Hong Kong Permits and Licenses Guide
- a22162
- Apr 2
- 7 min read
Updated: Apr 5
Hong Kong Permits and Licenses Guide
A comprehensive guide to permits and licenses in Hong Kong involves several key areas, depending on whether you are looking to work, start a business, or engage in specific activities.
Work Permits (Visas)
Generally, unless you have the right of abode or the right to land in Hong Kong, you will need a visa/entry permit to work, study, establish or join a business, take up residence, or stay as a visitor longer than the visa-free period.
Common Types of Work Visas:
General Employment Policy (GEP) Visa: This is for professionals with special skills, knowledge, or experience of value not readily available in Hong Kong. A confirmed job offer from a Hong Kong employer is usually required.
Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS): This scheme has two categories:
Category A: High-income earners with an annual income of HK$2 million or above in the preceding year.
Category B: Graduates from the world's top 100 universities with at least three years of work experience.
Category C: Graduates from the world's top 100 universities in the past five years with less than three years of work experience (subject to an annual quota).
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP): This is for Chinese residents of Mainland China with skills, knowledge, or experience of value to Hong Kong.
Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS): For professionals specializing in specific technology sectors like artificial intelligence and financial technologies. Eligible companies need to apply for a quota first.
Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG): Allows non-local graduates from Hong Kong institutions to stay for one year to look for employment.
Training Visa: For individuals undergoing training to acquire specialized skills, knowledge, or experience for up to one year.
Investment Visa: For individuals who intend to start or join a business in Hong Kong that will benefit the local economy.
Application Process (General for Employment Visa):
Job Offer: Secure a job offer from a Hong Kong employer (except for some categories under TTPS and IANG within six months of graduation).
Submission of Application: The employer (or the applicant in some cases) submits the visa application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department with required documents, such as:
A valid passport.
Employment contract or job offer letter.
Proof of academic and professional qualifications.
Company registration documents (for employer-sponsored visas).
Financial standing proof (if required).
Other supporting documents depending on the visa type.
Approval: The Immigration Department assesses the application based on factors like the applicant's qualifications, salary, and the availability of local candidates. Processing times can vary (typically 4-8 weeks).
Visa Issuance: Upon approval, a visa/entry permit will be issued.
Important Considerations for Work Visas:
Employers usually need to demonstrate that they have tried to recruit locally before hiring foreign employees under the GEP.
Visas are typically issued for a specific period and may need to be renewed.
It's crucial to comply with all visa conditions and report any changes in employment to the Immigration Department.
Business Licenses and Permits
In Hong Kong, while a general business license isn't always required just for operating, specific licenses and permits are necessary depending on the nature of your business activities and the industry you operate in.
Key Business Licenses by Industry (Examples):
Food and Beverage:
General Restaurant Licence.
Food Factory Licence.
Liquor Licence (if serving alcoholic beverages).
Restricted Food Permits (e.g., for online sale of restricted foods).
Education: Certificate of Registration of a School (for kindergartens, vocational centers, language schools, etc.).
Employment Agencies: Licence to Operate an Employment Agency.
Travel Agencies: Travel Agency Licence.
Financial Services: Various licenses from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) for dealing in securities, futures contracts, asset management, etc.; Money Lenders Licence from the Companies Registry; Money Service Operator (MSO) Licence from the Customs and Excise Department.
Retail: Depending on the goods sold (e.g., import/export licenses for controlled goods).
Event Management: Place of Public Entertainment Licence for public events; other licenses may be needed depending on the event (e.g., Liquor Licence, Lottery Licence).
Import/Export: Import/Export Licence for certain controlled goods (e.g., tobacco, alcohol, pharmaceuticals).
Dealers in Precious Metals and Stones: DPMS Licence from the Customs and Excise Department.
Trust and Company Service Providers: TCSP Licence from the Companies Registry.
General Process for Obtaining Business Licenses:
Identify Required Licenses: Use resources like the Business Licence Information Service on the GovHK website to determine the specific licenses needed for your business operations.
Prepare Documentation: Gather all necessary documents, which may include:
Business registration certificate.
Proof of business address.
Detailed business plan.
Financial information.
Personal identification documents of directors/owners.
Specific documents related to the industry (e.g., floor plans for restaurants).
Submit Application: Submit the completed application forms and supporting documents to the relevant government department or licensing authority. This can often be done online through platforms like GovHK or the specific department's website.
Assessment and Inspection: Depending on the license, the authorities may conduct assessments or on-site inspections of your business premises to ensure compliance with regulations.
Approval and Issuance: If the application is approved, you will receive the business license or permit. Fees are usually associated with the application and issuance.
Renewal: Most licenses have an expiry date and need to be renewed periodically.
Resources for Business Licenses:
Business Licence Information Service (BLIS): A tool on the Trade and Industry Department's website to help identify required licenses.
GovHK Licensing & Permits Section: Provides links to various licensing authorities and online application services.
Specific Government Departments: Websites of departments like the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Hong Kong Police Force (for certain licenses), Companies Registry, Customs and Excise Department, and others provide detailed information on licenses they oversee.
Other Permits and Licenses
Beyond work and business, you might need other permits and licenses for specific activities:
Environmental Permits and Licenses: For businesses that may have environmental impacts, issued by the Environmental Protection Department.
Licenses for Public Order Events: For organizing public processions or meetings, permits from the Hong Kong Police Force are required.
Liquor Licenses (Temporary): For events where alcohol will be served, a temporary liquor license from the Police Licensing Office may be needed.
Key Government Departments for Permits and Licenses:
Immigration Department: For work visas and entry permits.
Companies Registry: For business registration and certain licenses (e.g., Money Lenders, TCSP).
Inland Revenue Department: For business registration certificates.
Trade and Industry Department: For import/export licenses and the BLIS.
Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD): For food and beverage licenses and other trade licenses.
Hong Kong Police Force: For licenses related to security, public order, and temporary liquor licenses.
Transport Department: For driving and vehicle licenses.
Environmental Protection Department: For environmental permits.
Customs and Excise Department: For licenses related to dutiable goods and money service operators.
Securities and Futures Commission (SFC): For licenses in the financial services industry.
It is crucial to identify all the necessary permits and licenses for your specific situation in Hong Kong and to ensure timely application and compliance with all regulations.
How Bestar can Help
Bestar can be invaluable in navigating the complexities of obtaining permits and licenses in Hong Kong. Our expertise and experience can save you time, reduce errors, and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations. Here's how we can help:
1. Expert Guidance and Consultation:
Identifying Required Permits and Licenses: We possess in-depth knowledge of Hong Kong's regulatory landscape and can accurately identify all the specific permits and licenses your business or activity requires. This prevents overlooking crucial requirements that could lead to delays or penalties.
Understanding Eligibility Criteria: We can assess your eligibility for different types of permits and licenses based on your specific circumstances (e.g., your qualifications for a work visa, your business model for specific industry licenses).
Explaining the Application Process: We can clearly explain the step-by-step application process for each required permit or license, including the necessary documentation and procedures.
Providing Updates on Regulatory Changes: We stay abreast of changes in Hong Kong's laws and regulations related to permits and licenses, ensuring you receive the most up-to-date information.
2. Documentation and Application Assistance:
Preparing and Reviewing Documents: We can assist in gathering, preparing, and reviewing all the necessary documents for your applications, ensuring accuracy and completeness. This is crucial as incomplete or incorrect documentation is a common cause of delays.
Drafting Supporting Documents: For certain applications (like business license applications or work visa applications involving employer sponsorship), we can help draft supporting documents such as business plans, employment contracts, and justification letters.
Completing Application Forms: We can accurately complete the often complex application forms, minimizing the risk of errors.
Liaising with Government Authorities: We can act as a point of contact between you and the relevant government departments and licensing authorities, facilitating communication and addressing any queries that may arise.
3. Streamlining the Application Process:
Project Management: We can manage the entire application process, ensuring that all steps are completed in a timely and efficient manner.
Coordination: For businesses requiring multiple licenses from different departments, we can coordinate the various applications to ensure a smooth overall process.
Follow-up and Tracking: We can track the progress of your applications and follow up with the authorities as needed, keeping you informed of the status.
Expediting Where Possible: While we cannot guarantee approval, our experience and understanding of the processes can sometimes help expedite applications by ensuring everything is in order and addressing potential issues proactively.
4. Risk Mitigation and Compliance:
Ensuring Compliance: We help ensure that your applications and ongoing operations comply with all relevant laws and regulations, reducing the risk of penalties or legal issues.
Identifying Potential Challenges: Based on our experience, they can anticipate potential challenges or roadblocks in the application process and advise you on how to address them.
Renewal Assistance: We can also assist with the renewal of permits and licenses, ensuring timely submissions to avoid any lapse in authorization.
5. Industry-Specific Expertise:
Specialized Knowledge: Bestar specializes in specific industries (e.g., finance, food and beverage, education) and possesses in-depth knowledge of the unique licensing requirements within those sectors.
Best Practices: We can advise you on industry best practices related to permits and licenses, helping you set up your operations efficiently and compliantly.
Types of Help That Bestar Can Provide:
Assists with business registration and some basic business licenses.
Provides assistance with business registration and understanding financial requirements for certain licenses.
Offers comprehensive advice on all types of permits and licenses, especially those with complex legal implications.
Can provide strategic advice on business setup, including identifying and obtaining necessary permits and licenses.
Specializes in work visas, residency permits, and related immigration matters.
In summary, engaging Bestar can significantly simplify and expedite the process of obtaining permits and licenses in Hong Kong. Our expertise, administrative support, and understanding of the regulatory environment can be invaluable for individuals and businesses looking to operate smoothly and compliantly.
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