Acquiring working or investment visas in Hong Kong is notoriously hard as the city regularly fills opportunities with local experts. Yet, a proper and comprehensive investigation will help you to demonstrate that your employees are well-qualified for the job. And most importantly, the visa application handled within the city is free, which could be an advantage for scores of companies. In this article, you will find a handful of information helping you to apply for it for your business.
There are six types of employment and investment visas in Hong Kong in total. Keep reading to find out the most suitable visa for your company.
The GEP is a non-sector specific scheme for applicants who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and are not readily available in the HKSAR. This entry arrangement does not include Mainland Chinese residents, nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of), Nepal and Vietnam.
Factors favorable to the application of visas under the GEP:
Overseas Chinese nationals holding People's Republic of China passports who meet the criteria stipulated above and normal immigration requirements may apply to enter the HKSAR for employment under the GEP if the applicant has permanent residence overseas; or the applicant has been residing overseas for at least one year immediately before the submission of application and that the application is submitted from overseas.
Quota-free
Persons admitted under the GEP who have ordinarily resided in the HKSAR for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR in accordance with the law.
The ASMTP is a non-sector specific scheme for Chinese residents of the Mainland of China applicants who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR.
Factors favourable to the application of visas under the ASMTP:
Quota-free
Persons admitted under the ASMTP who have ordinarily resided in the HKSAR for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR in accordance with the law.
TechTAS provides a fast-track arrangement for eligible companies to admit non-local technology talent to undertake research and development (R&D) work for them in the HKSAR. It also has to fulfill the requirement to employ new local employees in technology-related work. This entry arrangement does not include nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of), Nepal and Vietnam.
Factors favorable to the application of visas under the TechTAS:
Ranking Tables | STEM-related Subjects |
Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) | -Engineering and Technology -Life Sciences and Medicine -Natural Sciences |
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (Shanghai Ranking) | -Life and Agriculture Sciences (LIFE) -Natural Sciences and Mathematics (SCI) |
Times Higher Education | -Engineering and Technology -Computer Science -Life Sciences -Physical Sciences -Clinical, Pre-clinical and Health |
Eligible companies would first have to apply for a quota. A company allotted with a quota by the Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) can accordingly sponsor an eligible person to apply for an employment visa/entry permit within the 12-month quota validity period.
Persons admitted under the TechTAS who have ordinarily resided in the HKSAR for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR in accordance with the law.
This scheme is for persons who wish to enter/stay in the HKSAR for investment as entrepreneurs under the General Employment Policy (GEP), i.e. to establish or join in business in the HKSAR. This entry arrangement does not include Mainland Chinese residents, nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of), Nepal and Vietnam.
Factors favourable to the application of visa/entry permit for investment as an entrepreneur:
Persons admitted for investment who have ordinarily resided in the HKSAR for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR in accordance with the law.
The objective of the Scheme is to facilitate the entry for residence by capital investment entrants (the entrant), i.e. persons who make capital investment in Hong Kong but would not be engaged in the running of any business here. The entrant is allowed to make his choice of investments amongst permissible assets without the need to establish or join in a business.
To qualify for admission under the Scheme, the entrant must :
This entry arrangement is for persons who wish to enter the HKSAR for a limited period (not more than 12 months) of training to acquire special skills and knowledge not available in the applicant's country/territory of domicile except nationals from Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of) and Nepal; and Chinese residents of the Mainland (other than Mainland employees and business associates of well-established and multinational companies based in Hong Kong).
An application for a visa/entry permit to enter the HKSAR for training may be favourably considered if:
Zebra provides a full range of services from visa application to visa renewal for all individuals and family members who wish to stay and work in Hong Kong. Let Zebra takes care of all tedious works throughout the process. Just give us a call and we will update you on the application or renewal status anytime.