Asia SGE | What is the Hong Kong Entrepreneur Investment Visa?

The Hong Kong Entrepreneur Investment Visa, formally known as the Investment as Entrepreneurs visa, is a residence permit scheme designed to attract experienced entrepreneurs from outside Hong Kong to establish or join in a business and make a substantial investment in the local economy. It is the primary pathway for foreign business founders and investors to gain the right to live and work in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Entrepreneur Investment Visa

Core Purpose and Official Stance

The fundamental purpose of this visa is to stimulate economic growth, innovation, and job creation in Hong Kong. According to the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the scheme aims to admit individuals who can contribute to the economy. Success is measured not merely by the capital invested but by the business plan's viability, its potential to create local jobs, and its contribution to Hong Kong's strategic industries, such as technology, finance, or creative services.

Key Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants must demonstrate a clear and credible business plan for a startup or to join an existing Hong Kong business. While there is no fixed, legally mandated minimum investment amount, a substantial capital injection commensurate with the nature of the operations is required. The applicant must also possess a good educational background, proven professional experience, and a clean criminal record.

Application Process and Timeline

The process requires submission of a comprehensive application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The government does not prescribe a fixed processing time, but it typically takes approximately four to eight weeks for a decision. Upon approval, an initial visa is usually granted for 24 months, subject to a landing condition that the applicant must commence the business operations as outlined.

Path to Permanent Residency

A significant long-term benefit of this visa is its role as a direct pathway to Hong Kong permanent residency. After maintaining continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong for a period of seven years, visa holders become eligible to apply for permanent resident status, which grants the right of abode. Throughout the visa's validity, renewal applications are assessed based on the business's operational progress, fulfilment of the original plan, and its ongoing contribution to the local economy.

Conclusion

In essence, the Hong Kong Entrepreneur Investment Visa is a strategic gateway for global entrepreneurs. It offers residency by anchoring the individual's status to a tangible, value-adding commercial enterprise in the city, aligning the entrepreneur's success with the broader economic development goals of Hong Kong.