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Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong treats remote work as employment requiring Top Talent Pass or GEP status
Hong Kong has updated its guidance to confirm that foreign nationals physically present in the city require authorization to work, even for remote roles. This affects digital nomads and expats who must now ensure they hold a General Employment Policy or other valid work visa to remain compliant while working from the territory.
Hong Kong expands GEP and IANG extension window to 3 months before expiry
Hong Kong has clarified the timeline for extension-of-stay applications for GEP and IANG visa holders. Foreign professionals can now apply for extensions within 4 weeks of their current stay expiring, ensuring a more predictable renewal process for long-term expats.
Hong Kong Updates Kiosk Services for Identity Card Replacements
The Immigration Department has expanded self-application services, allowing eligible residents and expats to process Hong Kong ID cards and HKSAR passports via kiosks. This update streamlines administrative tasks for foreign residents, reducing the need for manual counter appointments.
Hong Kong Updates Investment Rules for Holding Companies
Effective March 2026, the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) will remove the six-month incorporation requirement for private holding companies. This change offers high-net-worth investors greater flexibility in structuring their qualifying investments for residency.
Hong Kong Updates Visa Renewal Window for Talent Schemes
The Hong Kong Immigration Department has expanded the visa renewal filing window from four weeks to 90 days for six major talent schemes, including the GEP and QMAS. This change allows expats more time to process extensions and significantly reduces the risk of accidental overstaying.
Hong Kong Updates e-Channel Access for Frequent Visitors
Visitors who have entered Hong Kong twice in the past two years are now eligible for the e-Channel automated immigration program. Additionally, fingerprint collection has been removed for e-passport holders to further accelerate airport processing times.
Hong Kong Updates Work Visa Renewal Rules
Foreign employees and their dependents can now apply for visa extensions up to three months before expiry, a significant increase from the previous four-week limit. This change applies to major schemes including the General Employment Policy and Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, reducing administrative pressure for residents.
Hong Kong Updates Investment Rules for Wealthy Nomads
Hong Kong has updated its investment residency requirements to allow jointly owned family assets and private company holdings to count toward the HKD 30 million threshold. Additionally, a larger portion of real estate investment is now permitted, making the scheme more accessible for high-net-worth individuals seeking residency.
The UK Updates BN(O) Visa Access for Adult Children
Starting February 2026, adult children of BN(O) status holders born before the 1997 handover can apply for the UK BN(O) visa independently. This expansion removes previous age-based eligibility gaps, though financial and residency requirements remain unchanged.