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ID 999A — Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa
VisasHong KongID 999A — Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa
Hong KongHong Kong•Asia
Open

ID 999A — Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–4 weeks

Varies by processing route

Estimated Cost

HKD $1,200–$1,900

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Renewable 36-month entry visa for entrepreneurs establishing or joining a business in Hong Kong, with work authorization restricted to approved business activities.

The Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa enables overseas entrepreneurs to establish or join a business in Hong Kong. You must hold a bachelor's degree or equivalent professional qualification, demonstrate no security concerns, and show substantial economic contribution. While there is no minimum investment amount, you must prove sufficient financial resources for startup and operational costs.

Initial 36-month visa, renewable in 3–2 year cycles. Processing: 4 weeks for entry, 2–3 weeks for extensions. Main costs: HKD 600 (application) and HKD 1,300 (visa issuance over 180 days). Dependents under 18 may accompany you with work rights. Work is limited to the approved business; changes need Director approval. Seven years residence may qualify you for permanent residency.

This visa is ideal for founders and entrepreneurs with a viable business plan in fintech, biotechnology, and creative industries seeking autonomy to establish their venture.

Cost Breakdown

Application fee (non-refundable)HKD $600
Visa issuance fee (stay >180 days)HKD $1,300
Visa issuance fee (stay ≤180 days)HKD $600
TotalHKD $1,200–$1,900

Processing Time

Track 14 weeks
Track 22–3 weeks

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Right of Abode / Permanent Residence (居留權/永久性居民)
Hong Kong flagHong Kong

Right of Abode / Permanent Residence (居留權/永久性居民)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1–3 months
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

No security objection and no known record of serious crime.

Good education background (normally a first degree) or good technical qualifications/proven professional abilities.

Must make a substantial contribution to the economy of Hong Kong.

Must provide a detailed business plan (forecast turnover, profitability, job creation, etc.).

Must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the business.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Educational background

Business experience

Character reference

Business plan (sponsor)

Company registration (sponsor)

Financial projections (sponsor)

Investment documentation (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Renewable pathway with 3-2 year extension pattern — long-term business continuity if business viability maintained
  • Initial 36-month stay enables business establishment and market validation
  • Fast processing: normally 4 weeks for entry visa approval
  • Clear work authorization for approved business activities without job offer requirement
  • Spouse has unrestricted work rights; dependents under 18 qualifying for visas
  • Path to permanent residency after 7 years of ordinary residence
  • No statutory minimum investment threshold — viable startups qualify despite capital constraints

Worth Knowing

  • Work authorization tied to specific approved business only; Director approval required to expand activities
  • Renewal contingent on business remaining operational and meeting original economic contribution criteria
  • Application fee HKD 600; requires demonstrated financial resources to cover startup and operational costs
  • Requires bachelor's degree or equivalent professional qualifications to qualify
  • Business must remain viable and operational; cessation or non-compliance ends visa qualification

Application Process

1

Establish or secure business opportunity: Plan to establish new business or join existing one in Hong Kong

2

Prepare business plan: Detailed plan showing contribution to Hong Kong economy

3

Establish company if new: Register company in Hong Kong SAR

4

Complete visa application: Submit under General Employment Policy - Investment route

5

Gather documents: Business plan, company registration, financial projections

6

Submit application: Online with HKD 600 fee

7

Processing: Normally 4 weeks

Application Forms

Go to application portal
Application for Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs (applicant)Fill online
Application for Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs (sponsor)Fill online

Verified Claims (8)

Last verified Jun 27, 2026
Fee Breakdown
Application fee (non-refundable): 600 HKD; Visa issuance fee (stay >180 days): 1300 HKD; Visa issuan…
immd.gov.hk
Forms
Application for Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs (applicant); Application for Entry for Investm…
immd.gov.hk
Max Stay
Initial 36 months on employment condition; renewable following 3-2 year pattern
immd.gov.hk
Max Stay Estimate
type: months, initialDays: 1095, notes: Initial 36 months; renewable following 3-2 year pattern on e…
immd.gov.hk
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":28,"maxDays":28}; {"minDays":14,"maxDays":21}
immd.gov.hk
Processing Time
Normally 4 weeks (entry); 2–3 weeks (extension)
immd.gov.hk
Renewable
true
immd.gov.hk
Work Auth
Yes — employment condition restricted to approved business only; prior Director of Immigration appro…
immd.gov.hk
Apply Now Official Information

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