The Hong Kong Investment Visa - A Complete Application Guide

Thinking about relocating to Hong Kong with your business?

The investment visa for entrepreneurs is one of the few options that allows you to live, work, and grow your company in the city. But with no fixed investment threshold, a two-year business plan requirement, and strict documentation rules, the process can be confusing.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from who’s eligible to how to write a strong application that avoids rejection. Whether you're just starting out or expanding overseas, here’s how to get it right the first time.

Note: This guide covers the Entrepreneur Visa under the General Employment Policy, not the passive investment route via CIES.

Understanding the Hong Kong Investment Visa

The Hong Kong Investment Visa, officially called Entry for Investment as Entrepreneur under the General Employment Policy (GEP), allows non-local entrepreneurs to live and work in Hong Kong by operating a business that contributes to the local economy.

It’s designed for founders who plan to actively manage a Hong Kong-registered company that creates local value, such as through job creation or industry development.

There’s no fixed capital requirement, but the Immigration Department expects your business to be viable and well-prepared. If approved, the visa is usually granted for an initial two-year stay, and you can apply to bring eligible dependents under current rules.

Who Can Apply for the Investment Visa?

The Hong Kong Investment Visa is open to non-local individuals who plan to live in Hong Kong while running a company registered in the city. Still, not everyone qualifies.

✅ Who Is Eligible

• Hold a valid travel document
• Have a relevant degree, technical skills, or business experience
• Intend to operate a business that brings value to Hong Kong, such as creating jobs or supporting key industries

There’s no set investment requirement, but your business should show clear potential to grow and contribute locally.

❌ Who Is Not Eligible

• Chinese residents of Mainland China
• Nationals of Cuba, Laos, Afghanistan, Nepal, Vietnam, and North Korea

Important: Mainland Chinese residents aren’t eligible for this visa, but may apply under the separate Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals. If you're a former Mainland resident living in Macao, you may also face restrictions unless you've held a Macao ID card for over seven years.

If you hold a PRC passport but live outside Mainland China, you may still be eligible. To qualify, you must either have permanent residency overseas or have lived outside Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Macao for at least one year before applying.

Preparing Your Application

If you’re serious about relocating to Hong Kong to grow your business, your visa application needs to show it. That means more than just an idea on paper; the Immigration Department wants to see a registered company, a well-thought-out business plan, and, in some cases, a local sponsor. 

This section breaks down what you’ll need to prepare to make a strong start.

Registering a Hong Kong Company

Before you apply for the visa, you’ll need a business that’s officially registered in Hong Kong. Most entrepreneurs go with a private limited company set up through the Companies Registry, which is the most straightforward and widely accepted structure.

This step isn’t just paperwork. It shows the Immigration Department that your business is real and ready to operate, not just an idea on a slide deck. Registering early also helps with essentials like opening a business bank account or renting an office space. Immigration may also ask for proof that your business has a suitable physical location, such as a signed lease, especially if it’s essential to your operations.

You don’t need to be in Hong Kong to do any of this. The process can be handled entirely online by appointing a local company secretary.

Creating a Business Plan That Meets Immigration Criteria

This isn’t your standard pitch deck. Your plan will be closely reviewed by the Immigration Department, so it must be sharp, realistic, and clearly tied to Hong Kong’s economy.

Here’s what it should include:

• What your business does and how it works
• Your target market and where you sit in the industry
• Sales strategy and financial forecasts for three years
• Local hiring plans and your team structure
• How will your business benefit Hong Kong through jobs, innovation, or expertise

Tip: Make sure your business plan shows that your capital investment can cover at least 3 to 6 months of operations. Including financial records like bank statements, loans, or credit lines can help support this.

The Immigration Department may also consult other government agencies when reviewing your plan, so keep it realistic and professionally written.

Choosing a Sponsor (If Required)

Most applicants don’t need a sponsor. But if you’re applying from a third country (not your home or permanent residence), or if the Immigration Department requests it, you’ll need to name a sponsor.

Here’s what your sponsor needs to be:

• A Hong Kong resident aged 18 or above
• Someone who knows you personally or through work
• Willing to act as a formal contact point (they won’t be financially responsible)

How to Apply for the Investment Visa

With your company registered and documents in place, you’re ready to move on to the actual visa application. This section walks you through the process, step by step.

Completing the Required Forms

To get started, you’ll need to fill out two key forms:

• ID 999A: This is your personal visa application form.
• ID 999B: This form should be completed by your sponsoring company (i.e., the business you’ve registered or joined).

You can download both forms from the Immigration Department’s website. Make sure to fill them in accurately and honestly; any missing or incorrect details can cause delays.

Gathering Your Supporting Documents

Alongside your forms, you’ll need to submit documents that prove your business is real, active, and ready to operate in Hong Kong.

Most of these were already covered earlier, including your business plan, financial proof, company registration, and local hiring details. At this stage, what matters is completeness and clarity, make sure everything is well-organised and properly formatted.

If you’re currently running a business elsewhere, include your most recent audited financial statements and turnover data.

Tip: Check that all documents are in English or Chinese. If not, provide certified translations.

Submitting Your Application

When everything’s ready, you can submit your application through one of the following channels:

• By post to the Hong Kong Immigration Department
• Via a local representative in Hong Kong
• In person, if you’re legally in the city

Processing typically takes around four weeks once all documents are received. Delays may occur if any information is missing or requires clarification.

Note: Approval is not guaranteed. Every application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and the Immigration Department retains full discretion over the outcome.

What to Expect After You Apply

Once your investment visa application is in, there’s not much to do but wait. It helps, though, to know what’s happening behind the scenes and what comes next if you’re approved.

During the Review Process

The Immigration Department begins reviewing your file as soon as every form and document is on their desk. A straightforward case takes about four weeks, but it can run longer if they need extra details. Sometimes they’ll check with agencies such as InvestHK to confirm your business will add real value to Hong Kong.

Keep an eye on your email (or ask your local representative to do so) in case the officers request more information.

Note: You don’t have to stay in Hong Kong while you wait, but make sure someone local can respond quickly if the Department follows up.

After Approval

You’ll receive an entry visa label (a sticker, not a stamp). Pick it up, place it in your passport, and show it at immigration when you enter Hong Kong. If you filed from inside the city, you may be asked to leave and re-enter once to activate your status.

Your first stay is usually two years and linked to the progress of your business. You can apply to bring eligible dependants (a legally recognised partner or under-18 children) at this point if you haven’t already.

Before those two years run out, you’ll need to renew. The Immigration Department will want to see that your company is still active. They’ll also check whether you’re contributing locally and broadly, and meeting the promises in your original plan. Keep clear records and continue building your presence to support your renewal.

Renewing Your Investment Visa

Your initial visa is usually granted for two years. If you plan to stay longer, you’ll need to apply for an extension before it expires.

Submit Form ID 91 at least four weeks before your current visa runs out. You can file it in person at the Immigration Department or through a local representative if you’re overseas. Processing typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, so don’t leave it to the last minute.

To qualify for renewal, your business must still be active and operating in line with your original plan. Immigration may ask for updated documents, such as your company registration, financial records, and proof that you're still contributing to Hong Kong’s economy, like local hiring or business growth.

Note: Renewal isn’t automatic. Each application is assessed on current performance, not past approvals.

Final Notes

Securing a Hong Kong Investment Visa isn’t just about meeting requirements. It’s about showing you’re committed to building a real, active business that adds value to the city.

If your plans are clear and your documents are in order, you’re well-positioned to move forward. Stay prepared, respond promptly when needed, and focus on growing your presence in Hong Kong.