If you want to immigrate to Hong Kong from New Zealand, you will need a permit to work, study, open or join an existing business.
Taking up residence in the HKSAR is subject to several conditions, and foreigners need to be aware of the requirements that apply in their case based on nationality and their purpose of stay.
You can easily start the procedures needed to move to Hong Kong from New Zealand with the help of our local team of lawyers in Hong Kong. We work with foreigners who are interested in immigration matters, as well as those who have questions about the relevant laws for employment or doing business.
If you want to relocate to Hong Kong from New Zealand, this short guide will provide you with essential information. However, for detailed questions and assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to our immigration lawyers in Hong Kong.
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Types of entry permits
New Zealand nationals can remain in the HKSAR for medium or long periods, or they can take up residence here, once they obtain an adequate visa/entry permit.
Entry permits are issued to those who will move to Hong Kong from New Zealand for one of the following purposes:
- Employment: under the General Employment Policy, the Top Talent Pass Scheme, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme;
- Business: under the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, the Investment as Entrepreneurs Scheme, or training; you may also choose to relocate to Hong Kong from New Zealand under the working holiday scheme (subject to an annual quota);
- Study: for New Zealand citizens who have been accepted by a Hong Kong university, college, or other recognized educational institution;
- Family reunification: for New Zealanders who already have a spouse or another relative who is a Hong Kong resident or permanent resident (has the right of abode).
The holder of such a visa/entry permit will immigrate to Hong Kong from New Zealand for the purpose stated on the document. It is possible to extend or change the purpose of stay in the HKSAR and our Hong Kong lawyers can give you more details if this applies in your case.
Necessary documents
Each visa or entry permit is issued for a certain duration and under certain conditions. The applicant’s compliance with the purpose of stay must be evident from the submitted documents.
Our immigration lawyers highlight the fact that incorrect or incomplete submissions will hinder the evaluation process. To make sure that your documents are correct and complete, we suggest getting in touch with our team as soon as you decide to immigrate to Hong Kong.
Below, we list some of the documents needed by those who will move to Hong Kong from New Zealand for work purposes under the General Employment Policy:
- Application form;
- Recent photograph;
- Copy of the applicant’s valid travel document;
- Documents indicating the applicant’s academic qualifications and work experience.
The Hong Kong company will also submit a set of documents, among which its business registration certificate, an application to employ foreign professionals in Hong Kong, a copy of the employment agreement, and others.
We also remind applicants that:
- It can take 4 weeks to process an entry permit application;
- The work permit is valid for 1 year or more;
- An ordinary visa application is subject to a fee of $230;
- The fee for extending the limit of stay/changing the conditions is $230.
Residency in Hong Kong is granted to a foreign national who has obtained the relevant entry permit.
If you want to immigrate to Hong Kong from New Zealand, you will need to continue to renew your temporary residence permit. After seven years, you will be able to apply for permanent residency.
Contact the immigration experts at our law firm in Hong Kong for more information about your relocation options.