Hong Kong entrepreneur visa

Applicants who want to set up or join a start-up may be considered favourably if the company is supported by a government-backed programme with rigorous vetting, and the applicant is its proprietor or partner or a key researcher. Examples given by ImmD are the StartmeupHK Venture Programme run by InvestHK, the Incu-App, Incu-Bio and Incu-Tech programmes of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation, the Cyberport Incubation Programme, the Enterprise Support Scheme of the Innovation and Technology Commission and the Design Incubation Programme of the Hong Kong Design Centre.

You must have no security objection or known record of serious crime and a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field; strong technical qualifications, proven professional ability or documented achievements may be accepted instead. The core test is whether you are in a position to make a substantial contribution to Hong Kong's economy. The scheme does not apply to Chinese residents of the Mainland or nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and the DPRK.

ImmD considers six factors. You submit a three-year business plan covering the nature of the business, market analysis and positioning, sales targets and marketing, with three-year forecasts of profit and loss, cash flow and balance sheet. If you already run or have joined a business, you show last year's turnover and profit. You prove financial resources with personal and company bank statements for the previous year and the latest audited accounts, document the capital invested in Hong Kong, set out the organisation chart and the number and level of local jobs to be created, and explain any new technology or skills you bring.

ImmD may ask other government departments or professional bodies for advice, for example on whether the business fits sectors where Hong Kong has clear advantages, such as trading and logistics, tourism, financial services and professional services, or innovation and technology and the cultural and creative industries.

You must nominate a local sponsor, which can be a company or an individual who is at least 18, a bona fide Hong Kong resident and acquainted with you. You, any accompanying dependants and the sponsor submit the applications online through GovHK, upload the documents in the checklist and pay the non-refundable HK$600 application fee per person. After approval you pay the issuance fee (HK$1,300 for stays over 180 days) and receive an e-Visa, which you present with your passport on arrival.

Entrepreneurs are admitted on employment condition for up to 36 months at first. Running a business other than the one approved requires prior approval from the Director of Immigration. Extensions are considered only if you still meet the investment criteria and normally follow a 3-2 year pattern. Apply within the three months before expiry and at least six weeks before; processing takes about two to three weeks, and you must leave by the expiry date if no decision has been made, unless the Director approves otherwise.

Your spouse or registered partner and unmarried children under 18 can be sponsored as dependants; their stay is linked to yours and they may work or study.