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A Guideline About Entrepreneur Visa Application Services in Hong Kong
Entrepreneurs who have proven experience and expertise in start-ups can consider applying for an entrepreneur visa in Hong Kong if they are interested. Successful applicants for the visa can also bring their spouse and dependent children (under the age of 18) to Hong Kong as long as they have sufficient funds and suitable accommodation. The spouse holding a dependent visa can also undertake lawful employment in Hong Kong.
Eligibility Criteria for Entrepreneur Visa in Hong Kong
The applicant should be able to prove that they can make a substantial contribution to the economy of the HKSAR and also provide their expertise in startup businesses. Their startup business will be considered more favourably if it is supported by a government-backed programme such as:
- Incu-App, Incu-Bio and Incu-Tech programmes
- Cyberport Incubation Programme
- Small Entrepreneur Research Assistance Programme and Enterprise Support Scheme administered by the Innovation and Technology Commission
- Design Incubation Programme administered by the Hong Kong Design Centre
Other eligibility criteria include:
- The applicant has no security objection and no known record of serious crime
- The applicant has a good education background, with a degree the relevant field and/or good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities, and relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence
- The applicant is in a position to make a substantial contribution to the economy of the HKSAR and the start-up ecosystem (this may be proven by providing a business plan, any business turnover sheet, or proof of financial resources)
Applying a Sponsor
During the application process, the applicant must nominate a local sponsor who can either sponsor the applicant as a company or an individual. If the sponsor is an individual, he/she should be:
- Aged 18 or above;
- A bona fide Hong Kong resident
- Is acquainted with the applicant
Documents Required for Entrepreneur Visa in Hong Kong
Applicants will need to provide the following documents during the application process:
- Application for Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs in Hong Kong
- The applicant’s recent photograph (affixed to the application form)
- Photocopy of the applicant’s valid travel document containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable)
- Applicants who are currently staying in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) can provide a photocopy of his/her valid travel document page containing relevant details of their stay in Hong Kong
- Photocopy of their academic qualifications and relevant work experiences
- Photocopy of any proof of the applicant’s financial standing (e.g. bank statements)
- Photocopy of the company’s employment contract with or letter of appointment to the applicant containing information about the job role, salary, other fringe benefits and employment periods (if applicable)
- Detailed 2-year investment plan containing details of proposed business activities, amount of investment, creation of local job posts, setting up of an office/showroom/warehouse, etc.
- Proof of company’s business activities such as a photocopy of contracts, invoices or proof of business deals under negotiation (if applicable)
- Photocopy of proof of the company’s financial standing (e.g. latest audited financial report, trading profit and loss account)
- Photocopy of tenancy agreements/supporting documents on office set-up
- Proof of posts created for local employees such as a photocopy of records of monthly contributions to Mandatory Provident Fund Scheme (if applicable)
- Photocopy of documents filed with the Companies Registry (e.g. Certificate of Incorporation, latest annual return, Memorandum of Association, Articles of Association)
- Photocopy of licences or certificates for the operation of the business (if applicable)
