Under the General Employment Policy, the Immigration Department's Investment as Entrepreneurs arrangement lets you enter Hong Kong to establish or join a business. Successful applicants are normally granted an initial stay of up to 36 months, then extensions of 3 and 2 years, and may apply for the right of abode after 7 years' continuous ordinary residence.
The decision is entirely at the Director of Immigration's discretion. Approval cannot be guaranteed, and the strength of the business case matters more than the paperwork.
At a glance
- Initial stay
- Up to 36 months, on employment condition
- Extensions
- Normally 3 years, then 2 years
- Government fees
- HK$600 application per applicant; HK$1,300 visa issuance for stays over 180 days
- Processing
- About 4 weeks from a complete application
- Not available to
- Chinese residents of the Mainland; nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and North Korea
Who can apply
- No security objection and no known record of serious crime.
- A good educational background, normally a first degree in a relevant field, or strong technical qualifications, proven ability or relevant experience in special cases.
- The ability to make a substantial contribution to Hong Kong's economy.
- Overseas Chinese nationals holding PRC passports may apply if they hold permanent residence overseas, or have lived overseas for at least one year before applying and apply from overseas.
How your contribution is assessed
| Factor | What is expected |
|---|---|
| Business plan | At least three years: nature of the business, market analysis, positioning, sales targets and marketing, with a three-year financial forecast |
| Business turnover | Previous year's accounts for an existing business; forecasts plus relevant experience for a new one |
| Financial resources | Personal and company bank statements, other funding, latest audited accounts if available |
| Investment sum | Proof of capital invested in Hong Kong and whether it is sufficient |
| Local jobs created | Organisation structure and posts created locally |
| New technology or skills | How they will support high-value-added industries, including any patents |
The Department generally looks favourably on businesses in or complementing Hong Kong's pillar industries (trading and logistics, tourism, financial and professional services) and priority clusters such as innovation and technology and cultural and creative industries.
Start-up businesses
A start-up applicant may be favourably considered where the business is supported by a government-backed programme with rigorous vetting, such as StartmeupHK (InvestHK), the HKSTP Incu-App, Incu-Bio and Incu-Tech programmes, the Cyberport Incubation Programme, the Enterprise Support Scheme, or the Design Incubation Programme, and the applicant is the proprietor, a partner or a key researcher.
The application process
- Local sponsor: every application needs a sponsor, either a company or a Hong Kong resident individual aged 18 or above who knows you.
- Submission: applications for you, any dependants and the sponsor are submitted through the Immigration Department's designated channel, with supporting documents and the non-refundable application fee.
- Processing: about four weeks once the file is complete. An incomplete file is the biggest cause of delay.
- e-Visa: a successful applicant receives an e-Visa to present on arrival with a valid travel document.
Government fees
| Government fee | Amount (HK$) | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | 600 per applicant | Principal, sponsor's supporting application where applicable, and each dependant; non-refundable |
| Visa/entry permit issuance, 180 days or less | 600 | Stays of 180 days or less |
| Visa/entry permit issuance, more than 180 days | 1,300 | The 36-month initial grant and each extension |
These reflect the fee structure in effect from 26 February 2025. Our professional fees are scoped in writing and shown separately.
Stay and extensions
Extensions may be applied for within the three months before your limit of stay expires, provided you continue to meet the criteria, and usually take about two to three weeks once complete. You are tied to the approved business; joining or establishing a different business needs prior approval.
Family and right of abode
- Spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 may apply, with proof of relationship and of your ability to support and accommodate them. Dependants are generally permitted to work and study.
- After 7 years' continuous ordinary residence, you may apply for the right of abode.
Key documents
- Photograph, travel document, Hong Kong identity card (if any), qualifications and work experience.
- Personal and company financial standing; a detailed business plan of at least three years.
- Evidence of business activity, premises, posts created (for example MPF records) and Companies Registry documents.
- Sponsor documents; relationship evidence for dependants; certified translations of any document not in Chinese or English.
- Company incorporation and Business Registration.
- Business plan and financial forecast preparation.
- Sponsor arrangements, document compilation and certified translation.
- Submission, fee handling, extensions and right-of-abode applications.
- If this route is not right for you, we will say so before you spend time or money on it.
In summary
- A realistic route for founders with a genuine, well-prepared business case.
- Initial 36 months, then 3 + 2 years; right of abode possible after 7 years.
- Approval is discretionary; plan extensions well before your limit of stay.
Official references
- Immigration Department: Guidebook for Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs in Hong Kong (ID(E)1000), www.immd.gov.hk
- Immigration Regulations (Cap. 115A), Schedule 2