Hong Kong expands visa-free entry for arbitration participants
Hong Kong has expanded its visa-free entry scheme for arbitration participants to cover virtual and hybrid hearings administered by dispute resolution bodies in mainland China, Macau, Taiwan and overseas, supported by Hong Kong institutions. The move aims to strengthen the city's status as a leading
The Hong Kong government on 3 November announced an expansion of the 'Visa-free Facilitation for Persons Participating in Arbitration Proceedings in Hong Kong' scheme, which has been a permanent fixture since 1 March 2025. The scheme has been widely welcomed by the legal and dispute resolution sectors, facilitating international and cross-border arbitration proceedings in the city and reinforcing Hong Kong's position as a leading global arbitration hub.
Under the original scheme, eligible participants holding a 'Certificate of Eligibility' issued by a designated Hong Kong arbitral or dispute resolution institution or venue provider could enter Hong Kong as visitors to take part in arbitration proceedings without needing a work visa or entry permit.
The expansion now covers arbitration proceedings conducted physically in Hong Kong, including hybrid online-offline formats, that are administered by dispute resolution bodies or permanent offices based in mainland China, Macau, Taiwan or overseas, and are supported by a Hong Kong institution designated under the 'Arrangement between the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Mutual Assistance in Preservation of Property and Evidence in Arbitration'. 'Support' means the Hong Kong institution provides venues, hearing or meeting facilities and ancillary services, such as court reporters, interpreters, translators and catering, for the arbitration administered by those non-Hong Kong bodies.
For newly covered proceedings, the supporting Hong Kong institution must verify the identity of participants and issue them a 'Certificate of Eligibility'. All other existing rules and eligibility criteria remain unchanged and apply equally to the expanded scope. Users still need to apply for any required travel visa or entry permit before arriving in Hong Kong. The five categories of eligible persons may stay in Hong Kong for the duration of the arbitration proceedings, but no longer than their permitted visitor stay. Eligible persons must present the certificate when requested by immigration or other authorities.
A spokesman for the Department of Justice said: 'The expansion of the scheme provides further convenience for eligible persons, while encouraging parties to choose Hong Kong as the seat of arbitration, thereby strengthening Hong Kong's competitiveness as a leading arbitration venue.' The department has issued updated guidelines to the relevant arbitration and dispute resolution institutions.
