Best Golden Visa Lawyers in Yau Ma Tei

About Golden Visa Law in Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong

"Golden Visa" is a generic term used internationally to describe residency or citizenship-by-investment programs. Hong Kong does not operate a formal residency-by-investment or "Golden Visa" program under that name. Immigration and residence in Hong Kong - including in Yau Ma Tei - are governed by the Immigration Ordinance and related policies of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. There are, however, several immigration routes that non-local people commonly use to live and work in Hong Kong - for example, skilled migrant schemes, talent admission schemes, employment visas, and entrepreneur routes. Yau Ma Tei is a neighbourhood in Kowloon - all immigration applications for people living or applying from Yau Ma Tei are processed under the same Hong Kong laws and by the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Immigration law and the practical steps to obtain long-term residence can be complex. A lawyer experienced in Hong Kong immigration can help in multiple ways:

- Assess eligibility - determine which immigration route fits your background, skills, business plan or investment aims.

- Prepare and organise documents - ensure applications, supporting documents, translations and statutory declarations meet government requirements.

- Structure business and investment arrangements - advise on company formation, shareholder arrangements, employment contracts and regulatory compliance if you plan to use business or entrepreneurial routes.

- Deal with refusals and appeals - represent you in administrative reviews, judicial reviews or re-submissions where an application was refused or poorly handled.

- Coordinate related legal matters - advise on tax, property purchase implications, family reunion claims and planning for eventual permanent residency or naturalisation if relevant.

In short, a lawyer reduces procedural risk, helps avoid delays, and improves the chance of a successful outcome when applications hinge on detailed documentation or legal interpretation.

Local Laws Overview

The key legal and policy points relevant to residency and "Golden Visa"-style enquiries in Yau Ma Tei and Hong Kong are:

- Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115) - the principal law governing entry, stay, residence and removal of non-permanent residents.

- Admission schemes - Hong Kong runs admission policies such as the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS), General Employment Policy, Technology Talent Admission Scheme and specific arrangements for entrepreneurs and professionals. The now-defunct Capital Investment Entrant Scheme was suspended in 2015 - it is not available.

- Ordinary residence and permanent residency - permanent residency is generally available to persons who have had seven years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong and meet the usual good character and intention-to-remain tests.

- Work conditions - many visas are tied to employment or a specific business activity. Working outside the allowed terms can lead to visa revocation and removal.

- Family reunion and dependants - certain principal applicants can sponsor spouses, dependent children and, in limited circumstances, dependent parents. Eligibility and documentation requirements differ by scheme.

- Criminal records and character requirements - applicants must disclose criminal convictions and may be refused on character or public policy grounds.

- Corporate and tax law interaction - business-based routes may require compliant company formation, employment contracts and adherence to Hong Kong tax rules; professional legal and tax advice is often needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hong Kong offer a "Golden Visa" that grants residency in exchange for an investment?

No. Hong Kong does not offer a program called "Golden Visa". The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, which had investor-style features, has been suspended since 2015. Instead, Hong Kong offers several immigration routes - including talent-based, employment-based and entrepreneur pathways - each with specific requirements and documentation.

What immigration routes are commonly used by investors and business founders?

Common routes include the General Employment Policy for skilled hires, entrepreneur routes for people setting up businesses who can show a viable business plan and contribution to the economy, and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme for highly skilled applicants who pass a points-based assessment. Which route fits you depends on your background, business plan and the nature of your intended activities in Hong Kong.

Can buying property in Yau Ma Tei or elsewhere in Hong Kong give me residency?

No. Purchasing residential or commercial property in Hong Kong does not by itself grant the right to live or to obtain residency. Residence rights are determined by immigration status under the Immigration Ordinance. Buying property may have commercial or personal benefits but it is not a residency gateway.

How long before I can apply for permanent residency?

Permanent residency is typically available after seven years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong, provided you meet character and other statutory requirements. Time spent on certain short-term visas may not count as ordinary residence; a lawyer can assess your specific residency record and advise on continuity and intent considerations.

Can my spouse and children be included in my application?

In many schemes, dependants such as spouse and dependent children can be included or sponsored by the principal applicant. Requirements differ by route. You will usually need to show proof of relationship, financial capacity to support dependants, and suitable accommodation. A lawyer can help prepare the family documentation to satisfy immigration requirements.

What documents are commonly required for immigration applications?

Typical documents include passport copies, proof of financial means or business funds, detailed business plans for entrepreneur applications, employment contracts or job offer letters for employment visas, academic and professional qualifications, police certificates or certificates of no criminal conviction, medical declarations where requested, and proof of accommodation. All documents should be certified or translated when required.

How long do immigration applications take to process?

Processing times vary by scheme, complexity and caseload. Simple employment-based visas may take a few weeks to several months. Talent and entrepreneur assessments can take several months. Processing times change periodically - expect a period of weeks to months and plan accordingly.

What happens if my application is refused?

If an application is refused, you may receive reasons for refusal and, in some circumstances, a right to administrative review or judicial review. A refusal may also allow re-submission if the grounds are addressable. Consulting a lawyer quickly is important to evaluate appeal options, prepare a fresh application or pursue judicial review where appropriate.

Do I need a lawyer to apply or can I do it myself?

Many applicants submit simple, straightforward applications without a lawyer. However, you should consider legal help if your case is complex - for instance if you are using an entrepreneur or talent scheme, have past immigration or criminal issues, need corporate structuring advice, or face a refusal. A lawyer can reduce avoidable mistakes, prepare stronger submissions and respond to queries from the Immigration Department.

How do Hong Kong taxes and corporate rules affect someone moving here for business?

If you move to Hong Kong to operate a business, local tax rules, payroll obligations and regulatory requirements will apply. Hong Kong has a territorial basis of taxation and relatively low rates, but you must register your company, follow employment law, and file tax returns. Legal and tax advice is recommended to structure your affairs lawfully and efficiently from the outset.

Additional Resources

Here are public bodies and organisations that are helpful when you seek legal or factual information about immigration and related matters in Hong Kong:

- Hong Kong Immigration Department - principal authority for visas, entry, stay and residence rules.

- Law Society of Hong Kong - for finding licensed solicitors who practice immigration and corporate law.

- Companies Registry - for company formation and company record matters if you plan to set up a business.

- Inland Revenue Department - for questions about taxation of residents and companies.

- Hong Kong Police Force - for obtaining police certificates or certificates of no criminal conviction.

- Invest Hong Kong - government agency that supports foreign businesses establishing in Hong Kong and provides practical information.

- Labour Department and the Department of Justice - for employment law and legal framework references.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for immigration or residence matters related to Yau Ma Tei or Hong Kong generally - consider these practical next steps:

- Gather basic documents - passports, identity documents, CV, proof of address, business documents and any existing correspondence with immigration authorities.

- Book an initial consultation with a Hong Kong-licensed immigration lawyer or solicitor. Request a written engagement letter that explains fees, estimated timelines and deliverables.

- Prepare to explain your objectives - employment, entrepreneurship, family reunion, or long-term residence - and any potential complications like previous refusals or criminal records.

- Ask the lawyer for a clear checklist, an assessment of suitable immigration routes, and a cost estimate for the full process - including government fees, translation or certification costs and legal fees.

- Stay organised - keep originals and certified copies, respond promptly to requests from your lawyer or the Immigration Department, and keep records of all submissions and communications.

Working with an experienced local lawyer will clarify your options, help you avoid common pitfalls and give you a realistic timeline for achieving your residency aims in Hong Kong.