Hong Kong Visas
Capital Hong Kong ยท Currency HKD ยท Hong Kong Immigration Department
Hong Kong allows visa-free visits for most nationalities. Study and work require a sponsored visa; after 7 years of continuous ordinary residence you can obtain the right of abode.
โ Visa-free entry for most nationalities (7โ180 days).Hong Kong visas at a glance
| Visa type | Fee | Processing | Stay / validity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ๐๏ธ Tourist / Visit Visitor (Visa-free / Visa) |
Visa-free (or HKD 230 visit visa) | Days to weeks | Up to 180 days (nationality-dependent) | View โ |
| ๐ Student Student Visa |
HKD 230 | ~6โ8 weeks | Course length | View โ |
| ๐ผ Work / Skilled Employment Visa (GEP / Talent) |
HKD 230 | ~4 weeks | Typically 2โ3 years, renewable | View โ |
| ๐ PR / Immigration Right of Abode (Permanent Residence) |
Nominal (HKID) | Several weeks | Permanent | View โ |
Visa types for Hong Kong
Visitor (Visa-free / Visa)
Most nationalities visit visa-free for 7 to 180 days; others apply for an entry visa.
- Processing: Days to weeks
- Stay: Up to 180 days (nationality-dependent)
- Validity: 7โ180 days
Student Visa
Study at a HK institution, with the IANG scheme to stay and work after graduating.
- Processing: ~6โ8 weeks
- Validity: Course length
Employment Visa (GEP / Talent)
Employer-sponsored work visa, plus the Top Talent Pass for high earners and top graduates.
- Processing: ~4 weeks
- Validity: Typically 2โ3 years, renewable
Right of Abode (Permanent Residence)
Permanent residence after seven years of continuous ordinary residence.
- Processing: Several weeks
- Validity: Permanent
Embassies, consulates & visa centres
Hong Kong Immigration Department
๐ Hong Kong
Immigration Tower, 7 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Entry visas processed centrally by the Immigration Department.
Hong Kong visa FAQs
What visa types does Hong Kong offer?๏ผ
VisaViews covers 4 Hong Kong visa types: Tourist / Visit, Student, Work / Skilled, PR / Immigration. Each has its own eligibility criteria, fees and processing times.
Does Hong Kong have an eVisa or visa-free entry?๏ผ
Visa-free entry for most nationalities (7โ180 days).
How much is a Hong Kong tourist visa?๏ผ
The Visitor (Visa-free / Visa) costs Visa-free (or HKD 230 visit visa). Fees are indicative and can change โ always confirm on the official source.
How long does a Hong Kong visa take to process?๏ผ
Processing time varies by visa type; the Visitor (Visa-free / Visa) typically takes Days to weeks.
Who handles Hong Kong visas and immigration?๏ผ
Hong Kong visas and immigration are administered by Hong Kong Immigration Department. The official portal is https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/.