Hong Kong: The Door is Open
Hong Kong welcomes talented people from around the world to work, live, study or invest in the city.
As the prime international business hub in Asia, as well as the premier international financial and services center for the Mainland of China, Hong Kong is a city of unlimited potential.
Low taxes, world-class infrastructure, global connectivity, a cosmopolitan lifestyle, a vibrant cultural and entertainment scene, and a tolerant, pluralistic society combine to underpin Hong Kong's success.
With no natural resources except for its deep-water harbor, Hong Kong's success has been built on its people and their hard work, professionalism, entrepreneurial flair and unswerving commitment to quality.
As the world's freest economy, Hong Kong has a liberal immigration regime. As such, a number of avenues are open to people interested in living, studying or working in Hong Kong.
Visiting Hong Kong
Nationals of about 170 countries and territories, including many emerging economies, enjoy visa-free access to Hong Kong for visits ranging from seven to 180 days.
Investing in Hong Kong
The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme is designed for those who wish to invest in Hong Kong, but will not run any business. The minimum investment is US$830,000.
Separate arrangements apply to foreign investors wishing to set up companies in Hong Kong.
Employment of professionals
To work in the professional sector, there are two key requirements:
* The non-local talent has secured a job that cannot be readily taken up by the local workforce; and
* The remuneration package is commensurate with the prevailing market rate.
For this category there is no quota, nor any restriction on employment sector.
Talented people
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) seeks to expand Hong Kong's pool of human capital and is aimed at those with special skills or talents that can contribute to the city’s development.
Under this plan, talented people with proven ability in any area can apply to enter Hong Kong without first securing an offer of local employment.
Applicants are required to provide basic information such as academic attainment and work experience, plus a brief plan on what they intend to do after entering Hong Kong.
Studying in Hong Kong
From the 2008/09 academic year, non-local students at degree level or above may take up part-time on-campus jobs of not more than 20 hours a week, study/curriculum-related internships, or summer jobs.
Upon graduation, they may stay for one year without any restrictions to take up employment.
Those who have obtained a degree or above in Hong Kong, may return to work in Hong Kong as long as the job is at a level commonly taken up by degree holders and offers market-rate remuneration.
These arrangements are among the most liberal in developed economies.
For more information about Hong Kong's various immigration admission channels, please visit the Immigration Department's Web site at http://www.immd.gov.hk/index.html.
For information on the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, please contact Daniel McAtee, Senior Information Officer of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington, D.C.
Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Washington, D.C.: http://www.hketowashington.gov.hk/dc/contact.htm
HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE OFFICE IN WASHINGTON D.C.
1520 18th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036
Tel: (202)331-8947 Fax: (202)331-8958
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Copyright @ 2003, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Washington D.C.
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