Self Employment Visa Question

[Lou23]

I am a British passport holder currently on a Student visa in Hong Kong. When I finish studying I would like to stay in Hong Kong and work as a freelance translator. Does anyone know of a way I can do this and get the appropriate visa?

[Emigra]

As you are on a student visa I recommend you leave first after your visa has expired and the apply from overseas. To work in Hong Kong you need to secure a sponsor therefore you would then need to find a company who is will to employ you on a full time basis as a translator. You may also consider establishing your own company.

You must also have translation skills that cannot be found in the local market.

[Lou23]

Thanks for the feedback on my query.

I don't think full-time employment as a translator is an option here as my languages are European and local employers want Asian languages.

I would prefer to set up my own company, but I spoke to a lawyer who said I would need to apply for an investment visa and prove that I was investing money in Hong Kong and creating jobs. This would not be the case as I would just be working for myself from home. Do you know if there is any way around this?

[Emigra]

For such a senario the lawyer is correct and it would be difficult to process an investment visa with the plan that you currently have in mind.

If you have HK$6.5 million there is the capital investment scheme option.