Holders of most Hong Kong work, talent and investment visas can bring their immediate family as dependants, and Hong Kong residents can sponsor eligible family members. The sponsor must show a genuine relationship and the ability to support and accommodate the dependants at a standard well above subsistence level.
Dependants' permission to stay is usually linked to the sponsor's, so renewals should be planned together.
At a glance
- Main dependants
- Spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18
- Sponsor must show
- Genuine relationship, income and accommodation
- Limit of stay
- Usually follows the sponsor's
- Approval
- At the Immigration Department's discretion
Who can be sponsored
| Family member | Position |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Including a same-sex spouse or civil partner, subject to recognition of the relationship where it was entered into |
| Unmarried dependent children under 18 | Including step-children and adopted children, subject to documents |
| Parents aged 60 or above | Generally only for sponsors who are Hong Kong permanent residents, subject to conditions |
Documents typically required
- Application forms for each dependant, signed by the dependant and the sponsor.
- Passports and photographs.
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificates, adoption orders), with certified translations if not in Chinese or English.
- Proof of the sponsor's status in Hong Kong and income, such as employment contract, tax returns and bank statements.
- Evidence of accommodation in Hong Kong.
Conditions of stay
- Dependants' limit of stay usually follows the sponsor's.
- Dependants of most employment, talent and investment visa holders may take up employment or study in Hong Kong without separate permission, subject to the current policy.
- If the sponsor's status changes or ends, dependants' status is affected.
- Children turning 18 may need to change to another category, such as a student or employment visa.
Questions we are often asked
Can my spouse work in Hong Kong on a dependant visa?
Under current policy, dependants of persons admitted for employment, talent and investment schemes are generally not prohibited from taking up employment. Confirm the conditions on the dependant's visa.
Can I sponsor my partner if we are not married?
Dependant policy generally requires a marriage or civil partnership recognised where it was entered into. Unmarried partners may need to consider other immigration routes.
Can my parents join me?
Dependant parents aged 60 or above are generally only eligible where the sponsor is a Hong Kong permanent resident, subject to conditions.
Self-check: where do you stand?
| Question | What to do |
|---|---|
| Are relationship documents available and translated? | If not, order certified copies and translations |
| Can you show income and accommodation? | Prepare evidence |
| Are dependants' limits of stay aligned with yours? | Apply together for extensions |
| Is a child approaching 18? | Plan the change of status |
- Dependant applications with principal visa applications.
- Extensions for the whole family together.
- Advice on changes of status for children reaching 18.
In summary
- Spouse and children under 18 are the main dependants.
- Show relationship, income and accommodation.
- Keep family limits of stay aligned.
Official references
- Immigration Department: Guidebook for Entry for Residence as Dependants in Hong Kong (ID(E)998), www.immd.gov.hk