Part Time Work and Visas

Posted by AimeeJ (395 days ago)

I am out here with my partner (so can only get a visitors visa as we are not married). I would like to work part time in a field I am qualified in (and is in demand here), but I know I can't do it with my current visa.

My question is, is there a way of getting a visa which will allow me to work part time (for example, if I setup a company based outside of HK, can I get a business visa to do some work here for a limited amount of time?) or is it just impossible?

Thanks for your help in advance!

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Find what you are after in our Hong Kong A-Z Directory

Posted by KevinLu (394 days ago)

I am afraid Residence Permit for work is the only legal visa to work in China, part-time or full-time.

But there are plenty of foreigners who work with F visas here.

(I am based in Beijing)

Posted by AimeeJ (394 days ago)

Thanks, but most companies/institutes will only take you on if you can work legally.
Plus, I'd rather try to exploit a loophole than work illegally - I'm going to be here for a while, so I wouldn't risk getting into trouble with immigration.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by TC (394 days ago)

AimeeJ,
Are you talking about working in HK or the mainland? From your post I assume it is in HK, but KevinLu's response assumes it is in the mainland. The rules are very different between the two.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by AimeeJ (394 days ago)

I mean in Hong Kong.

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by associates (394 days ago)

There are several alternatives in your situation including a visa to work in your chosen area. "Part time" is a concept unknown to the HK Immigration authorities and indeed is a very personalized notion. It would be easiest to gain full but 'flexible' employment under a structured work visa application.

There is also the concept of doing business "WITH" Hong Kong and NOT ..."IN" Hong Kong, that allows great flexibility on the need for a Hong Kong visa in certain circumstances.

We would be pleased to discuss the matter with you in the context of your personal experience and training.

Weir & Associates
Solicitors & Notaries
2108 Gloucester Tower
The Landmark
15 Queens Road Central
Hong Kong
Tel : 2526-1767
Fax : 2868-3568
email : weirlaw@hongkonglaw.com
www.HongKongLaw.com/weirlaw

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by AimeeJ (359 days ago)

Despite having spoken to lots of people, I'm still not getting very far on this one!

Does anyone have any recommendations for any visa specialists I could talk to?

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by TC (358 days ago)

The best visa specialist I know (and I don't have any specific relationship with them) is Emigra (Asia) Ltd at 7/F, 80 Gloucester Rd, Wanchai - directly opposite Immigration Tower. Their phone number is 2783-7183. They also have a website from which you can download (for free) a HK visa handbook.
http://www.emigra.com.hk

(I am based in Hong Kong)

Posted by AimeeJ (358 days ago)

Thanks TC, I have spoken to them already.

Looks like the answer is a big no at the moment - I can't get an employment visa as although I have been offered some work already, it's part time and they can't sponsor me.

If I wanted to start my own business I need capital to invest to get a visa, but in my line, I would only have a very small business with no start up costs, working from home, and would be the only employee - essentially freelancing initially,and maybe expanding in a few years time, business dependent.

(I am based in Hong Kong)