A few countries in the world have special immigration programs that welcome foreigners if they are willing to invest in the local economy and create local jobs.
Although not generally known, both the United States and Canada have such programs, as does Hong Kong. This financial hub in the heart of the Asian growth area consistently ranks among the world's freest.
In its 2006 Index of Economic Freedom, drawn up by the U.S.-based Heritage Foundation think tank, Hong Kong was first in rank for the freest economies.
One of the Freest Economies in the World Today
Having visited this vibrant city-state, I can attest that should you like to move there, life would not only be comfortable, but highly interesting and potentially very profitable.
Hong Kong remains one of the freest economies in the world, as well as a major offshore financial center. This banking haven maintains a strong common law system governing banking and finance, despite the fact that Beijing ultimately calls the shots there.
In fact, semi-democratic Hong Kong remains relatively free, which is a reflection of Beijing's need for this historic city-state as a financial powerhouse and gateway for business with the world.
Although the Communist government in Beijing has ultimate control, the Special Administrative Region (SAR), as Hong Kong is called, continues to enjoy its freedom and set its own immigration controls.
Visitors, Foreign Professionals and Investors Wanted Here
Hong Kong has a very liberal visa policy for visitors. Foreigners from more than 170 countries and territories may come to Hong Kong visa-free for visits ranging from seven to 180 days.
Professionals and businesspeople are welcome to work and invest in Hong Kong. If you're applying for permission to reside for more than 180 days you are required to obtain visas or entry permits before arrival.
For wealthy investors, Hong Kong is also a residential haven. If you are prepared to invest US$833,000 (or the equivalent) in the local economy and pass a background check, you can qualify for a special investor's immigration program and obtain a renewable residence visa. But don't expect to find a cheap apartment since property prices are among the highest in the world.
Hong Kong Entices Foreigners with the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
But there are also other less costly programs for would-be immigrants. Since 1997, more than 200,000 talented professionals have come to Hong Kong to work or reside through various immigration admission plans.
To further enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness amid the world's economic integration, the HKSAR government launched the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme ("QMAS") in June 2006.
The QMAS is an entrant plan on a quota basis. It seeks highly skilled and talented individuals from Mainland China. But this program also attracts foreigners from overseas who would not otherwise have the right to enter and remain in Hong Kong under other plans.
Most immigration policies in Hong Kong have focused on applicants finding employers first and obtaining visas through their jobs. These applicants cannot settle in HK unless they have lived there for at least seven years and apply for the right to establish residence.
Qualified QMAS applicants that meet specified criteria are allowed to settle in Hong Kong, and they don't have to obtain an offer from a local employer before entering Hong Kong.
To qualify for a QMAS you must:
1. Be between 18 and 50 years old at the time when you file for a QMAS application 2. Demonstrate that you have the financial resources to support yourself and your dependents, if any, without relying on public assistance during your stay in Hong Kong3. Be of good character 4. Be proficient in written and spoken Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) or English 5. Have a good educational background or good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence
After meeting these requirements, you may choose to be considered under a "General Points Test" or an "Achievement-based Points Test." Applications are ranked according to point scores. High-scoring applicants are listed for immediate further assessment and compete for quota allocation with other applicants.
If you successfully pass the qualifications for QMAS, you may bring your spouse and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to Hong Kong.
(The QMAS is not applicable to nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Cambodia, Cuba, Laos, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Nepal and Vietnam.)
Residency is really just the tip of the iceberg of the opportunities in Hong Kong. As an investor, you can take advantage of the local real estate opportunities, local funds, stocks and more.
Although not generally known, both the United States and Canada have such programs, as does Hong Kong. This financial hub in the heart of the Asian growth area consistently ranks among the world's freest.
In its 2006 Index of Economic Freedom, drawn up by the U.S.-based Heritage Foundation think tank, Hong Kong was first in rank for the freest economies.
One of the Freest Economies in the World Today
Having visited this vibrant city-state, I can attest that should you like to move there, life would not only be comfortable, but highly interesting and potentially very profitable.
Hong Kong remains one of the freest economies in the world, as well as a major offshore financial center. This banking haven maintains a strong common law system governing banking and finance, despite the fact that Beijing ultimately calls the shots there.
In fact, semi-democratic Hong Kong remains relatively free, which is a reflection of Beijing's need for this historic city-state as a financial powerhouse and gateway for business with the world.
Although the Communist government in Beijing has ultimate control, the Special Administrative Region (SAR), as Hong Kong is called, continues to enjoy its freedom and set its own immigration controls.
Visitors, Foreign Professionals and Investors Wanted Here
Hong Kong has a very liberal visa policy for visitors. Foreigners from more than 170 countries and territories may come to Hong Kong visa-free for visits ranging from seven to 180 days.
Professionals and businesspeople are welcome to work and invest in Hong Kong. If you're applying for permission to reside for more than 180 days you are required to obtain visas or entry permits before arrival.
For wealthy investors, Hong Kong is also a residential haven. If you are prepared to invest US$833,000 (or the equivalent) in the local economy and pass a background check, you can qualify for a special investor's immigration program and obtain a renewable residence visa. But don't expect to find a cheap apartment since property prices are among the highest in the world.
Hong Kong Entices Foreigners with the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
But there are also other less costly programs for would-be immigrants. Since 1997, more than 200,000 talented professionals have come to Hong Kong to work or reside through various immigration admission plans.
To further enhance Hong Kong's competitiveness amid the world's economic integration, the HKSAR government launched the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme ("QMAS") in June 2006.
The QMAS is an entrant plan on a quota basis. It seeks highly skilled and talented individuals from Mainland China. But this program also attracts foreigners from overseas who would not otherwise have the right to enter and remain in Hong Kong under other plans.
Most immigration policies in Hong Kong have focused on applicants finding employers first and obtaining visas through their jobs. These applicants cannot settle in HK unless they have lived there for at least seven years and apply for the right to establish residence.
Qualified QMAS applicants that meet specified criteria are allowed to settle in Hong Kong, and they don't have to obtain an offer from a local employer before entering Hong Kong.
To qualify for a QMAS you must:
1. Be between 18 and 50 years old at the time when you file for a QMAS application 2. Demonstrate that you have the financial resources to support yourself and your dependents, if any, without relying on public assistance during your stay in Hong Kong3. Be of good character 4. Be proficient in written and spoken Chinese (Putonghua or Cantonese) or English 5. Have a good educational background or good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence
After meeting these requirements, you may choose to be considered under a "General Points Test" or an "Achievement-based Points Test." Applications are ranked according to point scores. High-scoring applicants are listed for immediate further assessment and compete for quota allocation with other applicants.
If you successfully pass the qualifications for QMAS, you may bring your spouse and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to Hong Kong.
(The QMAS is not applicable to nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Cambodia, Cuba, Laos, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Nepal and Vietnam.)
Residency is really just the tip of the iceberg of the opportunities in Hong Kong. As an investor, you can take advantage of the local real estate opportunities, local funds, stocks and more.
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