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Hong Kong Work Permit Rules

The Immigration Guidelines for Entry to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China are well charted out. The policies of Hong Kong government are business friendly. It is mandatory for the working professionals to have working visas for employment opportunities in Hong Kong. Fortunately, the light-touch visa policies allow the short-term visitors to conduct business negotiations and sign contracts while on a visitor’s visa or entry permit.

Types of working visa permits in Hong Kong

Employment visa
It is needed for the applicant to exhibit the experience and professional skills needed which are currently not available in Hong Kong for the proposed employee to be sponsored by the employer. The applicant needs to have a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field. The case of genuine job vacancy should also be highlighted. Few details that must be kept in mind are as follows:
• There should be no security objection or evidence of record of serious crime in respect of the applicant
• The applicant must have confirmed offer of employment
• He/She should be employed in a job relevant to his/her academic qualifications or work experience
• The remuneration package, including income, accommodation, medical and other fringe benefits, is broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level for professionals
• The Employment Visa is generally valid for twelve months for the initial Visa, with the potential for indefinite extensions, provided the assignee continues to be employed by the host Hong Kong company.
• Upon arrival in Hong Kong, the assignee’s visa will be stamped and authorize employment for up to 12 months from the date of entry.

Investment Visa
Applicants who are shareholders of a Hong Kong based company can only apply for this visa. It can be done by:
• Investing in a Hong Kong-based company
• Setting up and registering a company in which the applicant is a major investor
The details of the viability of the proposed business need to be revealed. The financial position must also be revealed if investing in the company.

Business Visa
It is provided for the following related activities:
1) Business meetings / seminars
2) Contract related work
3) Exhibitions or trade fairs
A Visitor Visa is usually granted to business travellers for up to 6 months. Though, it is discretionary and can vary depending on the applicant’s country of origin and the purpose of his/her visit.

Entrepreneur Visa
Either the applicant needs to be a key researcher in the relevant project or proprietor or partner of the start-up company. A government backed program should support the start-up. It should have a rigorous vetting and selection process of selection. Few of the examples are:
• Cyberport Incubation Program
• Enterprise Support Scheme
• StartmeupHK Venture Program
• Design Incubation Program
Also, depending on the length of the assignment and stay, the migrant worker would need to apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card. It must be applied for within 30 days of arrival in Hong Kong.

References

http://www.newlandchase.com/country/hong_kong_immigration_visa_work_permit
http://www.blog.visas2hk.com/
http://www.investhk.gov.hk/setting-up-your-business/hong-kong-immigration-and-visa-requirements.html
http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/immigration-entry-guideline.html
http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/visit-transit/visit-visa-entry-permit.html
http://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/faq/hk-visas.html

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