Whether your company is sending employees to Hong Kong or expanding outside of Hong Kong to destinations around the world—Fragomen is here to help. Our experienced Hong Kong immigration professionals partner with you to develop immigration strategies that help you meet inbound immigration needs and manage your regional or global immigration program.
Hong Kong is a special administrative region (SAR) of the People's Republic of China. The Hong Kong immigration system provides for a range of temporary stays including visits for business or tourism, as well as longer term routes for training, study, employment, and investment. Immigration requirements are policy-based rather than set out in legislation.
Most nationals are visa-exempt for short business or social visits. Non-exempt foreign nationals are required to obtain a Business Visitor Visa prior to visiting Hong Kong, which is valid up to 180 days depending on nationality.
The main work authorization category is an Employment Visa, which is valid for up to two years. The sponsoring company applies for the Employment Visa while the foreign national is overseas. Unmarried opposite-sex or same-sex partners of principal visa holders do not automatically qualify as dependents in Hong Kong. However, foreign nationals entering as the long-time same-sex or opposite-sex partner of an Employment Visa holder may be able to obtain a long-term Prolonged Visitor Visa (valid for six months) to accompany the principal. Approval is at the sole discretion of the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Note that Chinese citizens who are residents of the mainland and Macau are subject to special immigration procedures and categories and may be ineligible for certain visa programs. Also note that all documents must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation.
Detailed Immigration Snapshots, Document Lists and Process Guides are available to clients on request.
