Entry for Investment (to establish/join in business) in Hong Kong
There are a number of visa options for people seeking to conduct short business visits, establish a business in Hong Kong, manage a new or existing business, or invest in Hong Kong.
If you are looking at establishing an office in Hong Kong, purchasing a business in Hong Kong or migrating to Hong Kong as a business owner or investor, it is critical to get the right immigration advice upfront.
Having a sound immigration strategy upfront can streamline matters significantly, and ensure that you meet your goals in starting a business in Hong Kong.
Eligibility Criteria
The Foreigner Employer and Employee must be able to
- 1.Demonstrate an overall success business history in oversea, record of investment or business
- 2.Successful a business and making a investment in Hong Kong
- 3.Demonstrate a commitment to establish a business and making a investment in Hong Kong
- 4.Employ skilled workers who have recognized qualifications and skills or experience in particular occupations required in Hong Kong
- 5.Show a need to be a temporary resident in Hong Kong
An application for a visa/entry permit to enter the HKSAR for investment may be favorably considered if:
- a.there is no security objection and no known record of serious crime in respect of the applicant;
- b.the applicant has a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field, but in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence may also be accepted; and
- c.the applicant is in a position to make substantial contribution to the economy of the HKSAR.
Overseas Chinese nationals holding People's Republic of China (PRC) passports who meet the criteria stipulated above and normal immigration requirements may apply to enter the HKSAR for investment if:
a.the applicant has permanent residence overseas; or
the applicant has been residing overseas for at least one year immediately before the submission of application ("overseas" means places outside the Mainland, the Macao SAR and Hong Kong SAR) and that the application is submitted from overseas.
In general, unless a person has the right of abode or right to land in the HKSAR, he/she requires a visa/entry permit for investment in the HKSAR. While each application is determined on its individual merits, an applicant should meet normal immigration requirements (such as holding a valid travel document with adequate return ability to his/her country of residence or citizenship; be of clear criminal record and raise no security or criminal concerns to the HKSAR; have no likelihood of becoming a burden on the HKSAR, etc.) as well as the relevant specific eligibility criteria detailed above before he/she may be considered for the grant of a visa/entry permit. It should be noted that the eligibility criteria may be subject to change from time to time.
Time Frame
It normally takes four weeks to process a visa/entry permit application for investment upon receipt of all the required documents. The Immigration Department will not be able to start processing the application unless all the required documents and information have been received. Please refrain from making enquiries about the progress of the application unless it is absolutely necessary, as it may delay the processing of the application.
All applications are processed and determined by the Immigration Department. Approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. The Director of Immigration reserves absolute discretion to refuse any application even if the application meets all eligibility criteria.