Hong Kong Immigration Department Increase Service User Fees MASSIVELY TODAY
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Hong Kong Immigration Department Increase Service User Fees
New Visa Fee Structure for Visa Applications Effective from 26 February 2025 (TODAY)
Starting from 11 a.m. on 26 February 2025 (the “commencement time”), applicants submitting an application under any of the visa types listed below, will be required to pay an application fee and a visa issuance fee upon approval, based on a two-tiered fee structure.
Applicable Visa Types
The new fee structure applies to the following visas type:
- Top Talent Pass Scheme
- General Employment Policy
- Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals
- Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
- Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates
- Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents
- New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (excluding applications for unconditional stay or visit visas)
- Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (excluding applications for unconditional stay or visit visas)
- Technology Talent Admission Scheme
- Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme
New Fee Structure
Upon submitting an application under one of the listed visa types, the applicant (principal or dependant) must pay an application fee.
If approved, the corresponding visa issuance fee must be paid according to the two-tiered fee structure before collecting the visa.
| Type of Applicant | Item | (HK$) |
|---|---|---|
| Principal Applicant / Dependant | Application Fee Per Applicant (non-refundable) | 600 |
| Visa Issuance Fee (for a stay of more than 180 days) | 1,300 | |
| Visa Issuance Fee (for a stay of 180 days or less) | 600 |
Calculation of “Relevant Period”
The “relevant period” under the new visa fees schedule is determined as follows:
Ordinary Visa / Entry Permit
The relevant period is the fixed limit of stay stated on the visa/permit.
Example: If the stated period is 36 months, 24 months, 2 weeks, or 7 days, that period applies.
If the stated period is 6 months or more, the visa issuance fee is HK$1,300.
Last Date Under Limit of Stay
Relevant period = Last date under the limit of stay – Date of visa issuance fee payment.
Example: If the last date under the limit of stay is 31 March 2025, and the payment date is 1 March 2025, the relevant period is 30 days.
Extension of Stay (No Change in Condition of Stay)
Relevant period = Last date under new limit of stay – Last date under original limit of stay.
Example: If the last date under the new limit of stay is 31 March 2025, and the original limit ended on 1 March 2025, the relevant period is 30 days.
Change of Condition of Stay (e.g., Change of Employment)
With no change to the limit of stay: Relevant period = Last date under the limit of stay – Date of visa issuance fee payment.
With extension of the limit of stay: Relevant period = Last date under new limit of stay – Date of visa issuance fee payment.
FAQs
1. Do I need to pay the new visa issuance fee if my application was submitted before the commencement time but approved after?
No. Applications submitted before the commencement time will be charged based on the original fee structure.
2. If my application was submitted and approved before the commencement time but I collect my “e-Visa” afterward, do I need to pay the new visa issuance fee?
No. The original fee structure applies to applications submitted before the commencement time.
3. Will the application fee be refunded if my application is refused or cancelled?
No. The application fee is non-refundable in any circumstance.
4. Will the application fee be refunded if I withdraw my application?
No. The fee is non-refundable, and paying the fee does not guarantee approval.
5. What electronic payment methods are accepted for fee payment?
The online payment service will accept:
- Credit Cards (VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay, JCB)
- Payment by Phone Service (PPS)
- Faster Payment System (FPS)
- Mainland China Digital Wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay, UnionPay App)
6. Is there a deadline to pay the visa issuance fee after approval?
Yes. The time limit for payment is specified in the application result notification.
For more details on other visa application fees, please refer to the official Fee Tables provided by the Immigration Department.
Hong Kong Immigration Department Increase Service User Fees
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The Hong Kong Visa Geeza (a.k.a Stephen Barnes) is a co-founder of the Hong Kong Visa Centre and author of the Hong Kong Visa Handbook. A law graduate of the London School of Economics, Stephen has been practicing Hong Kong immigration since 1993 and is widely acknowledged as the leading authority on business immigration matters here for the last 24 years.
