Announced by Chief Executive John Lee during his Policy Address, Hong Kong’s new training visa introduces a route for non-locals joining short-term training programmes. For companies that send staff to the city for training, and for professionals looking to build skills here, it could be a useful new route. Navigating these options often requires expert guidance across broader Hong Kong immigration services to ensure full compliance.
What is the new training visa?
The new category is intended to let non-locals take part in short-term training programmes that are recognised by Hong Kong government bureaux and departments. The programmes will last less than 12 months. The government has framed the measure as a step towards making Hong Kong a regional training hub.
Hong Kong already has a standard Hong Kong training visa for employment-related training, such as on-the-job training or secondment, for up to 12 months. How the new category will sit alongside it has not yet been clarified.
When will it open?
Reports based on a government source suggest applications could open as early as the first quarter of 2027, with further details expected before the end of 2026. At the time of writing, the category is not yet open and we have not seen official application requirements, so timings may change.
What conditions have been reported?
According to the same source, holders of the new visa:
- Would not be allowed to work part time during their stay, apart from internships provided as part of the programme
- Would not be able to remain in Hong Kong after completing their training
The government also reportedly plans to run checks to stop employers using the visa to fill roles through long-term internships that are not genuine. These details come from a government source rather than published rules, so treat them as indicative until official guidance is released.
Part of a wider push for international talent
The training visa is one of several talent measures in the Policy Address:
- Wider invitations: The Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Invited Persons is set to expand from ASEAN countries to Central Asia and the Middle East. All government bureaux and departments would be able to issue invitations, rather than the current five, and invited visitors would be able to use e-channels.
- More AI talent categories: The list of sought-after professionals is set to include more roles related to artificial intelligence.
- Easier extensions for start-up talent: Under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, employees of tech start-ups supported by designated public-sector organisations would no longer need to show proof of company income when applying to extend their stay.
- New and planned training academies: These cover clinical trials, maritime, legal, intellectual property and policing, with some launching this year or next.
- Graduate pilot extended: A two-year extension is proposed for the pilot that lets graduates from Greater Bay Area campuses of Hong Kong universities apply for visas under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates.
How to prepare
- Check the programme. Confirm whether the programme you are interested in is likely to be government-recognised, and ask the organiser.
- Be clear about the purpose of your stay. Training and employment are treated differently, and activities outside the programme could cause problems.
- Allow lead time. Avoid fixing travel dates before the rules are published.
- Keep documents ready. This includes a valid passport and details of the programme and its sponsor.
- Watch for the official announcement. Further details are expected before the end of the year.
How Prism can help
Prism follows developments in Hong Kong immigration policy and manages visa and immigration applications for individuals, families, and businesses, from eligibility checks and documentation to submission and follow-up. If you are considering sending staff or joining a programme once the new category opens, we can talk through your options, including the routes available today.
Feel free to book a consultation with our team to discuss your plans.
Sources
- South China Morning Post: Hong Kong’s new training visa could be available in first quarter of 2027
- Hong Kong Government, Legislative Council reply on visa arrangements for training or internships: info.gov.hk
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Details may change when the Hong Kong government publishes the final rules.
