Travel and Visa Info for Hong Kong - B A L | Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP

At a Glance

Capital	Hong Kong
Language	Chinese
Population	7,191,503 (July 2017 est.)
GDP Total	$454.9 billion (2017 est.)
GDP Per Capita	$61,400 (2017 est.)

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Hong Kong. If you are not sure whether your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

As business visitors, travelers to Hong Kong may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

Attend business meetings
Attend conferences
Develop professional business contacts
Negotiate contracts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Hong Kong?

Most European Union, United States and many other select nationals do not require a visa to enter Hong Kong to conduct business activities and are eligible for a visa waiver. If your nationality is not found on the list of visa-waivered nationals, you must obtain a Business Visit Visa prior to travel.

Hong Kong is a member of the Asian Pacific Economic Council (APEC). Foreign nationals in possession of valid APEC Business Travel Cards (ABTC) endorsed with “Valid for travel to HKG” are permitted to enter Hong Kong without a visa to conduct business activities.

Special regulations apply to nationals of Macau and Taiwan, as well as mainland Chinese nationals, traveling to Hong Kong.

Working in Hong Kong

What sort of activities require a work visa?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Hong Kong law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Hong Kong, even if conducted for a short duration.

Hands-on technical work
Repairs and maintenance
Project planning and implementation
Marketing

If I am traveling to Hong Kong for work, what type of work visa do I need?

The type of work visa required depends on your qualifications, on whether your employer has an entity in Hong Kong, and on the nature and duration of your work. The most common Hong Kong work visas are:

Training Visa (short-term work visa for training programs and internships)
Employment Visa (work visa for skilled professionals)
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (quota-based visa for high-skilled or talented persons)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?

There are no nationalities that are exempt from the work visa requirement in Hong Kong.

However, special regulations apply to nationals of Macau and Taiwan, as well as mainland Chinese nationals working in Hong Kong.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or visa-waiver eligibility entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2018 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

Updated Nov. 13, 2018.

News and Events

24 Feb 20

Hong Kong

At a Glance

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Hong Kong?

Working in Hong Kong

What sort of activities require a work visa?

If I am traveling to Hong Kong for work, what type of work visa do I need?

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?

What else should I know?

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At a Glance

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Hong Kong

At a Glance

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Hong Kong?

Working in Hong Kong

What sort of activities require a work visa?

If I am traveling to Hong Kong for work, what type of work visa do I need?

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?

What else should I know?

News and Events

At a Glance

Immigration Links

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