Comparison of entrepreneurs visa and employment visa
| Entrepreneurs Visa (Also known as investment visa) | Employment Visa (Also known as working visa) | |
|---|---|---|
| Who should apply? | For foreign investors / entrepreneurs who wish to establish a new business or join in an existing business in Hong Kong. | For foreign individuals who will be employed by a Hong Kong company. |
| What are the requirements? | The applicant should prove that the company in Hong Kong can make substantial contribution to the economy of the HKSAR. The applicant must also have a good education background, proven professional abilities and relevant experiences. | The applicant must obtain a confirmed offer of employment from a company in Hong Kong. The applicant must also have a good education background, proven professional abilities and relevant work experiences |
| Eligibility Criteria | Applicant should - Register a company in Hong Kong - Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the business operation in Hong Kong - Have a qualified education background - Have relevant working experiences - Prepare a 2-year business plan | Applicant should - Hold a University degree from a recognized university. - Have no criminal record or adverse immigration record in Hong Kong or elsewhere |
| Duration of Visa | Successful applicants are normally be granted permission to stay and work in Hong Kong initially for 12 to 24 months. Visa extension is required. | Successful applicants are normally be granted permission to stay and work in Hong Kong initially for 12 to 24 months. Visa extension is required. |
| What is the processing time? | 3 to 6 months | 1 to 2 months |
If you wish to have one of our immigration consultant to review your situation, suggest the most suitable visa category and confirm your eligibility, please fill out a free online assessment form.
Yes. In order to work legally in Hong Kong, you require a visa or entry permit to work, study, establish or join in any business or to take up residence in Hong Kong. Holder of visit visa is not allowed by law to take up employment (paid or unpaid), to establish or join in any business, or to enter school as a student.
Any person who works in Hong Kong without a valid visa or work permit shall be liable to a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and 2 years imprisonment under the Immigration Ordinance (Chapter 115), Laws of Hong Kong.
The document require for visa application varies from case to case and is subjected to the visa types of your application.
We offer a free online assessment to advise you the best visa options based on your profile. During your application, we will also prepare a tailored made checklist of all of the forms and supporting documentation required on your case to help you ease the complexity of application.
The application of an employment visa takes about 4-8 weeks after your submission of application. An entrepreneur visa application will generally takes around 3 to 6 months for government assessment.
Although Hong Kong is part of the People’s Republic of China it remains a Special Administrative Region (SAR) with its own immigration policy.
While Mainland China always requires a visa for entry, Hong Kong is a separate travel area with business-friendly immigration policies.
Visitors from over 170 countries are allowed to visit Hong Kong without a visa/entry permit for a period ranging from 7 days to 180 days. E.g. nationals of the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand don’t require a visa to enter Hong Kong for stays of 90 days, 180 days for UK nationals. Check on the below lists for the visa required countries.
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