Staying and Working in Hong Kong with an Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa
Applicants may apply to enter and stay in Hong Kong to establish or join in business in Hong Kong under the General Employment Policy on Investment as Entrepreneurs or in short “Investment Visa”.
Successful applicants will be granted an initial stay of 36 months upon entry. Afterwards, they can submit an extension application within 4 weeks before expiry. With subsequent successful extensions, applicants will normally be permitted to stay on a 3-2 years pattern. If they wish to establish or join in business other than that approved, prior approval from the Director of Immigration must be sought.
Family Members of an Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa Application
An applicant for entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs may apply to bring in his or her spouse or lawful domestic partner (same-sex or opposite-sex) and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to Hong Kong and, after admitted to Hong Kong, will be their sponsors.
Traveling and Returning to Hong Kong after Admitted with an Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa
Persons admitted with an Investment as Entrepreneurs visa can travel and re-enter Hong Kong within the permitted period of stay without any re-entry visa.
Becoming a Permanent Resident in Hong Kong
Persons admitted for Investment as Entrepreneurs who have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in Hong Kong.
Restriction on Application for an Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa
Nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Korea (the Democratic People’s Republic of), Nepal and Vietnam, as well as Chinese residents of the Mainland of China, are not qualified for the arrangement.
Nonetheless, overseas Chinese nationals holding People’s Republic of China passports who are living overseas may apply if they have permanent residence overseas or have been residing overseas for at least one year, and submit their applications from overseas. (Overseas means places outside the Mainland of China, Hong Kong and Macao.)
Eligibility for Applying for an Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa
All applications are processed and determined by the Immigration Department and approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. Nonetheless, these are among the favourable criteria considered by the Immigration Department:
- No security objection or known record of serious crime.
- Good education background, normally a first degree in relevant field, but in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, relevant experience and achievements.
- A position to make substantial contribution to Hong Kong’ economy. Factors of consideration include :
- Two-year Business Plan with nature of the business, market analysis, market positioning, business direction, sales targets, product marketing strategy and account statement for two-year forecast of profit-and-loss
- Profit-and-loss account statement and balance sheet showing business turnover and profit in the previous year if applicant is running relevant business overseas or has joined in a business in Hong Kong
- Statements of personal and company bank accounts in the previous year and proof of other sources of funding and, if applicable, company’s latest audited financial report
- Proof of amount of capital Investment in Hong Kong
- Organization structure of business and required number of staff and posts
- New technology or skills to be introduced in the high-value-added industries in Hong Kong
- Establishing or joining in a start-up business supported by a government-backed programme
Documents for an Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa Application
The Applicant
- Completed Form ID 999A
- Photocopy of valid travel document
- Photocopy of Hong Kong identity card, if any
- Photocopies of academic qualifications and proof of relevant work experience
- Photocopies of financial standing such as bank statements
- Detailed 2-year Investment plan
- Proof of company’s business activities such as photocopy of contracts, invoices or business deals under negotiation
- Documents with details of company background such as business activities, mode of operation, product ranges, sources and markets, membership of chamber of commerce
- Photocopy of tenancy agreements/supporting documents on office setup
- Proof of posts created for local employees such as photocopy of records of MPF contributions
- Photocopy of Business Registration Certificate and business registration particulars, if Investment has been made in Hong Kong
- Photocopy of documents filed with the Companies Registry
- Photocopy of licences or certificates for operation of the business
- For start-up business, letter indicating valid support by a government-backed programme
- Photocopy of Macao identification card (if applicable)
- Photocopy of proof of overseas residence endorsed by overseas authorities (for overseas Chinese holding PRC passports only)
The Local Sponsor
- Completed form ID 999B
- Photocopy of Business Registration Certificate
Each Accompanying Dependent
- Part B of the form ID 990A completed
- Photocopy of valid travel document
- Photocopy of evidence of relationship with the applicant
- Photocopy of Macao identification card (if applicable)
- Photocopy of household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identification card (if applicable)
- Photocopy of proof of overseas residence, such as official documents showing condition of stay and limit of stay endorsed by overseas authorities (for overseas Chinese holding PRC passports only)
Processing Time for an Application for Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa
After submission of the application documents, it normally takes six to eight weeks to process an Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa application.
Counting on FastLane HR for Assistance in Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa Applications
Applying for Investment as Entrepreneurs Visas can be complex and time-consuming if you do not know exactly the documents and justifications you need to provide to meet the approval criteria by the Immigration Department. It is always best to do it right the first time than trial and errors. FastLane HR has a team of experienced professionals familiar with the requirements and processes involved in obtaining an Investment visa. We also offer renewals for Investment as Entrepreneurs Visas. FastLane HR is the perfect partner for people who need Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa assistance to obtain approval in one go.
Full Services offered by FastLane HR to Facilitate Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa Application
- Understand your situation and needs
- Assist and/or advise preparation of required documents
- Review documents provided by the applicant and employer
- Prepare declarations, application forms and letters of authorisation
- Submit application to the Immigration Department
- Follow-up and communicate with the Immigration Department and provide additional supporting documents when required
- Continuous communications with the applicant and/or employer
- Arrange payment and collection of visa label
- Send the visa label to the applicant