[tx75070]

I work for a US company with an office in HK. I have been working in HK for the past year, but never staying more than 3 months at a time. Just have been getting my passport stamped each time in while the airlines get rich off of me.

In January I will not be going back to the US as I am moving my family over. Am I right in thinking I need to get a work Visa for myself, and dependent visas for the wife and two kids (age 2 and 1)?

Also, I have seen a lot of post that have said employers usually take care of the leg work in getting the visa. That will not happen in my case as I am the first person in my company to ever be transplanted over here. This means I have to figure it all out on my own as they have no experiene.

I appreciate some pointers or at least someone getting me going in the right direction.

[golfduke]

hey Tx. Getting a work visa can be pretty difficult in some situations, but you should be fine. I recommend talking to someone who has already done it on their own and get their feel for it. The key to getting one is convincing the powers that be that your job here cannot be done by a HK citizen.

As I had my company get mine for me, I really wish I could help you more. Good luck though!

[KnowItAll]

>> That will not happen in my case as I am the first person in my company to ever be transplanted over here. This means I have to figure it all out on my own as they have no experiene.

First step, if you're in HK, make an appointment with InvestHK and tell them that your company is opening an office here in Hong Kong and you need help.

InvestHK is pretty good with explaining the procedures from company formation to immigration etc.

Immigration consultants will charge you $2-5K US for what should normally be the same advice that InvestHK gives.

[tx75070]

KIA - We have had the office in HK for over three years. I am just the only gweilo working there. You still think I should use InvestHK? If so, do you have a link for them?

[KnowItAll]

Ok. They're not going to be of too much use if you already have an office in HK.

If your office has been around for 3 years, you should not have a problem getting your paper work done -- given that you already employ locals, have put local tax returns through etc.