[Schneider]

I promise I've read all of the other postings related to this topic. But I don't think this question, specifically, has been answered. I'll be moving to HK with my partner. we have discovered that, at least initially, he's going to have to get by with the basic three month visitor's pass. I will have a work visa. Because we're gay, we will not be able to get a dependant visa. That's all clear.

Here is what is not clear. On this topic, I've seen many people say, "just come in on a visitors pass and leave HK at least once every three months, getting yourself three new months when you re-enter." My question is, how many times can one person do this?? If we are to be there two years, it's it plausible that he can get away with this by leaving a re-entering up to 8 times, or more? Will the HK govt. not evntually catch on and refuse him re-entry? Has anyone gone through this enter-exit-enter strategy for such a long perdiod of time (two+ years)? If, so I would love to hear from you.

Any insight into this would be very helpful. Thanks.

[KnowItAll]

I've seen this happen to several people .. immigration does catch on eventually.

They will start questioning you once they see a pattern on your immigration record and will then ask you what you are doing in Hong Kong.

It is best to find a solution to prevent this e.g. seek employment and find a sponsor in Hong Kong.

[superlayer]

Hmmm this is unfortunate but I know someone who did this for 1 year and no one complained.
I mean I dont see how it can harm Hong Kong unless u get stranded here with no money or something???

Also if they ask I guess it would be best to reply that you are visiting friends etc right?
Also I heard something else.
If you stay here for 6 months you need to get a temporary hkid card or something like that? is this true? And do you know anything about it?

[berryplucker]

This is where we could do with input from GK... anyone heard from him recently?

[JJexpat]

Facing the same problem and concerned about it. A strategy we may employ is to open a consulting company as my partner will need to work and so will I if I choose not to renew my current contract. Have to figure out the logistics of that, how many locals we must employ, etc. Have you both spent time here before?

[bentanhk]

Hi,
I face the same situation with my partner now with me, having to go to Shenzhen/Macau at least in every 3 months. Well, we are treating it as a short break for a good massage in Shen zhen and some great fun places in Macau. I don't know how long this will last. Dies someone have a better solution...? Or, perhaps, we can set up a business partnership...? But I am not a businessman, just a professional at a MNC financial institution. Cheers!

[goodkarma]

If you go every few weeks they will allow you to stay for years.

[jeremie]

I'd been in Hong Kong for 1 year, with a tourism visa , going in and out every 2/3 months and i never had any problems. One of my friend did it for more than 18 months.
The best way to do that is leaving by the airport at least 2 days (singapore or Bangkok are the cheapest destination). In addition it will help if u can hold a bank statement with more than 10 000 HK$ as a proof of your financial autonomy.
If you have a british/US/Canada/European passport you won't have any problem. If you are south american or african it can be harder.
Macau and Shenzhen borders are more risky, and the immigration more strict.

Good luck

[goleoboy]

Originally Posted by goodkarma

If you go every few weeks they will allow you to stay for years.

do you mean that the MORE frequent you exit the less 'suspicious' you look? of course my partner and i are facing the same issue. he's indonesian with greencard - we will likely travel once a month somewhere on vacation / business or him visiting his family. traveling is no-biggie since he;s in the travel industry.