Dependant Visas in Hong Kong: Who Can Apply and What Documents Are Needed

Dependant Visa Hong Kong Eligibility and Application Process

A dependant visa lets the spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 of a Hong Kong resident visa holder live in Hong Kong. The visa carries full rights to work and study without separate approval. The application is document-heavy. The visa’s validity tracks the sponsor’s own permission to stay.

Who Can Apply for a Dependant Visa

The Hong Kong Immigration Department grants dependant visas to two categories of applicants:

• Spouse of a person who holds a valid visa or entry permit to reside in Hong Kong for employment, investment, study, or as a dependant themselves.
• Unmarried dependent child aged under 18 of such a person.

The sponsor must be a Hong Kong resident holding a valid visa that permits him or her to reside in Hong Kong. Common sponsor categories include employment visa holders, Top Talent Pass holders, and persons admitted under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme.

Hong Kong Dependant Visa Requirements

To qualify, the applicant must satisfy the Immigration Department that:

• There is a genuine relationship between the applicant and the sponsor.
• The sponsor has sufficient financial support to maintain the dependant in Hong Kong without relying on public funds.
• The sponsor has suitable accommodation to house the dependant.
• The applicant has no known criminal record and poses no security risk to Hong Kong.

The Immigration Department assesses each application on its merits. There is no fixed income threshold. The sponsor should be able to demonstrate a stable income and adequate living space.

Dependant Visa Application Documents

The application requires the following supporting documents:

For the applicant (dependant):

• Completed application form (ID 990A for applicants outside Hong Kong, or ID 990B for those already in Hong Kong)
• Recent photograph
• Copy of valid travel document (passport)
• Copy of Hong Kong identity card (if already held)
• Proof of relationship with the sponsor:
• Marriage certificate for spouse applicants
• Birth certificate for child applicants
• Evidence of financial support (bank statements, pay slips, or a letter from the sponsor confirming support)
• Evidence of accommodation (tenancy agreement, property ownership documents, or a letter from the sponsor confirming accommodation)

For the sponsor:

• Completed sponsor’s undertaking (Part 7 of form ID 990A or ID 990B)
• Copy of the sponsor’s Hong Kong identity card
• Copy of the sponsor’s valid visa or entry permit
• Evidence of the sponsor’s financial standing (bank statements, tax returns, employment contract)
• Evidence of the sponsor’s accommodation

All documents not in English or Chinese must be accompanied by a certified translation.

Dependant Visa for Spouse and Children

The dependant visa covers both the spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 of the principal visa holder. Each dependant must submit a separate application. The Immigration Department processes applications for family members together where possible.

For child applicants, the Immigration Department may request additional evidence of dependency. Proof that the child lives with the sponsor and is financially supported by them is the standard. Children aged 18 or over are not eligible for a dependant visa and must apply for a separate visa category, such as an employment visa or student visa.

Dependant Visa Right to Work

A dependant visa holder has the right to work in Hong Kong without needing to apply for a separate employment visa. The condition of stay permits them to take up any employment, establish a business, or engage in study. The dependant does not need a sponsor for employment and can change jobs freely. The Immigration Department does not impose a restriction on the type of work or the employer.

Dependant Visa Right to Study

Dependant visa holders may study in Hong Kong without applying for a student visa. They can enrol in any educational institution, from primary school to university, subject to the institution’s admission requirements. For school-age children, the sponsor should ensure that the child has a valid dependant visa before enrolling in a Hong Kong school. The Immigration Department may request proof of school enrolment during the visa extension process.

Application Process

The application for a dependant visa can be submitted:

• From outside Hong Kong: Submit the application to the Chinese embassy or consulate in the applicant’s place of residence, or by post to the Immigration Department in Hong Kong.
• From within Hong Kong: Submit the application in person or by post to the Immigration Department’s Dependant Visa Section.

Processing takes four to six weeks for straightforward applications. The Immigration Department may request additional documents or an interview if needed.

Visa Extension

A dependant visa is granted for a period linked to the sponsor’s visa validity. To extend the stay, the dependant must submit an application for extension before the current visa expires. The extension application requires:

• Completed form ID 91
• Copy of the dependant’s travel document
• Copy of the sponsor’s Hong Kong identity card and valid visa
• Evidence of continued financial support and accommodation
• Proof of relationship (if the sponsor’s visa has changed)

The Immigration Department may grant an extension for a period matching the sponsor’s remaining visa validity, or for a shorter period if circumstances have changed.

Distinction by Principal Visa Type

The eligibility criteria for a dependant visa are the same regardless of the principal visa type. The Immigration Department may apply different processing standards:

• Employment visa holders: The sponsor must hold a valid employment visa under the General Employment Policy or the Admission of Talents Professionals Scheme. The dependant visa is tied to the sponsor’s employment visa.
• Top Talent Pass holders: The sponsor must hold a valid Top Talent Pass. The dependant visa is tied to the sponsor’s Top Talent Pass.
• Quality Migrant Admission Scheme: The sponsor must have been approved under the QMAS and be a Hong Kong resident. The dependant visa is tied to the sponsor’s QMAS approval.

In all cases, the dependant visa is conditional on the sponsor maintaining valid immigration status. If the sponsor’s visa expires or is revoked, the dependant’s visa also ceases to be valid.

Summary of Key Points

• A dependant visa is available for the spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18 of a Hong Kong resident visa holder.
• The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient financial support and suitable accommodation.
• The dependant visa holder has the right to work and study in Hong Kong without separate approval.
• The application requires proof of relationship, financial evidence, and accommodation evidence.
• The visa is tied to the sponsor’s visa validity and must be extended before expiry.

For specific advice on a dependant visa application, consult the Immigration Department’s website or seek professional immigration advice.