Published on
November 13, 2025
Hong Kong has recently expanded its short-term visa-free entry program, making it easier than ever for travel professionals to participate in key work-related activities across 17 diverse sectors. This update to the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (STV Scheme) is designed to boost international collaboration and attract more global talent to Hong Kong. With the inclusion of new sectors such as Environment, Maritime, and Occupational Safety, as well as an increased number of authorised organisations, the expanded scheme offers a more streamlined and accessible pathway for professionals to contribute to Hong Kong’s thriving economy and innovation landscape. By simplifying the visa process, Hong Kong continues to strengthen its position as a leading hub for international business, research, and cultural exchange.
Hong Kong has recently expanded its short-term visa-free entry program, making it easier than ever for foreign professionals to visit the city for work-related activities. The update to the Immigration Facilitation Scheme for Visitors Participating in Short-term Activities in Designated Sectors (STV Scheme) now covers a broader range of sectors and offers an enhanced opportunity for international collaboration. By including additional fields like Environment and Maritime, as well as expanding the number of authorised organisations, Hong Kong continues to position itself as a global hub for innovation, business, and cultural exchange.
What Is the STV Scheme?
The STV Scheme is a unique initiative designed to allow foreign professionals to enter Hong Kong for short-term work-related events or projects without the need for an employment visa. This program aims to make international collaboration easier and more accessible by reducing bureaucratic barriers and providing a clear pathway for foreign experts to contribute to Hong Kong’s thriving economy.
Visitors under the STV Scheme are allowed to stay in Hong Kong for up to 14 days, and they can participate in various activities, such as attending industry events, business meetings, and cultural exchanges. The key feature of the scheme is that professionals are allowed to be compensated for their work during their stay without needing a separate employment visa, a process that can often be time-consuming and cumbersome.
The STV Scheme was initially introduced in 2022 as a pilot program and has now been fully rolled out. Its primary goal is to foster knowledge sharing, promote cross-border collaboration, and help Hong Kong remain at the forefront of global business and innovation.
What’s New in the Expanded Scheme?
As of the latest update, the STV Scheme now includes 17 sectors, up from the previous 12, expanding its reach and versatility. The five newly added sectors are:
- Environment: This sector includes professionals working in environmental conservation, sustainability initiatives, and green technologies.
- Occupational Safety and Health: Experts in workplace safety and health practices are now eligible to participate in activities under this expanded category.
- Maritime: This new addition covers professionals in the maritime industry, from shipping to logistics and marine sciences.
- Think Tanks: Scholars and professionals involved in policy research and development are now invited to engage with Hong Kong’s intellectual community.
- Others: This category includes activities hosted or supported by government departments, further broadening the scope for international professionals to engage in various initiatives in Hong Kong.
Additionally, the number of authorised organisations able to issue invitations to foreign professionals has increased from approximately 400 to around 490. These organisations now have the authority to invite qualified professionals from overseas to participate in approved short-term events and activities, enhancing Hong Kong’s appeal as a global destination for business and professional exchange.
How the STV Scheme Works
The process for participating in the STV Scheme is simple and efficient. Authorised organisations in Hong Kong—such as businesses, academic institutions, and government entities—can invite foreign professionals to join short-term activities that align with the scheme’s designated sectors. The activities can range from high-level industry events to academic conferences and cultural exchanges.
Once invited, participants are allowed to stay in Hong Kong for up to 14 days. Importantly, these professionals can be paid for their participation in the event or activity without the need to apply for a separate employment visa. This flexibility makes it easier for global talent to contribute to Hong Kong’s economy and its various sectors without getting bogged down by administrative hurdles.
However, the STV Scheme comes with the stipulation that these short-term visits should benefit Hong Kong’s economy or align with the city’s broader policy objectives. In other words, the goal of these activities is not only to foster international collaboration but also to ensure that they contribute positively to Hong Kong’s growth and development without competing for local jobs.
Why the STV Scheme Matters
The expansion of the STV Scheme is part of Hong Kong’s ongoing strategy to strengthen its position as a “super connector” for global business, finance, and innovation. The scheme allows the city to attract top talent from around the world, facilitating the exchange of knowledge, skills, and ideas across a range of industries.
Since its full implementation in 2024, the STV Scheme has already allowed more than 38,000 foreign professionals to participate in key events in Hong Kong, such as the Asian Financial Forum, Hong Kong Sevens, and the Performing Arts Expo. The expanded program is expected to attract even more global talent, boosting Hong Kong’s role as a dynamic hub for international business and cultural exchange.
By easing the visa process and expanding the range of sectors covered, the STV Scheme ensures that Hong Kong remains competitive and attractive to global professionals. This helps the city maintain its reputation as one of Asia’s most forward-thinking and accessible business centres, while simultaneously contributing to its economic and cultural vibrancy.
List of All 17 Covered Sectors in the STV Scheme
The STV Scheme now covers 17 key sectors, which include a wide variety of industries and fields that are essential to Hong Kong’s economy and global standing. The full list of sectors includes:
- Medical and Healthcare
- Higher Education
- Arts and Culture
- Sports
- Heritage
- Creative Industries
- Innovation and Technology
- The Hong Kong Laureate Forum
- Aviation
- International/Mega Events
- Finance
- Development and Construction
- Environment
- Occupational Safety and Health
- Maritime
- Think Tanks
- Others (for activities hosted or supported by government departments)
This extensive list demonstrates Hong Kong’s commitment to fostering growth in diverse fields, from cutting-edge technology and innovation to the arts and heritage preservation. By broadening the scope of eligible sectors, the STV Scheme opens up new opportunities for international professionals to engage with Hong Kong’s vibrant business and cultural ecosystems.
The expansion of the STV Scheme is a significant step toward ensuring that Hong Kong remains a leader in global business, innovation, and culture. By allowing professionals to participate in short-term activities without the need for an employment visa, the scheme promotes greater international collaboration and helps Hong Kong continue to build its reputation as a dynamic and welcoming city for global talent.
Whether in medical research, environmental sustainability, or creative industries, the STV Scheme provides an accessible, flexible pathway for professionals to contribute to Hong Kong’s growth and development. As the scheme continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in keeping Hong Kong at the forefront of international business and cultural exchange, reinforcing its position as one of Asia’s most dynamic and forward-looking cities.
Hong Kong has expanded its short-term visa-free entry program, making it easier for travel professionals to engage in key work-related activities across 17 sectors. This expansion streamlines the process, fostering greater international collaboration and supporting the city’s role as a leading hub for business, innovation, and cultural exchange.
As more sectors are added and more international professionals take advantage of this opportunity, Hong Kong’s reach and influence are bound to grow, making it an even more attractive destination for global collaboration and innovation. The STV Scheme is not just a visa policy; it’s a strategic tool that will shape the future of Hong Kong’s place in the global economy.
