Visa Application for a Company Manager in Hong Kong

• Medical care, education for children.
• Rent / purchase of real estate. 
• Multiple entry/exit without additional permits. 
• Tax optimization through residency status and double taxation agreements.
• The prospect of obtaining permanent resident status.

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“A Hong Kong residence visa transforms an executive from a temporary visitor to a full-fledged participant in Asia’s dynamic economy. This status opens up access to financial benefits, long-term business opportunities, and ease of doing business without restrictions on entry and stay.” Eleonora Lapina. Юрист

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Hong Kong offers several types of visas that may be useful for business executives planning to work or manage a business in the city. The visas allow you to legally stay in the country, manage your company, and bring your family with you if necessary.

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Highly skilled worker visa

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(General Employment Policy - GEP)

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Designed for highly skilled foreign employees, including company executives, who are recruited to work in Hong Kong. 

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For company executives, this visa can be issued if they: 

• formally employed as CEO, managing director or other senior manager, and 

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• have a specialized higher education and proven experience in this field.

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The visa is issued for a period of 1 year and can be extended indefinitely if the employee continues to meet the visa requirements.

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Conditions for obtaining:

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• Having a higher education (at least a bachelor's degree in the given field).
• An offer of employment in Hong Kong, the nature of which corresponds to the education and work experience. However, the open position cannot be easily filled by a Hong Kong citizen. In some cases, it is necessary to expressly confirm that the employer was unable to find a suitable local candidate for the position.
• The remuneration level, including income, living expenses, medical and other fringe benefits, is in line with the prevailing market level for professionals in Hong Kong.
• No criminal record.

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Registration process:

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Stage 1

Employment contract with the company: 

The company must offer you a management position and sign an employment contract.

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Stage 2

Preparation and submission of the application by the employer:

The employer completes and submits an application for employment of a specialist to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, to which he attaches a detailed description of the company's activities, a business plan, and proof of the company's financial status.

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Stage 3

Preparation and submission of the application by the employee:

The worker completes and submits to the Hong Kong Immigration Department an application for entry into the country under the GEP, to which he/she attaches evidence of his/her educational qualifications and relevant work experience.

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Stage 4

Visa approval and issuance:

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The process of reviewing applications from employers and employees takes from 4 weeks to 2-3 months. 

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If the answer is positive, the applicant will have to pay a fee of approximately 550 USD, after which the employee will receive an entry visa to the country by e-mail. 

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Upon crossing the Hong Kong border, the worker will automatically receive temporary resident status and the opportunity to obtain an ID card.

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Eminent Professional Visa

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Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

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It is designed to attract highly qualified specialists to the country who do not have a preliminary job offer. 

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The applicant will not need to prove that their skills are unique for the purpose of employment, but unlike other types of visa, to extend it after its issuance period (up to two years) it will be necessary to submit an application on another basis - for example, employment or investment.

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The most common reasons for obtaining an investor visa are:

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• Availability of verifiable annual income 
• in the amount of 2,500,000 HKD (approximately 322,000 USD) 
• for the year preceding the application.

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Registration process:

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Stage 1

Preparing and submitting an application: 

An application for entry into the country under the TTPS is prepared and submitted to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, accompanied by proof of income of HKD 2,500,000 for the year preceding the application.

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Stage 2

Visa approval and issuance:

The application review process takes from 4 weeks to 2-3 months. 

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If the answer is positive, the applicant will not need to pay any fee. The applicant will receive an entry visa to the country by e-mail. Upon crossing the Hong Kong border, the applicant will automatically receive temporary resident status and the opportunity to apply for an ID card.

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Investor Visa

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New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES)

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Introduced by the Hong Kong Government in 2024 to replace the previous investor residence program, which was suspended in 2015.

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The main basis for obtaining a visa is the applicant's ability to prove: 

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• have assets of at least HKD 30,000,000 (approximately USD 3,860,000) for the 6 months preceding the application, and 

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• willingness to invest in approved Hong Kong assets in an amount of not less than HKD 30,000,000 (approximately USD 3,860,000). 

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This visa is issued for up to two years and can be extended indefinitely as long as the investor continues to meet the visa requirements.

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Investments in which assets will allow you to obtain a visa:

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• Direct investment into the CIES investment portfolio in the amount of HKD 3,000,000 (approx. USD 386,000) is a mandatory requirement.
• Investment in non-residential property in Hong Kong in an amount not exceeding HKD 10,000,000 (approximately USD 1,285,000).
• Investments in shares of Hong Kong Limited Partnership Funds in an amount not exceeding HKD 10,000,000 (approximately USD 1,285,000).
• Investments in publicly traded shares of companies, debt securities listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (SEHK), or other securities designated by the Hong Kong Government.

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Registration process:

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Stage 1

Preparing and submitting an application:

The applicant hires a licensed Hong Kong financial professional to prepare a report certifying that the applicant has the minimum required amount of assets. This report and the visa application are submitted to the CIES office.

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Stage 2

Approval and issuance of a preliminary visa:

If the CIES office responds positively, the Applicant submits an application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department for a provisional visa for up to 180 days. 

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Stage 3

Making the necessary investments:

Upon receipt of the provisional visa, the Applicant will be able to enter the country and make the required investment. The investment will need to be certified by hiring a licensed Hong Kong financial professional to prepare a report.

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Stage 4

Approval and issuance of preliminary визы :

The applicant submits an application for an investor residence permit, accompanied by supporting documents, to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. 

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The Hong Kong Government also defines other grounds for obtaining visas for long-term stay in Hong Kong.