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Hong Kong Broadens Short-Term Visa-Free (STV) Program to Cover 17 Industry Sectors

November 14, 2025 6:13 am

Hong Kong Broadens Short-Term Visa-Free (STV) Program to Cover 17 Industry Sectors

Hong Kong has broadened its short-term visa-free program, now encompassing 17 different sectors, including Environment and Maritime. This update makes it easier for international professionals to visit for work-related events and projects for up to 14 days without needing an employment visa.

The Hong Kong SAR government has enhanced its Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Engaging in Short-term Activities (STV Scheme). This expansion introduces five new sectors and nearly 100 additional authorized organizations. Thus, travelers can now enter Hong Kong more easily for business purposes.

Overview of the STV Scheme

The Short-term Activities Visa Scheme (STV Scheme) allows foreign professionals to visit Hong Kong briefly without a work visa application. The program aims to simplify international exchanges for those attending meetings, events, or projects within specific approved sectors.

Key Details of the STV Scheme

Stay Period: Visitors can remain in Hong Kong for up to 14 days.
Visa Requirement: No employment visa or entry permit is needed if invited under the STV Scheme.

In essence, this scheme is Hong Kong’s initiative to attract global talent for meaningful short visits that foster knowledge-sharing and development.

Recent Updates

Currently, the scheme caters to 17 sectors, up from 12. New additions include:

Environment
Occupational Safety and Health
Maritime
Think Tanks
Others (activities supported by government departments)

Additionally, the number of authorized organizations that can issue invitations has grown from about 400 to nearly 490. These organizations can now invite overseas experts to attend approved short-term events.

How the STV Scheme Operates

Through the STV Scheme, authorized organizations are empowered to invite qualified foreign professionals for short-term engagements lasting up to 14 days. These activities may include:

Attending business meetings
Participating in industry events
Engaging in cultural exchanges

One distinctive feature of this scheme is that participants can receive payment for their contributions without needing to apply for a separate employment visa. However, the primary aim remains clear: these visits should benefit Hong Kong’s economy and policy objectives without compromising local job opportunities.

Importance of the Scheme

Initially launched as a pilot program in 2022, the STV Scheme was fully implemented in 2024 and has already welcomed over 38,000 foreign professionals to significant events in Hong Kong, such as:

Asian Financial Forum
Hong Kong Sevens
Performing Arts Expo

By expanding the program, Hong Kong seeks to attract more global talent, enhance collaboration, and solidify its role as a “super connector” in international business and innovation.

Complete List of 17 Covered Sectors in the STV Scheme

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

Conclusion

The expansion of the STV Scheme reflects Hong Kong’s commitment to welcoming global talent. This initiative provides professionals with a streamlined and flexible means to engage in short work visits. As a result, Hong Kong reaffirms its status as one of Asia’s most vibrant business hubs.