Country Profiles

Hong Kong

February 2012

This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in Hong Kong. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.

Overview

BUSINESS VISITOR

Permitted Activities - Business visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:

  • Attending business and "fact-finding" meetings, discussions and seminars;
  • Making sales calls to potential clients, provided that the visiting employee represents a commercial entity outside of Hong Kong ;
  • Concluding contracts or submitting tenders;
  • Participating in product orientation;
  • Examining or supervising the installation/packaging of goods;
  • Participating in exhibitions or trade fairs;
  • Settling compensation or other civil proceedings.

Type of Business Visas - Certain nationals may enter Hong Kong without need of a business visa (visa-exempt nationals). All other nationals will require a business visa Visitor Visa (business)

Basic Requirements -

  1. Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment;
  2. Valid passport;
  3. Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to Hong Kong;
  4. No intention to permanently reside in Hong Kong;
  5. A ticket for onward travel from Hong Kong.
  6. Proof of funds.

Estimated Processing Times - This varies by diplomatic post and country.

Maximum Time On Visa - This visa allows business people to make a short business visit to Hong Kong for up to six months during your visa validity period. Visas can be extended in country.

Typical Documents Required -
All travelers need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:

  • a valid passport or other acceptable travel document and in some cases;
  • a valid visa or authority to enter Hong Kong.

EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

Basic Requirements - The principal visa category for temporary employment in Hong Kong is the employment visa. This is a category for employers to sponsor qualified skilled workers to work as intra-company transferees in Hong Kong on a temporary basis

Note that different processes apply for nationals of the People's Republic of China, Taiwan or Macau.

Process Overview - The process for obtaining an employment visa for skilled workers involves a three step process summarized below.

  1. Employment Visa application;
  2. Self-adhesive visa foil issued by the Hong Kong Immigration Department to be sent to the foreign national to affix in his/her passport;
  3. Visa Activation on arrival at the port of entry;
  4. Hong Kong Identity (HKID) Card application, submitted post arrival.

Estimated Processing Time - Six to eight weeks prior to entry to HongKong. HKID card will take another two weeks, approximately, post arrival.

Validity periods - Visas are generally valid for up to twelve months.

Family Members -Secondary/ family dependants can work and study.