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Pathway

Hong Kong Entrepreneur Residence

Hong Kong Residency
Pathway overview

At a glance

You can apply to live in Hong Kong to start or join a real operating business. Approval depends on your business plan, funding, experience, and the contribution the business can make locally.

Business plan
Three-year plan with supporting records
Funding
Enough for the proposed business; no fixed amount guarantees approval
Local contribution
Business activity, jobs, skills, or technology matter

Summary

If you plan to start or join an active business in Hong Kong, you can apply for residence as an entrepreneur. You need to show how the business will work, how it is funded, and how it will contribute to Hong Kong’s economy.

This is a business application. It is separate from Hong Kong’s route for investing money in approved assets.

Could this pathway work for you?

Eligibility

You must show that the business is genuine and that you can run or help run it. The Immigration Department considers your experience, available money, business forecasts, local jobs, and any useful technology or skills you bring.

Prepare a three-year business plan, evidence of funding, local sponsor documents, and records explaining your own role. A startup supported by the government may receive favorable consideration, but government backing is not required for every applicant.

Check the policy’s nationality and mainland-residence restrictions. There is no fixed investment amount that guarantees approval or replaces the business assessment.

Applying to run a business in Hong Kong
  1. Build the business plan Explain the business, your role, its funding, and its local contribution.
  2. Apply with supporting records Include the three-year plan and local sponsor documents.
  3. Run the approved business If approved Keep the records needed for renewal.

Registering or buying a company is not enough on its own. The Immigration Department assesses the business and the applicant.

What This Route Allows

If approved, you can live in Hong Kong and carry out the approved business activity. The initial stay is normally up to 36 months.

To renew, you must continue meeting the business and immigration requirements. Permanent residence has separate rules after qualifying residence.

What This Route Is Not

This is not the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme. Buying a company or registering one on paper does not, on its own, show that you have a credible operating business.

It does not give immediate permanent residence or guarantee approval.

Next Steps

  1. Check that the policy covers your nationality and residence history.
  2. Prepare the three-year plan, funding records, qualifications, and local sponsor documents.
  3. Apply to the Immigration Department and answer requests for more evidence.
  4. If approved, keep records of the business activity and check renewal requirements before your permission expires.

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Similar business pathways in other destinations.

Sources