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Should you be transferring to, or joining a company that is already established in Hong Kong please see our Orientation page for assistance in making your visa application. Should you be taking up a contract position through Talent2 please see our contractor visa guide. Hong Kong visa information is also available on the HK Immigration Department website.

This article gives general information and is based on information supplied by The Albany Group. You can contact, Jessie Yee at Jessie.Yee@thealbanygroup.com or by calling +852 2643 3223. We do not take any liability for the accuracy of material supplied by third parties.

Hong Kong Visa

Companies opening an office in Hong Kong and those already trading here attract many foreign workers. Hence, the Immigration authorities tend to exercise some discretion in awarding approvals for a Hong Kong visa. Many visitors holding a foreign passport can enjoy a Visa-free visit of 14 to 180 days, but visitors are not allowed by law to take up employment (paid or unpaid), to establish or join in any business, or to enter school as a student. Before coming into Hong Kong, it is best to enquire from the embassy as to whether there is a visa waiver for the nationality concerned.

All non-Hong Kong residents wanting to work in Hong Kong will require a Work Permit. Whilst there is no documented qualifying criteria, when considering an application, the Immigration Department will usually examine several key areas :

Higher level educational background : a graduate degree and above would be preferable.
Relevant experience that is deemed to be in short supply in Hong Kong.
Reasonable salary level; a guide of US$40000 per annum is considered reasonable.
How beneficial the individual is to Hong Kong’s economy, trade and industry.
That a local or resident worker could not fill the position.
How the expatriate can benefit the locals (e.g. training, impartation of knowledge).

The processing time from the submission of an application can take 6-8 weeks. If Immigration need to make further enquiries it may take longer.

If granted, the visa is typically granted for a period of 6 months and above. The relevant authority is the Hong Kong Immigration Department and they tend to be very helpful, professional and efficient. In addition to a valid visa, all residents must obtain Hong Kong identity cards, which they must have on them at all times.

Dependents

Legal spouses and children (up to the age of 18) of an employment visa holder will be issued with dependent visas. As dependents, spouses are currently allowed to take up work when sponsored by their married partner, although these arrangements are changeable.

Training Visa

A detailed training program must accompany an application for a Training Visa, which is usually valid for a period of up to 12 months. This period may be

ID Cards

Under the Registration of Persons Ordinance (Cap 177, Laws of Hong Kong), all Hong Kong residents (including children over 11) require a Hong Kong ID Card. These should be carried at all times and will be required when you wish to open accounts with utility companies, banks etc. For more information on obtaining a Hong Kong visa contact the Albany Group.