Hong Kong (HK)

Hong Kong is one of the world's most dynamic cities — a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China operating under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework that preserves its common law legal system, independent judiciary, free port status, and separate currency.

Capital: Hong Kong

Region: Asia

Language: Chinese (Cantonese)

Currency: HKD (HK$)

Cost of living: Very expensive (index 90)

Emergency: 999

Visa & Immigration

Entry and residence options for Hong Kong.

Visa-Free Access

Holders of passports from most Western countries can visit Hong Kong visa-free for 90 days (or longer for some): UK (180 days), Canada (90 days), Australia (90 days), USA (90 days), EU countries typically 90 days, Japan (90 days), South Korea (90 days), New Zealand (90 days). Over 170 nationalities have some form of visa-free access. A valid travel document and proof of onward journey are required. Visa-free entry does not permit employment.

All Hong Kong Immigration applications are processed by the Immigration Department at Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, or via the e-Visa portal for some applications. The Immigration Department is generally efficient — processing times of 4–8 weeks are standard. The Right of Abode (permanent residency — 永久性居民) is available after 7 continuous years of ordinary residence under any permitted category. There is no points-based system for Right of Abode — only continuous residence is required. Overstaying is a criminal offence in HK: on conviction, liable to a fine of HK$50,000 and 2 years imprisonment. Extensions of stay should be applied for before the existing permission expires.

Employment Visa

就業簽證 (Employment Visa)

HK$230 application fee. No employer levy.

Duration: Typically 24 months initially; renewable for 24 or 36 months. After 7 years of ordinary residence, may apply for Right of Abode (permanent residency).

Eligibility

Foreign nationals who have received a job offer from a HK employer in a managerial, executive, or professional capacity. Must demonstrate specialist skills not readily available in HK. Employer acts as sponsor and submits the application.

Processing time

4–8 weeks standard processing. Fast-track not officially available but Premium Labour Importation Scheme applications prioritised.

Requirements

✓Completed form ID 91 (General Employment Policy) from Immigration Department
✓Original passport + copies
✓Employer sponsorship letter on company letterhead
✓Employment contract (signed)
✓Employer's Business Registration Certificate
✓Employer audited accounts or proof of company solvency
✓Applicant's CV and academic qualifications (originals or certified copies)
✓Police clearance certificate from home country
✓Salary must be commensurate with prevailing market rate (no minimum, but typically HK$20,000+/month for professionals)

💡 The sponsoring employer submits the application on behalf of the employee. The employee does not need to be in HK to apply — many applications are processed while the employee is still abroad. The visa is employer-tied; changing employer requires a new application or endorsement. Dependants (spouse and unmarried children under 18) can apply for Dependent Visa simultaneously.

Dependent Visa

受養人簽證 (Dependent Visa)

HK$230

Duration: Co-terminus with the sponsor's visa.

Eligibility

Spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 of a person lawfully residing in HK (Employment Visa holder, QMAS/TTPS holder, or HK permanent resident).

Processing time

4–8 weeks

Requirements

✓Completed form ID 488
✓Marriage certificate (original + translation)
✓Children's birth certificates
✓Sponsor's visa copy and HKID
✓Financial proof of ability to support dependants
✓Proof of accommodation

💡 Dependent Visa holders may take up employment in HK without restrictions — unlike many other countries where dependent visa holders cannot work. This is a significant advantage. Children born to a HK permanent resident have the right of abode.

Training Visa

受訓簽證 (Training Visa)

HK$230

Duration: Up to 24 months.

Eligibility

Professionals with relevant qualifications receiving job-specific training in HK (often used for intracompany trainees).

Processing time

4–6 weeks

Requirements

✓Training programme details
✓Employer sponsorship
✓Qualifications certificates

💡 Not suitable for general work. The training must be specific, structured and lead to a qualification or enhanced capability.

Investment Visa (Capital Investment Entrant Scheme)

資本投資者入境計劃 (CIES)

HK$10,000 application fee + HK$30M+ investment (actual investment, not deposit)

Duration: 2 years initially; renewable.

Eligibility

Individuals investing HK$30 million or more in permissible assets in HK (equities, bonds, certificates of deposit, non-residential real estate). Relaunched in 2024 after being suspended in 2015.

Processing time

Several months

Requirements

✓Proof of net assets of HK$30M+
✓Compliance with permissible investment categories
✓Clean background check
✓Investment confirmation from licensed firm

💡 Does not require a job offer. Relaunched in 2024 with real estate as one of the permissible asset classes (limited to non-residential properties). After 7 years continuous ordinary residence, investor may apply for Right of Abode.

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

高端人才通行證計劃

HK$230

Duration: 3 years initial period; after 3 years apply for Employment Visa or extension based on HK employment or business activity.

Eligibility

Category A: annual income HK$2.5M+ in the preceding year (from any employment or combined sources). Category B: graduates from the world's top 100 universities (QS/THE/ARWU rankings) in the preceding 3 years. Category C: top-100 university graduates not covered by Category B, with 3+ years of work experience in the preceding 5 years — subject to annual quota of 10,000.

Processing time

4–6 weeks

Requirements

✓Category A: proof of annual income of HK$2.5M+ (salary slips, tax assessments, employer confirmation)
✓Categories B/C: authenticated degree certificate from a QS/THE/ARWU top-100 university
✓Category C: employment letters and CV demonstrating 3+ years work experience in last 5 years
✓Valid passport
✓Clean criminal record

💡 Over 60,000 TTPS visas granted between launch (October 2022) and end 2025. TTPS holders may take any employment or start a business in HK during the 3-year period. After 7 years ordinary residence (counting TTPS years), holder can apply for Right of Abode. Dependent family members can enter on Dependent Visa with right to work.

No Official Digital Nomad Visa

Digital Nomad

暫無數字遊民簽證

N/A

Duration: N/A

Eligibility

Hong Kong does not have an official digital nomad visa category (2026). Remote workers with income from outside HK may enter on a visitor permit and technically work remotely for foreign clients during their visa-free stay, but this is a grey area. The TTPS (Top Talent Pass Scheme) is the best formal option for highly qualified remote workers who wish to live in HK long-term.

Processing time

N/A

Requirements

✓N/A

💡 Digital nomads are increasingly choosing HK as a base given its connectivity, low taxes and Asia-Pacific time zone. The TTPS 3-year visa for top earners/graduates is practically usable as a digital nomad visa for qualifying individuals. However, income earned while physically in HK from HK sources is subject to salaries tax — consult a tax advisor.

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