If you are moving to Hong Kong or hiring foreign talent there, understanding the Hong Kong dependent visa process is important.
A dependent visa in Hong Kong allows eligible family members of a visa holder or a Hong Kong permanent resident to live in Hong Kong. Most spouses can work without a separate visa, subject to Immigration Department rules. All applications are reviewed by the Hong Kong Immigration Department and must include the applicant's valid travel document and supporting proof.
This guide explains eligibility, required documents, processing time, and key requirements from the Immigration Department in Hong Kong.
Key Takeaways
- A dependent visa application requires clear proof of the applicant's relationship to the sponsor, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or documentation of a same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, or opposite-sex civil union that is legally recognized by local authorities.
- Submitting all required documents is essential, including a valid travel document showing personal particulars, a marriage certificate, a birth certificate, an applicant's visit permit, and any re-entry visa held. Incomplete required documents often delay approval of dependent visas.
- Applicants from Mainland China, Macao, or Taiwan may need to provide a China Resident Identity Card, the applicant's Macao Identity Card or Taiwan Identity Card, the applicant's household registration transcript, and additional birth certificate records, depending on immigration status and local authorities’ requirements.
- Approval of a dependent visa depends on demonstrating the sponsor's financial standing and reasonable proof of ability to support family members in Hong Kong's economic conditions. Applicants must also budget for the visa issuance fee after approval.
- Every dependent visa application must include a valid travel document with accurate personal particulars, previous re-entry visa details if applicable, and supporting birth certificate or marriage certificate records to ensure smooth verification by local authorities.
What Is a Hong Kong Dependent Visa?
A Hong Kong dependent visa is a residence permit that allows eligible family members to live in Hong Kong with a lawful sponsor. It applies mainly to spouses and unmarried dependent children of approved visa holders or Hong Kong residents.
The Hong Kong dependent visa is granted based on specific eligibility criteria set by the Immigration Department. Applicants must submit their valid travel document, the sponsor's valid travel document, and supporting documents to prove the family relationship and meet the eligibility criteria.
Once approved, the Hong Kong dependent visa allows the holder to reside in Hong Kong for the same duration as the sponsor’s permitted stay.
Who Can Be a Sponsor
Eligible sponsors include:
- Employment, investment, training, or student visa holders (full-time undergraduate or postgraduate students).
- Permanent residents of Hong Kong.
- Individuals admitted under specific schemes (e.g., Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, Top Talent Pass Scheme, New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme).
Meanwhile, people from certain categories cannot act as sponsors, including:
- Mainland Chinese residents, unless admitted under specific visa schemes
- Former Mainland residents in Macao with less than 7 years of Macao residency
- Nationals of Afghanistan and North Korea
The dependent visa is primarily intended for family reunification and is not available to fiancés, de facto partners, or nationals of Afghanistan and North Korea. For sponsors who hold an employment or investment visa, eligible dependents are limited to a spouse and unmarried children under 18. Parents aged 60 or above may apply only if the sponsor is a Hong Kong permanent resident or a resident not subject to a limit of stay.
Only those with legal, long-term permission to stay in Hong Kong can sponsor dependents.
Who Can Apply as a Dependent
To be approved for a dependent visa, the applicant must fall under one of the eligible family member categories listed below. Each category comes with specific requirements and documentation.
1. Spouse
This applies to legally married sponsors' partners.
- Includes both opposite-sex and same-sex marriages, civil unions, or partnerships.
- The marriage must be officially recognized in the country where it was registered.
Note
Note
Hong Kong recognizes same-sex civil partnerships or marriages registered abroad for dependent visa purposes. However, cohabiting partners, fiancés/fiancées, and de facto spouses do not qualify.
2. Unmarried Dependent Children Under 18
This covers biological or adopted children of the sponsor.
- The child must be under 18 and unmarried at the time of application.
- Proof of relationship (e.g. birth certificate or adoption documents) is required.
3. Parents Aged 60 or Above
This applies only if the sponsor is a permanent resident or has an unconditional stay in Hong Kong.
- Evidence of financial and emotional dependence on the sponsor is required.
- Must show that the sponsor can support them in Hong Kong.
4. Legal Guardian (Special Cases)
In limited situations, a legal guardian may apply on behalf of a minor.
- Applies in cases of adoption, orphaned children, or where no biological parent can act as a sponsor.
- Documentation must establish legal guardianship and the necessity of care.
Each case is assessed individually by the Immigration Department.
Required Documents for Dependent Visa in Hong Kong
To apply for a dependent visa, both the sponsor and the dependent must provide specific supporting documents. All documents must be clear, complete, and submitted in Chinese or English. If not, a certified translation is required.
For the Sponsor
The sponsor must submit documents that prove identity, visa status, financial stability, and accommodation.
Required Documents
- Copy of Hong Kong Identity Card
- Copy of valid travel document (passport) showing personal details, visa label, and latest e-Visa (if applicable)
- Proof of financial standing (bank statements, salary slips, tax receipts)
- Proof of accommodation (tenancy agreement or property documents)
Note
Note
If the sponsor is a non-permanent resident, a valid visa or stay label in Hong Kong must also be submitted.
For the Dependent
The dependent must provide documents that prove identity, current immigration status (if in Hong Kong), and their relationship with the sponsor.
Required Documents
- Recent photograph (passport-style)
- Valid travel document with personal details, expiry date, and visa information
- If already in Hong Kong: include the latest arrival stamp, landing slip, stay extension label, and e-Visa (if any)
- Hong Kong Identity Card (if applicable)
- Proof of relationship with the sponsor:
- Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Birth certificate (for child)
- Family photos, letters, or census records (if needed for verification)
Nationality-Specific Requirements
- Macao SAR residents: Macao ID and Visit Permit
- Taiwan residents: Taiwan ID and household registration
- PRC passport holders (overseas Chinese): Proof of overseas residence or stay status
General Benefits of Holding a Dependent Visa
Holding a dependent visa in Hong Kong offers several benefits, including:
- Right to Reside: Dependents can legally reside in Hong Kong for the duration of the primary visa holder's stay.
- Right to Work: Spouses on a dependent visa have the right to work in Hong Kong without needing a separate employment visa.
- Access to Education: Dependent children can attend local schools and access educational facilities.
- Healthcare and Social Services: Dependents are eligible for healthcare and other social services available to residents.
Dependent Visa Application Process
Applying for a dependent visa in Hong Kong involves a series of steps that require careful preparation and submission of specific documents. Here's a detailed guide to help you navigate the application process:
Submission Methods
There are two ways to submit a dependent visa application:
1. Online Submission
You can apply online and upload all supporting documents through the Immigration Department's official system. Payment of the application fee (if applicable) must be completed during submission.
- Maximum of 9 applications per group
- The sponsor can include dependents when submitting their own visa application under certain schemes
- If you're asked for supplementary documents, you can upload them via the same online portal
Both the applicant and the sponsor may submit the required documents online through the official Hong Kong Government website.
Note
Note
Online systems for schemes like GEP, ASMTP, IANG, TTAS, QMAS, TTPS, and N-CIES already include dependent visa sections.
2. Paper Submission
You can also submit your application and documents by post or in person at the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Application Steps
1. Gather All the Required Documents
Ensure you have all necessary dependent visa documents prepared before starting the application process.
- Completed Application Form ID 997
- Proof of Relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.)
- Financial Proof of Sponsor's Financial Standing (bank statements, salary slips, tax receipts, etc.)
- Accommodation Proof in Hong Kong (rental agreement or property ownership documents)
- Copies of Passports containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry, and the current visa/entry permit/extension of stay label in the HKSAR/the latest issued “e-Visa”
- Recent Passport-Sized Photographs
2. Complete Application Form ID 997
Download and fill out the application form ID 997 from the Hong Kong Immigration Department's website. This form is essential for the dependent visa application.
The application form must be duly completed and signed before submission. If the applicant is under 16 years old, the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. Incomplete or unsigned forms may result in delays or rejection.
3. Submit Proof of Relationship
- Marriage Certificate: If applying for a spouse, provide a legally recognized marriage certificate.
- Birth Certificate: For children, provide birth certificates that establish the parent-child relationship.
- Other Proof: For parents aged 60 or older, provide documents demonstrating dependency on the primary visa holder.
4. Provide Financial Proof of Sponsor's Ability to Support Dependents
Submit evidence, such as bank statements, salary slips, and tax returns, to demonstrate that the primary visa holder has sufficient financial resources to support the dependents in Hong Kong.
5. Submit Accommodation Proof in Hong Kong
Provide documentation that shows adequate accommodation for the dependents in Hong Kong. This can include a rental agreement or property ownership documents.
6. Submit the Application
The complete application package, including a dependent visa application form and all supporting documents, can be submitted either by post or in person to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.
Application Fee
Once you've submitted the dependent visa application, the next step is to pay the required fees and wait for processing.
If you're applying under a Specified Scheme (e.g., GEP, TTPS, ASMTP), there are two separate fees:
| Fee Type | Amount (HKD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Application Fee | HKD 600 | Paid upon submission |
| Visa Issuance Fee | HKD 600 (≤180 days) HKD 1,300 (>180 days) | Paid after approval |
