What traps should talent, specialized talent, and continuing education individuals pay attention to when renewing their visas multiple times within 7 years?

Let's learn about it together today.

Trap 1. Talent can work in Hong Kong without needing to be present after approval.
The Hong Kong talent visa is supposed to be the easiest and most flexible visa to renew. Once approved, talent individuals can work in Hong Kong (change jobs freely without prior application to the immigration department), start a business, study, or do nothing in Hong Kong.

Although talent individuals have a lot of freedom, it does not mean they can live outside of Hong Kong and do nothing. Most talent individuals apply for approval through the Comprehensive Points System, and many continue to work and live in mainland China after approval, entering Hong Kong sporadically over 7 years without preparing any materials (such as work or residence documents in Hong Kong), just waiting for the 7 years to pass to obtain permanent residency and a passport, which is really unrealistic. The idea of 'empty-handedly catching a wolf' should not exist, as it ultimately harms oneself.

Trap 2. Being affiliated with an insurance company while working in mainland China instead of Hong Kong.
Many IANG visa holders obtain their IANG visa through affiliation with an insurance company, then return to mainland China to work instead of staying in Hong Kong, or currently in Hong Kong, due to the pandemic, their performance does not meet standards, and some insurance companies are unwilling to provide various proof materials. In such cases, it can lead to difficulties in renewing the IANG visa, and some may even face visa termination, ultimately affecting the recalculation of the permanent residency application time!

Trap 3. Applying for the specialized talent program by self-employment through a company.
To apply for the Hong Kong specialized talent program, one must first obtain employment from a Hong Kong company. But what if there is no employment from a Hong Kong company? Can one self-employ by starting a company in Hong Kong?

The answer is: Yes!

Starting a company in Hong Kong is quite simple, but applying for the specialized talent program through self-employment is not just about registering a company. A new company established by self-employed specialized talent must meet certain standards, including setting up a company account, having a proper office location, and needing to employ several full-time local Hong Kong employees, etc. Therefore, those applying for specialized talent through self-employment must have certain financial strength and be willing to bear the application costs.

Hong Kong has launched talent, specialized talent, and continuing education immigration programs with the intention of attracting various talents that adapt to Hong Kong's development to enhance its international competitiveness. Therefore, applicants who obtain relevant visas to come to Hong Kong need to work or contribute to Hong Kong's development to smoothly continue their subsequent visa renewal applications.

If you hope to successfully obtain permanent residency in Hong Kong after 7 years, it is recommended to prepare employment relationships, other proof documents in advance, and try not to leave Hong Kong for more than 6 months.