Hong Kong family visa

Eligible residents and visa holders can sponsor certain family members. Separate rules cover permanent residence rights and mainland Chinese settlement.

Ways to get a Hong Kong family visa

Dependent visa
Other permit
Spouses and dependent children under 18 may qualify if their sponsor has unconditional stay or permission for study, training, professional employment, investment, the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme or the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. Sponsors with unconditional stay may also sponsor dependent parents over 60.
Entry with right of abode or right to land
No visa needed
People who already have the right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong can enter without a visa or conditions of stay.
Stay
Unrestricted.
One-way Permit for settlement
Other permit
Chinese nationals holding a Permit for Proceeding to Hong Kong and Macao can use this settlement route.
Stay
7 years are listed for this route before possible permanent residence eligibility.
Passports that qualify (1)
- China

Who needs it

People without the right of abode or right to land need a visa or relevant permit to take up residence.

Who doesn't

People with the right of abode or right to land can enter without a visa and without conditions of stay.

Good to know

Eligible sponsors can sponsor a spouse and dependent children under 18.
People on unconditional stay may also sponsor dependent parents over 60.
Dependants of student visa holders need prior Immigration Department permission to work.
Other dependent visa holders may work or change jobs without prior approval.
Nationals of Afghanistan and North Korea are not eligible for dependent visas.
Sponsors on unconditional stay generally cannot sponsor Chinese nationals with mainland household registration or certain Macau residents, with a few exceptions.
Same-sex couples registered abroad can receive dependent visas.

Questions

Do I need a family visa for Hong Kong?

People without the right of abode or right to land need a visa or relevant permit to take up residence. People with the right of abode or right to land can enter without a visa and without conditions of stay.

What are the ways to get a family visa for Hong Kong?

There are 3 options: Dependent visa (a special permit); Entry with right of abode or right to land (no visa at all); One-way Permit for settlement (a special permit).

Who can go to Hong Kong without a family visa?

People who already have the right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong can enter without a visa or conditions of stay.

What rules do I have to follow on a Hong Kong family visa?

Eligible sponsors can sponsor a spouse and dependent children under 18. People on unconditional stay may also sponsor dependent parents over 60. Dependants of student visa holders need prior Immigration Department permission to work. Other dependent visa holders may work or change jobs without prior approval.

Does my passport change whether I need a family visa for Hong Kong?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Hong Kong visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a family visa for Hong Kong be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Hong Kong family visa rules?

On Hong Kong's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my family visa once I am in Hong Kong?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

Reviewed by @snuck