Browse Our Most Recent Content (& Beyond)

Does being formally engaged to be married to a Hong Kong Permanent Resident materially impact the work permissions available to an employment visa holding fiance? QUESTION I am a permanent resident of Hong Kong working here and I met my girlfriend who is currently employed and on a working visa. However she no longer wants to […] Keep Reading...>

May 27th, 2020

This is a sad situation for a couple who find themselves in a maelstrom of immigration difficulties caused by a less than sensible choice some time previously. QUESTION I am a permanent resident in Hong Kong and am planning to marry my girlfriend. My girlfriend is in detention prior to removal. She’s from the Philippines. […] Keep Reading...>

May 24th, 2020

Hong Kong Employment Visa for an Independant Contractor? The General Employment Policy anticipates that foreign national Professionals seeking to work in Hong Kong are subject to a formal employer-employee relationship. So what’s the situation if the employer wants to engage you as a contractor? Is it do-able? QUESTION Dear Stephen,  I got a working visa […] Keep Reading...>

May 21st, 2020

Hong Kong being the dynamic ‘all-things-to-all-people’ type of place it is, oftentimes, certain life circumstances here throw up immigration challenges that need to be considered carefully to ensure that you do not inadvertently run afoul of the law and end up doing things that are no commensurate with your formal conditions of stay. This question […] Keep Reading...>

May 19th, 2020

What will ImmD make of an application to sponsor a dependant visa by a Hong Kong employment visa holding foreign national who doesn’t presently have a job here? QUESTION I am in between jobs (currently on an employment visa in Hong Kong) and plan to get married soon (outside HK). I would like to arrange […] Keep Reading...>

May 17th, 2020

First Published April 5, 2016 I’ve been asked this question a lot these days so I’m republishing this earlier answer here… How can you manage an impending Hong Kong work visa expiry challenge with a current employer with the prospect of a wholly new employment looming large? QUESTION My first Hong Kong work visa issued […] Keep Reading...>

May 13th, 2020

What happens if you get to 6 years continuous ordinary residence then plan to leave Hong Kong? QUESTION Hello, I am in Hong Kong since 6 years on an employment visa all throughout and am aiming for PR next year in July. However, I am about to change job and the new company wants me […] Keep Reading...>

May 11th, 2020

This post was first published on December 2, 2012 Life in Hong Kong throws up many new opportunities and this question seeks to understand the implications for 7 years continuous residency in respect of an eventual right of abode application where an overall switch over in life plans sees a lady intending to relinquish her […] Keep Reading...>

May 9th, 2020

First Published On September 30, 2015 What happens to your prospects for permanent residency in Hong Kong if you’ve been made redundant but have no firm intention to rejoin the workforce prior to  seeking to apply to have your eligibility for right of abode verified after 7 years continuous ordinary residence? QUESTION Hello Visa Geeza, […] Keep Reading...>

May 6th, 2020

First Published December 25, 2012 A relatively straightforward answer to, what can be, quite a complex question dealing with ‘Hong-Kong-immigration status-by-descent’ for foreign nationals born in the HKSAR. QUESTION I was born in Hong Kong  (I am a British passport holder and of British parents). I do not have ***. My daughter was born in […] Keep Reading...>

May 2nd, 2020

The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced an update on service arrangements on April 30th, as follows: Immigration Department Service Basically Back To Normal (Not Borders Not ID Cards) Keep Reading...>

April 30th, 2020

A suitable Hong Kong visa & immigration strategy for a highly accomplished professional trailing unmarried partner It’s only natural to wish to iron out all the immigration wrinkles prior to a relocation to Hong Kong when you’re joining your loved one who’s transferring here. This question provides a great opportunity for a discussion of the […] Keep Reading...>

April 28th, 2020

Hong Kong working visas – what would the Hong Kong Immigration Department make of  a new, highly specialised business who’s fundamental ability to exist was driven by the need to import unique foreign national skills and talent? QUESTION Hi Steve, two questions really (the 2nd one stemming from me hearing you on RTHK Radio 3 […] Keep Reading...>

April 26th, 2020

You know how it is… you arrive in Hong Kong for a year of fun and adventure and then you want to stay… QUESTION Hi there! I’m an Australian citizen in Hong Kong, working under a working holiday visa which only permits me to work 3 months per employer. Is the only way around this […] Keep Reading...>

April 24th, 2020

Hong Kong  work visa to work as a language teacher but no degree? The challenge of securing a Hong Kong work visa for language teachers is rife with contradictions. This question speak to what might work in the very unusual set of circumstances posed. QUESTION “Hi, one of my friends has just recommended you guys […] Keep Reading...>

April 22nd, 2020

Hong Kong Immigration Department – COVID19 UPDATE A short video update as to what’s happening at the Hong Kong Immigration Department and how our professional practice is faring in these troubled times.   More Stuff You Will Surely Find Useful! 10 Must Have Resources for a Trouble-Free Hong Kong Employment Visa Application 10 Must Have […] Keep Reading...>

April 20th, 2020

Never has this question has been posed in this way previously so I am grateful to receive it… QUESTION Great website! I hope this reaches you well. I’m writing on behalf of my partner, who has been in Hong Kong for over 6 years. He’s coming up to his 7th year of continuous residency, and […] Keep Reading...>

April 18th, 2020

First Published July 9, 2016 The modern, connected economy throws up myriad ways for people to organize their lives and business affairs and, as can be seen from this great question, how might ImmD respond to an application for the Right of Abode where an internet entrepreneur bases himself here with his family but they […] Keep Reading...>

April 16th, 2020

Change my Hong Kong visa? This question is less either / or from an immigration perspective but more an issue of full time entrepreneur or not… QUESTION Hi Stephen, I am currently already on an employment visa (valid for two more years) and would like to start my own company too. My current employer is […] Keep Reading...>

April 14th, 2020

First Published June 29, 2015 What can you do to extend your family’s dependant visa when your job is coming to an end… QUESTION I currently have a Hong Kong dependent visa, my husband being my sponsor.  Both our visas run out on the 30th July 2015.  My husband has resigned from his post and we […] Keep Reading...>

April 12th, 2020

How do you go about demonstrating to the Hong Kong Immigration Department that your relationship is a genuine one as you apply for a Hong Kong dependant visa? QUESTION I have a question about the interplay between marriage and subsequently obtaining a Hong Kong dependant visa. Our situation is as follows: I am professional with […] Keep Reading...>

April 9th, 2020

Is there are truth at all in this Hong Kong employment visa “proposition”? QUESTION I am a French national who has just moved to Hong Kong. I am finding it very difficult to understand the visa process in Hong Kong. My friend passed me your contact saying that you will surely be able to help […] Keep Reading...>

April 6th, 2020

First Published February 17, 2016 This is a Hong Kong immigration situation that happens a lot more frequently that you might imagine! Can you extend your Hong Kong dependant visa after divorce? QUESTION I would like to know if there is any possibility for me to extend my dependant/spouse visa since I am now divorced […] Keep Reading...>

April 4th, 2020

One of the really great things about the subject of Hong Kong immigration is that there is never any shortage of things to blog about and share. Every day in our professional practice, we undertake cases which provide ongoing, often entirely new, insights into how the Hong Kong Immigration Department are implementing policy and which […] Keep Reading...>

April 2nd, 2020

How can one go about swapping from a Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa to a complete Hong Kong work visa? QUESTION I am a British citizen with a 1st class degree, 2 years work experience and unique language abilities. I am currently in Hong Kong on a working holiday visa and was employed at a […] Keep Reading...>

March 30th, 2020

Any chance of an employment visa to teach English in Hong Kong if you don’t have a degree? QUESTION I’m hoping to move to Hong Kong to teach English and find employment with an employer who will grant me a work visa. I’m a British, recently turned 30. I have studied 2 years Higher Education […] Keep Reading...>

March 28th, 2020

What are ImmD looking for to ensure that you are settled in Hong Kong at the time they consider your Hong Kong Permanent Residency application? QUESTION Firstly, thank you for the great service you provide. I just had two questions for you that are related. I currently have a work visa for 3 years (2-2-3). […] Keep Reading...>

March 24th, 2020

First Published December 21, 2015 What happens to your  Hong Kong work visa when you have been made redundant but you still have time left on your current limit of stay? QUESTION Hi there, I am residing here on a Hong Kong work visa, employed as a professional in the financial services industry. My role […] Keep Reading...>

March 19th, 2020

This is quite an unusual set of facts and provides a great opportunity to clear up one small, yet key, part of the Hong Kong employment visa applications process. QUESTION “We are from Canada. Recently my boyfriend and I were offered a job teaching English with a company in Hong Kong. We gave them the […] Keep Reading...>

March 16th, 2020

First Published August 17, 2014 What’s the story where a new employer has not yet set up shop in the HKSAR? QUESTION Hello Visa Geeza, Thanks in advance! Your website has brought clarity on a number of questions I had on the visa process. I do however have a few more. I’m currently employed by […] Keep Reading...>

March 13th, 2020

First Published October 29, 2014 Does being married to a Hong Kong permanent resident whilst living in China impact on continuity of ordinary residence for the purposes of a right of abode application subsequently? QUESTION Hi, Your website is incredibly helpful! However, my situation doesn’t seem to have an answer yet, so here goes! I’m […] Keep Reading...>

March 11th, 2020

First Published August 13, 2014 Extend a Hong Kong business investment visa?  Not so long ago the Hong Kong Immigration Department made life quite easy for certain entrepreneurs when it came time to extend a business investment visa… QUESTION  OF  THE  WEEK For extending my Hong Kong investment visa for the first renewal, do you recommend […] Keep Reading...>

March 9th, 2020

Hate your job and seeking a change? How is your Hong Kong work visa affected if it will be expiring soon? QUESTION I am working for a company and I really have had enough and want to change jobs. The reasoning being is the work I signed up for is not the job I am […] Keep Reading...>

March 6th, 2020

How do you handle the conundrum of keeping your old job whilst seeking permission of ImmD in regard to  your Hong Kong work visa change of sponsorship? QUESTION I hope you’re doing well. Do I have to terminate my current job if my future employer is applying for my Hong Kong work visa change of […] Keep Reading...>

March 3rd, 2020

So, you sense there’s an opportunity to augment your salary with some freelance work so how do you go about making an application to join in a side business in Hong Kong? QUESTION Dear Visa Geeza, I have listened to your podcasts regarding sole proprietorship and followed the information given. Background information – I am currently […] Keep Reading...>

March 1st, 2020

Is it always absolutely necessary to call upon a university degree qualification in order to get a Hong Kong work visa application approved? QUESTION I have found a job here and am now in the process of applying for a Hong Kong work visa. It is a Quality Assurance position in the garment business. My […] Keep Reading...>

February 26th, 2020

First Published On July 17, 2013 Children born in Hong Kong to a Hong Kong permanent resident have their eligibility for permanent identity cards established at birth. But what if the child is born to a Hong Kong permanent resident not married to its mother and where the child was born outside of Hong Kong? […] Keep Reading...>

February 21st, 2020

Toilet Paper Shortage In Hong Kong: I was ambling along Bowen Road a couple of days ago on my daily walk when I met this very interesting lady who was lamenting the state of toilet paper supply in Hong Kong at the moment. She says it all really! More Stuff You Will Surely Find Useful! […] Keep Reading...>

February 18th, 2020

First Published On May 7, 2015 Kids grow up quickly so what happens to a Hong Kong dependant visa holder when she reaches the age of 18? QUESTION Hi, There are two parts to my question: I’m here on a Hong Kong work visa and have been here for 15 months now. My daughter will be turning […] Keep Reading...>

February 17th, 2020

Interesting scenario this one… QUESTION I have been continuously employed here for almost 7 years and will be eligible to apply for PR in Hong Kong this Sept. If I leave my current job and start working for a different company outside of Hong Kong, is there any way I can still be eligible for […] Keep Reading...>

February 15th, 2020

How is an application for Hong Kong PR (permanent residency or the right of abode) impacted as a result of non-criminal litigation and Court sanctions? QUESTION My partner and I run a company (LTD) in Hong Kong. We’ve been a bit behind on our bills and most likely the company will be taken to court […] Keep Reading...>

February 12th, 2020

How is the Shenzhen Shuttle impacted where there is a history of long stay visits in Hong Kong combined with multiple employment visa refusals? QUESTION Hi, I have been in Hong Kong for 2 years as a Visitor and my work visa application was denied for the second time a couple of weeks ago. My […] Keep Reading...>

February 8th, 2020

First Published November 17, 2014 Any chance the Immigration Department will grant you an interim Hong Kong employment visa extension in these circumstances? QUESTION I am an Australian  national living in Hong Kong under an employment visa since December 2010, all sponsored by the same company. This has been an Australian company with a representative office in […] Keep Reading...>

February 4th, 2020

Simple enough of a question – will your Hong Kong work visa be compromised if you are forced into bankruptcy while temporarily resident in the HKSAR? QUESTION If I am currently a working visa holder in Hong Kong, how will my visa be affected if I go bankrupt? Will the Immigration Department tell me to […] Keep Reading...>

February 1st, 2020

First Published March 27, 2014 This question comes up all the time (and is actually answered on the home page of our Blog) but I am grateful for the opportunity to revisit it again now… QUESTION Hi, I’m currently working in Hong Kong with a valid working visa but have been offered a job with […] Keep Reading...>

January 26th, 2020

First Published February 2, 2015 So, if you plan to leave your job a few weeks before your 7 year anniversary how will this impact on your application for the right of abode in Hong Kong? QUESTION I‘m Australian, and have an employment visa in Hong Kong currently, but I wish to resign from my […] Keep Reading...>

January 23rd, 2020

Foreign national employment visa holders in Hong Kong are quite often interested in setting up a side business… QUESTION I am currently employed full-time by a company in Hong Kong. They successfully sponsored my Hong Kong employment visa and I just started my job 2 months ago. All is going very well. But I would like […] Keep Reading...>

January 20th, 2020

First Published December 3, 2014 Does time spent ‘between’ residence impact on your eligibility for the Right of Abode in Hong Kong after 7 years ? QUESTION I am a Canadian citizen living and working in Hong Kong for the last 4 years. My employment has ended and I have not yet been able to obtain […] Keep Reading...>

January 16th, 2020

The question of criminal records and how they impact on Hong Kong visa applications keeps cropping up… QUESTION Hi, I have previously lived in Hong Kong, once as a student so obviously held a student visa and then a couple of years later working there so had an employment visa. I’m a Canadian citizen and […] Keep Reading...>

January 13th, 2020

First Published May 9, 2014 British nationals got an early Christmas present with the Hong Kong Working Holiday Scheme in December 2013 QUESTION Hi Stephen, From  May through November 2013 I was employed in a well known and large company in Hong Kong under the training visa for a period of 6 months. During the […] Keep Reading...>

January 10th, 2020

More…