How to apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong?

Are you considering bringing your loved ones to Hong Kong? Then, you should check out the dependent visa here. The Hong Kong dependent visa enables professionals, students, and long-term residents to bring their families to the city from their previous nation of residence.

Like any other visa, both the applicant and the sponsor must meet specific requirements and criteria. And you might need clarification to get a full picture of the dependent visa application process.

You are at the right place! This guide will give you all the essential information to apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong. We’ll also cover how you can save money when living as an expat, using Wise for low-cost international payments which use the actual mid-market exchange rate.

Learn more about Wise

Table of contents
Who can apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong? What documents are needed to apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong? How to apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong? How long does it take to apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong? How much does it cost to apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong?

Who can apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong?

The status of the sponsor determines the eligibility for the dependent visa.

For the sponsor who is a Hong Kong permanent resident or resident who is not subject to a limit of stay, the dependant must be:¹

• His/her spouse; or
• In any types of marriages, partnerships or civil unions with the sponsor, including same-sex and opposite-sex. The marriage or partnership must be legally recognized by the local authorities in the place where it was celebrated; and
• His/her unmarried dependent child under the age of 18; and
• His/her parents who are aged 60 or above.

For the sponsor who is a Hong Kong visa holder who takes up employment, or studies in Hong Kong, or is an entrant of the QMAS, the Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents or the TTPS, the dependant must be:¹

• His/her spouse; or
• In marriages, partnerships or civil unions with the sponsor, including same-sex and opposite-sex. The marriage or partnership must be legally recognized by the local authorities in the place where it was celebrated; and
• His/her unmarried dependent child under the age of 18.

In addition, a dependent visa application may be favourably considered if it satisfies the following conditions:

• There is reasonable proof of a genuine relationship between the applicant and the sponsor;
• No evidence or information could negatively impact the applicant; and
• The sponsor can financially support the dependant's standard of living, which should be well above the minimum subsistence level, and provide appropriate housing in the HKSAR.

What documents are needed to apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong?

To apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong, both the sponsor and the applicant need to submit some specific documents. Here’s a list of common documents to be submitted for a dependent visa in Hong Kong:

Required documents to be submitted by the applicant¹

• Part A of Application form Entry for Residence as Dependants in Hong Kong (ID 997);
• The applicant's recent photograph;
• Photocopy of the applicant's valid travel document containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable); or
• If applicants are currently staying in Hong Kong, include a photocopy of his/her travel document page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” issued (if applicable); or a photocopy of People's Republic of China resident identity card;
• Photocopy of the applicant's Hong Kong identity card (if any);
• Photocopy of proof of the applicant's relationship with the sponsor; and
• If the applicant is a Macao SAR resident, submit a photocopy of the applicant's Macao identity card; or
• If the applicant is a Taiwan resident, submit a photocopy of the applicant's household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identity card.

Required documents to be submitted by the sponsor

• Part B of Application form Entry for Residence as Dependants in Hong Kong (ID 997);
• Photocopy of the sponsor's Hong Kong identity card;
• Photocopy of the sponsor's valid travel document 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” (If the sponsor is a non-permanent resident of the HKSAR);
• Photocopy of proof of the sponsor's financial standing; and
• Photocopy of proof of sponsor's accommodation.

How to apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong?

With all the necessary dependent visa documents in hand, let's dive right into the application process:

Step 1: Prepare all the required documents

Make sure that you have all the above documents. The application form must be duly completed and signed. If the applicant is under 16, the parent or legal guardian must sign the form.

You should also double-check all the information you have already filled out to avoid mistakes.

Step 2: Submit your application forms and supporting documents

Both the sponsor and dependant must directly submit the required documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department. The submission can be made in person or through the government online portal.

Both the applicant and sponsor can submit the required documents online on the Hong Kong Government website.

If the sponsor and the dependant are in Hong Kong, they can also submit the by post directly at:

Receipt and Despatch Sub-Unit
Hong Kong Immigration Department
2/F, Immigration Tower
7 Gloucester Road
Wan Chai, Hong Kong

If the applicant resides overseas, he/she may submit the application forms together with the relevant supporting documents at the nearest Chinese Embassy or Consulate. If the applicant currently is in mainland China, he/she might submit via the Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing or the Immigration Division of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai.

How long does it take to apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong?

After submitting your application, it typically takes around six weeks¹ to receive the results.

It is important to understand that the approval of applications is solely at the government's choice and subject to policy changes without prior notice. The Director of Immigration has complete authority to reject any application, even if it satisfies all eligibility criteria.

How much does it cost to apply for a dependent visa in Hong Kong?

If the application gets approved, you must pay the dependent visa fee via online payment, cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS or cheque¹.

The visa fee for the dependent visa is the same as the Ordinary visa, which costs HKD 230².

If your loved ones want to send you money before they relocate to Hong Kong, you can check out Wise! With Wise, you and your loved ones can enjoy transparent international payments in 50+ currencies to 70+ countries with the actual mid-market exchange rate!

There you have it - the complete guide to getting your dependent visa in Hong Kong. However, it is worth noting that the requirements for a dependent visa in Hong Kong are often complicated, and they do change from time to time. Make sure you and your loved ones always keep up to date with the most recent requirements and apply ahead!

And when it’s time to send payments in a foreign currency, get Wise to cut the costs and get your payment where it needs to be without any hidden fees.

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Sources:

1 Immigration Department: Dependants
2 Immigration Department: Fee Tables

Sources last checked on 9 Jan 2024