This article provides information for people who would like to live in Hong Kong under a Dependant Pass. Find out how to be eligible and apply for a Dependant Visa in Hong Kong in this article.
Eligibility to become sponsor for a Dependant Visa application in Hong Kong
All Dependant visas in Hong Kong are sponsored and tied to a sponsor. The validity of the Dependant Visa is also linked to the validity of the sponsor’s visa.
Someone who has a permanent residence/visa (employment, investment, etc.) can become a sponsor and can apply for a Dependant Visa for her/his family members.
The sponsors of Dependant Visa must meet the below requirements:
- Be permanent resident in Hong Kong or hold an Employment Visa, Investment Visa, or Training Visa. It is also possible to simultaneously apply for one of these visas and the Dependant visa.
- A sufficient income to support an accompanying family in Hong Kong. Or be able to demonstrate that the family owns a property.
Eligibility to apply for a Dependant visa in Hong Kong
The individuals eligible to a Dependant visa are family members of the sponsor. The following family ties are considered as eligible for a Dependant Visa:
- Spouse (can also include same-sex spouses), if the civil partnership, civil union, or marriage is legally and officially recognized by the local authorities of the place of celebration. In case of doubts, we recommend to refer to the Note 3 of the Immigration Department of the Hong Kong Government.
- Unmarried dependent children under the age of 18. However, in case of an extension of a Dependant Visa, the dependent visa holder can apply even while being above 18 years old.
- Parent aged 60 or above. Only if the sponsor is a Hong Kong Permanent Resident (and residents with not limit of stay).
List of required documents for the application of a Dependant visa
The immigration department requests that the following documents be submitted for the applicant:
- Application for Entry for Residence as Dependants in Hong Kong (application form ID 997)
- Photo (length 5cm x width 4cm) for application form ID 997
- Photocopy of passport
- Photocopy of proof of the applicant’s relationship with the sponsor (for example, marriage certificate, birth certificate, family photographs, and so on).
Additional considerations
Can a Dependant visa holder work in Hong Kong?
Moreover, the person holding the Dependant Visa is allowed to work and study without applying for an additional visa.
How long does it take to have a Dependant visa?
It normally takes six weeks to process a visa/entry permit application for a Dependant Visa upon receipt of all the required documents.
Can Chinese residents apply for a Dependant visa?
No, by default Chinese residents are not eligible to the Dependant visa in Hong Kong. Although, if the sponsors already have an employment in Hong Kong, they could sponsor a Dependant visa for a Chinese resident. More information is available on the website of the Immigration Department of Hong Kong.
Receive assistance from MBiA to apply for a Dependant visa
MyBusiness in Asia has extensive expertise in Hong Kong visa applications which extends to sponsoring Dependant visas too. You can contact us to discuss your immigration and business projects in Hong Kong and the rest of Asia to find out the best way to live and work in Hong Kong.
