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My GF and I have been together for 7 years now (as a common law marriage in Canada).

She has an HKID due to the fact that her parents are from HK, although she wasn't born here. I am assuming this HKID allows her to work if she wishes, since it doesn't say otherwise. It seems to be a full fledged ID, as opposed to a work visa or student, etc. So she should be able to stay as long as she wants.

However, what are we to do about getting me in? I will not be working locally in HK, but I will be living off the income made from my personal business, which I run as a sole proprietorship. So I can move this 'business' anywhere I want.

Our net value isn't very high, and she will not be working in HK (she is actually MY dependant)...

This is confusing.. So it seems that the only way to get myself a residency visa is to be HER dependant, since SHE is the one with a permanent ID card...

How does that work though, when I am the one making the income?

I've been trying to figure this out, and I don't want to sell all my belongings in Canada, and come all the way here this December only to find out I won't be able to stay!

I guess if it comes down to it, I could apply as one of her family member's dependant, right? If they are up to it, of course (since it seems to be only a technicality, it might be the only way I think)

If your wife does have permanent residency, then the option to apply for a dependant visa looks to be the most suitable depending upon your combined net worth, which will be one of the major points.

If everything is in order with your application, you will be allowed to work in Hong Kong with the dependant visa.

Let me know if your want your case evaluated.

[berryplucker]

Have the rules changed? A common law husband/wife (i.e. just someone you have been living with for some time without a legal marriage) is recognised as a dependent now?

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I don't want to work for a company here, I just want to run my own business, which is based on the internet, so I can do it anywhere! I just need to be able to stay here for longer than 3 months. That's all my needs are! Hehe

If they are overly concerned about my 'net worth' I don't think I will have much luck...

Is it possible to apply as a dependant of an in-law?

[KnowItAll]

>> so I can do it anywhere

So why Hong Kong? Its expensive.

The problem is most people who are from Europe or America forget what immigration is like in their countries and are surprised when they find out that HK is actually one of the most liberal places in terms of immigration.

Try using that "I do my work on the internet" line to get into France or the US.

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Originally Posted by KnowItAll

>> so I can do it anywhere

So why Hong Kong? Its expensive.

The problem is most people who are from Europe or America forget what immigration is like in their countries and are surprised when they find out that HK is actually one of the most liberal places in terms of immigration.

Try using that "I do my work on the internet" line to get into France or the US.

Because I like HK.

I know that might sound unusual to most "expats" who are here on highly paid expatriate packages, and are just here to take advantage of that, and want nothing to do with actual HK, and confine themselves to the high end facade of HK in Central and area...

But honestly, I am here because of the experience. I can go anywhere I want in the world, and this is where I want to be for the next few years. It's really the center of Asia, and it will be nice to take trips here and there from a home base here. Plus we have family members and friends here