Hong Kong Expands Short-Term Activity Visa Exemption Scheme to 17 Sectors
Hong Kong has further expanded its immigration facilitation measures for overseas professionals participating in short-term activities.
On 31 October 2025, the Hong Kong Government announced that, with effect from 1 November 2025, the scope of the Short-term Activities Scheme for Designated Sectors would be expanded from 12 to 17 designated sectors.
The expansion allows more eligible organisations to invite overseas professionals to Hong Kong for approved short-term activities. Subject to the applicable requirements, invited individuals may participate in these activities without applying for the employment visa or entry permit normally required for work in Hong Kong.
The measure is intended to facilitate international professional exchanges and strengthen Hong Kong’s ability to attract global talent.
Five New Sectors Added
The expansion introduces five additional sectors:
With these additions, the total number of designated sectors under the scheme has increased from 12 to 17.
The introduction of the “Others” category is particularly noteworthy, as it provides greater flexibility for activities that may not fall neatly within the existing designated sectors.
Eligible Overseas Professionals May Participate Without a Standard Employment Visa
The scheme applies to eligible overseas professionals invited by organisations recognised under the relevant government arrangements.
Invited individuals are generally required to hold an Invitation Letter issued by an eligible organisation. Provided that the relevant requirements and immigration conditions are satisfied, they may enter Hong Kong and participate in approved short-term activities without obtaining the employment visa or entry permit that would normally be required.
Under the scheme, eligible individuals may:
Participate in approved short-term activities in Hong Kong;
Carry out the relevant activities for up to 14 consecutive calendar days upon each arrival;
Receive remuneration for the approved activities, subject to the applicable requirements;
Be exempt from applying for the employment visa or entry permit normally required for such work.
Importantly, the scheme should not be regarded as a general exemption from Hong Kong’s work visa requirements. Eligibility depends on factors including the inviting organisation, the nature of the activity, the designated sector and the applicable government requirements.
Which Organisations Can Use the Scheme?
The scheme is not automatically available to every company or organisation in Hong Kong.
The inviting organisation must fall within the relevant category of recognised or eligible organisations, and the proposed activities must satisfy the requirements applicable to the designated sector.
Businesses considering inviting overseas experts, consultants, researchers or other professionals to Hong Kong should therefore confirm in advance:
Whether the inviting organisation is eligible under the scheme;
Whether the proposed activity qualifies as an approved short-term activity
Whether the invited individual satisfies the relevant immigration requirements;
Whether the duration and remuneration arrangements comply with the applicable rules.
The “Others” Category Provides Greater Flexibility
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the “Others” category.
According to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, this category may be used for inviting individuals to Hong Kong to participate in activities that are sponsored, co-organised or supported by the relevant policy bureaux or government departments.
This provides greater flexibility for professional and cross-sector activities that may not fall directly within one of the existing designated sectors and may help facilitate a wider range of international exchanges and specialist projects.
Priority for Local Employment Remains
While expanding measures to attract overseas talent, the Hong Kong Government continues to emphasise that such arrangements should operate on the basis of safeguarding employment opportunities for local professionals.
The Short-term Activities Scheme is therefore designed primarily to facilitate specific, time-limited professional activities and international exchanges. It does not replace the immigration arrangements applicable to ordinary or long-term employment in Hong Kong.
Where an overseas professional is expected to work in Hong Kong on a longer-term basis, provide ongoing services, or undertake activities outside the scope of the scheme, an appropriate employment visa or other entry permit may still be required.
What Does the Expansion Mean for Businesses?
The expansion to 17 designated sectors gives more organisations the opportunity to invite overseas professionals to Hong Kong for qualifying short-term projects, professional exchanges and other approved activities.
For multinational companies, professional service providers, research organisations and other institutions with international talent requirements, the broader scope may provide additional flexibility when arranging short-term professional engagements in Hong Kong.
However, businesses should carefully review the latest eligibility requirements before making travel or work arrangements, particularly because the scheme is subject to specific requirements regarding eligible organisations, approved activities and permitted duration of stay.
Conclusion
Effective 1 November 2025, Hong Kong expanded its Short-term Activities Scheme for Designated Sectors from 12 to 17 sectors, adding Environment, Occupational Safety and Health, Maritime, Think Tanks and Others.
Eligible overseas professionals holding an appropriate Invitation Letter may, subject to the applicable conditions, participate in approved short-term activities in Hong Kong for up to 14 consecutive calendar days upon each arrival without applying for the employment visa or entry permit normally required. They may also receive remuneration for qualifying activities in accordance with the scheme.
For businesses and organisations involved in international professional exchanges, specialist projects or short-term engagements with overseas experts, the expanded scheme may provide a more flexible route for bringing eligible talent to Hong Kong.
