Hong Kong – Visas

Do I need a visa to move to Hong Kong?

By virtue of the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong manages its own immigration and visa arrangements independently from the rest of China. A valid visa for mainland China confers no right of entry to Hong Kong, and the reverse is equally true — the two territories operate as entirely distinct immigration jurisdictions.

Citizens of approximately 170 countries and territories are permitted to enter Hong Kong without a visa for stays spanning anywhere from 7 to 180 days. The precise duration depends on your nationality, and permitted activities during such visits are confined to tourism, seeing friends or relatives, and certain business activities such as attending meetings or conferences.

Unless you hold a right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong, you will need a visa or entry permit if you intend to work, study, set up or join a business, or take up residence. Arriving without the correct permission exposes you to the risk of being turned away at the border.

Visitors must be able to demonstrate they have enough funds to cover their stay without resorting to employment, and — unless passing through to mainland China or Macau — must hold a return or onward travel ticket. If you wish to remain beyond the visa-free period granted to your nationality, you must apply for the appropriate visa or entry permit before you travel. Taking up any employment (whether paid or unpaid), establishing or joining a business, or enrolling as a student is prohibited for those admitted as visitors.

Because entitlement to visa-free entry differs widely by nationality, you should always confirm your personal position using the official visit visa and entry permit checker on the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s website before making travel or relocation plans.

What types of visa are available for people moving to Hong Kong?

Hong Kong provides a range of visa and entry permit categories tailored to people seeking to live and work there. The appropriate category will depend on your reason for relocating, your employment situation, your skill profile, and your financial position. What follows is a summary of the principal routes available to expats.

General Employment Policy (GEP)
The GEP is the most frequently used work visa for overseas professionals possessing specialised skills, expertise, or knowledge that is not readily available within Hong Kong’s local labour market. It operates on an employer-sponsored basis and is ordinarily valid for 24–36 months, with the possibility of renewal. To be eligible, you will generally need a confirmed job offer from a Hong Kong employer, relevant degree-level qualifications or their equivalent, and a salary package in keeping with prevailing local market rates. Conceptually, this route resembles employer-sponsored skilled worker visas in other countries, in that a specific employer must formally endorse the position.

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
The QMAS is designed to draw highly skilled or talented individuals to settle in Hong Kong with a view to bolstering its economic competitiveness. There is no requirement to hold a local job offer at the point of application. Two assessment pathways exist: the General Points Test (GPT), which scores applicants across criteria including age, academic credentials, language ability, work history, annual income, and business ownership; and the Achievement-based Points Test (APT), reserved for those with exceptional accomplishments such as Olympic medals or Nobel Prizes. Applicants must be proficient in English or Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese) and must have a clean criminal and immigration record in Hong Kong and elsewhere.

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
The TTPS was introduced to recruit high-calibre individuals with substantial professional experience and strong academic backgrounds from around the world to explore opportunities in Hong Kong, encompassing both high-earning professionals and graduates of leading global universities. Category A applicants are those who earned an annual income of HKD 2.5 million or more in the year immediately preceding their application date. Applicants under the TTPS do not need a job offer in hand at the time of application, and successful candidates may be granted 36 months’ stay (Category A) or 24 months’ stay (Categories B and C) without additional conditions attached, provided standard immigration requirements are satisfied.

Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
Professionals from mainland China who wish to pursue employment in Hong Kong may apply under the ASMTP, which imposes no restrictions on the industry or sector. Core eligibility requirements include securing a position relevant to the applicant’s qualifications or experience that cannot readily be filled by local candidates, with remuneration aligned to the prevailing market rate.

New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES)
The original Capital Investment Entrant Scheme was suspended in January 2015. Its successor, the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, was launched on 1 March 2024. The New CIES enables qualifying applicants to obtain residency by committing a minimum of HKD 30 million to approved asset classes, without any need to operate a business or hold local employment. While broadly comparable to investor visa schemes elsewhere, the investment threshold involved is notably substantial.

Dependant Visas and Study Visas
Study visas are granted to individuals who plan to enrol in a course at a recognised academic institution in Hong Kong. Dependant visas allow qualifying individuals to reside in Hong Kong as the dependants of an eligible sponsor. Hong Kong does not operate a dedicated retirement visa; those who do not meet the criteria for any other route would typically need to consider the investment or dependant pathways instead.

How do I apply for a visa for Hong Kong?

The application process differs depending on the visa category you are applying under and where you are currently located. Since January 2025, applications for many of the principal employment and talent scheme visas must be lodged online. The following is a step-by-step outline of the general process:

1. Identify your visa category. Browse the admission schemes listed on the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s official website and pinpoint the route best suited to your situation — whether that is employment, a talent scheme, investment, study, or a dependant arrangement.
2. Establish whether you must apply online or via a consulate. From 17 January 2025, the Hong Kong Immigration Department requires applications under key admission schemes — including the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, among others — to be submitted via the online portal for both initial applications and extensions of stay. The Immigration Department no longer accepts such applications submitted in person, by post, or through drop-in boxes.
3. Compile your supporting documents. Assemble all required materials in advance. For employer-sponsored applications, your Hong Kong employer will typically need to supply supporting documentation at the same time. Refer to the following section for a comprehensive document checklist.
4. Submit your application online or through the relevant Chinese diplomatic mission. The applicant completes an online application form, uploads the necessary documents, and pays the application fee; the Immigration Department will then acknowledge receipt by email and may request further materials via the online system. For applicants based outside Hong Kong whose visa type falls outside the mandatory online framework, some nationalities may be required to book an appointment at their nearest embassy or consulate to submit their visa application in person.
5. For applicants based in the United States: Applications may be lodged through the Chinese Consulate General in your nearest city (San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, or Houston), or submitted directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department online where the scheme permits. Always verify the correct procedure for your specific visa type on the Immigration Department website before applying.
6. For applicants based in the United Kingdom: Applications may be submitted through the Chinese Embassy in London or via a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). For schemes subject to the mandatory online submission requirement introduced in January 2025, consult the official guidance before proceeding.
7. Wait for a decision. Once an application has been processed and approved, applicants can immediately download or print their “e-Visa”. All applications are assessed and determined by the Immigration Department, and approval remains entirely discretionary and subject to changes in government policy.

Applicants residing in other countries should contact the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate to confirm local procedures, as these can differ. Always check current requirements on the Immigration Department’s official website before beginning your application.

What documents do I need to apply for a visa for Hong Kong?

The precise documentation required will vary according to the visa category, but the items listed below are generally needed across most applications. Treat this as a foundational reference point and consult the official Hong Kong Immigration Department for the definitive and current checklist applicable to your specific visa type.

• Valid passport or travel document — with at least six months’ remaining validity. For employment applications under the TTPS, your valid travel document showing personal details, dates of issue and expiry, and any re-entry visa held (if applicable) will be required.
• Completed application form — applicants for visitor or business visas are expected to submit a completed Visa Application Form (ID 1003A). Those applying under employment and talent schemes will require form ID 990A or the equivalent online submission. Sponsor forms (ID 1003B) may also be necessary.
• Recent passport-sized photographs — conforming to the Immigration Department’s specifications.
• Academic qualifications and professional certificates — copies of degree certificates, attested where the Immigration Department requires it.
• Evidence of work experience — such as reference letters, employment contracts, or comparable documentation.
• Employer’s supporting letter (GEP and ASMTP) — for GEP, ASMTP, and TechTAS visas, a confirmed job offer from a registered Hong Kong employer is required, and the employer must provide a written justification explaining why the vacancy cannot be filled by a local candidate.
• Proof of financial capacity — evidence demonstrating you are able to support yourself and any dependants throughout your stay, particularly under schemes that do not include immediate employment.
• Accommodation details — information about where you will be residing in Hong Kong, such as a tenancy agreement or a letter from a sponsor or employer.
• TTPS-specific documents — TTPS applicants must provide an official bachelor’s degree graduation certificate and academic transcript, verification of the qualification, and documentary evidence of work experience.

Where any of your documents are not in Chinese or English, you will ordinarily need to provide certified translations. Translations must be performed by a qualified, professional translator. The Hong Kong Immigration Department generally requires translations to be accurate, complete, and formally certified by the translator. Confirm the specific translation standards required for your visa category in the official guidance.

For investment applications under the New CIES, additional financial documentation will be required — including proof of net assets of at least HKD 30 million and evidence of eligible investment holdings. Consult the Immigration Department’s official pages for the complete and up-to-date document requirements for each scheme.

How long does a visa application for Hong Kong take to process?

Processing durations in Hong Kong differ considerably depending on the visa type, how complete your application is, and the volume of cases being handled at any particular time. The figures below are indicative only and should be cross-checked against the Immigration Department’s current guidance before you plan your relocation.

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS): Under normal circumstances, a TTPS application is processed within approximately four weeks of submission, provided all required documents are in order. This is comparatively swift when measured against skilled worker routes in many other jurisdictions, where processing times can run to several months.

General Employment Policy (GEP) and other employment schemes: The GEP is also processed relatively promptly, with typical turnaround times of around four to eight weeks (as of 2025), though this can lengthen depending on the complexity of the case or whether supplementary documents are needed.

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS): Because the QMAS involves an initial scoring and assessment exercise before a permit is issued, the overall timeline is considerably longer than for employer-sponsored routes. Processing can stretch to several months, and applicants should plan their move well in advance.

In an effort to streamline immigration procedures, the Hong Kong Immigration Department has expanded its electronic service capabilities. The updated system allows applicants to submit forms, supporting documents, and fee payments online, reducing the need to attend visa offices in person and enabling approved documents to be downloaded and printed directly.

Processing times are subject to change without prior notice. Always consult the Immigration Department’s official website for the most recent estimates, and submit your application well ahead of your intended move date — at least several weeks in advance for employer-sponsored routes, and several months ahead for points-based and investment pathways.

How much does it cost to apply for a visa for Hong Kong?

Visa application fees in Hong Kong are set by the government and are liable to change. Always refer to the official GovHK fee schedule for the most current figures before lodging your application. The amounts below are indicative, based on information available as of 2025.

As of 2025, the application fee for GEP, ASMTP, IANG, and TechTAS is HKD 230 (approximately USD 30). QMAS and TTPS fees are similarly modest. While the government fees themselves are comparatively low, the total cost of obtaining a visa can be significantly higher once ancillary expenses are included.

Additional costs commonly associated with the process include:

• Document attestation and notarisation: Having qualifications or other documents attested typically costs USD 50–200, depending on the country of origin (as of 2025).
• Medical examination: Where a medical examination is required — which is common for QMAS and TTPS applicants — the cost typically falls in the range of USD 50–150 (as of 2025).
• Police clearance certificates: If requested, these generally cost USD 20–100 (as of 2025), depending on your country of residence.
• Immigration consultant or legal fees: Engaging an optional visa consultant for more complex applications — such as QMAS or TTPS — typically costs USD 500 to USD 2,000 (as of 2025).
• Translation costs: Professionally certified translations of documents not in Chinese or English carry additional costs that vary according to language pair, document length, and service provider.

For employer-sponsored applications under GEP, ASMTP, and TechTAS, employers customarily meet visa-related costs. If you are applying independently — for example under QMAS or TTPS — you should budget for the full range of potential additional expenses outlined above. Fees are established by the Hong Kong government and may change; always verify the current schedule on the official website prior to applying.

Can my family members join me in Hong Kong on a visa?

The majority of the principal employment and talent admission schemes permit the primary visa holder to bring close family members to Hong Kong as dependants. As a general rule, this encompasses a spouse or civil partner and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18. Dependants must make separate applications for their own entry permits, though their cases are typically processed alongside or in conjunction with the sponsor’s application.

Successful entrants under most schemes may bring with them their spouse — or the other party to a same-sex civil partnership or civil union entered into under local law and officially recognised in the jurisdiction where it was concluded — along with unmarried dependent children under 18 years of age.

The permitted length of stay for dependants is ordinarily tied to that of the sponsoring applicant, and dependants are generally free to take up employment or pursue studies during their time in Hong Kong. This represents considerably more flexibility than dependant arrangements in certain other countries, where the right to work may be curtailed or require a separate application. Dependant visa holders whose sponsor is on a study visa are the exception — they must first obtain permission from the Immigration Department before commencing employment; all other dependant visa holders may take up work or change employers without prior approval.

Since 2018, the Hong Kong Immigration Department has extended the consideration of dependant visas to same-sex couples registered overseas, following a landmark ruling by the Court of Final Appeal. Civil partnerships and civil unions of a nature akin to a spousal relationship — including both same-sex and opposite-sex civil partnerships — that are legally and officially recognised in the jurisdiction where they were formed are eligible for consideration.

The duration of stay granted to dependants is generally linked to that of their sponsor. Any subsequent applications for an extension of stay will be considered only where the applicant continues to satisfy the relevant eligibility criteria — including that there has been no material change in circumstances, such as a breakdown of the marital relationship between the dependent spouse and the sponsor, or the death of the sponsor — and the sponsor remains a genuine Hong Kong resident.

There is no universally published minimum income level that the principal applicant must meet to sponsor dependants; instead, the assessment is based on whether the sponsor can adequately provide for their family. Consult the Immigration Department’s official FAQ on dependants for the precise requirements applicable to your visa category.

Can I extend my visa or apply for permanent residence in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong offers a well-defined progression from initial visa to long-term residence and, ultimately, permanent resident status. The qualifying period before permanent residency becomes available is consistent across the majority of admission schemes.

Visa extensions
Applications to extend a stay — whether for dependants or principal visa holders — will be considered only where the applicant continues to fulfil the eligibility criteria for their original entry category, including that no changes in circumstances have arisen that would otherwise cause the loss of sponsorship. For the GEP route, renewals generally follow a 2+3+3 year structure, meaning an initial two-year grant followed by further possible extensions of three years each.

Pathway to permanent residence
After completing seven years of continuous ordinary residence, entrants and their dependants may apply for Hong Kong permanent resident status in accordance with the law. This applies across most main admission schemes, including the GEP, QMAS, and TTPS. The visa renewal cycle typically follows a 2+3+3 year model, and after seven years applicants may submit a permanent residency application. This is a straightforward numerical threshold — similar in structure to permanent residence routes in countries such as Canada or Australia — but without a points-based component at the permanent residency stage itself.

Top Talent Pass Scheme fast-track extension
An accelerated extension pathway is available to individuals who have been permitted to remain in Hong Kong under certain schemes for no less than two years and who have an assessable income for salaries tax of no less than HKD 2 million in the preceding year of assessment. In such cases, an extension of stay subject only to a time limitation, without other conditions of stay, for a period of six years may ordinarily be granted upon approval.

Route to citizenship
There is no standalone naturalisation route to Hong Kong citizenship as an independent status — Hong Kong functions as a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, and Chinese nationality law governs citizenship matters. Overseas permanent residents do not automatically acquire Chinese nationality simply by residing in Hong Kong. Those seeking guidance on nationality questions should obtain qualified legal advice and consult the Hong Kong Immigration Department for current information.

What are the most common reasons visa applications for Hong Kong are refused?

Being aware of the typical grounds for refusal can help you put together a more compelling application. The approval of all applications is entirely at the discretion of the Director of Immigration and is subject to changes in government policy, with absolute discretion reserved to refuse any application. With that caveat in mind, the following are the most frequently cited factors behind refusals or delays.

• Incomplete or inaccurate documentation. Missing items, unsigned forms, or inconsistencies between different sections of an application are among the most common triggers for delay or rejection. Always work from the official checklist for your specific scheme and review every item carefully before submitting.
• Insufficient evidence of qualifications or experience. For employment and talent scheme applications, failing to provide properly attested degree certificates or adequate documentation of work history will typically result in rejection. Ensure that certificates have been verified and, where required, professionally translated.
• Failure to demonstrate the role cannot be locally filled (GEP/ASMTP). The sponsoring employer must provide a written justification explaining why no suitable local candidate is available for the role. Vague or unconvincing explanations are a frequent stumbling block for employer-sponsored applications.
• Criminal record or adverse immigration history. Applicants must satisfy standard immigration and security requirements and must not have any criminal or adverse immigration record in Hong Kong or anywhere else in the world. A conviction in any jurisdiction may affect your eligibility.
• Insufficient funds or inability to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency. Particularly for points-based or talent scheme applications where immediate employment is not in place, an inability to show that you can support yourself and your dependants during your stay represents a significant risk to your application.
• Overstaying or previous immigration breaches. Any prior violation of immigration conditions in Hong Kong or other countries can weigh heavily against an application. Unauthorised employment, overstaying a permitted term of stay, or breaching visa conditions may result in fines or a future ban from entry.

What to do if refused: If your application is turned down, the Immigration Department will ordinarily provide reasons for the decision. It may be possible to reapply with corrected or supplementary documentation, or to request a formal review. Given the discretionary character of Hong Kong immigration decisions, it is strongly recommended that you seek advice from a qualified immigration lawyer or licensed adviser before reapplying. Make sure any new application directly addresses the specific grounds identified in the refusal notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a visa for mainland China allow me to enter Hong Kong?

Because Hong Kong maintains its own immigration framework separately from mainland China under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, travelling between the two territories requires passing through distinct immigration checkpoints. A mainland Chinese visa does not entitle you to enter Hong Kong, and you must meet Hong Kong’s own entry requirements independently of any visa you may hold for mainland China.

Can I work in Hong Kong on a tourist or visitor entry?

Those admitted to Hong Kong as visitors are legally prohibited from taking up employment of any kind — whether paid or unpaid — from establishing or joining a business, or from enrolling as a student. You must obtain the correct work or employment visa before undertaking any form of work in Hong Kong. Violating this rule can lead to deportation and a prohibition on future entry.

Do I need a job offer before applying for a visa for Hong Kong?

It depends on the scheme you are applying under. QMAS applicants are not required to hold a local job offer before applying for entry or settlement in Hong Kong. Equally, individuals applying under the TTPS do not need to have secured employment at the time of their application. The GEP, however, requires a confirmed job offer from an employer in Hong Kong before you can apply.

How do I check whether my nationality requires a visa to visit Hong Kong?

Citizens of approximately 170 countries and territories may enter Hong Kong visa-free for stays of between 7 and 180 days. You can determine whether your nationality requires a visa or entry permit for a visit or transit through Hong Kong by using the official checker on the GovHK website, available at www.gov.hk. Always confirm your position with the Hong Kong Immigration Department directly, as rules can change.

Can I apply for Hong Kong permanent residence before seven years?

For the vast majority of visa holders, there is no standard route to permanent residency until seven years of continuous ordinary residence have been completed, after which an application for permanent resident status may be submitted in accordance with the law. The New CIES investor pathway also leads to permanent residency eligibility after seven years of qualifying residence. If your situation is complex, seek advice from a qualified immigration professional.

Are dependants allowed to work in Hong Kong?

Dependants accompanying the holders of most visa categories are free to take up employment or pursue studies in Hong Kong without needing separate work authorisation. The exception applies to dependant visa holders whose sponsor is on a study visa — these individuals must obtain prior approval from the Immigration Department before starting any employment. Always verify the specific conditions attached to your dependant’s entry permit.

What is the Top Talent Pass Scheme, and is it right for me?

The TTPS was designed to draw high-calibre individuals with substantial professional experience and strong academic backgrounds to explore opportunities in Hong Kong, encompassing both high-income earners and graduates of the world’s leading universities. As of November 2024, 198 universities feature on the eligible institution list. Whether this scheme suits your circumstances depends on your income level, qualifications, and professional objectives — consult the Immigration Department’s TTPS page or seek advice from an immigration adviser for a personalised assessment.

What is the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES)?

The New CIES provides a residency pathway for high-net-worth individuals, including mainland Chinese nationals holding permanent residency from another country. Relaunched in March 2024, the scheme allows eligible applicants to secure a Hong Kong investment visa by committing a minimum of HKD 30 million to approved asset classes, with no requirement to run a business or hold local employment. Following seven years of continuous residence — provided the qualifying investment portfolio is maintained — the applicant and their dependants may apply for permanent residency in Hong Kong. For full eligibility criteria and the list of approved asset classes, consult the Hong Kong Immigration Department or a licensed investment immigration adviser.