The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) allows young adults to travel, experience Hong Kong’s culture, and gain work experience while financially supporting their travels.
Applicants must be 18-30 years old (up to 35 for some countries), be a citizen of a participating country, and not be a permanent resident of Hong Kong. They must also prove they have strong ties to their home country.
Applications can be submitted online or in person. Required documents include a completed application form, valid passport, proof of funds, return flight ticket, and medical insurance.
The application process generally takes 4 to 6 weeks, with a non-refundable processing fee.
A Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is a special visa program for young adults looking to have a long-term adventure abroad.
It gives them the opportunity to travel and fully experience a new culture.
WHV holders can also gain work experience in various fields, which helps them grow professionally.
The visa allows employees to take on short-term jobs to financially support their travels.
One of the main benefits of choosing Hong Kong for a Working Holiday is its strategic location in Asia, making it a great base for regional travel.
Additionally, English is widely spoken, which makes it easier to communicate and find work, even if an applicant doesn't speak Cantonese.
Finally, Hong Kong offers a Working Holiday Visa program for those who qualify.
Who is Eligible?
To see if someone qualifies for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) in Hong Kong, the applicant must meet specific criteria set by the Hong Kong Immigration Department (ImmD).
Age
Applicants generally need to be between 18 and 30 years old, although some countries may allow applicants up to 35 years old.
Nationality
Hong Kong offers WHVs to citizens of specific countries.
This list outlines the foreign citizens that have a Working Holiday Scheme agreement with Hong Kong, along with the annual participant quotas for each country:
- Australia (Australian Citizen): 5,000
- Austria (Austrian Citizen): 100
- Canada (Canadian Citizen): 200
- France (French Citizen): 750
- Germany (German Citizen): 300
- Hungary (Hungarian Citizen): 200
- Ireland (Irish Citizen): 200
- Italy (Italian Citizen): 500 (effective date to be confirmed)
- Japan (Japanese Citizen): 1,500
- Republic of Korea (South Korean Citizen): 1,000
- Netherlands (Dutch Citizen): 100
- New Zealand (New Zealander Citizen): 400
- Sweden(Swedish Citizen): 500
- United Kingdom (British Citizen): 1,000
Residency
The applicant cannot be a permanent resident of Hong Kong, as the WHV program is for international youth exchange, fostering cultural understanding and connections between Hong Kong and participating countries.
Also, he or she must be a resident of a participating country at the time of application.
It verifies that they have strong ties to their home country and intend to return upon completion of their Working Holiday experience.
Main Purpose of Travel
The primary purpose of an applicant’s trip to Hong Kong, whether arranged by their employer, should be a holiday and leisure.
While the WHV allows the holder to work to financially support their travels, the main focus should be on cultural exchange and experiencing Hong Kong's unique offerings.
There may be limitations on the type and duration of work permitted under the WHV program, below are the restrictions.
Working Holiday Scheme - Employment Restrictions
This section outlines employment limitations for Working Holiday Visa holders based on their nationality.
Maximum Work Duration with Same Employer:
- Australia, Canada, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, New Zealand: 3 months
- Austria, Dutch, French, Swedish: 6 months
- British: 12 months (longest)
Working Holiday Scheme - Study Restrictions
This section details limitations on the number and duration of study or training courses allowed for Working Holiday Visa holders based on their nationality.
Number of Courses Allowed:
- Australia, Austria, British, Canada, Dutch, Italian (to be confirmed), Japanese, Swedish: Any number
- French, German, Hungarian, Korean, New Zealand: One only
- Irish: Not allowed
Maximum Cumulative Course Duration:
- British: 12 months (longest)
- Austria, Canada, Dutch, Italian (to be confirmed), Japanese, Swedish: 6 months
- French, German, Hungarian, Korean, New Zealand: 3 months (shortest)
Educational Background
Some countries participating in the WHV program may have educational background requirements. For example, they may require applicants to hold a university degree or be enrolled in a tertiary institution.
Work Experience
While not always a requirement, some countries may favor applicants with relevant work experience, especially in fields where there is a skills shortage in Hong Kong.
Financial Requirements
The applicant may be required to show proof of sufficient funds to support themselves during the initial phase of their stay in Hong Kong.
This could include their bank statement or evidence of sponsored accommodation.
Working Holiday Scheme - Financial Requirements
This section outlines the minimum financial proof applicants from each country need to demonstrate to stay in Hong Kong.
- British (highest): HK$22,000
- French, Hungarian (highest): HK$25,000
- Australia, Austria, Germany, Dutch, Irish, Japanese, Korean, Swedish: HK$20,000
- Canada: HK$15,000
- New Zealand (lowest): HK$14,000
- Italy: To be confirmed
By carefully considering these eligibility requirements and any additional factors specific to their home country, they can increase the chances of obtaining a Working Holiday Visa for Hong Kong.
What's the Application Process?
The application process for a Hong Kong Working Holiday Visa is handled by the ImmD.
How to Apply?
There are two ways to apply: online and in-person.
Online
The ImmD offers a convenient online system for submitting applications. This is usually the fastest and most efficient method.
In-Person
Applications can also be submitted on paper at the following locations:
- Immigration Department Headquarters in Hong Kong
- Chinese diplomatic and consular missions (CDCMs) in the applicant's home country (if participating in the WHV program)
What are the Required Documents?
- Completed Application Form (ID(E)940): This form must be filled out accurately and completely in block letters, with a recent passport-sized photo attached.
- Valid National Passport: The passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in Hong Kong and have enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- Proof of Sufficient Funds: Applicants need to demonstrate they have enough financial resources to support themselves initially in Hong Kong. This could include bank statements, traveler's cheques, or evidence of sponsored accommodation.
- Return Flight Ticket: Upon arrival in Hong Kong, the applicant must provide a copy of a return flight ticket or supporting documents showing sufficient funds to purchase one.
Medical Insurance
Medical and hospital insurance, plus coverage for repatriation and liability, is required for participants from Canada, Hungary, Ireland, Italy (exact start date to be confirmed), South Korea, Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.
French participants need comprehensive liability insurance that also covers medical expenses, including hospitalization, pregnancy, disability, and repatriation costs.
Austrian and German citizens need comprehensive liability insurance, and medical insurance covering hospitalization and repatriation is required.
Participants from Japan only need to have sufficient medical insurance.
Application Costs and Processing Times
A non-refundable processing fee is associated with the WHV application.
Payment methods may vary depending on the application method (online or in-person).
On the other hand, processing times can vary based on the ImmD's workload and the complexity of each application. Generally, applicants can expect a timeframe of 4 to 6 weeks.
To avoid delays, it's important to submit the application well in advance of the planned departure date.
What to Expect When Working in Hong Kong With a WHV?
The types of jobs allowed are hospitality and customer service, language teaching, retail, administrative and office support, and freelance work.
Don't expect full-time careers or high-level jobs. Your main purpose is to travel, and work is secondary.
You can't work for the same company for more than three months in a row, which encourages you to try different jobs.
Focus on short-term work; look for temporary, project-based, or casual jobs.
Lastly, salaries in Hong Kong vary depending on industry and experience.
WHV jobs usually offer lower pay compared to professional roles. You can expect to earn enough to cover basic living expenses.
What to Do Next?
Working Holiday Visa in Hong Kong offers opportunities for cultural experiences, exciting adventures, and professional growth.
Though a WHV mainly focuses on travel and short-term work, if you feel inspired to try freelance work or start a business, Air Corporate can help you succeed.
Let us help you spend less time on paperwork when applying for HK work visa and more time on important things.
FAQs
Obtaining a Hong Kong work visa can be challenging due to several factors. The process involves strict eligibility criteria, including having a valid job offer and meeting specific qualifications. Additionally, the application requires detailed documentation and may take several weeks for processing. However, with proper preparation, a clear job offer, and the right documentation, the process can be manageable.
Yes, you typically need a sponsor to work in Hong Kong. For most work visas, including the Employment Visa, you must have a valid job offer from a Hong Kong employer who will act as your sponsor. The employer must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a local candidate and must provide relevant documentation to support your visa application.
To obtain a work visa for Hong Kong, you generally need to meet the following requirements:
1. Valid Job Offer: You must have a confirmed job offer from a Hong Kong employer. The employer acts as your sponsor and must provide details about the job and why it requires an overseas worker.
2. Relevant Qualifications: You must have the necessary academic qualifications and professional experience for the job. This typically includes a recognized degree or relevant work experience.
3. Demonstrate No Local Talent: The employer must prove that the position cannot be filled by a local candidate. This often involves showing efforts to recruit locally and justifying the need for an overseas hire.
4. Adequate Salary: The offered salary should meet Hong Kong’s minimum wage standards and be sufficient to support yourself financially.
5. Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Hong Kong.
6. Application Documents: Submit a completed visa application form, a recent passport-sized photo, a copy of your job offer, proof of qualifications, and a valid passport. Additional documents may be required depending on the nature of the job and your background.
7. Proof of Financial Stability: Demonstrate that you can support yourself financially while in Hong Kong, although this is often covered by the job offer itself.
8. Medical and Criminal Record Checks: Depending on the visa type and your background, you might need to provide a medical certificate or a police clearance.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee visa approval, as each application is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
