Browse Our Most Recent Content (& Beyond)

Excellent question earlier this week. Great opportunity to slay a few sacred cows. QUESTION Hi, one of the requirements for the work visa application is a proof of genuine vacancy. What if a sponsoring company doesn’t do job ads? What can he present? He does recruit locally via his network since he is just a […] Keep Reading...>

November 24th, 2022

First Published June 4, 2103 Do you need to be employed on the date that your 7 year anniversary of your residence in Hong Kong comes up which then allows you apply for the right of abode with the wrinkle that your current employment visa expires on exactly the same date? QUESTION I started working […] Keep Reading...>

November 22nd, 2022

Excellent question earlier this week. Great opportunity to slay a few sacred cows. QUESTION Hi, one of the requirements for the work visa application is a proof of genuine vacancy. What if a sponsoring company doesn’t do job ads? What can he present? He does recruit locally via his network since he is just a […] Keep Reading...>

November 20th, 2022

Should you be worried that your employment visa status in Hong Kong might be undermined if you choose to leave the employ of an unsavoury employer? QUESTION Hello, my current employer and visa sponsor is a small business, and my working conditions are intolerable – twice the amount of hours than stated on the contract, […] Keep Reading...>

November 18th, 2022

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 another company in Hong Kong. […] Keep Reading...>

November 16th, 2022

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...>

November 14th, 2022

Entrepreneurship is a fluid beast! QUESTION Hello, I was on an investment visa for a year when I started my own business and then took on a full time role with another company.  I was transferred to an employment visa.  I am now considering leaving this role and going back to actively work in my […] Keep Reading...>

November 12th, 2022

ImmD expect to be able to take a view of a proposed new from 39,000 feet and for this a good set of financial projections are expected to form part of a business investment visa application. QUESTION Does the Immigration Department look for forecasts for profitability and actually estimates of employee hiring? I have written […] Keep Reading...>

November 10th, 2022

First Published August 29, 2021 A foreign national seeking to come to Hong Kong to work, paid or unpaid, for a long or short duration, requires the permission of the Hong Kong Director of Immigration. QUESTION Dear Stephen Your on-line book is very clear and helpful. I just need to clarify my position – and […] Keep Reading...>

November 8th, 2022

First Published September 22, 2021 Is it ever OK to work in Hong Kong on a visitor visa? You would assume, quite reasonably, that if the Hong Kong Immigration Department advised you that is was OK to come to Hong Kong as a visitor and work, then that would be kosher, right? Wrong! In this question, […] Keep Reading...>

November 6th, 2022

First Published February 27, 2013 It’s a situation that seems to happen all too frequently these days, especially in the banking sector. Can a married couple, both working, effectively swap their Hong Kong employment and spouse visas around? QUESTION Thank you for all your insight to the working of the Hong Kong Immigration Department that I […] Keep Reading...>

November 4th, 2022

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...>

October 27th, 2022

Hong Kong Immigration Policy Enhancements October 2022. An interesting turn up for the books last week, when the Chief Executive gave his maiden policy address where he laid out certain Enhancements to our immigration policy which are designed to both attract foreign businesses to Hong Kong and also prescribed Talents. We apparently had a hundred and forty thousand […] Keep Reading...>

October 24th, 2022

Dead simple question this one with a very short answer (for a change!) QUESTION What paperwork/ piece of paper, if any, goes in to your passport to recognize that you are a permanent resident of the HKSAR?  For the last 7 years I’ve had a dependant visa.  I need to know as I have one […] Keep Reading...>

October 20th, 2022

Can you freelance or start your own business under a Hong Kong working holiday visa? The working holiday visa for Hong Kong is designed for certain types of employment activity – but does this include freelance work or starting or your own business? First Published On April 15, 2013 QUESTION Hi I have recently moved […] Keep Reading...>

October 16th, 2022

QUESTION I currently hold a Hong Kong employment visa with a company where I am receiving a monthly salary of HK$50,000 (fixed salary, no bonuses), and have been working with this company for the past 4 years. My contract, and visa, are due to expire soon so I am in the process of looking for a […] Keep Reading...>

October 14th, 2022

First Published June 27, 2018 Documenting proof of the genuine nature of your relationship is a condition precedent to the grant of a dependant visa with the burden of proof decreasing the longer you have been married. Consequently, the newer your relationship / marriage the greater the onus is on you to satisfy ImmD that […] Keep Reading...>

October 11th, 2022

Hong Kong Chef Opening A New Restaurant – What Visa Do I Need? You’re presently working in a restaurant – you’ve got an employment visa sponsored by your full-time employer and that you’ve an interest in establishing your own establishment. You would like to understand the immigration dimensions and the implications of that – so […] Keep Reading...>

October 7th, 2022

First Published December 13, 2013 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! Hong Kong visa consultant? More Stuff You May Find Interesting or Useful How can my FDH […] Keep Reading...>

October 3rd, 2022

How long should a Hong Kong Employment Visa Application take to finalize – especially in light of the 4 weeks cited on the Hong Kong Immigration Department website? QUESTION My working visa application is now almost into its 7th week (49 days and counting). There were documents that immigration requested from my sponsor which may have delayed […] Keep Reading...>

September 30th, 2022

I just love the easy Hong Kong immigration questions – gives me a break from thinking too hard! QUESTION Hi there! I’m Australian and I have an approved Working Holiday Visa, but am wondering if I can work full-time (albeit for a max of 3 months per employer), or whether only part-time hours are allowed? […] Keep Reading...>

September 28th, 2022

First Published June 20, 2013 This question raises its head in many different guises but this is the first time that anyone has asked it in such a pointed way in the context of training visas – so I’m pleased to be able to shed some light! QUESTION Hi, Great that you provide this service! […] Keep Reading...>

September 26th, 2022

Not every stint for work or business means full time residency in Hong Kong so what to do about ‘half-timers’? QUESTION I am pursuing options to take up employment in Hong Kong and would like to know if there is any residence requirement for retention of a work visa. For example, how long can one […] Keep Reading...>

September 24th, 2022

What a great question – never been asked this before! QUESTION I have been resident in Hong Kong for 5 and a half years on a working visa. I lost my job over 6 months ago and thought that I had no option but to leave. I obtained the MPF refund in May and signed […] Keep Reading...>

September 22nd, 2022

Girlfriend visa for Hong Kong? First Published August 8, 2012 So, you’ve met a lovely local girl recently on your holiday to Thailand, Indonesia or the Philippines and you’re thinking about the kind of visa she might get to allow you both to carry on your relationship now that you’ve returned back to Hong Kong. […] Keep Reading...>

September 18th, 2022

Hong Kong PR After 7 Years? What does it take to qualify for Hong Kong PR after 7 years? Are you a foreign national having arrived in Hong Kong legally and have held a residence visa here back to back with no gaps for a full seven years? If so, you might be in the hunt […] Keep Reading...>

September 15th, 2022

From my new YouTube Shorts channel. Perhaps you can Subscribe please? Once this channel gets to 100 Subscribers, I can name it officially the Visa Geeza channel! I have historically never given much thought to YouTube but in recent times have figured out how it really works to help connect with folks who need answers […] Keep Reading...>

September 13th, 2022

First Published July 2012 This question raises a really good point of Hong Kong immigration practice and provides an opportunity to shed some light on how ‘continuity of residence’ is considered by the HKID when it comes to permanent residency applications from 7 year-resident foreign nationals in the HKSAR. QUESTION “Hi, I have been working […] Keep Reading...>

September 12th, 2022

It sometimes happens that 2 job offers emerge in quick succession and you prefer to accept the 2nd one but the visa application for the first one has already started. So what happens in a situation like this? QUESTION I am currently in Hong Kong and about to sign a contract with a company who […] Keep Reading...>

September 10th, 2022

Question: Hi there, I am interested in migrating to Hong Kong, wasn’t sure what is the best route – getting employment take times, and I wonder what might be the alternative. I am going to open a domain company but not sure if that works. I need some help to explore some of options but […] Keep Reading...>

September 8th, 2022

First Published April 22, 2012 Visas for one-man consulting businesses figure constantly in our enquiries Inbox. This post will attempt to put to bed this question once and for all… QUESTION “I am currently working as a consultant for a South African company and I am doing consulting for a large international conglomerate in Hong […] Keep Reading...>

September 7th, 2022

My employment visa has been refused …. We have been contacted a lot recently by applicants who’s cases have been refused  – so this question is both timely and, for all those affected, of great significance. QUESTION “I would like to know if, once  I have received the first rejection letter from an Officer of the […] Keep Reading...>

September 5th, 2022

Sometimes, round-pegs-in-square-holes situations crop up which make the challenge of securing a Hong Kong employment visa especially daunting! This question raises a very interesting set of circumstances which make for an interesting visa application experience ahead! QUESTION “I have been working for the same group of companies for the last 7 years. We have operations […] Keep Reading...>

September 3rd, 2022

First Published October 9, 2012 Whilst the implementation of Hong Kong immigration policy is essentially very flexible, as an employment visa holder, until you have gone on to receive the right of abode (RoA) or unconditional stay after seven years continuous ordinary residence, your permissions to remain in Hong Kong are governed very tightly. I am […] Keep Reading...>

August 30th, 2022

Sometimes, the sun and the moon align beautifully on a set of circumstances to allow an unmarried couple to spend time together in Hong Kong when ordinarily visa circumstances conspire against them. Not on this occasion, however! QUESTION “Hi there, I have just recently returned from Hong Kong to Canada where I am a citizen. […] Keep Reading...>

August 28th, 2022

First Published May 13, 2013 HIV Health Checks Hong Kong Visa Application ? Amazing really. more than 20 years in the business of Hong Kong immigration and this is the first time I can remember this question ever being raised. So, now you know! QUESTION Hi Stephen, I do not see this issue addressed on […] Keep Reading...>

August 26th, 2022

Hong Kong immigration is rife with visa gossip and rumours so I am pleased this question has been raised as it allows me to slay an old dragon once and for all! QUESTION Hi Stephen, Thanks ever so much for your amazing website. I have never seen anything like this before – and I can’t […] Keep Reading...>

August 24th, 2022

This is a typical question about what is really a Hong Kong business investment visa application – but most often people don’t know, understandably enough, how to couch it… First Published April 21, 2012   QUESTION “Hello, I’m interested in getting HK residence permit (working visa). Please advise what’s the easiest, fastest and cheapest way […] Keep Reading...>

August 22nd, 2022

Contact Hong Kong Immigration and make your visa expire? This question comes up often enough for it to warrant another explanation of the arrangements which prevail (current ImmD practice)… QUESTION Dear Visa Geeza,  I’m under the impression that when you leave a company that has been sponsoring your employment visa or if you are fired, […] Keep Reading...>

August 20th, 2022

If you’re claiming skills, knowledge or experience on your CV as part of your argument for a Hong Kong Employment Visa Application – what’s the gig if you can’t fully  support your claims with references or testimonials? QUESTION Hi, I am 8 weeks into applying for an employment visa (I’m British). I have given the documents […] Keep Reading...>

August 18th, 2022

Is the Right of Abode in Hong Kong passed along to the spouse of a permanent resident such that is claimable after the death of your PR holding husband..? QUESTION This query is for  my cousin who is an adult. She was born in Pakistan and got married to a Hong Kong non-Chinese permanent resident. She […] Keep Reading...>

August 16th, 2022

Can you realistically expect to work for yourself if your employment permissions have been granted under IANG? QUESTION Hi Stephen, thanks a lot for answering the questions on this website. I must say that all the information on visageeza.com is of immense value. I would like to pose a question regarding the Immigration Arrangement for […] Keep Reading...>

August 14th, 2022

The answer to this question is multi-part and ultimately driven by the challenges associated with a New Business Situation… QUESTION I am based in Hong Kong and would like your advice on visa applications for a friend.   A friend of mine, who is based in the US and I have been discussing a business opportunity for Hong Kong and […] Keep Reading...>

August 12th, 2022

So, just what immigration options for parents accrue to a foreign national holding a Hong Kong permanent identity card? QUESTION Hi there!  A foreign national became a permanent resident after many years study and work in Hong Kong. Now he wants to sponsor his parents holding Canadian passports to become a P.R. In Hong Kong […] Keep Reading...>

August 10th, 2022

First Published January 12, 2022 Can I Extend The 3 Years Needed To Keep My Right of Abode in Hong Kong? Probably three or four times a week, I’m getting the same email these days. It’s August 8th, today. I’m still getting lots of lots of the same email. Those emails are coming from permanent […] Keep Reading...>

August 8th, 2022

What is the situation as regards the Right of Abode & Permanent Residence for foreign children in Hong Kong when they reach 21 years of age? Clearing up the confusion as to HKID cards at 11, 18 and what happens at 21? The Right of Abode & Permanent Residence For Foreign Children in Hong Kong […] Keep Reading...>

August 2nd, 2022

First Published August 2, 2017 – Now See This Update QUESTION As a school we regularly invite specialist teachers (generally musicians or artists) to visit from overseas and provide workshops for both students and staff.  We pay these specialists a fee and provide accommodation and flights.  Generally the visit will last two weeks.  Is it […] Keep Reading...>

August 1st, 2022

First Published November 27, 2017 Unusual set of facts in this case and a question never posed to me in this fashion previously… Remain in Hong Kong under an Employment Visa sponsored by an ex-Employer? QUESTION I have been in Hong Kong since 2011 under an employment visa but have recently quit my job. The […] Keep Reading...>

July 29th, 2022

How important is sponsor-profitability, especially for start up businesses less than 12 months old? QUESTION I have been recruited by a newly established company (12 months old as of this week). They have never hired a foreigner and have tasked me with completing the visa forms, both employee and employer versions. The Employer-side application requires […] Keep Reading...>

July 27th, 2022

You always need a Hong Kong working visa to take up employment in Hong Kong whether paid or unpaid. What about if you are serving out your notice period on gardening leave? (First Published June 4, 2015) QUESTION My friend resigned from his job with his Hong Kong employer in May and he was on […] Keep Reading...>

July 25th, 2022

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