Hong Kong Expands Short-Term Visitor Work Authorization Scheme

• Effective Oct. 1, 2026, Hong Kong will expand its Short-Term Visitor (STV) Scheme to additional sectors and activities, allowing more foreign professionals to participate in approved short-term activities without obtaining a work visa.  

Expansion of Short-Term Visitor Scheme 

The authorities of Hong Kong announced an expansion of the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (STV Scheme), effective Oct. 1, 2026.  

The changes will allow additional foreign professionals to engage in approved short-term activities as visitors without applying for employment visas or work permits.  

Key Changes 

• The scheme will expand from 17 to 18 designated sectors with the addition of the social welfare sector.  
• Additional authorized organizations and approved activities will be added in the:  
  • International/mega events sector 
  • Higher education sector 
  • Finance sector  
• The scheme will cover nearly 490 authorized organizations across the designated sectors. 

How the Scheme Works 

Under the STV Scheme, authorized organizations may invite foreign professionals to participate in approved short-term activities without requiring an employment visa or entry permit. Eligible participants may: 

• Enter Hong Kong as visitors. 
• Participate in approved activities for up to 14 consecutive calendar days per entry. 
• Receive remuneration for the approved activities subject to the conditions of the scheme, 

Activities must support economic development or policy objectives and cannot displace local workers. 

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