So you want to explore Hong Kong, and you want to do it while making a little bit of money to sustain you? Hong Kong’s Working Holiday Scheme is your ticket to live, work, and explore this vibrant city for up to a year. But there are a few caveats to keep in mind. Read on to learn more.
What’s the “Working Holiday Scheme”?
The Hong Kong Working Holiday Scheme lets young adults live, work, and travel in the city for up to 12 months. It’s perfect for experiencing Hong Kong’s vibrant culture while taking on short-term jobs to fund your stay.
Participants can work in a variety of industries, ranging from hospitality and retail to teaching and office administration. The scheme provides a flexible framework, allowing travellers to combine work with leisure, using their earnings to fund travel adventures around Hong Kong or beyond.
This programme is ideal for those looking to gain international work experience, build connections, and enjoy the city’s iconic sights.
Who is eligible for the Working Holiday Scheme?
Eligibility varies by country, but typically, applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old (or 35, depending on your country), hold a valid passport, and have sufficient funds to support themselves initially. Additionally, proof of return flight and health insurance is usually required.
Applicants must:
- Hold a valid passport from a participating country and normally live in that country
- Have the primary intention of holidaying in Hong Kong
- Be between 18 and 30 years old
- Show proof of sufficient funds for their stay (e.g., a bank statement)
- Have a return air ticket
- Agree to have medical and travel insurance for the entire stay
- Download the form: Access the application form ID(E) 940 here
- Fill in personal details: Provide your personal information, passport details, and contact information
- Include financial proof: Submit documents proving you have sufficient funds to support your stay, such as bank statements
- Insurance: Show proof of medical, liability, and repatriation insurance
- Flight arrangements: Provide either a return air ticket or proof of sufficient funds to purchase one
- Submit the application: Applications can be submitted in person, by post, or through Chinese embassies in your home country
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Features of the Working Holiday Scheme
For specific details pertaining to your country of origin, it’s a good idea to check out the official Hong Kong Working Holiday Scheme site.
Hong Kong’s Working Holiday Scheme allows young adults from 14 participating countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, Japan, and Korea, to live and work in the city for up to one year. Each country has an annual visa quota, and there are specific rules regarding temporary employment, study durations, and financial proof required for the visa. Applicants must hold sufficient funds (ranging from HK$14,000.00 to HK$25,000.00 depending on the country), and most are required to maintain health and repatriation insurance throughout their stay.
Each country has different limitations on how long participants can work for the same employer and how long they can engage in study or training. For instance, Australian citizens can work for a maximum of three months with one employer, while British citizens can work for up to 12 months.
Some countries, like Japan and Korea, have additional benefits such as fee waivers for the visa.
Drawbacks of the Working Holiday Scheme
While Hong Kong’s Working Holiday Scheme offers exciting opportunities, there are a few drawbacks to keep in mind.
Participants face restrictions on how long they can work for the same employer, typically capped between three to six months depending on their nationality. This may or may not turn into long-term employment, as the purpose of the visa is really to allow travellers to fund their stay.
For countries with smaller visa quotas, such as Austria and the Netherlands, spots are limited, making early application essential.
Lastly, the visa is valid for only one year and cannot be extended, limiting the overall duration of the experience.
The application process for the Working Holiday Scheme
To apply for Hong Kong’s Working Holiday visa, follow these general steps:
Hong Kong Working Holiday Scheme FAQs
Can I extend my working holiday visa?
Unfortunately, the visa is valid for one year and cannot be extended.
How much money do I need to show in financial proof for the Working Holiday Scheme?
The required amount varies by country but typically ranges from HK$14,000.00 to HK$25,000.00
Can I work full-time with the Working Holiday Scheme?
Yes, you can work full-time, but there are restrictions on how long you can stay with one employer depending on your nationality.
Do I need travel insurance for the Working Holiday Scheme?
Yes, comprehensive travel and medical insurance covering repatriation, liability, and hospitalisation is required for most nationalities.
Is there a minimum stay requirement?
No, you can stay for a few months or up to the full year, depending on your preferences.
What countries are eligible for the Working Holiday Scheme?
Here’s a list of the eligible countries for the Working Holiday Scheme.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is in no way legal advice and should not be taken as such. Any questions about visas or other immigration matters should be referred to an immigration lawyer.
