Hong Kong

Work visa exclusively for Chinese Mainland professionals. Quota-free scheme with no sector restriction for talent with relevant qualifications or experience.

Entry scheme for second-generation Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents who have emigrated overseas. No quota, allows return to Hong Kong.

Original CIES suspended since 15 January 2015. Replaced by New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (launched March 2024).

Visa for immediate family members (spouse and children under 18) of Hong Kong residents. Duration matches sponsor's visa validity.

Employment visa for foreign domestic workers (maids, nannies, caregivers) employed by Hong Kong residents. Requires employment contract and employer sponsorship.

Work visa for professionals, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs from overseas, Taiwan, and Macao. Requires job offer relevant to qualifications and position not readily filled locally.

Work visa for non-local graduates of Hong Kong institutions. Fresh graduates (within 6 months) can stay without job offer. Returning graduates must secure relevant employment.

Facilitation scheme for international arbitration participants (arbitrators, counsel, witnesses, parties) from eligible institutions. Allows participation without employment visa.

Facilitation scheme for international visitors invited by authorized organizations for short-term activities in designated sectors. Up to 14 consecutive days.

Entry visa for entrepreneurs from overseas, Taiwan, and Macao who wish to establish or join a business in Hong Kong. No minimum investment amount specified but must cover startup and operational costs.

Residence by investment scheme launched March 2024. Requires investment in permissible assets and government portfolio. Pathway to permanent residency after 7 years.

Points-based skilled migration scheme for professionals and entrepreneurs. Two assessment routes: Achievement-based (for successful professionals) and General Points Test.

Permanent resident status granting unrestricted rights to live, work, and study in Hong Kong. Can be acquired through continuous residency (7 years) or other statutory categories.

Residency status acquired automatically when Right of Abode is lost due to prolonged absence (36+ months). Grants work and residence rights without employment restrictions.

Permits non-local students to pursue full-time academic studies at registered Hong Kong educational institutions. Maximum stay normally 6 years.

Fast-track scheme for foreign R&D talent in advanced technology sectors. Sponsor company must have approved quota from Innovation and Technology Commission.

Visa scheme to attract high-income earners and top university graduates. Three categories based on income or educational background. No job offer required.

Short-term visa for individuals undertaking training programs in Hong Kong. Normally limited to 12 months. Requires training contract and sponsoring company guarantee.

Entry permit for passengers in transit through Hong Kong with a layover of less than 14 days. Permits airside-only or ground transit.

Nationals of approximately 170 countries and territories may enter Hong Kong without a visa for tourism and short-term visits. Duration varies by nationality.

Short-term tourist visa for nationals of countries not enjoying visa-free access to Hong Kong. Permits tourism, business meetings, and social visits.

Pilot scheme for non-local graduates of Vocational Training Council (VTC) Higher Diploma programmes. Allows stay for employment in vocational/technical trades.

Bilateral working holiday scheme for young adults (18-30) from 13 eligible countries. Permits holiday, work, and short-term study.