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Emigration

It is possible to obtain entry into Hong Kong on a visitor visa/entry permit, in order to research business opportunities and ideas but it is imperative to get the appropriate visa if you are planning to move there permanently.

You must obtain a visa before coming to Hong Kong to work or live. There are main three options available:

• A work visa for employees
• A visa through investment, called the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme
• A dependent visa

Visas for employees

Once you have established a business in Hong Kong and wish to employ people from overseas, you must be able to prove that the employee has knowledge, experience, or specific skills that are not readily available in Hong Kong.
The proposed employee will require a sponsor (usually the enterprise offering them employment) and must complete a visa application form (available from the Immigration Department website). This form should be sent directly to the Immigration Department in Hong Kong, or to the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consul-General in the applicant's home country.

Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)

The scheme is aimed at those people who make a capital investment of HK$ 667,000million (approx. US$ 85, 500) into a legitimate asset class (investment) in Hong Kong. People applying for the CIES visa must prove that they are able to support themselves and anyone who is dependent upon them,. CIES are not really designed for those who plan to work in Hong Kong, although if you are in possession of this visa, you may take up work or directorate positions, depending on certain criteria. Most of the information you need is on the Immigration Department's website: http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/hkvisas_13.htm

You are eligible for the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme if:

• You are 18 or older
• You have net assets of not less than HK$6.5 million to which you are entitled throughout the two years before the application
• You have invested within six months before submission of application, or will invest within six months, not less than HK$6.5 million
• You have no adverse record both in Hong Kong and your country of residence
• You are able to demonstrate that you are capable of supporting yourself and your dependants, on your own without relying on any public assistance in Hong Kong

Dependent visas

If you successfully obtain an employment visa, or a CIES visa, you may also bring your spouse and dependent children to Hong Kong, if there is a guarantee you can provide for them financially and that they will be accommodated.

The dependent visa provides the holder with the opportunity to carry out almost any form of lawful employment in Hong Kong. The couple must be legally married and there must be evidence of:

• Actual dependency
• The sponsor's capability (and willingness) to support the applicant's dependency, presented in support of the application

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