Backlogs: start with birthplace
| Main applicant born in | Standard | Set-aside (rural, high unemployment, infrastructure) |
|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | Current | Current |
| Mainland China (even with a Hong Kong ID) | Backlogged | Current |
A mainland-born main applicant whose spouse was born in Hong Kong or elsewhere can sometimes be charged to the spouse's country of birth (cross-chargeability). An attorney must confirm this case by case. Start with the visa availability checker.
Choosing a category
Hong Kong-born investors can choose any category and should put project quality and timing first. For mainland-born investors, a set-aside category is the main way around the long unreserved backlog.
Source-of-funds documents
- Inland Revenue Department individual tax returns and assessments
- MPF and payroll records showing employment income
- For property sales: the sale agreement, Land Registry records, and the original purchase funds and mortgage repayments
- For dividends: board resolutions, audited accounts and profits tax records
- For assets held through offshore companies or a family office: ownership traced through every layer to the ultimate beneficial owner
Many Hong Kong families built their wealth over decades of business and property, so records can be old. Take stock early of what can still be obtained and what needs supporting evidence instead.
Transfers
Hong Kong has no currency controls, but banks run compliance reviews on large cross-border transfers and may ask where the money came from. Allow time, and send funds directly from an account in the investor's own name; routing through third-party accounts breaks the path of funds.
E-2 visa
The Hong Kong SAR passport is not on the list of E-2 treaty countries. Investors with another passport should check whether that country is a treaty country.
Hong Kong office
19/F, Connaught Marina, 48 Connaught Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 6888 4742