Q:
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What is the initial duration of stay of a person permitted to work in Hong Kong under the Investment as Entrepreneurs scheme?
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A:
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The person who is successfully permitted to work in Hong Kong under Investment as Entrepreneurs scheme will normally be granted an initial stay of maximum 2 years on employment condition upon entry. However, the duration of stays is subject to variable factors such as valid period of applicant’s passport and employment period confirmed between the applicant and employing company which is shorter.
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Q:
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Who can apply for the work visa under the Investment as Entrepreneurs scheme?
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A:
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The applicant who wishes to establish a start-up or join in a business may submit an application under Investment as Entrepreneurs scheme. The Hong Kong Immigration Department may consider the application favourably if the applicant is in a position to make substantial contribution to the economy of Hong Kong which consideration factors including business plan, business turnover, financial resources, investment sum, number of jobs created locally and introduction of new technology or skills, etc.
Also, it is favourably if the business concerned is supported by a government-backed programme with a rigorous vetting and selection process, and the applicant is the proprietor or partner of the start-up company or a key researcher of the relevant project.
The Investment as Entrepreneurs scheme does not apply to Mainland Chinese residents, nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal and Vietnam.
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Q:
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What are the examples of government-backed programmes for a start-up business?
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A:
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Examples of government-backed programmes include:
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1.
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StartmeupHK Venture Programme administered by InvestHK;
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2.
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Incu-App, Incu-Bio and Incu-Tech programmes administered by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation;
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3.
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Cyberport Incubation Programme;
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4.
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Small Entrepreneur Research Assistance Programme and Enterprise Support Scheme administered by the Innovation and Technology Commission; and
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5.
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Design Incubation Programme administered by the Hong Kong Design Centre.
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It may help for the visa application if the company secured other government-backed programme or angel funds offered by a private company concerned.
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Q:
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How long does it take to process an application under Investment as Entrepreneurs scheme?
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A:
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Generally, it will take around four weeks to process the application for employment under Investment as Entrepreneurs scheme upon the Immigration Department received of all the required documents. The Immigration Department will not be able to start processing the application unless all the required documents and information have been received.
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Q:
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Is the applicant free to work for another company after permitted to entry in Hong Kong under Investment as Entrepreneurs scheme?
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A:
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No. The person who permitted to entry in Hong Kong can only take-up an employment under his/her own business or the join-in business. If the permit holder needs to change employer or sponsoring company, he/she must apply for a change of sponsorship by filing an extension of stay and seek a prior approval from the Director of Immigration.
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Q:
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Can the person bring in his/her spouse or children after admitted under Investment as Entrepreneurs scheme?
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A:
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The person who admitted under the Investment as Entrepreneurs scheme can apply to bring in his/her spouse and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 as dependants. The person must prove he/she is able to support the dependent’s living at a standard well above the subsistence level and provide them with suitable accommodation in Hong Kong.
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Q:
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After the dependant visa be approved, are the dependent children allowed to study in the Hong Kong?
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A:
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Yes, after the dependant visa be approved, they are allowed to study in the Hong Kong without prior permission.
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Q:
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After the dependant visa be approved, is the spouse allowed to work in the Hong Kong?
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A:
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Yes, after the dependant visa be approved, the spouse is not prohibited from taking up employment in the Hong Kong excepting the sponsor have been admitted to study only.
If the spouse is currently stay in Hong Kong with other visa which prohibiting employment, he/she has to apply for change of the condition before taking up employment in the Hong Kong.
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FAQ
