Mainland residents who wish to make business trips to Hong Kong in their private capacity are required to obtain an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao and an "Endorsement for business visit (Shangwu)" from the relevant Public Security Bureau Office. "Endorsement for business visit" is good for either single journey or multiple journeys to Hong Kong within its validity from 3 months up to 1 year and each stay of not more than 7 days in Hong Kong.
Mainland residents visiting Hong Kong with "Endorsement for business visit" may be given permission to land in Hong Kong as a "visitor" if normal immigration requirements are met, viz. possession of adequate fund, purpose of visit being not in doubt, etc.
A person permitted to enter Hong Kong as a visitor may generally engage in the following business-related activities: concluding contracts or submitting tenders; examining or supervising the installation/packaging of goods or equipment; participating in exhibitions or trade fairs (except selling goods or supplying services direct to the general public), settling compensation or other civil proceedings; participating in product orientation; and attending short-term seminars or other business meetings.
Under the Immigration Ordinance, Laws of Hong Kong, as a visitor in Hong Kong, he/she is not allowed to take up any employment whether paid or unpaid. Offender is liable on conviction to a maximum fine of HK$50,000 and to imprisonment for 2 years.
Mainland residents who require to work in Hong Kong and participate in the day-to-day operations of a Hong Kong company should submit their entry applications to the Immigration Department before arrival. Mainland residents who wish to take up employment in Hong Kong may apply under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals. After approval of their employment application, they can take up employment in Hong Kong.
Mainland private enterprises that have established new companies in Hong Kong may transfer their managerial or professional grade staff from Mainland to develop their business in Hong Kong under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals. If it is satisfied that their Mainland staff meet the eligibility criteria for admission under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals and that the business activity of the new company will bring benefits to Hong Kong in the long run such as enhancement of Hong Kong's economic development or creation of job opportunities for the local people, they will be allowed to enter Hong Kong to take up short-term employment. When the business development plan of the new company is materialized, they will be granted an extension of stay to work for the company.
More information and the application procedures of the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals may be downloaded by clicking here.