Business in Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers great business potential in China as well as other Asian cities. To attract new businesses, Hong Kong government offers Investment Visa. On Investment visa entrepreneurs can live in Hong Kong and operate their business in Hong Kong as well as other cities in China and Asia. Investment visas are one of subcategories of employment visas, which are designed for those individuals who intend to stay in Hong Kong to actively participate in their daily operation of business.

Hong Kong offers great business potential in China as well as other Asian cities. To attract new businesses, Hong Kong government offers Investment Visa. On Investment visa entrepreneurs can live in Hong Kong and operate their business in Hong Kong as well as other cities in China and Asia. Investment visas are one of subcategories of employment visas, which are designed for those individuals who intend to stay in Hong Kong to actively participate in their daily operation of business.

In order to obtain an investment visa in Hong Kong, an individual should prove that the business entity engaged in Hong Kong will enhance the economy of Hong Kong by providing proof of hiring local staff.

There is no monetary minimum required by the Immigration Department for an individual to invest into a business in order to obtain an investment visa. However, one should show that he/she has sufficient funds to support himself/herself and the business in Hong Kong. Thus, sound financial statements is one of the supporting criteria required by the Immigration Department.

In addition, to distinguish an investment visa from an employment visa, one should be a majority shareholder of the company and should have a significant contribution towards the business. Otherwise, an employment visa will be considered.

Before you can apply for a Hong Kong Investment visa, you need to register and incorporate a company in Hong Kong. You can get more information about registring business in Hong Kong at http://www.ird.gov.hk/eng/tax/bre.htm. You would also need to prepare a detailed business plan about your company.

After you complete above documents, you would need to submit them at Hong Kong Immigration department at http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/contactus.htm. It takes about 4-6 for visa approval if all your documents are in order. Please make sure you have access to your mails and letters because Immigration department might send you letter if it requires additional documents. While most applications are accepted, a significant number are rejected. The criteria the Hong Kong Immigration Service uses is somewhat opaque, but here are some basic guidelines.

# there is no security objection and no known record of serious crime in respect of the applicant;
# the applicant has a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field, but in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence may also be accepted; and
# the applicant is in a position to make substantial contribution to the economy of the HKSAR.

When your visa application is approved, your Hong Kong visa validity of a first-time approval is maximum 12 months or shorter validity and then you can apply for Hong Kong Identity Card.