Hong Kong Investment Visa for Entrepreneurs: Requirements & Process (2026)

The Investment as Entrepreneur visa is Hong Kong's primary pathway for foreign nationals who want to start or join a business in the city. It falls under the General Employment Policy (GEP) and is administered by the Immigration Department.

Unlike TTPS Category A (which requires HK$2.5M+ income or a top-university degree) or the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (which requires approximately HK$30M in financial assets, see newcies.gov.hk Scheme Rules), the entrepreneur visa has no fixed income, education, or capital threshold. Instead, Immigration assesses whether your business will make a meaningful contribution to the Hong Kong economy.

If you do not qualify for the Investment as Entrepreneurs visa, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) offers an alternative talent-based route for skilled individuals.

Since the scheme operates under the GEP framework, successful applicants are granted an initial stay of up to 36 months. This is the same duration as TTPS Category A, giving entrepreneurs a solid runway to establish their business before the first renewal.

The entrepreneur visa allows you to:

• Register and operate a Hong Kong company as director, shareholder, or both
• Hire employees through your company
• Open business bank accounts at major Hong Kong banks
• Bring your spouse and children under 18 on dependent visas with unrestricted work rights

Immigration does not publish a fixed checklist. Applications are assessed holistically on the applicant's ability to contribute to Hong Kong's economy. The following factors are considered:

Business viability

• A detailed business plan demonstrating a viable product or service for the Hong Kong or regional market
• A clear explanation of why the business needs to be based in Hong Kong specifically
• Revenue projections and a hiring plan showing local job creation
• Evidence of market demand: signed contracts, letters of intent, purchase orders, or a demonstrable customer pipeline

Applicant profile

• Relevant industry experience or professional qualifications
• Track record of business ownership, management, or senior leadership
• Evidence of sufficient financial resources to support the business (no fixed minimum, but you must show you can execute your plan)
• Your personal involvement must be essential to the business; purely passive investment does not qualify under this scheme

What makes a strong application

A registered Hong Kong company with a Business Registration Certificate (company formation does not require a visa and takes 1-2 working days)

An existing business bank account demonstrating operational readiness

• Audited financial statements if the business is already operating
• Evidence you are not simply replacing a position that could be filled by a local worker

Fees below are sourced from HK Immigration Department, Companies Registry, and Inland Revenue Department official publications as of 2026-05-13. Always verify current rates directly with each authority before submission.

Government fees

• Visa application fee: approximately HK$600 (HK Immigration Department, non-refundable, verify current rate at immd.gov.hk)
• Visa issuance fee: approximately HK$600 (HK Immigration Department, paid upon approval, verify current rate)
• Total government fees on initial application: approximately HK$1,200 (verify with immd.gov.hk)
• Extension of stay application fee: approximately HK$600 per extension (verify with immd.gov.hk)
• Extension of stay fee: approximately HK$600 per application upon approval (verify with immd.gov.hk)

Business setup costs (for new companies)

• Companies Registry incorporation fee for local private companies: HKD 1,545 (electronic) or HKD 1,720 (hard copy). Plus HK$5,000-15,000 typical professional services range. Note: Business Registration Certificate is required separately (see next item).
• Business Registration Certificate (IRD, period 01.04.2026-31.03.2027): HKD 2,350 (1-year, Fee HKD 2,200 + Levy HKD 150) or HKD 6,170 (3-year, Fee HKD 5,720 + Levy HKD 450).
• Registered office address: HK$3,000-10,000/year (virtual office) or more for physical space
• Accounting and audit: HK$10,000-30,000/year depending on complexity
• Immigration consultant (optional): HK$15,000-40,000

There is no minimum capital requirement imposed by Immigration. The amount of business capital you need depends entirely on your business plan and industry. A digital services consultancy may require minimal capital, while a retail or manufacturing business will need significantly more.

Extension pattern: 36 months + 3 years + 2 years

Entrepreneur visa holders follow this renewal pattern (as published by the Immigration Department):

• Initial stay: up to 36 months
• First extension: up to 3 years
• Second extension: up to 2 years
• After 7 years of continuous ordinary residence: eligible for permanent residency

Extensions are granted subject to demonstrating that your business is still operating and contributing to Hong Kong's economy.

What you need at renewal

• Current Business Registration Certificate
• Profits Tax returns filed with the Inland Revenue Department
• MPF contributions for local employees
• Audited financial statements or management accounts
• Office lease agreement or co-working membership
• Evidence of ongoing business activity (contracts, invoices, client communications)

A business with no revenue, no employees, and no demonstrable activity will struggle at renewal. Start building your evidence trail from the first month.