Relocating your family to the “Pearl of the Orient” is an exciting venture, but in 2026, it comes with a new financial reality. Following the landmark Immigration (Amendment) Regulation 2025, Hong Kong has moved away from its legacy flat-fee model.
If you are a professional admitted under a Specified Scheme—such as the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) or the General Employment Policy (GEP)—your family’s residency costs are now calculated through a sophisticated “user-pays” system. This article breaks down the Hong Kong Dependent Residence Permit Fees 2026 to help you budget with surgical precision.
The 2026 Dual-Fee Structure: What Has Changed?
In 2026, the Immigration Department splits fees into two parts. There is an application fee and an issuance fee. This change is for people under special talent schemes. These schemes include Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) and General Employment Policy (GEP).
For most talent visa holders, the cost for each family member is now much higher than in 2024. It can be almost four times more.
Specified Scheme Fees
If the main person (called the sponsor) is under a talent or investment scheme, each dependant pays these fees:
- Application Fee (HK$600): You pay this when you send the application. It is not returned. Every dependant (spouse or child) pays HK$600.
- Issuance Fee (two levels): You pay this after the application is approved. The amount depends on how long the permit lasts:
- HK$1,300: This is for permits longer than 180 days. Most permits are for 2 or 3 years. So this fee is common.
- HK$600: This is for short permits of 180 days or less.
If the sponsor is not under these special schemes (for example, permanent residents or old schemes), the dependant fee stays small, around HK$330.
This new system makes family costs higher for talent scheme people.
Strategic Renewal & Extension Logic
Family permits are linked to the sponsor’s visa. When you renew or extend the stay (using Form ID 91), the time matters a lot. It changes your total cost.
- How Time is Calculated The Immigration Department looks at how much time the sponsor has left. If the sponsor has only a short time left, the dependant gets the same short time. This means you pay the smaller HK$600 issuance fee.
- Best Way: Submit Together In 2026, a good plan is to send the sponsor’s renewal and all family extensions at the same time. This way, everyone gets the same long period (like 3 years). You pay the higher HK$1,300 fee but it is better for the long term.
- “2+3+3” Pattern for TTPS Many TTPS people get 2 years first, then 3 years, then another 3 years. Plan your children’s school start around these times. It helps keep long permits for the family.
- e-Visa and Payment You pay fees online with the ImmD Mobile App. You can use FPS, Alipay, or credit card. After payment, you get a digital receipt fast. Use it to download the e-Visa QR code. There are no paper stickers now. This makes the process quicker.
Compliance: Relationship & Financial Scrutiny
In 2026, the Immigration Department checks more things. They want to be sure the family can live well in expensive Hong Kong.
- Sponsor’s Ability to Support (Form ID 481A) You must prove you can give good housing and pay living costs. Hong Kong rent is high. They look for enough income to cover a 2-bedroom flat and other expenses easily.
- MPF Records They often ask for Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) records. This shows the sponsor has a real job. If there is no job or no MPF payments, the dependant permits can have problems.
- Proof of Real Relationship Send digital marriage certificates and birth certificates. For same-sex partners, the documents must be from a place where it is legal. This stops delays.
- Change of Status Fee If your family comes as visitors first and then applies for residence inside Hong Kong, you pay extra. This extra fee is HK$330 or HK$600, plus normal fees.
Administrative “Hidden” Costs to Factor In
There are other small costs when you move your family:
- Translation and Notarization: HK$500 to HK$1,200 for each document (if not in English or Chinese).
- New Smart HKID Card: HK$460. Needed when dependants turn 11 or 18 years old.
- Passport Photos: About HK$100. Photos must follow ImmD rules for the app (JPEG file, not too big).
- Visa Agency Help: HK$5,000 to HK$10,000. This is optional. Useful if your case is hard or from a company.
These extra costs add up. Remember to include them in your budget.
FAQ: Hong Kong Dependant Permits 2026
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Can dependants work in Hong Kong?
Yes. Dependants of work visa holders can take any job or start a business. No need for extra permission (except dependants of students).
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What if a child is born in Hong Kong?
If parents are not permanent residents, the baby does not get a visa automatically. Apply for dependant permit right after birth.
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Can I pay fees in person?
Yes, at the Immigration office (like in Tseung Kwan O). But online payment with e-Visa is faster and better.
2026 Strategy: The “Aggregate Family Relocation Cost”
For a family of four (sponsor + 3 dependants) under TTPS, a 3-year extension costs about HK$7,600 in government fees. Calculation: (4 people × HK$600 application fee) + (4 people × HK$1,300 issuance fee) = HK$7,600. Submitting renewals together saves time and gives better value.
Disclaimer: This guide explains everything in simple words. It helps families moving to Hong Kong in 2026. Always check the latest information on the official Hong Kong Immigration Department website. Rules can change. This is only for information. Do not make big decisions without checking official sources.