Hong Kong Visa & Immigration Topics

What Compliance Obligations Do I Have If I Hold A Hong Kong Employment Visa And Want To Start Freelancing After I Stop Working For My Employer-Sponsor?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Investment Visas, Your Question Answered / 1 response

I hold a Hong Kong employment visa and want to start freelancing…   As a foreign national temporarily resident in Hong Kong on a sponsored employment visa, there are a number of different compliance issues that need to be addressed if you lose your job and you fancy embarking down the path of freelancing on […]

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Is It Ever Possible To Seek An Early Extension To A Hong Kong Investment Visa For A Non-Immigration Related Reason?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Investment Visas, Your Question Answered / No responses

What will the Hong Kong Immigration Department make of a very early application for an extension to a business investment visa? PRACTICE UPDATE: How the content must now be read in light of current ImmD policy: This analysis on applying for an extension of stay ahead of schedule (for example, to satisfy commercial counterparty requirements […]

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Can I Remain In Hong Kong As A Dependant Visa Holder If My Spouse Has Died?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Family Visas, Feature Article, Your Question Answered / 5 responses

What can you do about your dependant visa status in Hong Kong if you have sadly lost your much loved spouse-as-sponsor? QUESTION Hello, I came to Hong Kong on a dependent visa (my wife, a PR, sponsoring me). I have already completed 3.5 years and my visa is about due for extension. The dilemma I […]

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How Can I Go From Being A Sponsored Hong Kong Employment Visa Holder To Working In My Own Business As I Wait Out The 7 Years To Permanent Residency Here?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Investment Visas, Long Stay & PR, Your Question Answered / No responses

If you leave your job and want to start your own business in Hong Kong, what are the immigration implications of this if you are a temporary resident foreign national employee? PRACTICE UPDATE: How the content must now be read in light of current ImmD policy: Historically, this advisory mapped out a strategic pathway for […]

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Can The Company You Have Just Left Contact Hong Kong Immigration And Make Your Visa Expire Immediately?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Special Programmes, Your Question Answered / 14 responses

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, […]

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Hong Kong Visa Approval Rate | ImmD Report Card | February 2024

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

The Hong Kong Immigration Department Shed Some Light On Talent Attraction Endeavours Hong Kong Visa Approval Rate: Balancing Security and Global Talent This post was prompted by an article appearing yesterday in the South China Morning Post. Summary: The immigration policies of Hong Kong are strategically designed to prioritize security and prosperity while also attracting […]

Joining In A Side Business In Hong Kong – An Obvious Visa Solution For Certain Types Of Employed Professionals

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Investment Visas, Your Question Answered / 2 responses

Joining In A Side Business In Hong Kong – An Obvious Visa Solution For Certain Types Of Employed Professionals PRACTICE UPDATE: How the content must now be read in light of current ImmD policy: Historically, this answer highlighted an elegant, low-friction immigration strategy for employed professionals: applying for official ImmD permission to “join in a […]

How Can I Prove ‘7 Years Residency’ For My Hong Kong Right Of Abode Application If I Do Not Have Any Old Tenancy Agreement Copies?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Long Stay & PR, Your Question Answered / No responses

How Can I Prove ‘7 Years Residency’ For My Hong Kong Right Of Abode Application If I Do Not Have Any Old Tenancy Agreement Copies? How to skin the cat of the ‘missing tenancy agreement’ is an oft-faced challenge in the game of the Hong Kong Right of Abode Application after 7 years continuous ordinary […]

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Will My Hong Kong Employment Visa be Compromised If I Leave My Job Due to Intolerable Working Conditions?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Your Question Answered / No responses

Hong Kong Employment Visa Lost If You Have a Terrible Boss & Want To Leave? What’s The Risk To Your Hong Kong Employment Visa? 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 […]

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Do I Need An Employment Visa Even If I Will Be In Hong Kong For Just 2 Weeks To Complete A Consulting Assignment?

Posted by The Visa Geeza / in Employment Visas, Visitor Visas, Your Question Answered / 4 responses

Do You Need An Employment Visa For Short Term Work In Hong Kong? Yes, No, Maybe … 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 […]

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