Guide to Immigrating to Hong Kong – Benefits, Application Process, & More
This comprehensive guide to immigrating to Hong Kong offers a detailed overview of the various types of visas available for individuals interested in moving to Hong Kong, along with the eligibility criteria for each visa category. There are several visa options available for foreign nationals and their family members to live and work in Hong Kong, and we will explore each of them in detail.
- Why Immigrate to Hong Kong?
In recent years, immigration to Hong Kong has significantly increased, with many Indians opting for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) visa. To understand the factors attracting Indians to Hong Kong, consider the following benefits of immigrating to Hong Kong:
- Democratic country with a stable political environment
- Low taxes compared to other jurisdictions
- Affordable cost of living
- Relatively quick process to obtain resident status and eligibility for citizenship
- Low corruption rate
- Free education system
- Transparent and accountable government
- How to Immigrate to Hong Kong from India?
There are several visa options available for Indians looking to immigrate to Hong Kong, as discussed in the article above. For a detailed explanation of the immigration process, you can consult with our experts at International Working Visa, Hong Kong immigration advisors.
Visa Types for Entry into Hong Kong for Employment or Investment:
- General Employment Policy (GEP) – Work Visa
- Investment Visa for Hong Kong
- Imported Workers Visa for Hong Kong
- Training Visa for Hong Kong
- Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
Eligibility Requirements for Hong Kong Immigration through GEP
To qualify for immigration to Hong Kong under the General Employment Policy (GEP), you must meet the following requirements:
- No security concerns or records of serious criminal activity related to you.
- A strong academic background, supported by relevant documentation.
- A valid job offer from a Hong Kong-based company.
- The job offer must align with your skills and experience level.
- The Hong Kong employer must demonstrate that no local candidate was suitable for the position.
- The offered pay should meet market standards for your skills and experience.
Eligibility Criteria for an Investment Visa for Hong Kong
- No criminal record or history of criminal activity.
- A strong academic background supported by documentary evidence.
- A comprehensive business plan for your proposed venture.
- Projected business turnover.
- Available financial resources.
- Planned investment amount.
- Number of new local jobs to be created by your business.
- Details of any new technology or skills your business will introduce.
Eligibility Criteria for Imported Workers' Visas for Hong Kong
To qualify for an Imported Workers’ Visa in Hong Kong, applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Possess suitable qualifications and skills relevant to the selected position.
- Employment terms, conditions, and remuneration must align with local market standards.
- Clear criminal record with no prior offenses.
- The sponsoring employer must demonstrate financial viability to employ the applicant.
- Commitment to work exclusively for the sponsoring employer as per the contract.
What are the requirements to Apply for QMAS for Hong Kong?
To apply for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) in Hong Kong, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age: You must be at least 18 years old.
- Financial Capability: Demonstrate the ability to financially support yourself and any dependents.
- Clean Criminal Record: No criminal records for you or your dependents.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English and/or Chinese (Cantonese or Putonghua).
- Academic Background: Strong academic qualifications.
- Points Test: Pass either the General Points Test or the Achievement-based Points Test after meeting the above conditions.
- FAQs Asked by Indians for Hong Kong
The type of visa you should apply for depends on the purpose of your visit to Hong Kong. For detailed guidance tailored to your situation, please contact our Hong Kong immigration advisors at International Working Visa.
To apply for Hong Kong immigration, follow these steps:
- Visit the official website of the Hong Kong government.
- Choose the visa type from the list of available visas.
- Download the appropriate visa application forms.
- Fill out the forms completely and accurately, and submit them along with the required documents.
- Await a decision from the Chinese embassy.
For expert advice and assistance with your Hong Kong immigration application, contact our immigration advisors at International Working Visa.
The cost of a Hong Kong visa is approximately 190 HKD, equivalent to INR 1,745 per person. Payment can be made only through a bank draft.
Processing a Hong Kong visa typically takes a minimum of two weeks.