Visa arrangements for company directors in Hong Kong
Corporate
Obtaining a residence visa in Hong Kong provides executives with access to a range of tax and financial benefits, as well as the ability to legally reside and conduct business in one of Asia’s key financial hubs. This is especially important for effective company management, quick decision-making, and expanding the business network in the region.
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Advantages of obtaining a residence visa in Hong Kong
- Medical care, education for children
- Renting or purchasing real estate
- Multiple entry/exit without additional permits
- Tax optimization through resident status and double taxation treaties
- Prospect of obtaining permanent resident status
"A residence visa in Hong Kong transforms an executive from a temporary visitor into a full participant in the dynamic Asian economy. This status provides access to financial benefits, long-term business opportunities, and the convenience of conducting business without restrictions tied to entry and stay." Artur Faniev Commercial Director
Types of residence visas in Hong Kong
Hong Kong offers several types of visas that may be useful for company executives planning to work or manage a business in the city. These visas allow legal residence, company management, and, if necessary, relocation of family members.
General Employment Policy (GEP) visa
Designed for highly qualified foreign professionals, including company executives hired to work in Hong Kong.
Executives may obtain this visa if they:
- Are officially employed in positions such as CEO, managing director, or other senior roles, and
- Have a relevant university degree and proven experience in the field.
Validity: 1 year, renewable without limits if requirements are met
Processing time: 4 weeks to 2–3 months
Application process:
- Employment contract The company must offer a senior position and sign a contract
- Employer application The employer files an application with the Hong Kong Immigration Department, including a business description, business plan, and financial proof
- Employee application The employee submits an entry visa application with proof of education and work experience
- Approval and issuance After approval, a fee of about USD 550 is paid; the visa is sent via email. Upon entry, the employee receives temporary resident status and may apply for an ID card
Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) visa
Designed to attract highly qualified professionals without a prior job offer.
Applicants do not need to prove the uniqueness of their skills for employment purposes. However, unlike other visas, renewal after expiration (up to two years) requires applying under another basis such as employment or investment.
Validity: 1 year, renewable without limits if requirements are met
Processing time: 4 weeks to 2–3 months
Application process:
- Application submission Filed with the Immigration Department, including proof of annual income of HKD 2,500,000 in the year prior to application
- Approval and issuance No fee is required; the visa is sent via email. Upon entry, the applicant receives temporary resident status and may apply for an ID card
New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) visa
Introduced by the Hong Kong government in 2024 as a replacement for the previous investor residency program suspended in 2015.
Applicants must demonstrate:
- Assets of at least HKD 30,000,000 (≈ USD 3,860,000) within 6 months before applying, and
- Readiness to invest at least HKD 30,000,000 (≈ USD 3,860,000) in approved Hong Kong assets
Validity: Up to 2 years, renewable without limits if requirements are met
Processing time: 4 weeks to 2–3 months
Eligible investments:
- Mandatory investment of HKD 3,000,000 (≈ USD 386,000) in the CIES portfolio
- Non-residential real estate in Hong Kong up to HKD 10,000,000 (≈ USD 1,285,000)
- Shares in Hong Kong limited partnership funds up to HKD 10,000,000 (≈ USD 1,285,000)
- Publicly traded company shares, debt securities listed on SEHK, or other government-approved securities
Application process:
- Asset report preparation Prepared by a licensed Hong Kong financial professional and submitted with the visa application to the CIES office
- Pre-approval visa If approved, a pre-approval visa (up to 180 days) is issued
- Investments The applicant enters Hong Kong, completes the required investments, and confirms them through a licensed financial professional’s report
- Final visa application Applicant submits supporting documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department for issuance of the investor residence visa
Advantages of obtaining residence status in Hong Kong with Futura Law
- Comprehensive support We handle the entire process, from document preparation to visa issuance, saving you from bureaucracy
- Individual approach We analyze your case and propose the fastest and most convenient path to residency
- Minimization of refusal risks We check all documents for compliance in advance, eliminating weak points to ensure predictable approval
- Expertise in the Asian region With a strong presence in Hong Kong, including local staff, we provide accurate support in both English and Chinese
How does it work
Who will assist with the visa process?
Ready to discuss your project?
Submit your request and receive:
- A personal consultation on obtaining residency in your case
- A list of required documents
- Answers to all your questions on benefits, timelines, and opportunities of residency in Hong Kong