Required Documents for Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Taiwan Residents

1. Taiwan ID Card

2. Taiwan Re-entry Travel Document Number and Validity

• Valid at least 6 months

3. Proof of Return Trip

4. Sufficient Funds

Registration Process:

The applicant can register via this website. The applicant needs to provide the following data:

• Name in Chinese and English
• Alias in Chinese and English (if any) (Alias-known or much familiar specific name)
• Sex
• Date of birth
• Place of birth

The applicant also needs to answer one of the pre-defined identification questions as an identification key for the subsequent use of the function “View / Print Registration Notification Slip” of the online service to view or reprint the notification slip.

Applicant must present the notification slip and travel document for re-entry to Taiwan for immigration clearance in the HKSAR. On arrival, the applicant needs to fulfill the normal immigration requirements, for example, having a valid travel document for re-entry to Taiwan, proof of return trip, sufficient funds, and a bona fide purpose of visit before entry to Hong Kong. If the applicant is granted permission to land, he/she will be issued with a landing slip containing the name, Taiwan ID Card number, and the conditions of stay in Hong Kong. The number of journeys completed will be marked on the notification slip.

When the first travel is completed, the applicant should keep the notification slip for the second travel. If the notification slip is lost or damaged after the first travel is completed, the applicant is required to reprint the notification slip through the “View / Print Registration Notification Slip” function. The computer system will generate a notification slip marked with the first travel completed for the use of the second travel.

During the visitor’s stay in Hong Kong, he/she must carry the notification slip, the landing slip, and the travel document for re-entry to Taiwan. The applicant is not allowed to take any employment, establish or join in any business or become a student at an educational institution in Hong Kong.

Processing Time for Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Taiwan Residents

The average processing time for a Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Taiwan Residents is a few minutes.

Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Taiwan Residents Fee

Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Taiwan Residents is free of charge.

Where to Apply for Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Taiwan Residents?

You will apply for a Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Taiwan Residents via this website.

Indian nationals can apply for Pre-arrival registration to visit or transit to Hong Kong. Pre-arrival registration is not required for Indian nationals in direct transit by air and not leaving the airport transit area. The pre-arrival registration is valid for 6 months and multiple visits. On each visit, travelers can stay in Hong Kong for up to 14 days. If the visitor wants to stay in Hong Kong for more than 14 days, he/she need to apply for a relevant visa.

Eligibility Criteria:

• To visit or transit through Hong Kong (except in direct transit by air and not leaving the airport transit area) up to 14 days.
• Holders of a valid Indian diplomatic or official passport;
• Holders of United Nations Laissez-Passer coming/transiting to Hong Kong to/from the third place for official United Nations business;
• Those who have enrolled for e-Channel service for frequent visitors

You can register via this website. You have to provide your personal information, if the registration is successful, you must print the Notification Slip for Pre-arrival Registration for Indian Nationals. The applicant must sign the notification slip. For an applicant who is under 16 years old, his/her parent or legal guardian must sign the slip. If the registration is not successful, the Indian national can apply for an entry visa at Immigration Department. Chinese diplomatic and consular missions will not accept visit visa applications from Indian nationals.

The visitor is not allowed to take any employment, establish or join in any business or become a student at an educational institution in Hong Kong.

Required Documents for Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Indian Nationals

1. Indian Passport

• Valid for at least 6 months

2. Sufficient Funds

3. Return Ticket

• Unless in transit to the Mainland of China or the Macao Special Administrative Region

*Additional documents may be required.

Processing Time for Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Indian Nationals

The average processing time for a Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Indian Residents is a few minutes.

Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Indian Nationals Fee

Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Indian Residents is free of charge.

Where to Apply for Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Indian Nationals?

You will apply for a Hong Kong Pre-Arrival Registration for Indian Residents via this website.