Hong Kong is an international business, trade, and financial hub that attracts professionals from around the world. In general, people who do not have the right of abode or right to land in Hong Kong must obtain an appropriate visa or entry permit before working in the city. Navigating the application process can seem overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with Hong Kong’s immigration policies.
This guide explains how to apply for a Hong Kong employment visa or entry permit, including the eligibility criteria, document requirements, application fees, submission procedure, and expected processing time.
Steps on Applying for a Hong Kong Work Visa
Securing an employment visa or entry permit for Hong Kong involves several steps. The Immigration Department has established an online application process for professionals applying under the General Employment Policy and related employment schemes. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm that the General Employment Policy (GEP) is the appropriate employment scheme for you. The GEP is generally intended for professionals from outside Mainland China who possess skills, knowledge, or experience of value to Hong Kong that are not readily available locally.
An application may be favorably considered when there is no security objection or known record of serious crime; the applicant has a good educational background, normally a relevant first degree or acceptable technical qualifications and professional experience; there is a genuine vacancy; the applicant has a confirmed job offer relevant to their qualifications or experience; the position cannot readily be filled by the local workforce; and the remuneration package is broadly in line with the prevailing market level in Hong Kong.
The employer may be asked to substantiate difficulties in local recruitment. However, proof of a local recruitment exercise is not required in certain facilitated cases, including eligible positions on the Hong Kong Talent List and vacancies with an annual remuneration package of HK$2 million or more.
Applicants seeking technology-related employment may also qualify under the Technology Talent Admission Scheme. TechTAS is not available for every technology position. It is a fast-track arrangement under which an eligible company with a quota approved by the Innovation and Technology Commission sponsors a non-local full-time employee who will principally conduct research and development work in a technology area.
Step 2: Collect the Necessary Documents
The applicant and employing company must upload the required documents during the online application. The Immigration Department may request additional information or original documents when necessary. The standard documents for a GEP application include the following:
| NECESSARY DOCUMENTS | DOCUMENT DETAILS |
|---|
| Recent Photograph | A recent photograph of the applicant. |
| Valid Travel Document | A copy of the applicant’s valid passport or other travel document showing personal details, the issue date, the expiration date, and any applicable re-entry visa details. Applicants already in Hong Kong may need to provide additional pages showing their latest arrival and immigration status. |
| Academic and Professional Evidence | Proof of academic qualifications and relevant work experience, such as degree certificates, professional qualifications, employment records, or other supporting evidence. |
| Employment Contract or Appointment Letter | A contract or appointment letter containing information about the position, salary, fringe benefits, and employment period. |
| Employer Documents | The employer may need to provide its Business Registration Certificate, proof of financial standing, and documents describing the company’s background and activities. A detailed business plan may be required for a company established within the previous 12 months. Some established or listed companies are exempt from submitting certain documents. |
| Online Application | The applicant completes the online application through the official GovHK service. The employing company then receives a link to complete its portion and upload the relevant employer documents. |
The Immigration Department may request further documents or information based on the circumstances of the application. Documents that are not in Chinese or English must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation certified as a true translation by an authorized type of translator recognized by the department.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
GEP applications must be submitted through the official online application service. The applicant, accompanying dependants, if any, and the employing company must complete their respective portions of the application and upload the required supporting documents online.
A nonrefundable application fee of HK$600 is payable for each application. If the application is approved, a separate visa issuance fee must be paid. The issuance fee is HK$1,300 when the relevant period is more than 180 days and HK$600 when it is not more than 180 days. The current amounts are listed on the Immigration Department’s specified-scheme fee page.
Review the information and uploaded documents carefully before submitting the application. The Immigration Department will not begin processing the case until it has received all required documents and the application fee.
Step 4: Wait for Application Processing
A GEP application normally takes four weeks to process after the Immigration Department has received all required documents and the relevant application fee. The actual time may vary depending on the circumstances of the application, and approval remains at the discretion of the Director of Immigration.
After the department acknowledges receipt of the application, applicants can check its status through the online application-status service or the Immigration Department’s 24-hour telephone enquiry system at (852) 3160 8663. Applicants should respond promptly if additional information or documents are requested.
Step 5: Receive Your Work Visa Approval
If the application is approved, the Immigration Department will issue a notification containing a link for payment of the visa issuance fee. After payment, the applicant can download or print an e-Visa.
Professionals admitted under the GEP are normally granted an initial stay of 36 months or the duration of the employment contract, whichever is shorter. The employment is subject to the conditions approved by the Director of Immigration. Upon arrival,
Navigating the work visa process is an important step toward pursuing professional opportunities in Hong Kong. Applicants should identify the correct immigration scheme, confirm that they and their employer meet its requirements, prepare the official supporting documents, and use the online application service.
We hope this article has been helpful. If you are an international student looking to study in Hong Kong, then check out our Study in Hong Kong for more articles and tips. You can also search our Available Programs for International Students if you have not decided which course to take.
