TL;DR
Holders of visas such as the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG), the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) may apply for a Dependant Visa for their spouse and unmarried children under 18. Key benefits: a spouse may work freely (no employer sponsorship required, with the same freedom as the principal applicant) and children may attend local Hong Kong schools. A dependant’s period of stay is tied to that of the principal applicant — when the principal applicant’s visa extension is approved, the dependant’s is renewed in step. This article provides a comprehensive explanation.
1. Which Visa Holders May Apply for a Dependant Visa?
- Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS): ✅ Yes · spouse + children
- Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG): ✅ Yes · spouse + children
- Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS): ✅ Yes · spouse + children
- General Employment Policy (GEP): ✅ Yes · spouse + children
- Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP): ✅ Yes · spouse + children
- Student visa: ❌ No · students may not bring dependants (unless a postgraduate who has obtained special approval)
- Foreign domestic helper: ❌ No · may not bring dependants
2. The Right to Work for a Dependant Spouse
Important: A dependant spouse who comes to Hong Kong under the above visa schemes may work freely in Hong Kong, without needing to apply separately for a work visa or employer sponsorship. The freedom is the same as that of the principal applicant.
A dependant spouse may:
- Take up any type of work (full-time, part-time, freelance)
- Change jobs at any time (no need for Immigration Department approval)
- Be self-employed / start a business
- Hold multiple jobs at the same time
The only restriction
A dependant’s right of stay is entirely dependent on the principal applicant. If the principal applicant’s visa expires, is cancelled or has its extension refused, the dependant’s visa becomes invalid at the same time.
Therefore: If both parties are independently eligible to apply for a visa (for example, if both spouses are graduates of top hundred universities), it is advisable to apply independently rather than having one as the principal applicant and the other as a dependant. This way, even if one person runs into problems, the other can still remain in Hong Kong.
3. School Admissions Arrangements for a Dependant Child
3.1 Types of Schools That May Be Attended
- Government / aided primary and secondary schools: ✅ Yes · free (government / aided) or low tuition (Direct Subsidy Scheme)
- Direct Subsidy Scheme schools: ✅ Yes · about HK$2,000–8,000/month
- Private schools: ✅ Yes · about HK$5,000–20,000/month
- International schools: ✅ Yes · about HK$10,000–25,000/month
- Kindergartens: ✅ Yes · government / aided about HK$1,000–4,000/month
Key point: A dependant child enjoys the same school admission rights as local Hong Kong children, including participating in the Primary One Admission System (the “big lottery”) and the Secondary School Places Allocation System.
3.2 Documents Required for Admission
- The child’s Hong Kong identity card (those under 11 have a “Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode in the HKSAR” or a Document of Identity for Visa Purposes)
- Proof of address (utility bill / tenancy agreement)
- Birth certificate
- Vaccination record
3.3 Mid-year Admission Arrangements
If a child does not start school at the beginning of the academic year (i.e. a mid-year admission), you may contact the preferred school directly to enquire about available mid-year places. A mid-year admission usually requires a written test / interview, especially at popular schools.
4. Application Process and Required Documents
4.1 Timing of Application
A Dependant Visa may be applied for together with the principal applicant, or after the principal applicant has been approved.
4.2 Required Documents
Dependant spouse:
- Marriage certificate (notarised translation required if not in Chinese or English)
- Copy of the spouse’s travel document
- Photo of the spouse (meeting passport specifications)
- Copy of the principal applicant’s visa / entry permit
- Proof of financial means (that the principal applicant can support the spouse’s living in Hong Kong)
Dependant child:
- Birth certificate (showing parents’ names)
- Copy of the child’s travel document
- Photo of the child
- Copy of the principal applicant’s visa
4.3 Processing Time
About 2–4 weeks (applications made together with the principal applicant are usually processed in parallel).
5. FAQ
Q1: Can a cohabiting partner (unmarried) apply as a dependant? A1: Generally no. Hong Kong only recognises lawful marriage. In a small number of cases, if a “de facto marriage” can be proven (requiring substantial documents such as proof of cohabitation and joint finances), the Immigration Department may exercise discretion, but the chances of success are not high.
Q2: What happens when a child turns 18? A2: On the child’s 18th birthday, the dependant status is automatically lost. The child will need to apply independently for a suitable visa (such as a student visa or work visa). It is advisable to start planning 6 months in advance.
Q3: Can a dependant apply for permanent residency? A3: Yes. Like the principal applicant, after continuously and ordinarily residing in Hong Kong for 7 years, they may apply for PR. The principal applicant and the dependant are counted separately (each accumulates their own 7 years).
The information in this article is current as of May 2026; visa policies are subject to the latest announcements by the Immigration Department.