Hong Kong Expands Short-Term Work Visa Scheme 2025 – 5 New Sectors Added for Foreign Experts
Hong Kong has announced a major update to its Short-Term Work Visa Scheme 2025, introducing five new sectors and nearly 100 additional authorised organisations. This move aims to attract global talent, strengthen international partnerships, and support the city’s growing demand for expert-level participation in events, research, policy development, cultural exchanges, and technical projects. With this expansion, the Hong Kong Short-Term Work Visa Scheme becomes one of the most flexible and opportunity-driven entry pathways for foreign professionals in Asia.
The scheme, officially known as the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (STV Scheme), now covers a total of 17 sectors, up from 12. The government says this expansion is designed to match global trends, respond to industry demands, and support Hong Kong’s position as a global “super connector” between East and West. These changes will help international companies, researchers, academics, creatives, NGOs, and policymakers participate in Hong Kong-based activities without going through a long employment visa process.
Under the updated system, invited foreign professionals can work in Hong Kong for up to 14 days without applying for a traditional employment visa. This includes attending conferences, expert forums, technical inspections, project meetings, training sessions, international competitions, and specialised assignments. The update reflects Hong Kong’s increasing need for rapid, expert-level involvement across multiple industries.
What’s New in the 2025 Expansion?
The government has officially added five new sectors to the list of approved fields under the Hong Kong Short-Term Work Visa Scheme 2025. These sectors are:
Environment
Occupational Safety and Health
Maritime
Think Tanks
Activities hosted or supported by government departments
These industries represent major areas of global growth and international cooperation. By adding them, Hong Kong is signaling its intention to welcome sustainability experts, maritime specialists, policy researchers, public safety consultants, and global think tank representatives to participate in the city’s development.
Officials confirm that these additions will help Hong Kong host larger international gatherings, specialised events, and expert-level technical missions. It will also help government departments collaborate with foreign specialists more easily.
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More Organisations Can Now Invite Foreign Experts
A second major update is the expansion of authorised organisations. Previously, around 400 institutions were allowed to issue STV invitations. Now, that number has grown to approximately 490, giving more flexibility to universities, NGOs, corporations, event organizers, innovation hubs, and research groups.
These organisations can now bring in professionals from around the world to participate in:
Regional conferences
Scientific research events
Sports and mega events
Finance and technology forums
Aviation industry meetings
Creative industry exchanges
Cultural festivals
Innovation summits
Policy think tank programs
The government says this expansion will support the growing international calendar of events and ensure that Hong Kong remains a preferred location for global-level meetings.
How the Short-Term Work Visa Scheme Works
The updated Hong Kong Short-Term Work Visa Scheme 2025 allows foreign professionals to participate in work-related activities for up to 14 days without a separate employment visa. This visa-free participation is only allowed if the individual receives a formal invitation from one of the authorised organisations.
Important rules about the scheme include:
The work activity must fall under one of the 17 approved sectors.
The invited person may receive payment for their work or participation.
The activity must not negatively impact local employment.
The visitor must leave Hong Kong once the 14-day period ends.
The invitation must clearly describe the purpose, schedule, and nature of the activity.
Events must support Hong Kong’s economic, cultural, academic, or technological goals.
Professionals invited under this scheme typically include researchers, academic speakers, performers, sports coaches, engineers, policy consultants, medical specialists, innovation leaders, and international partners collaborating on short-term projects.
The scheme does not allow for long-term employment, but it provides a fast and efficient way to bring international experts into Hong Kong at short notice.
Why This Expansion Matters
The expansion of the Hong Kong Short-Term Work Visa Scheme 2025 is strategically important for several reasons. First, it supports Hong Kong’s ambition to remain a top global destination for international events. Second, it ensures that industries requiring high-level technical expertise can rapidly access global talent. Third, it strengthens Hong Kong’s position as a leading connector between international markets.
Since the scheme’s pilot launch in 2022 and full rollout in 2024, more than 38,000 international visitors have participated in local activities through the STV Scheme. These include high-profile events such as:
Asian Financial Forum
Hong Kong Sevens
Innovation festivals
Academic and scientific meetings
Cultural exchange programs
Tech summits
The updated 2025 version will likely increase this number as more institutions begin inviting foreign experts across the newly added sectors.
Officials also say this update supports Hong Kong’s post-pandemic economic recovery by encouraging cross-border cooperation, attracting high-value talent, and strengthening the city’s global partnerships.
Full List of All 17 Covered Sectors (Updated 2025)
The government has released the full updated list of sectors included under the Hong Kong Short-Term Work Visa Scheme 2025:
Medical and Healthcare
Higher Education
Arts and Culture
Sports
Heritage
Creative Industries
Innovation and Technology
Hong Kong Laureate Forum
Aviation
International/Mega Events
Finance
Development and Construction
Environment
Occupational Safety and Health
Maritime
Think Tanks
Others
This list highlights the diversity of industries now connected to the scheme. The inclusion of broad categories such as “Others” also gives the government flexibility to approve additional specialised sectors when needed.
Benefits of the Hong Kong Short-Term Work Visa Scheme 2025
The expansion brings several benefits, both for foreign visitors and for Hong Kong’s economy.
1. Faster Entry for Foreign Experts
No employment visa needed. Invitations allow immediate participation in short-term work.
2. Growth in International Events
More sectors mean more professional events, boosting tourism and the local economy.
3. Enhanced Global Collaboration
Universities, research institutes, and industries can invite experts for joint projects.
4. Economic Boost
The presence of international professionals can help attract investment, partnerships, and innovation.
5. Supports Government and Policy Development
Think tanks and policy organizations can collaborate with global specialists on reforms, public safety, environmental strategies, and more.
6. Strengthens Hong Kong’s Branding
Expanding the STV Scheme reinforces Hong Kong’s reputation as a global business and knowledge hub.
Who Can Be Invited Under the Scheme?
Foreign professionals from any country may be invited as long as:
They are experts in their field,
Their activity supports one of the approved sectors,
They have a valid passport,
They can demonstrate professional credentials if requested,
They have an official invitation from an authorised organisation.
Typical participants include:
Technical experts
Researchers
Speakers and panelists
Sports officials and coaches
Artists and performers
Consultants
Policy advisors
Engineers and architects
Medical professionals
Innovation and technology specialists
How Long Can an Invited Professional Stay?
The stay is limited to 14 days per visit, and no extension is allowed under the STV category. However, individuals may re-enter Hong Kong if invited for another qualifying event later.
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Impact on Local Jobs
The government has made it clear that the scheme is designed for specialised, short-term activities that do not threaten local employment. The work done under the scheme is temporary, highly specialised, and often connected to global-level events or expert-level collaboration.
Conclusion – Hong Kong Expands Short-Term Work Visa Scheme 2025
The expansion of the Hong Kong Short-Term Work Visa Scheme 2025 marks an important step in welcoming international talent and strengthening Hong Kong’s role as a global center for finance, innovation, research, and cultural exchange. With five new sectors and nearly 100 additional authorised organisations, the updated system offers more opportunities than ever for foreign experts to contribute to Hong Kong’s development. This move will help industries grow, support major international events, and enhance the city’s reputation as a global “super connector.”
Hong Kong is clearly signaling that it is open for collaboration, innovation, and global partnerships—making 2025 a transformative year for talent mobility in Asia.
