WORKING VISA FOR SELF-EMPLOYED

Hello,

i moved to HK some months ago and still on my tourist visa. I will open my HK company and would like to apply for a visa through this company. I have heard it is possible but difficult ; if you have been in the same case, please give me some advice on what the Immigration expects. I've been told that they want to see :

- a sufficient amount on the bank account (how much?)

- the possibility that you will hire local people in the future


I would like to discuss this experience with you, thanks for your help!


Jean

Thanks for your replies, i'll try my best !! if you can chat with me, please send me your phone number at jctuan@hotmail.fr

Using an accountant is an expensive way to start a business - it doesnt take long and doing it yourself meand you learn what needs to be done.

If you have skills and experience in the area you are setting up the company, then getting a visa should be no problem. The immigration Dept are very good at sifting the real from the pretend.

Good luck with your business

You need to apply for an investment visa as opposed to the standard employment visa. Look on the immigration website for the forms to complete and documents to submit. Submissions are not made to the regular immigration department - there is a special investment section (24th floor, if I recall).


It takes a long time and is tedious. Immigration will come back to you for more information no matter how detailed and comprehensive your submission. It's just the way it is. FIFO.


In addition to the usual immigration info, they will assess:

(a) if you have a viable business, ie it's not a just an immigration scam.

(b) you have existing contacts in HK (yes, they will ask for a client/prospect list)

(c) if you have sufficient funds;

(d) that you will make some kind of investment and spend funds in HK (ref c above);

(e) that you have a reasonable chance of employing locals

(f) if you have an existing business elsewhere, that the financials of that are any indication of sustaining a business in HK.


They will ask for:

1. business plan, including details of investments and hiring;

2. financials (including your personal bank statements in all likelihood)

3. marketing material and brochures of your services/products

4. your credentials - a CV, work experience, references, etc

5. business contacts in HK.

6. and a dozen other seemingly irrelevant documents.


Do not submit anything not asked for in the first submission. This will then allow them to come back and ask for that. Respond quickly to the subsequent submissions. Seeing the case officer in person helps.


Be patient. It will take time and be a frustrating experience. The process is designed to be that way to ward off people who are not serious.

I WILL GIVE U AN EXAMPLE ..I KNEW SOMEONE WHO CAME TO HONGKONG AS A TOURIST VISA AND SHE IS WEALTHY AND SHE DECIDED TO OPEN HER OWN BUSINESS WITH HER TOURIST VISA, SHE WAS REJECTED AS WELL BECAUSE SHE IS NOT RESIDENT OR PERMANENT VISA OR EVEN A DEPENDENT VISA, TOURIST VISA IM NOT REALLY SURE WITH THAT..IF THAT IS OKAY THEN ALL THE WEALTHY TOURIST PEOPLE CAN ALL OPERATE THERE COMPANIES IN HONGKONG..