GEP, Investment Visa, Top Talent Pass Your Complete Hong Kong Visa Guide for Entrepreneurs
Navigate Hong Kong's visa requirements for entrepreneurs and business owners. Compare visa types, understand eligibility for GEP, Investment Visa and TTPS, and connect with trusted immigration consultants.
Hong Kong processed 170,000+ visa applications in 2024. Entrepreneurs with a registered HK company qualify for the General Employment Policy (GEP) visa in as little as 4 weeks.
Selected based on Hong Kong immigration expertise, visa type coverage, SERP visibility, and relevance for entrepreneurs setting up in HK.
Specialist immigration firm ranking #9 on "hong kong work visa". 3 dedicated visa pages covering work, investment and dependent visas.
International corporate services firm with Google sitelinks on HK visa SERPs. Bundles company formation + visa processing.
Immigration-focused consultancy with strong content on dependent visas. Ranks #12 on "hong kong dependent visa".
Understanding Hong Kong's immigration terminology helps you navigate the application process and communicate effectively with consultants.
Hong Kong offers several visa categories for foreign entrepreneurs and professionals. The right visa depends on whether you have a company, an investment, exceptional talent, or family ties.
The primary visa for entrepreneurs with a Hong Kong company. Your own HK-registered company acts as sponsor. No minimum capital requirement, but you must demonstrate the company is operational and the role cannot be filled locally. Most entrepreneurs apply under this route.
Entrepreneurs who own or co-own a registered Hong Kong company
4-6 weeks
A sub-category of GEP for entrepreneurs making a substantial investment in Hong Kong. Requires a solid business plan, significant capital investment, and evidence of job creation or economic contribution. More scrutiny than standard GEP.
Investors committing significant capital to a new or existing HK business
6-8 weeks
Points-based visa for high earners or top university graduates. Category A: annual salary of HKD 2.5M+ in the past year. Category B: degree from one of approximately 200 eligible universities (top 100 on QS, THE, ARWU or USNWR) with 3+ years work experience. Category C: recent graduates from eligible universities (capped at 10,000/year, subject to annual review). No job offer required.
High-income professionals or graduates from top global universities
4 weeks
Exclusively for PRC nationals with skills not readily available in Hong Kong. Functions similarly to GEP but is restricted to mainland Chinese citizens. Requires a HK employer sponsor and confirmed job offer. Note: tech companies in eligible sectors (AI, biotech, fintech, etc.) may also use the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) for fast-track processing.
PRC nationals with specialized skills hired by a Hong Kong company
4-6 weeks
A points-based immigration scheme for highly skilled individuals. No job offer required. Since 2024, applicants are assessed under the enhanced General Points Test (GPT), which evaluates 12 criteria across 6 aspects including age, qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, family background, and achievements. Candidates must meet at least 6 of 12 criteria. 60 professions in 9 industry segments receive favourable consideration. Initial stay: 3 years.
Highly qualified professionals or entrepreneurs with strong CVs but no HK company or job offer yet
9-12 months
Allows spouse and unmarried children under 18 to join a GEP, TTPS, QMAS or ASMTP visa holder in Hong Kong. Dependants are free to take up employment without a separate work visa. The sponsor must demonstrate ability to support dependants financially. Government fee: HKD 1,900 per dependant (HKD 600 application + HKD 1,300 visa issuance).
Spouse and children of entrepreneurs with an approved HK work visa
4-6 weeks
Each visa type has specific eligibility criteria. Below are the key requirements for the main visa routes used by entrepreneurs.
For entrepreneurs with a registered Hong Kong company acting as sponsor.
A registered HK company with a valid Business Registration certificate. The company must be genuinely operating.
Bachelor degree from a recognized university, or equivalent professional qualifications/experience.
Relevant work experience in the field. No minimum years specified, but ImmD assesses the profile holistically.
Must demonstrate the position cannot be readily filled by the local workforce. For entrepreneurs: show the business needs your specific skills.
Salary broadly commensurate with market rates for the role. No minimum amount, but unreasonably low salaries raise red flags. Note: nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and DPRK are excluded from GEP applications.
For entrepreneurs investing substantial capital in a new or existing HK business.
A detailed, viable business plan showing market opportunity, revenue projections, and how the business will contribute to the HK economy.
Proof of sufficient capital to start and sustain the business. No fixed minimum, but ImmD expects a substantial commitment relative to the business plan.
Evidence that the business will create local employment. Plans to hire HK residents strengthen the application significantly.
A physical or serviced office address in Hong Kong. Virtual offices alone may not satisfy ImmD for investment visa applications.
Prior entrepreneurial or professional experience in the same industry. First-time founders should emphasize education and transferable skills.
Points-based visa for high earners and top university graduates. No job offer required.
Annual salary of HKD 2.5M or more (approx. USD 320,000) in the year preceding the application. Verified by tax returns or employer letter.
Degree from one of approximately 200 eligible universities (top 100 on QS, THE, ARWU or USNWR) AND at least 3 years of work experience in the past 5 years.
Degree from an eligible university within the past 5 years. No work experience required. Subject to annual quota of 10,000.
Unlike GEP, TTPS does not require a job offer or company sponsor at the time of application. You can seek employment or start a business after arrival.
Passport, degree certificate, university transcript, proof of income (Cat A) or work experience (Cat B), application form ID(P)982.
Points-based scheme for highly skilled individuals. No job offer required.
Applicants must be aged 18-50 at the time of application.
Proof of ability to support yourself and dependants for the first year in Hong Kong without relying on public funds (approximately HKD 200,000-300,000 per person).
Under the enhanced General Points Test (GPT): 12 criteria across 6 aspects are evaluated, covering age, qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, family background, and achievement-based factors.
Must meet at least 6 of the 12 criteria under the enhanced GPT. This replaced the previous numerical scoring system. 60 professions across 9 industry segments receive favourable consideration from the Advisory Committee.
Nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and DPRK are not eligible. All other nationalities may apply.
Professional immigration consultants in Hong Kong typically offer end-to-end support covering these key services.
Your situation determines which visa type is the best fit. Use this guide to identify your strongest application route.
Apply for the General Employment Policy (GEP) visa. Your HK company acts as the sponsor. This is the most common route for entrepreneurs. You need a Business Registration, proof the company is operating, and evidence that your skills are needed.
Apply for the Investment Visa (Entrepreneur Category under GEP). You will need a detailed business plan, proof of capital, and evidence of economic contribution. This route involves more scrutiny but is designed for substantial investments.
Apply for the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). No job offer needed. Category A for high earners, Category B for experienced graduates, Category C for recent graduates. Approximately 200 universities across 4 ranking systems are eligible. The fastest route with the fewest conditions.
Apply under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP). This is the equivalent of GEP but exclusively for mainland Chinese citizens. You need a HK employer sponsor and a confirmed job offer.
Apply for a Dependent Visa once your primary work visa is approved (or simultaneously). Your dependants can live and work in HK without a separate work permit. You must prove financial ability to support them. Government fee: HKD 1,900 per dependant (HKD 600 application + HKD 1,300 visa issuance).
Apply for the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS). This is a points-based scheme that does not require a job offer or company sponsorship. You are assessed under the enhanced General Points Test (GPT) across 12 criteria in 6 aspects. You must meet at least 6 criteria. Processing takes 9-12 months, so plan ahead. 60 professions in 9 industry segments receive favourable consideration.
Apply under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG). You receive a 24-month visa without needing a job offer, allowing you to stay and work freely in Hong Kong. After the initial period, extensions require proof of employment. This is one of the easiest pathways if you hold a degree from a recognized HK institution.
Avoid these frequent pitfalls that cause delays, rejections, or compliance problems with Hong Kong immigration.
ImmD checks whether the sponsoring company is a real business. Shell companies with no revenue, no employees, and no physical or serviced office are flagged. A newly registered company with zero activity will almost certainly be rejected.
Vague or unrealistic business plans are a top reason for Investment Visa rejections. ImmD expects detailed market analysis, revenue projections, hiring plans, and evidence of capital commitment.
Applying for extension of stay after your current visa expires puts you in breach of immigration law. Even applying too close to the expiry date can cause problems if processing takes longer than expected.
GEP visas are tied to a specific employer. If you change jobs or restructure your company without applying for a change of sponsorship, you may be working in breach of visa conditions.
Setting an unreasonably low salary for your role raises red flags with ImmD. Even if you are the company owner, your salary must be broadly commensurate with market rates for the position.
Nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and DPRK are excluded from applying under GEP and QMAS. Submitting an application from an excluded nationality results in automatic rejection and wasted fees.
Side-by-side comparison of immigration consultants and corporate services firms that handle GEP, Investment Visa, TTPS and Dependent Visa applications for entrepreneurs in Hong Kong. All fees in USD where stated. Editorial ratings reflect immigration expertise, service coverage, and client accessibility.
Ratings are based on SERP visibility on Hong Kong visa keywords, visa type coverage, pricing transparency, client volume, and verified reviews. GrowAcross does not earn affiliate commissions on visa services. Data verified April 2026.
Information is reviewed quarterly. Government fees, processing times and eligibility rules change frequently. Always confirm with the provider and check the official Hong Kong Immigration Department website (immd.gov.hk) before applying.
Answers to the most common questions about Hong Kong work visas, GEP requirements, TTPS eligibility and dependent visas for entrepreneurs. Based on actual questions searched on Google (People Also Ask).
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Points-based immigration — 12 criteria across 6 assessment areas.