UK to HK and Work Visa

[David C]

I am a British Passport holder and moving to HK soon and need help with Visa information.

I will continue to work for my existing UK company who will pay me in a HK bank account. They will support me in terms of paying for accommodation and travel expenses for flights to and from the UK. I'm not planning to officially set up a HK office within the first few months and will use space in one of my existing suppliers offices in HK.

As I will not work for a HK company, and will be supported by my existing company in the UK, where do I stand with regards to a visa. Can I come to HK and then sort a visa out when I am here within the first few months or do I need to do this before I arrive. (I will also probably be out of HK at least once every month for a period of between 3 days and 2 weeks).

Can someone advise what I need to do with regards to Visa / ID Cards considering my situation.

Thanks
David

[Emigra]

Hello David

It is possible to apply for an employment visa once you are already in Hong Kong. The major difference is that the immigration department will ask you why did you not apply before you arrived.

[David C]

Thanks for the reply, I have some more questions! Not applying till I arrive.........is this likely to affect my application. I guess my answer to the imm dept would be that it's easier to sort out a visa in person once in HK! Anyway, do I have the right to stay for 6 months without a visa as I would not work for HK company?

Do you think I am likely to have problems getting a visa if not working for a HK company.

I am in HK next week, is there somewhere I could go to sort out my visa, what information do I need to bring. Could I go in person to the Immigration Department.
Thanks

[Emigra]

Thanks for the reply, I have some more questions! Not applying till I arrive.........is this likely to affect my application. I guess my answer to the imm dept would be that it's easier to sort out a visa in person once in HK!

- This is not usually an issue if you have a good reason

Anyway, do I have the right to stay for 6 months without a visa as I would not work for HK company?

- Depends on your past record with the Hong Kong immigration department.

Do you think I am likely to have problems getting a visa if not working for a HK company.

I presume you mean an employment visa? The fact that a company is a Hong Kong one or an overseas one does not really come into play. It depends on that you have skills that cannot be found in Hong Kong and that the company is in a position to act as your sponsor.

I am in HK next week, is there somewhere I could go to sort out my visa, what information do I need to bring. Could I go in person to the Immigration Department.

You can go to them in person or you can have a copy like ours www.emigra.com.hk manage your case for you once you have secured an sponsor.