Hong Kong Immigration: Your Comprehensive Guide

Hong Kong City is remarkable. It offers a lively urban lifestyle, a rich culture, and a booming economy. It would draw people from everywhere. As for finance, keeping your rich culture or a breathtaking skyline is life-determining. In this guide, we will lead you through all phases of Hong Kong immigration. We'll start with the types of visas, their requirements, and how long processing takes.

Benefits Of Hong Kong Immigration

Hong Kong is a great place to move to because it offers many benefits. Here are some prominent benefits of Hong Kong Immigration:

1. Thriving Economy: Hong Kong is a major centre for finance with a strong economy where businesses enjoy low taxes and few rules, creating many opportunities. This makes up for the best reasons for Hong Kong immigration.

2. Lots of Job Opportunities: It's easy to find good jobs in Hong Kong, especially for skilled workers. The city has a low unemployment rate and a high need for skilled professionals.

3. Low Taxes: Hong Kong has some of the lowest taxes in the world. No taxes on inheritance, capital gains, or goods and services (like sales tax) exist.

4. High Living Standards: People in Hong Kong enjoy a high quality of life with excellent schools, hospitals, and roads.

5. Safe and Secure: Hong Kong is recognized for its exceptional safety, boasting the lowest crime rates globally. Residents and visitors benefit from strong law enforcement and community safety measures, making it a reassuring place to live, work, and explore.

6. Vibrant Culture: There's always something to do in Hong Kong, from checking out markets and temples to hiking trails like Dragon’s Back.

Also Read: Migration and Immigration: Differences, Meaning & More 2024

Types Of Visas Required For Hong Kong Immigration

The immigration requirements for Hong Kong require a valid visa, among other things. Hong Kong has thus charted out a wide array of visa options based on the different reasons or scenarios to make Hong Kong immigration easier. It might be useful to know how many kinds of visas there are to determine which sort is the best for you.

1. Migrant Admission Scheme

The program is geared towards professionals and entrepreneurs who look forward to Hong Kong immigration, even without the anxiety of finding jobs.

A selection process is employed based on parameters that include but are not limited to factors like age, education, and previous job experience.

2. Work Visa

This is for candidates with an employment visa who want to work in Hong Kong. Getting a confirmed offer from a firm operating in Hong Kong is important before you can apply for a visa.

3. Investment Visa 

This visa has been introduced with well-designed programs to enable investment immigrants in Hong Kong to enter the workforce and acquire skills and knowledge to become successful entrepreneurs.

• Targeting start-ups founded by divers and professionals working in the industry.
• Applicants need to bring a realistic business plan and financing that is enough to self-support the business start-up.

4. Education Visa 

In the process of Hong Kong immigration, an education visa aims at people who want to continue studying in Hong Kong either at the vocational or tertiary level. Students' guaranteed admission to recognized training centres in Hong Kong should be considered.

5. Dependent Visa

A class category that offers eligible family members of non-permanent visa holders such as holders of employment or investment visas for Hong Kong immigration. One of the dependent family members can be a resident of Hong Kong and may also work or continue to study.

Immigration Requirements for Hong Kong

Hong Kong immigration requirements will be based on certain factors such as nationality, visa type, and duration of stay. Here are the immigration requirements for Hong Kong:

1. Visa Requirements: The nationals of several countries can usually enter Hong Kong without a visa for 7 to 180 days, depending on their nationality. In this case, an extra long term like more than 3 months stay or having a special purpose requires visas.

2. Work Visa: Employment aid can be facilitated by obtaining a job offer from a Hong Kong employer so that a work visa can be applied for. The person wanting Hong Kong immigration may be required to exhibit that they have tried to locate a suitable candidate locally without success and that they excel in the required skills and competencies.

3. Investment Visa: If the business you plan to launch is in Hong Kong or you want to invest in it and a professional wants to invest in it, you can apply for an investment visa. You will certainly have to come up with an outline, including your business plan of action, investment figures, and reasons why your business would be helpful to the local economy in Hong Kong.

4. Study Visa: If you are studying in Hong Kong, you are supposed to apply for a student visa first. The documents that you will normally have to present are proof of admission from any reputable higher institution in Hong Kong and attestation of your ability to finance your studies in your residence area.

5. Residence as a Dependent: Your Hans Kung family permanent resident or one with the right to land could enable you to be selected as a US holder of a dependent visa so that you can live freely with them in Hong Kong.

6. Permanent Residency: Qualifications for Hong Kong permanent residence (the right of abode) generally refers to the high degree of staying in Hong Kong and Hong Kong as one's permanent residence for at least 7 years.

7. Other immigration requirements for Hong Kong: Aside from visa rules, other needs might include meeting distinct criteria, such as health and character norms. For instance, the physical examination may form part of the screening requirement, or presenting a police clearance is a prerequisite.

Immigration To Hong Kong From India

The process for immigration to Hong Kong from India varies based on the duration and purpose of your stay. Here’s a simplified overview of the primary scenarios:

1. Short Stay (Visa on Arrival or Pre-Arrival Registration)

For immigration to Hong Kong from India on shorter stays, here are a few ways to do that:

• Visa on Arrival: Available for stays under 14 days. Ensure you carry a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity, proof of onward travel, and adequate funds for your visit. Remember that entry isn't guaranteed, as immigration authorities may refuse admission.

• Pre-Arrival Registration (PAR): A more streamlined option that allows you to register online before your journey. This is applicable if your Indian passport has at least 6 months validity and your visit will not exceed 14 days, excluding direct airside transit.

2. Long Stay (Visa Application)

Required for stays over 14 days or if you plan to work or study in Hong Kong. Depending on the visa type—employment, student, or investment visas—requirements vary but generally include:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into Hong Kong

• A completed visa application form

• Recent passport-sized photographs

• Evidence of financial stability (e.g., bank statements, employment letter)

• Confirmation of accommodation (e.g., hotel reservation or an invitation from a Hong Kong resident)

• Details of return or onward travel (e.g., flight bookings)

• Supporting documents specific to your visa type (e.g., employment contract, student enrollment confirmation)

Each type of visa involves specific criteria tailored to the nature of your visit or stay in Hong Kong.

Also Read: What Is Global Exposure? It's Benefits and Calculation

Hong Kong Immigration Rules

Hong Kong immigration rules and policies should correspond to different scenarios depending on what kind of immigrant (person immigrating for employment, studying, investing, family reunification) we have and which country the candidate is in. Here's an overview:

1. Work Visas: Individuals in Hong Kong usually need a legitimate job offer from a local company to access employment opportunities. One of the most widespread work visas is the employment visa, which does not include sponsorship of a Hong Kong-based company. In addition, there is a visa that applies to experts, entrepreneurs, and investors.

2. Study Visas: The major method for international students who wish to join a university in Hong Kong is to acquire a student visa, which their schools always sponsor. The jumping hurdle seeks to help students in their visa applications.

3. Investment Visas: One of Hong Kong’s latest and most appropriate opportunities is the investment visas framework supporting entrepreneurs and investors. The most prominent one is the Investment Visa (Entrepreneur Visa). This visa program requires an applicant to either set up a business in Hong Kong or be a non-executive shareholder in an existing private or publicly listed company.

4. Dependent Visas: A similar visa will also be issued for the family members of Hong Kong visa holders who can stay in Hong Kong with the main visa holder.

5. Permanent Residency (Right of Abode): Continuous residence for a minimum of about 7 years from Hong Kong and conducted under certain conditions may lead people who are eligible for the "Right of Abode" (i.e. permanent residency) to apply for permanent residency.

6. Hong Kong ID Card: If people manage to get legal residence, they are granted the right to apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card, a generally travelling document for work and access to all kinds of public services.

Hong Kong Immigration Policy

Hong Kong immigration requires to know about Hong Kong immigration policy. Here is a brief about Hong Kong immigration policy:

1. Right of Abode (ROA): This is the right for everyone to be treated equally and enjoy the right to live and work in Hong Kong without any barriers. Granted to permanent residents of SAR, the particular path prioritizes Chinese citizens with a link with Hong Kong(e.g., through birth or residence).

2. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS): This scheme encourages professionals, professionals, and specialists in a particular field to fill in the gaps in the city. Prospective immigrants are evaluated based on age, education, work experience, language proficiency, and family circumstances. The seated applicants can access an entry visa without a job offer on arrival.

3. General Employment Policy (GEP): To accomplish this, non-locals have to obtain an employment visa before arrival in Hong Kong. This is only possible if they hold an employment offer from a company in Hong Kong. The employer has to prove that there are no local citizens among the available applicant base for that particular position.

4. Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP): For this program, mainland Chinese may apply for the positions when the required special skill set, knowledge, language, or experience is already available in Hong Kong.

5. Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG): Graduates from dole-out institutions outside Hong Kong can brag about remaining and getting job experience for a year free from job offers after completing their studies. A candidate can have the gap year extended by another year if he or she gets hired into a job area related to their degree or educational background.

6. Dependant Visas: The spouses and children that depend on the recognized Hong Kong visa holder or the Right of Abode entry number holders are also permitted to apply for a valid visa to enter Hong Kong.

Which One Should You Choose?

Selecting the most fitting visa is critical to the successful immigration experience to Hong Kong. It is a good practice to consider the reasons you are moving, your qualifications, and your goals going forward while the immigration type is at stake.

• When it comes to having employment opportunities in Hong Kong and serving a specific employer, the Work Visa is a desirable category to apply for.

•  Those intending to invest in the territory should consider using an investment visa to secure their residency.

•  Due to the difficulty of successful contract termination, unqualified specialists might leave the country's territory as part of QMAS some years later.

•  Students with Hong Kong study aims should apply for a study visa.

•  Spouse visa holders apply for the following dependent visas for their families if they want to follow them.

Requirements to Avail Visa For Hong Kong Immigration

Fulfilling all the conditions in the visa category is necessary. It is key for a successful application. The criteria vary by visa type. But, some common requirements include:

 

Hong Kong Immigration Investment

Investment immigration programs in which a green card or citizenship is offered in exchange for investment are not a part of the Hong Kong immigration policy. These programs exist as they are applied in the United States within the framework of the EB-5 program and in various European countries, such as the Golden Visa programs. Hong Kong does indeed have multiple schemes for people who might want to get residency or right of abode via investment mode or other schemes.

1. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS): This is an immigration program that settles well-qualified folks in Asia in Hong Kong. However, it should be noted that this program is not necessarily an investment-based one. Yet, its main criteria can be a distinguished background and qualification.

2. Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES): This plan has been devised for those individuals who would like to learn about and those who want to make a significant investment in Hong Kong. Nonetheless, admission to CIES application closed in 2015, and no new forms are being accepted anymore. The current CIES entrants can continue their investments while no new issues are being reviewed.

3. Entrepreneur Visa (Investment Visa): This visa is for people ready to start or establish a company or wish to join a new business in Hong Kong. The applicants should show clearly that their business venture is on par with the local economic development of Hong Kong, although their application is not purely an investor-centered program.

4. Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP): Such scheme aims at people from the mainland who are especially ex-patriates or experienced professionals who have special expertise and knowledge that can contribute to Hong Kong's economy or social development in one way or another.

5. Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG): Through the Macau graduate immigration scheme, non-local graduates from a Hong Kong university are allowed to stay and pursue job opportunities in Hong Kong for a period after graduation. However, it is not a fund scheme but provides for the option of residency thereby enabling those who have studied in Hong Kong.

Read More: Top 15 Hardest Countries To Get Citizenship in 2024

Time for Performing Each Visa For Hong Kong Immigration

The length of time taken to process visas in Hong Kong depends on certain factors, including the type of visa, the completeness of the application form, and the schedule in the Immigration Department office. While exact processing times cannot be guaranteed, the following are general estimates for each visa category: While exact processing times cannot be guaranteed, the following are general estimates for each visa category:

1. Work Visa: Usually processed within 1-2 months upon receipt of a duplicate set of submission documents.

2. Investment Visa: The times could be different, but generally from 18 to 8 weeks.

3. Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS): The evaluation process will last 6 to 9 months. However, it will start after the submission is filed.

4. Educational Visa: Processing a study visa takes 4 to 6 weeks. The times may differ based on the programs and schools that provided the transcripts.

5. Dependent Visa: They are processed by looking at the visa's main application and taking a similar interval.

These mentioned times are highly approximate and can be altered in several ways. Delays may happen due to extra document requests, background checks, and job site inspections. These events are unforeseen on the site.

Ultimately, making your dream home in Hong Kong will be amazing. It will be part of an exciting and busy lifestyle. Identify the types of visas and ensure you are eligible for one. Prepare your application. This makes it more likely you will have an easy and successful move to Hong Kong.

Discover All That Terratern Can Do for You

1. Clear and Honest Guidance and Consultation

2. Comprehensive Visa and Immigration Documentation Assistance

3. Tailored Checklists Aligned with Your Program Requirements

4. Job Search Assistance and Support

5. Preparation for Language Proficiency Tests such as CELPIP, IELTS, PTE, and more

6. Continued Support and Relocation Assistance After Arrival

Be hassle-free with TerraTern as we guide you through every step, ensuring a smooth and successful transition to your new life in Hong Kong. Our experienced team will provide clear and honest guidance and consultation, helping you understand the different types of visas available and determining which one is best for your situation.