Dependant Visa / Residence in Hong Kong in 2026

Hong Kong's dependant policy allows qualifying family members of specified residents and entrants to apply for residence linked to the sponsor.

Eligible relationships

Depending on the sponsor category, qualifying dependants can include a spouse or specified legally recognised civil partnership/union relationships and unmarried dependent children under 18.

Work rights depend on the sponsor

Dependants of many people admitted for professional employment, talent schemes, IANG, entrepreneur admission and New CIES are not prohibited from taking employment under the prevailing policy.

A major exception is student sponsorship: dependants of persons admitted to study are generally not permitted to work unless prior permission is obtained from the Director of Immigration.

A dependant's limit of stay is normally linked to the sponsor's permitted stay. Extension depends on the relationship and sponsorship conditions continuing to be met.

Practical safeguards

Immigration approval is discretionary. Immigration permission does not replace company, employment, tax, investment, professional-licensing or other regulatory requirements.

Return to the Hong Kong immigration hub, methodology, and legal disclaimer.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Hong Kong