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  •  /  Country Overviews
  •  /  Hong Kong
  • Country Overviews

Hong Kong

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

 

When traveling to the Hong Kong, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require an employment visa. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

 

Traveling for Business

 

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Hong Kong, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

  • » Attend short-term seminars or business meetings
  • » Examine or supervise the installation/packaging of goods or equipment
  • » Settle compensation or other civil proceedings
  • » Participate in product orientation

 

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

Nationals of the European Union, United States, and many other select countries are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa in order to enter and conduct business activities in Hong Kong. Additionally, foreign nationals in possession of valid Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Travel Cards (ABTC) endorsed with “Valid for travel to HKG” may be eligible to enter Hong Kong and engage in permissible business activities without obtaining a visa. If you are not eligible for visa-waivered entry, you must obtain a Visitor Visa from the Hong Kong Immigration Department or a Chinese Embassy or Consulate prior to travel.

Special regulations apply to residents of Macau, Taiwan, and China.

 

Working in Hong Kong

 

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Hong Kong law. This list is not exhaustive, 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
  • » Installation of machinery or hardware

 

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

The requirements for a work-authorized visa depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, on your nationality, on your place of residence, and on whether your employer has an entity in Hong Kong. The most common Hong Kong visas for employment purposes are issued under the following:

  • » Admission Scheme for Mainland Talent and Professionals (employment visa for skilled professionals from mainland China)
  • » General Employment Scheme (employment visa for skilled professionals from overseas, Taiwan, or Macao)
  • » Technology Talent Admission Scheme (employment visa for skilled professionals in research, development, or technology industries)
  • » Immigration Arrangements for Non-Local Graduates (residence visa for graduates of Hong Kong universities)
  • » Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (points-based residence visa for highly skilled or talented persons)

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

Hong Kong does not offer work authorization exemptions.

 

What else should I know?

 

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

 

Copyright © 2020 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.


News and Events

7 Jan 21

COVID-19: Applications to return to Hong Kong for...

COVID-19 Hong Kong

16 Dec 20

COVID-19: Enhanced measures announced for inbound air travelers

COVID-19 Hong Kong

30 Oct 20

COVID-19: Belgium to be added to list of...

COVID-19 Hong Kong

25 Aug 20

COVID-19: Immigration Department resumes some services

COVID-19 Hong Kong

17 Aug 20

COVID-19: Conditions set for inbound travelers who visited...

COVID-19 Hong Kong

27 Jul 20

Immigration Department implements limited public services

Hong Kong

24 Jul 20

COVID-19: Entry regulations, quarantine measures updated

COVID-19 Hong Kong

22 Jul 20

COVID-19: Immigration Department implements limited public services

COVID-19 Hong Kong

17 Jul 20

COVID-19: Disease control, prevention measures tightened

COVID-19 Hong Kong

11 Jun 20

COVID-19: Quarantine exemption announced

COVID-19 Hong Kong

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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.)

Immigration Links

  • Country Specific Travel information
  • Directory of Embassies/Consulates
  • Overseas Security Advisory Council

Related News

  • COVID-19: Applications to return to Hong Kong for...

    HONG KONG   7 Jan 21

  • COVID-19: Enhanced measures announced for inbound air travelers

    HONG KONG   16 Dec 20

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    HONG KONG   30 Oct 20

  • COVID-19: Immigration Department resumes some services

    HONG KONG   25 Aug 20

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    HONG KONG   17 Aug 20

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    HONG KONG   27 Jul 20

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    HONG KONG   22 Jul 20

  • COVID-19: Disease control, prevention measures tightened

    HONG KONG   17 Jul 20

  • COVID-19: Quarantine exemption announced

    HONG KONG   11 Jun 20

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    HONG KONG   5 Jun 20

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    HONG KONG   11 May 20

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    HONG KONG   1 May 20

  • COVID-19: Updated testing arrangements for inbound travelers

    HONG KONG   27 Apr 20

  • COVID-19: Entry restrictions extended for non-Hong Kong residents

    HONG KONG   7 Apr 20

  • COVID-19: Limited public services continue

    HONG KONG   6 Apr 20

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    HONG KONG   24 Mar 20

  • Travelers from all foreign countries and territories now...

    HONG KONG   19 Mar 20

  • Health quarantine expanded to include travelers from all...

    HONG KONG   17 Mar 20

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    HONG KONG   11 Mar 20

  • Most ImmD services resume as normal

    HONG KONG   3 Mar 20

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    HONG KONG   30 Jan 20

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    HONG KONG   8 Jan 20

  • Authorities warn of scam promising employment in Hong...

    HONG KONG   30 Oct 19

  • TechTAS to be expanded beyond HKSTPC and Cyberport...

    HONG KONG   24 Oct 19

  • Immigration Department refutes rumor on entry change for...

    HONG KONG   13 Aug 19

  • Hong Kong, Italy sign working holiday agreement

    HONG KONG, ITALY   15 Jul 19

  • Reminder: Residents born in 1968-69 may apply for...

    HONG KONG   22 Mar 19

  • Reminder: Residents born in 1985-86 should apply for...

    HONG KONG   7 Mar 19

  • Immigration authorities strictly enforcing transit rules for PRC...

    HONG KONG   12 Feb 19

  • Government to increase immigration-related fees

    HONG KONG   23 Jan 19

  • New smart ID cards to be issued next...

    HONG KONG   23 Oct 18

  • Partners who are not legally married may apply...

    HONG KONG   24 Sep 18

  • Interim measures for same-sex partners to continue

    HONG KONG   16 Jul 18

  • Court of Final Appeal rules in favor of...

    HONG KONG   10 Jul 18

  • Summer rush spurring processing delays

    HONG KONG   6 Jul 18

  • Tech Talent pilot program introduced

    HONG KONG   23 May 18

  • Hong Kong begins issuing visas to same-sex spouses...

    HONG KONG   17 May 18

  • Use of business visas for speaking engagements clarified

    HONG KONG   2 Nov 17

  • Hong Kong cracking down on illegal work

    HONG KONG   24 Oct 17

  • Automated departure gates now available

    HONG KONG   13 Oct 17

  • Court rules in favor of British national seeking...

    HONG KONG   26 Sep 17

  • Indians face rejections for visa-exemption preregistration

    HONG KONG   16 May 17

  • Hong Kong opens new migration routes for Cambodian...

    HONG KONG, CAMBODIA   27 Mar 17

  • Embassy in India stops issuing visas for Hong...

    HONG KONG, INDIA   15 Feb 17

  • New preregistration rules for Indian visitors take effect...

    HONG KONG, INDIA   12 Jan 17

  • Vietnamese nationals now eligible for training, internship visas

    HONG KONG   4 Jan 17

  • Indian nationals must pre-register to travel visa-free to...

    HONG KONG, INDIA   15 Dec 16

  • Employers now required to submit declaration of local...

    HONG KONG   28 Jul 16

  • Visa applications undergoing heightened scrutiny

    HONG KONG   23 Jun 16

  • Stricter visa application rules expected following audit report

    HONG KONG   26 Apr 16

  • Immigration improvements planned for coming months

    HONG KONG   27 Feb 15

  • Reciprocal deal gives business travelers faster border clearance

    HONG KONG, SINGAPORE   17 Oct 14

  • Immigration Arrests Are a Warning to Employers

    HONG KONG   21 Oct 13

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