Hong Kong visa in Singapore: Fees, requirements and more
If you’re planning a trip to Hong Kong, one of the first things you’ll be looking into is whether or not you need a visa.
In this guide, we’ll cover the different types of Singapore visa for Hong Kong, including situations where you can visit visa-free. We’ll also give you a handy rundown of requirements, fees and how to apply.
And when you arrive in Hong Kong, make sure to open a free Wise multi-currency account. It’ll give you a low cost way to send and receive money worldwide, and to spend like a Hong Kong local using your Wise debit Mastercard.
But first, let’s find out if you need a visa for your trip to Hong Kong.
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Do I need a travel visa to Hong Kong from Singapore?
If you’re a Singapore citizen and plan to visit Hong Kong for 90 days or less, you don’t need a visa. This is because Singapore has a reciprocal visa exemption arrangement¹ with Hong Kong, which means its citizens can visit for up to three months visa-free.
However, there are certain things you’re not allowed to do during a visa-free visit to Hong Kong. For example, you can’t work, train or study. If you want to do any of these things or stay for longer than 90 days, you’ll need to get a Singapore visa for Hong Kong.
Types of Hong Kong visa for Singaporeans
If you’re planning a longer stay in Hong Kong or are heading there to work or study, you’ll need to apply for a visa. There are a few different visa types and schemes to choose from, depending on the reason for your visit. For example²:
Employment visa
You can apply for a visa to work in Hong Kong if you have a confirmed offer of employment and the role can’t be easily filled by a local. It also helps if you have a strong educational background and demonstrable skill set.
Investment visa
This is for applicants prepared to make a ‘substantial contribution’ to the country’s economy with investment in a business or by starting their own business in Hong Kong.
Training visa
This will give you leave to remain in Hong Kong for up to 12 months to participate in a training course, to learn special skills and knowledge not available in Singapore. You’ll need a company to sponsor you, and you can bring your partner along too.
Study visa
You can apply for this visa if you’ve been accepted for a full-time, locally-accredited programme of study. You’ll need a local sponsor, usually the education facility where you’ll be studying.
There are also schemes and programmes aimed at people wanting to permanently settle in Hong Kong. For example, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme³, a quota-based system which aims to attract highly skilled professionals from all over the world to settle in Hong Kong.
How to apply for a Hong Kong visa from Singapore
If you live in Singapore, there are two ways you can apply for a Hong Kong visa. The first is through the Chinese Embassy in Singapore, while the second is to apply directly to Hong Kong immigration. You’ll need to come in person, or send an authorised third party to submit the application for you.
You’ll need to complete the Hong Kong Visa Application Form and provide a number of supporting documents, which we’ll look at next.
What documents will I need?
You’ll need different types of paperwork and evidence depending which Hong Kong visa you’re applying for (i.e. work, training or study visa).
But here’s what you’ll need as a minimum⁴:
- Your completed visa application form
- A Singapore passport with at least 6 months validity, and two blank visa pages
- A recent passport-size photograph of yourself (affixed to the application form)
- Bank statements from the last three months to show that you have adequate funds to cover your stay in Hong Kong
- An original invitation letter or proof of employment letter
- A round trip plane ticket and confirmation of hotel reservation.
How long does it take to get a visa?
While it can vary depending on the type of visa and the reason for your visit to Hong Kong, it normally takes around a month⁴ for visa applications to be processed.
How much does a Singapore visa for Hong Kong cost?
There are two fees to pay when you apply for your Hong Kong visa. The first is a handling fee of 30 SGD, and then there’s a visa fee of 50 SGD⁴. It’s likely that you’ll need to pay your fees in cash, either at the time of your application or when you go to collect your visa.
Save money on travel expenses with a Wise account
If you need a cost effective way to either save money abroad or cover travel and living expenses during your time in Hong Kong, here it is - Wise.
Open a free Wise account and you can send money between Singapore and Hong Kong for tiny fees and the mid-market exchange rate. It’s quick, secure and convenient. If you need a top-up from home, you can even receive SGD for free.
You can spend like a local too, using your international and contactless Wise debit Mastercard which you can get with the linked multi-currency account. Simply tap to pay and the currency will be automatically converted using the fairest exchange rate. You’ll only pay a small conversion fee, and never any foreign transaction fees. Better still, you can withdraw up to 350 SGD⁵ a month for free at Hong Kong ATMs.
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After reading this guide, you should have a better idea of the visa you’ll need to visit Hong Kong from Singapore. If, of course, you need one at all. It’s great that Singaporeans can visit the region visa-free for up to 90 days, and there are lots of other options available if you need to stay longer. Enjoy your stay in Hong Kong!
Sources used for this article:
- Chinese Embassy in Singapore - Hong Kong Visas for Citizens of Singapore & Other Countries
- Govt. of Hong Kong Immigration Department - Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
- Govt. of Hong Kong Immigration Department - Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
- Chinese Embassy in Singapore - Requirements for Hong Kong Visas
- Wise Card - Multi-Currency Card - Wise
Sources checked on 15 March 2021
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