Permanent Residency in Hong Kong: A 2025 Guide
In 2025, eligible Hong Kong visa holders — such as foreign professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors — may apply for entry for residence as dependants for their immediate family members. This arrangement allows spouses and children, and in some cases parents, to live — and in many cases work or study — in Hong Kong. However, certain visa categories, such as foreign domestic helpers and imported workers under the Supplementary Labour Scheme, are not permitted to sponsor dependants.
Who can apply for a dependant visa?
The Immigration Department permits eligible Hong Kong visa holders to sponsor certain family members as dependants. This includes:
- Legally married spouses
- Unmarried children under 18 years old
- Parents aged 60 or above — only if the sponsor is a Hong Kong permanent resident and the parent is genuinely dependent on them (Mainland Chinese parents must apply via the One‑Way Permit scheme administered by Mainland authorities)
Dependant visas are linked to the sponsor’s visa or residence status. If the sponsor’s visa is revoked or expires, the dependant’s stay will normally also end.
What are the requirements?
To apply for a dependant visa, both the sponsor and the dependant must meet eligibility criteria. The sponsor must:
- Hold a valid visa under the General Employment Policy (GEP), Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP), Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS), or other long‑term residence visa
- Have sufficient financial means to support the dependant without public assistance
- Have suitable accommodation in Hong Kong
- Prove the family relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
The dependant must submit:
- Valid passport
- Recent photograph
- Proof of relationship to the sponsor
- Completed application form ID 997
Applications can be lodged with the Immigration Department in person, by post, or via an authorised representative. Processing time is typically 6 to 8 weeks, though complex cases may take longer.
What rights do dependants have?
Dependants are generally permitted to:
- Reside in Hong Kong for the duration of the sponsor’s stay
- Work without a separate visa if they are the spouse of an employment visa holder, QMAS entrant, or other eligible sponsor (exceptions apply for dependants of students, foreign domestic helpers, and imported workers under the Supplementary Labour Scheme)
- Study in Hong Kong without a separate student visa
- Apply for permanent residency (Right of Abode) after 7 years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong
How can Ask.Legal help?
Ask.Legal’s AI assistant makes Hong Kong immigration simple. Whether you're managing an international relocation or supporting an employee through HR, Ask.Legal can:
- Break down dependant visa rules in plain English
- Generate checklists tailored to your visa type
- Review supporting documents for completeness
- Flag risks and clarify next steps
For guidance on work eligibility, see our blog on Hong Kong employment laws for dependants.
Need help navigating this issue? Check out Ask.Legal — our AI-powered legal assistant is ready to help 24/7.
