Hong Kong Business Visa
“Hong Kong Business Visa” generally covers two different situations, and it is important to be clear about which one applies to you. For short business trips — attending meetings, negotiations, trade fairs, or exhibitions — the relevant route is the same Visit Visa/Entry Permit (Forms ID 1003A/ID 1003B) used for tourism and social visits, with the business purpose stated and supported by documentation such as an invitation letter from a local company. This does not permit any form of employment or income-generating work while in Hong Kong.
For foreign nationals who intend to actually establish or join a business in Hong Kong and be actively involved in running it, the correct route is “Investment as Entrepreneurs” under the Immigration Department’s General Employment Policy (GEP), applied for using Form ID 999A. This is a distinct, longer-term visa/entry permit category, not a short visit, and is intended for applicants who can demonstrate a genuine, substantial contribution to the Hong Kong economy through their proposed business.
Both routes are approved solely at the discretion of the Hong Kong Immigration Department. This page addresses both, so you can identify which applies to your situation before applying.
Eligibility
For a short business visit (Visit Visa/Entry Permit):
- Applicant must have a genuine, documented business purpose — meetings, negotiations, trade fairs, or similar.
- Applicant must have adequate funds and, where applicable, a return or onward ticket.
- Applicant must not intend to take up employment or generate income directly from work performed in Hong Kong.
For Investment as Entrepreneurs (GEP):
- No security objection and no known record of serious crime.
- A good education background — normally a first degree in a relevant field — or, in special circumstances, recognised technical qualifications, proven professional ability, and relevant experience.
- A viable, substantiated business plan demonstrating a genuine contribution to the Hong Kong economy.
- This entry arrangement does not apply to Chinese residents of the Mainland, or to nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
- Overseas Chinese nationals holding PRC passports must generally show permanent residence overseas, or at least one year of overseas residence immediately before applying, with the application submitted from overseas.
Government Visa Fees
| Fee Type | Government Fee (HK$) |
| Visit Visa/Entry Permit (short business visit) | HK$330 (standard ordinary visa fee, effective 8 September 2025) |
| Investment as Entrepreneurs — Application Fee | Two-tiered fee under ImmD’s “Specified Scheme” structure; confirmed on immd.gov.hk |
| Investment as Entrepreneurs — Visa Issuance Fee | Payable upon approval, per ImmD’s Specified Scheme fee structure |
The Investment as Entrepreneurs scheme is classified by the Immigration Department as a “Specified Scheme,” with application and visa issuance fees charged separately and non-refundably. DHA-equivalent fee tables for Hong Kong’s specified schemes are published on immd.gov.hk and are subject to change, so confirm the current amount before applying. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Hong Kong Business Visa Processing Time
For a short business visit under the standard Visit Visa/Entry Permit, the Immigration Department states it normally takes four weeks to process an application once all required documents have been received, the same standard that applies to tourism and social visits.
For Investment as Entrepreneurs applications, processing generally takes longer, since the Immigration Department must assess the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and business plan in detail, in addition to standard immigration checks. The Department does not publish one universal turnaround figure for this category on its general information pages, and processing can be affected by the completeness of the business documentation submitted, including company registration records, financial evidence, and any relevant licences. Applicants should apply well in advance of any intended relocation date and avoid making firm business commitments in Hong Kong until an approval-in-principle has been issued. Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Required Documents Checklist
For a short business visit:
- Valid Passport
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Completed Visa Application Form (Form ID 1003A)
- Government Fee Receipt (if applicable)
- Company Letter confirming the purpose of the business visit
- Invitation Letter from the host company or trade body in Hong Kong (if applicable)
- Proof of Accommodation
- Confirmed Flight Itinerary
- Financial Proof
For Investment as Entrepreneurs:
- Valid Passport
- Completed Application Form (Form ID 999A, plus sponsor form where applicable)
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Detailed Business Plan
- Company Documents (e.g., Certificate of Incorporation, latest annual return, or incorporation form, where a business has already been established)
- Relevant Business Licences or Certificates, where applicable
- Evidence of Education, Qualifications, or Professional Experience
- Financial Evidence supporting the proposed investment
- Previous Passports (if applicable)
- Supporting Documents for any accompanying dependants
Information may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances.
Hong Kong Business Visa Application Process
Important Notes
Why Choose Shivansh Consultants
Whether you need a short-term Business Visa for meetings or the more involved Investment as Entrepreneurs route to establish a company in Hong Kong, Shivansh Consultants offers Documentation Support and a clear Eligibility Assessment to identify the right path for your situation.
We provide thorough Application Review, Personalized Guidance on structuring your business plan and supporting documents, and a Transparent Process from start to finish. With End-to-End Assistance, we help you present a complete, accurate application. We do not guarantee visa approval, as this decision rests entirely with the Hong Kong Immigration Department.