How Onerous is the Sponsorship Role In A Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Application?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Hadley Says…, Investment Visas / 10 responses

Sponsorship For A Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa?

When a foreign national intends to start a new – or join in an existing – business in Hong Kong he needs a sponsor for his Hong Kong entrepreneur visa (aka a business investment (entrepreneur) visa.

Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa – Joining In, Or Starting, A Business?

Applying for a Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa? If the business is already well established, then the partners in that business will most typically serve as the sponsor of the application.

But if the business is brand new and where the shareholders and directors of the business are not permanent residents of Hong Kong, the question is begged as to who can serve as a valid sponsor of an investment visa application – and what the consequences of sponsorship actually entail.

Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa –  What Does Sponsorship Actually Entail?

Ideally, any permanent identity card holder should serve as a sponsor of an investment visa application.

Preferably, someone who has a business or other relationship which can add value to the applicants’ commercial activities and has a positive nexus and interest in the application outcome.

The rules say the sponsor needs to be acquainted with the applicant.

Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa –  Is ‘Professional Sponsorship’ Available?

If you are planning to make an application for an investment visa using professional advisors, then quite often the consultancy you work with will agree to serve as your sponsor – but often for a fee (this IS Hong Kong after all!).

Whoever agrees to sponsor your application though, is effectively putting their neck on the line to meet the costs of your repatriation or removal from Hong Kong in the event that your residence here goes awry for any reason.

Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Sponsorship –  A Neck On The Block

So, the sponsorship question can be a tough one if you’re new to Hong Kong and don’t have any close connections to ask.

So it might be worth seeking professional help if you find yourself without any real option to cover the sponsorship question.

More Stuff You May Find Interesting Or Useful

Statistically, What Are The Chances Of Your Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Application Being Approved?

How Is The  Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Process Typically Experienced By A Foreign National Applicant?

1o Must Have Resources For A Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Application

Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Wrongly Applied For – Clearing Up The Confusion – Getting The Correct Work Visa Instead

Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Applications – What’s Actually Involved?

 

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The Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa – Is It Good For A Single Client Business Only?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Feature Article, Investment Visas, Musing, VG Front Page / No responses

Have you got an opportunity to be an independant contractor rather than serving as a full time employee and wondering if you can get a Hong Kong entrepreneur visa with a single client only?

Understanding the Limitations of the Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa

The Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa is primarily designed for foreign nationals aspiring to conduct business in Hong Kong, thereby significantly boosting the territory’s economy. A crucial part of the overall evaluation of the Hong Kong Immigration Department focuses on sustainability and the quality of the proposed business.

A Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa With A Single Client Only?

However, a significant challenge arises when intending to use a Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa to cater to single client opportunities. This strategy falls short in terms of sustainability – lose the client, lose the business. Moreover, a business centered around a single client doesn’t engage in wider commercial activity, nor does it present opportunities for creating local employment or procuring dedicated business premises.

In light of these shortcomings, the Immigration Department discourages leveraging the Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa for supporting single client opportunities. Consequently, an Entrepreneur Visa application based solely on a single client opportunity is likely to face rejection. Indeed, assuming a pseudo-employee role vis-a-vis a single client under an Investment Visa is practically unfeasible.

Better The Employment Visa Not The Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa

An Entrepreneur Visa dressed up as in the clothes of a single-client independant contractor is not the best way to work in Hong Kong. There’s an alternative. If a client is interested in engaging your services, they should pursue the formal processes of hiring you as an employee, assuming you’re eligible to apply for an employment visa, sponsored by them. This approach often proves to be the most effective for securing a visa to work in Hong Kong.

Additional Resources for Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Applications

The Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa is not designed to cater to single client opportunities. Such a circumstance fails to meet the Immigration Department’s expectations for a sustainable, high-quality business that promotes local employment and the allocation of dedicated business premises. Therefore, it would be more appropriate to secure an Employment Visa, sponsored by the client, to secure a work visa in Hong Kong. To learn more about the Hong Kong Entrepreneurt Visa and crafting a strong business plan for approval check out the following resources:

1. Importance of Financial Projections in a Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Application

2. A Detailed Business Plan for Your Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa?

3. Hong Kong Visa Handbook – Startups And Getting Accredited

4. Hong Kong Visa Handbook – Entrepreneur Visa (aka Business Investment Visa)

More Stuff You May Find Useful or Interesting

How Important Is A Good Set Of Financial Projections In A Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Application?

Is There A Minimum Number Of Days You Need To Be In Hong Kong In Order To Maintain Your Entrepreneur Visa?

Is There Such An Animal As An Employment Visa For An Independant Contractor In Hong Kong?

Business Investment (Entrepreneur(Visas) – A Leg-Up For Start-Ups In Hong Kong

How To Apply For A Hong Kong Business Investment (Entrepreneur) Visa – Without Any Professional Help!

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Visa Processing Time Hong Kong – The Reality Behind The “4 Weeks” Application Consideration Time Frame

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Family Visas, Hadley Says…, Investment Visas, Long Stay & PR, Special Programmes, Visitor Visas / 85 responses

Visa Processing Time Hong Kong – What’s The Actual Reality?

Visa processing time Hong Kong? When you make most any type of Hong Kong visa or immigration application, you will find yourself in the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s infamous 4 Weeks Zone.

Visa Processing Time Hong Kong – Is It Really 4 Weeks?

When it comes to visa processing time in Hong Kong, you see, the Immigration Department (“ImmD”) cite that they need 4 weeks to finalise an application once they have received from you all of the documents they need to  decide on your case.

What is not stated, of course, is the time that is required to undergo the inevitable requests for information and documentation to enable the Department to enter into the 4 Week Zone.

Unless you are adept at reading between the lines in the official correspondence of ImmD, it is easy, therefore, to conclude that it should take just 4 weeks for an application to be finalized.

Visa Processing Time Hong Kong – Better Set Your Expectations For 6-8 Weeks

In fact, it’s usually more like 6 – 8 weeks from case submission to case finalization by the time the Immigration Department have on hand everything they need and, in the instance of a business investment (entrepreneur) visa application, more than 12-16 weeks.

Visa Processing Time Hong Kong – ImmD Do Not Usually Take Their Time …

However, in fairness to the Department, if the application is readily approvable once they have all the documents in hand, they more often than not do not need the full 4 weeks to finalise your case and the reality is that Immigration Officers genuinely do try their hardest to get cases completed in the quickest time possible.

They do, in reality, provide a truly excellent, cost effective service!

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Winning A Hong Kong Right Of Abode Application In Record Time – Just 4 Days!

How To Gee Up A Hong Kong Visa Application That Is Taking Too Long To Finalise

 

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Proving Your Last Day of Work: Change Employment Visa Sponsorship in Hong Kong

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Feature Article, Musing, VG Front Page / No responses

 

If you’re looking to change employment visa sponsorship in Hong Kong, you might be wondering how to prove your last day of work for your previous employer to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. In this post, I’ll guide you through the process and the necessary documentation required to get it done.

Release Letter For Change Employment Visa Sponsorship Applications?

When applying to change employment visa sponsorship, you’ll need to provide the Immigration Department with documentation that clearly states your last day of employment with your previous employer.

At the Hong Kong Visa Centre, we refer to this as the Bye Bye Letter. This can be in the form of:

• A termination letter
• A letter giving notice
• Any other document or email correspondence generated at the time the employment cessation date was notified between the parties

It’s important to note that you don’t need a so-called “Release Letter” from your current employer. The Immigration Department only needs the final date of employment to demarcate the old sponsorship arrangements from the proposed new sponsorship arrangements.

Other Things To Consider In Change Employment Visa Sponsorship Applications

Te following elaborates on the key points of the change of employer application process and the criteria in play for success.

First and foremost, in all applications under the General Employment Policy, including change employment visa sponsorship applications, applicants must have a strong educational background, typically a bachelor’s degree, along with at least two years of post-graduation experience in a managerial or supervisory role. In some cases, the Hong Kong Immigration Department may accept technical qualifications, proven professional abilities, and extensive relevant work experience instead of a formal university education.

This highlights the importance of showcasing the applicant’s skills, knowledge, and experience, which must be valuable and not readily available in Hong Kong.

Applicants must also be of good character, which means they should have no security objections or serious criminal record.

Furthermore, the compensation package offered to the applicant should be on par with market rates. Employers cannot offer lower salaries to foreign professionals compared to local employees for the same role.

The employing company must be deemed a suitable and credible sponsor by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. This means that the company should be well-established, have a properly set up office, and already employ Hong Kong locals. The company must demonstrate local recruitment efforts for the role in question unless the applicant’s salary exceeds HKD2 million per annum or their role is included on the Talent List published by the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

If no local recruitment has been carried out, official declarations must be made on the sponsorship form ID990B, stating the reasons for the absence of local recruitment.

In the application process, various documents are required from both the employer and employee. However, if the company has had an employment visa approved by the Hong Kong Immigration Department within the last 24 months, the documentation needed for the employer is significantly reduced.

The change employment visa sponsorship application process typically takes between four and six weeks. Under no circumstances should the applicant begin their employment duties until the visa application has been approved. There are no exceptions to this rule.

Overall, the application process evaluates applicants based on a set of criteria, including their education and experience, genuine job vacancy, confirmed employment offer, job relevance, local workforce availability, and remuneration package.

Additional Resources When Undertaking Change Employment Visa Sponsorship Applications

For more information on the change of employment visa sponsorship process in Hong Kong and how to prove your last day of work to the Immigration Department, check out the following resources:

• Proving Last Day of Work for Change Employment Visa Sponsorship Application

• Compliance Obligations for Hong Kong Employment Visa Holders

• Change of Employer Visa Process

• Assessing Your Change of Employer Application

Even More Stuff To Change Employment Visa Sponsorship Arrangements

Plenty more here to help you along in your application:

Your Employer Must Help You Get Your Hong Kong Employment Visa

The 7 Things to Tell Your Employer About Hong Kong Employment Visa Sponsorship

My Employment Visa Expires Before My Change Employment Visa Sponsorship Application Will Be Finalized – Help!

Hong Kong Employment Visa Self-Sponsorship – The Reality for Entrepreneurs Masquerading As Employees

The 5 Key Factors Which Impact On Your Eligibility For A Hong Kong Employment Visa

 

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Hong Kong Employment Visa Processing Time

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Feature Article, Musing, VG Front Page / 2 responses

When applying for a Hong Kong Employment Visa, it’s obviously helpful to know the typical processing time and what to do if your application takes longer than expected. The Hong Kong Immigration Department (“ImmD”) states that the normal processing time is 4 weeks, but there’s more to the story.

Actual Processing Time for Hong Kong Employment Visa

In reality, the 4-week processing time for a Hong Kong Employment Visa starts counting from the moment ImmD has all the information they need to give due consideration to the application in full. This means that the typical processing time is more like six to eight weeks.

Unfortunately, there is no ‘pay-a-fee’ option for expedited service.

However, if you haven’t heard anything after 6 weeks, it is reasonable to call or email the Immigration Officer detailed on your correspondence.

Processing A Hong Kong Employment Visa – Why Delays Occur

There are several reasons why some Hong Kong Employment Visas take a longer period of time to finalize by the Immigration Department. Some of these reasons include:

1. Incomplete or inaccurate application: If your application is missing any required documents or contains inaccurate information, ImmD may take additional time to request the necessary documents or clarifications, which can lead to delays in processing.
2. Complexity of the case: Some cases may be more complex than others, requiring additional time for ImmD to review and assess the application thoroughly. Factors such as the applicant’s background, the nature of the job, and the employer’s credentials can contribute to the complexity of the case.
3. High volume of applications: During certain periods, ImmD may experience a high volume of applications, which can lead to longer processing times. This is especially true during peak seasons or times of increased demand for Hong Kong Employment Visas.
4. Additional security checks: In some cases, ImmD may need to conduct additional security checks on the applicant, which can add to the processing time. This may be due to the applicant’s nationality, background, or other factors that warrant further investigation.
5. Communication issues: Delays can also occur due to communication issues between the applicant, the employer, and ImmD. If there is a need for additional information or clarification, any delay in communication can result in a longer processing time.

To minimize delays in the processing of your Hong Kong Employment Visa, make sure you submit a complete and accurate application, maintain clear communication with ImmD, and be prepared for the possibility of a longer processing time in certain circumstances.

Helpful Resources for Hong Kong Employment Visa Applicants

Over the last 14 years, I’ve been publishing high-quality, free resources to help you navigate the challenges associated with your Hong Kong Employment Visa application. Check out the following resources for more information:

• Hong Kong Employment Visa with Family: Overview

• Is 50 Days a Long Time to Process a Hong Kong Employment Visa Application?

• Managing Your Hong Kong Employment Visa Application

• Entry Employment with Family: Visa Application Guide

Even More Resources for Hong Kong Employment Visa Applicants

Your Employer Must Help You Get Your Hong Kong Employment Visa

The 7 Things to Tell Your Employer About Hong Kong Employment Visa Sponsorship

My Employment Visa Expires Before My Change of Sponsorship Application Will Be Finalized – Help!

Hong Kong Employment Visa Self-Sponsorship – The Reality for Entrepreneurs Masquerading As Employees

The 5 Key Factors Which Impact On Your Eligibility For A Hong Kong Employment Visa

 

Check Out VisaGeeza.Ai

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Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Application – Importance of Financial Projections

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Feature Article, Investment Visas, Musing, VG Front Page / No responses

Applying for a Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa?

The Hong Kong Immigration Department requires applicants to provide a 2-year business plan that showcases the prospects of their business. In this post, we’ll delve into the essential elements of a strong business plan including a good set of financial projections – and how they can significantly impact your Hong Kong entrepreneur visa application.

Key Components of a Strong Plan & Financial Projections

A comprehensive business plan should include:

1. Two-year forecasts for turnover and profitability: This demonstrates your business’s potential for growth and success.
2. Job creation: Outline the number of local jobs you expect to create, the expected salaries, and the timeline for job creation.
3. Office setup costs: Include the cost of setting up a properly equipped office in Hong Kong.
4. Investment sum: Detail the amount you have already invested and the amount you plan to invest in the future.
5. Introduction of new technology and skills: Show how your business will contribute to Hong Kong’s economy by introducing new technology or skills.

Your business plan doesn’t need to be excessively long, but it should provide all the relevant information that speaks to your ability to contribute substantially to the economy of Hong Kong – and these days more widely to ‘the region’ (hint: GBA).

Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa – Focus Your Application Efforts

Craft a solid business plan: A well-thought-out business plan is essential for showing your potential to make a significant contribution to Hong Kong’s economy. Your plan should include an in-depth opportunity analysis, marketing and sales tactics, competitive analysis, operational plans, and financial projections for at least 2 years. Make sure your plan is realistic, feasible, and in line with current market conditions and industry trends in Hong Kong.

Prepare detailed financial projections: As part of your business plan, prepare financial projections that showcase your business’s potential to generate substantial revenue or other economic benefits for Hong Kong over 2 years. This may include profit and loss statements, cash flow forecasts, and balance sheets. Be ready to explain the assumptions and calculations behind these projections, as the Immigration Department may scrutinize them closely.

Showcase your relevant skills, experience, and qualifications: Highlight your skills, experience, and qualifications pertinent to your proposed business in Hong Kong. This may include your educational background, professional experience, industry certifications, and any previous entrepreneurial endeavours. Demonstrating your expertise and ability to manage and grow a successful business can significantly strengthen your application.

Provide evidence of sufficient funding: The Immigration Department will want to see proof that you have enough financial resources to support your business and yourself during the initial stages of operation. This will include bank statements, investment portfolios, and other financial documents. Ensure that the funds are readily available and can be transferred to Hong Kong as needed.Prepare a minumum of HKD1 million of you’re a non-resident applicant; HKD500,000 if you’re seeking to change over from an employment visa.

Of course, if your plan actually calls for more investment quantum than this, you will need to show you have that on hand or otherwise a well-prepared plan to secure it (in addition to your own  1 or 1/2 a million HKD being invested).

This will maximize your chances of obtaining a business investment visa as an entrepreneur in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa – An Accredited Start-Up?

Moreover, the Hong Kong Immigration Department has a special visa arrangement called the Start-up Visa to attract entrepreneurs, especially those with innovative ideas and businesses supported by a government-accredited program.

Under the Start-up Visa, if your start-up is supported by a recognized Hong Kong government-backed program, your chances of obtaining a visa under the General Employment Policy (GEP) may be significantly improved.

Some of these government-backed programs include:

(a) Cyberport Incubation Programme

(b) Design Incubation Programme

(c) Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation’s Incu-App, Incu-Bio, and Incu-Tech Programmes

(d) Small Entrepreneur Research Assistance Programme (SERAP) by the Innovation and Technology Commission

(e) Film Production Grant Scheme by Create Hong Kong

If your start-up is supported by one of these programs or another government-accredited organization, the Immigration Department will consider your application more favorably. Such endorsement increases your chances of obtaining the visa, as it demonstrates the potential of your business to make a substantial contribution to the Hong Kong economy.

While the Start-up Visa can provide a significant advantage, it is essential to note that you will still need to meet the other requirements of the General Employment Policy. This includes having a good educational background or relevant professional experience, a clear employment contract for yourself with terms matching the local market standards, and evidence of your ability to support yourself and your business without relying on public assistance.

Additional Resources for Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Applications

To learn more about the importance of financial projections and crafting a strong business plan for either of these visas, check out the following resources:

1. Importance of Financial Projections in a Hong Kong Business Investment Visa Application

2. A Detailed Business Plan for Your Hong Kong Investment Visa?

3. Hong Kong Visa Handbook – Startups And Getting Accredited

4. Hong Kong Visa Handbook – Business Investment (Entrepreneur) Visa

More Stuff You May Find Useful or Interesting

How Important Is A Good Set Of Financial Projections In A Hong Kong Entrepreneur Visa Application?

Is There A Minimum Number Of Days You Need To Be In Hong Kong In Order To Maintain Your Entrepreneur Visa?

Is There Such An Animal As An Employment Visa For An Independant Contractor In Hong Kong?

Business Investment (Entrepreneur(Visas) – A Leg-Up For Start-Ups In Hong Kong

How To Apply For A Hong Kong Business Investment (Entrepreneur) Visa – Without Any Professional Help!

Check Out VisaGeeza.Ai

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Do Immigration Consultants Add Any Value To The Hong Kong Visa Process?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Family Visas, Hadley Says…, Investment Visas, Long Stay & PR, Refusals & Appeals, Special Programmes, VG Front Page, Visitor Visas / 11 responses

It’s a valid question. Do immigration consultants add any value to the Hong Kong visa process? As the programming of VisaGeeza.Ai draws to a close, ready to release to my website users, the whole exercise down the last 5 months has surfaced a significant body of content which is still as relevant today as it was when I first publihsed it.

Consequently I have been giving quite a bit of the ‘old stuff’ a fresh lick of paint and this is one such piece from our puppet character Hadley (Puppet? You need to be different to be remembered).

I believe this video below is more relevant today than ever especially as Ai is about to commoditize expert knowledge and know-how and permanently shift the value equation away from ‘what do you know’ but ‘how good are you at applying it’.

Do Immigration Consultants Add Any Value to the Hong Kong Visa Process?

Hadley has strong views about the value that Hong Kong immigration consultants add to the visa process in the HKSAR and in this short rant he sets them out for the world to know!

Well Then: Do Immigration Consultants Add Any Value To The Hong Kong Visa Process?

It’s been an interesting journey these last 3o years as we built up our content on Hong Kong immigration. We certainly changed the landscape of informed decision-making in our profession and with the advent of VisaGeeza.Ai waiting in the wings, it’s all set to change again.

The Real Question: Do Immigration Consultants Add Any Value To The Hong Kong Visa Process – With Ai?

Imagine this extensive content platform embedded into a deeply integrated Large Language model which you can interrogate, tweak and fine tune to your exact circumstances – all completely free of charge?

Watch this space! Won’t be long now.

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