[freefire]

I'm currently holding a working visa - I have been working here since 2001. For the past 1,5 years though, I've been working on special projects only and am paid a retainer fee by the same company - thus they're still sponsoring my working visa. But they're going to close their office in Hong Kong next year so I will have to change my working visa to dependant one as I've recently got married to another expat holding a working visa. <BR><BR>
What are the procedures for this?<BR><BR>
Any information/help will be very appreciated! Thanks a lot!

[berryplucker]

You need ID936 available here: http://www.immd.gov.hk/ehtml/evfhk.htm and the corresponding guidance notes (ID937).

You are aware that as the dependent of a holder of an employment visa you are not yourself allowed to work?

[freefire]

Thanks, berryplucker!
Yes, I'm aware that I won't be able to work anymore. But how about freelance work i.e. website design from home? Or making and selling crafts?

Thanks!

[berryplucker]

In principle, no - you can't even do voluntary work without an employment visa. In practice I guess it depends on whether the income you make is worth the risk of losing your visa. If it's all cash transactions then I guess the risk ofbeing caught is pretty low.

[nivantj]

Isnt it possible to register own company and provide services instead of working as freelancer!!!!... Well you may call it freelancing or doing your own business. As far as i know, one can regrister a company and start buss in HK without even having a valid visa... Not sure if any special condition for dependant visa holders....

[berryplucker]

The company can do business, but you cannot be employed by it unless you have an an employment visa.

[nivantj]

Thats right Berry but i was wondering about many people who have registered a small company in HK and can sell their products/services etc... They dont have valid visa.... some of them visit frequently on visitor's visa and some have APEX buss card. They do pay tax also. I think anybody can register a company in HK simply with his passport also. If they are classified as self-employed, isnt it an option open for dependants also? Not sure if the whole scenario i discribe is absolutely legal or the same is applicable to dependants as well..... Any views!!!!!!... Thanx

[berryplucker]

I'm at the limit of my knowledge - I think we need Emigra's input on this.

[freefire]

What Nivvanti suggested sounds really attractive - if I can just register a small company. I wonder what are the requirement for this and if we have to get a permission from the immigration dept. Especially since this small company will not create new job opportunities to the local people as basically it will be a one-man company...

[nivantj]

Frefire,
Simply registering a company in HK isnt a big thing. I think all you need is to go to IRD Business Registration section and fill up the application form. They will ask some supporting documents and probably HK$1000 per year... Not sure if any other legal formalities for 'One Man Army' Co. I think 'KnowItAll' is in better position to throw more light on this.
But fundamental question is wheter you being dependant can do this? You may consult ImmD/ Solicitor/ Immg Consultant on this matter