- The Hong Kong SAR Government has expanded the Arrival Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Taking part in Short-term Events (STV Scheme).
- The STV scheme simplifies the entry procedures for international professionals to participate in work-related activities in Hong Kong.
- It allows foreign experts to visit for short-term work without the need for a full employment visa.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government has expanded the Scheme for Facilitation of Entry for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Industries (STV Scheme) to simplify the entry procedures for international professionals participating in work-related activities in Hong Kong.
The STV program is a tailor-made visa program that allows foreign experts to come to Hong Kong to work on a short-term basis without obtaining a full-time work visa. Under the program, participants can stay in Hong Kong for up to 14 days per visit.
The program aims to promote global knowledge exchange by enabling professionals to participate in conferences, events or short-term projects in approved sectors. If invited through the program, visitors under the program do not require an employment visa or entry permit, providing a more efficient route to short but productive business trips.
Expand industry
The Hong Kong SAR government announced that the scheme now covers 17 industries, an increase from the previous 12 industries. New industries include:
- environment
- Occupational Safety and Health
- maritime
- think tank
- Activities organized or supported by other government departments
The full list of industries under the STV scheme now includes:
- healthcare
- higher education
- Arts and Culture
- sporty
- heritage
- creative industries
- Innovative technology
- Hong Kong Laurel Forum
- aviation
- International/Large Events
- finance
- development and construction
- environment
- Occupational Safety and Health
- maritime
- think tank
- Other government-supported activities
The number of authorized institutions approved to issue invitations has also increased from about 400 to about 490. These organizations can now invite qualified international professionals to Hong Kong to participate in approved short-term activities.
How the STV scheme works
Under the scheme, authorized organizations can invite foreign professionals to participate in events for a period of up to 14 days. These events include industry conferences, business meetings, cultural exchanges and other activities. Participants can even get paid for their work without needing a separate work visa.
The government emphasizes that visits under the program should contribute to Hong Kong’s economic development or policy objectives and should not replace local employment.
Since its pilot launch in 2022 and full implementation in 2024, the STV program has enabled more than 38,000 international professionals to attend major events held in Hong Kong, including the Asian Financial Forum, the Hong Kong Sevens and the Performing Arts Expo.
Through this expansion, Hong Kong seeks to attract more global talent, foster collaboration, and solidify its position as the region’s leading business and innovation hub.
