Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs

Hong Kong's Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs is the territory's primary immigration pathway for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to establish or join a business in the HKSAR. It operates under the General Employment Policy (GEP) set by the government, with the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115) providing the overarching legal framework. The program has no sector restrictions or quota limitations and is open to entrepreneurs across all industries.

• Good education background, normally a first degree in a relevant field or equivalent technical qualifications and proven professional experience
• A detailed business plan with a three-year forecast comprising a profit-and-loss account statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet
• Bank statements demonstrating sufficient financial resources to sustain the business and personal livelihood
• Evidence of substantial economic contribution to Hong Kong such as job creation, new technology, or skills introduction
• A local sponsor (company or individual who is a bona fide Hong Kong resident aged 18+)
• No security objection and no known record of serious crime

Startup founders backed by government-approved programs receive favorable consideration. Recognized programs include the StartmeupHK Venture Programme (InvestHK), Cyberport Incubation Programme, Incu-App/Incu-Bio/Incu-Tech (Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks), Enterprise Support Scheme (Innovation and Technology Commission), and the Design Incubation Programme (Hong Kong Design Centre). Participants in these programs may have relaxed requirements regarding traditional business track records.

Nationals of all countries except Mainland China (who apply under a separate scheme), Afghanistan, Cuba, and North Korea. Overseas Chinese holding PRC passports must hold overseas permanent residence or have resided overseas for at least one year immediately before applying.

• Application fee: HK$600 (non-refundable)
• Visa issuance fee: HK$1,300 for stays exceeding 180 days; HK$600 for 180 days or less

The initial stay is up to 36 months. Extensions follow a 3-2 year pattern, subject to demonstrating continued business operations, economic contribution, and financial sustainability. Apply for an extension within three months before the current limit of stay expires, and in all cases at least six weeks before expiry.

Eligible dependants include a spouse or civil/de facto partner and unmarried dependent children under 18. Dependants may work or study in Hong Kong without restriction. The sponsor must demonstrate financial capacity to support dependants at a standard well above subsistence level. Each dependant pays the same application and visa issuance fees.

After 7 years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong, holders may apply for the right of abode (permanent residency). Temporary absences for travel or business are generally permissible provided Hong Kong remains the person's ordinary place of residence.

Hong Kong operates a territorial taxation system. Only Hong Kong-sourced income is taxable. Profits tax rates are 8.25% on the first HK$2 million of assessable profits and 16.5% thereafter for corporations. Salaries tax applies at progressive rates from 2% to 17%. No capital gains tax, no estate duty, and no tax on dividends or interest.

Applications are submitted online through the Immigration Department's e-Application system. Paper, mail, and fax submissions are not accepted. Upload all supporting documents and pay the HK$600 application fee. Processing takes approximately 4 weeks for initial applications and 2-3 weeks for extensions. Upon approval, pay the visa issuance fee and download the e-Visa. Holders may only operate the approved business; changing the business requires prior approval from the Director of Immigration.