Hong Kong Entrepreneur visa (GEP)

General Employment Policy route to establish or join a business in Hong Kong, assessed case by case on business plan, financial resources, investment sum and local jobs created. ^{1 2 3}

What you must show and pay

• A fee of HKD 600 (≈ $76) · Non-refundable application fee, charged to the principal applicant and each dependant. ^{2 1}
• A fee of HKD 1,300 (≈ $170) · Visa issuance fee when the relevant period of stay is more than 180 days (HK$600 for 180 days or less). ^{2 1}

Requirements

• The applicant has no security objection and no known record of serious crime. ¹
• The applicant has a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field. ¹
• The applicant can make a substantial contribution to the Hong Kong economy. ¹
• A start-up backed by a government programme such as StartmeupHK Venture, Cyberport or Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks incubation may also apply. ¹
• The applicant nominates a local sponsor, either a company or an individual. ¹
• An individual sponsor is aged 18 or above, a bona fide Hong Kong resident and acquainted with the applicant. ¹
• Documentary proof of the capital investment amount is submitted; there is no fixed minimum sum. ¹
• Personal and company bank statements for the previous year show enough funds to run the business. ¹
• A three-year business plan with profit-and-loss, cash flow and balance sheet forecasts is submitted. ¹
• Proof of local jobs created and of academic qualifications and relevant experience is submitted. ¹
• Applications are made online by the applicant and the sponsor, with the fee paid, and normally take four weeks. ¹
• Admitted entrepreneurs may apply for the right of abode after ordinarily residing in Hong Kong for 7 continuous years. ¹

Stay

• Initial stay of up to 36 months on employment condition; extensions normally follow a 3-2 year pattern while the eligibility criteria are still met.
• First stay: up to 36 months, decided case by case.
• Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

Nationality

Not available to Mainland Chinese residents or nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and North Korea. Not open to: Afghanistan, Cuba, North Korea.

Work

Admitted on employment condition to establish or join the approved business; any other business needs prior approval from the Director of Immigration.

Family

Spouse or recognised partner and unmarried dependent children under 18 may apply as dependants; dependants are not prohibited from working or studying. Your spouse or partner may work in Hong Kong without a separate permit.

Checked 2026-10-11

Official sources

1. Investment as Entrepreneurs under General Employment Policy · Immigration Department, Hong Kong SAR Government · checked 2026-10-10
2. New Fee Structure for Visa Applications under Specified Schemes · Immigration Department, Hong Kong · checked 2026-10-11
3. Guidebook for Entry for Residence as Dependants in Hong Kong, ID(E) 998 (04/2026) · Immigration Department, Hong Kong SAR · checked 2026-10-12 · published 2026-04-01
4. The Position of Non-Chinese Citizens (right of abode) · Immigration Department, Hong Kong SAR Government · checked 2026-10-11
5. Notes for Guidance: Application for a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card · Immigration Department, Hong Kong SAR Government · checked 2026-10-11