Hong Kong entrepreneur visa: investment as entrepreneurs

ImmD’s investment as entrepreneurs route is the visa for people who want to establish or join a business in Hong Kong and work in it. There is no fixed investment sum to hit. ImmD asks whether your business is viable and whether you can make a substantial contribution to the Hong Kong economy, and it judges that from a three-year business plan, financial evidence and what the business will add locally. The arrangement does not apply to Chinese residents of the Mainland.

Who qualifies

On top of normal immigration requirements, ImmD looks for:

• a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field. In special circumstances ImmD may accept good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities, or relevant experience and achievements backed by documents
• a position to make a substantial contribution to the economy of Hong Kong.

Chinese residents of the Mainland cannot use this arrangement. ImmD’s entry arrangements page sets out the routes that apply to them.

What ImmD assesses, and the evidence it wants

ImmD’s guidebook, ID(E) 1000, lists the factors it weighs and the documents that support each one:

ImmD uses the plan and forecasts to judge whether the business is feasible, so make them consistent with your bank evidence and hiring plan.

Start-ups backed by government programmes

ImmD says it considers favourably applicants who want to establish or join start-ups supported by government-backed programmes that foster innovation and entrepreneurship. The examples it gives include:

• the StartmeupHK Venture Programme, run by InvestHK
• the Incu-App, Incu-Bio and Incu-Tech programmes of Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
• the Cyberport Incubation Programme.

Being in a programme helps the case. It does not replace ImmD’s decision, and you still need the evidence above.

How to apply, step by step

1. Set up or identify the business. If you are forming a new company, our guides to incorporating a Hong Kong company and business registration cover the filings.
2. Write the three-year plan and forecasts.
3. Collect financial evidence: bank statements, funding proof, audited accounts if the company has them, and proof of capital invested.
4. Complete the forms. The applicant’s form is ID 999A, Application for Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs in Hong Kong. The guidebook lists the rest. Check the current fee with ImmD.
5. Answer follow-up requests quickly. If ImmD asks for more documents, send them without delay.

Length of stay and extensions

ImmD’s enhancement measures FAQ says that from 28 December 2022 the initial stay for successful applicants was relaxed from two years to three years, on employment condition. Applications submitted before that date follow the older 2+3+3 year pattern. ImmD’s guidance says entrants admitted for investment may apply for an extension within four weeks before their limit of stay expires. An extension is a new application, so keep accounts, tax filings and payroll records up to date. Our extension of stay guide covers the process.

Common mistakes and getting help

• Confusing this route with the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which is about investing in assets, not running a business.
• Quoting a “minimum investment” from a consultancy site. ImmD looks at whether the sum can support the business.
• Sending forecasts that do not match the bank evidence.
• Assuming a place in an incubator guarantees the visa.

If you would rather apply on your own profile than on a business plan, compare the Top Talent Pass Scheme. ImmD decides every application, and Hong Kong has no immigration consultant licence. If you want a firm to prepare the file, compare the visa firms on our list.