The former Manchester City and Spain midfielder retired three years ago after suffering a serious knee injury during his time with Real Sociedad.
Silva, now 40, will return to the pitch with newly promoted Sha Tin after agreeing a short-term contract with the Hong Kong club.
The move represents an unexpected continuation of one of the most decorated careers of his generation.
Silva won the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain, while his decade at Manchester City brought 13 trophies.
He left City in 2020 after becoming one of the defining players of their modern era, before continuing his career in Spain with Real Sociedad.
Sha Tin have moved quickly to bring the former Spain international to Asia after earning promotion to the Hong Kong top flight.
The club are managed by Englishman Tom Ballantyne, who was appointed earlier this week, while player-owner Jim Wong Chi-chuen has helped bankroll their rapid rise.
Wong told the South China Morning Post that Silva could make his debut as early as 18 October, although the midfielder will first link up with his new team and build his fitness.
Sha Tin confirmed the signing by announcing that Silva would travel to Hong Kong before joining squad training.
“David Silva will be in Hong Kong soon to settle in, link up with squad training, and build up to peak match fitness before making his pitch debut,” the club said.
Silva also addressed supporters in a video message after completing the move.
“I am very happy to join Supreme Sha Tin for this experience; I’m really looking forward to going to Hong Kong to enjoy the culture, the people, and the food in Sha Tin - and the football in Hong Kong, of course,” he said.
Sha Tin have made a difficult start to the new campaign, winning one and losing three of their opening four matches.
Silva will therefore arrive at a club looking for an immediate change in fortunes, while his return gives the newly promoted side a remarkable addition of experience and pedigree.
For Silva, the move offers the chance to play competitive football again three years after his retirement.