Business Visas
Securing an employment visa in Hong Kong is a critical step for foreign nationals looking to work legally in the region. Whether you are a professional, entrepreneur, or recent graduate, there are various Hong Kong work visa options to suit different needs
A visa or entry permit is required to work, study, establish, or join any business or residence in the HK SAR.
However, if an individual holds any of the following travel documents, no visa or entry permit shall be required for any purpose:
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport;
- British National (Overseas) Passport;
- Hong Kong Certificate of Identity;
- Hong Kong Re-entry permit (for entry from mainland China and the Macau Special Administrative Region only);
- Hong Kong Seaman's Identity Book;
- Hong Kong Document of Identity for Visa Purposes provided that the document is valid or the holder's limit of stay in Hong Kong has not expired;
- Travel documents bearing one of the following endorsements:
- Holder's eligibility for Hong Kong permanent identity card verified;
- The document holder has the right to land in Hong Kong.
Types of employment visa in Hong Kong
All foreign nationals must obtain a visa to work in Hong Kong. Obtaining a work visa for a foreign national can be challenging, as companies need to prove that there is a genuine need for foreign talent and that a local professional cannot fill the vacancy.
Hong Kong offers various employment and investment visa options, including:
- The General Employment Policy (GEP) visa is a common type of employment visa in Hong Kong, designed for foreign professionals whose expertise is not readily available in the local workforce.
- Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) visa is an employment visa for Chinese residents from Mainland China who have special skills, knowledge, or experience valuable to Hong Kong.
- Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) visa is an employment visa for non-local students who have graduated from a full-time, locally-accredited program in Hong Kong. Recent graduates can apply to stay and work in Hong Kong for 12 months without needing a job offer.
- Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents visa is for the second generation of Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents who were born overseas.
- Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) is an employment visa for individuals who invest at least HKD 30 million in permissible investment assets in Hong Kong.
The visa type that is most suitable for foreign investors is the employment visa under the General Employment Policy.
Other work visas cater to entrepreneurs and semi-skilled workers, such as technicians. To qualify for an employment visa, applicants must possess skills, knowledge, or experience not readily available in Hong Kong, with different rules for Mainland Chinese applicants.
Work visa eligibility requirements
To obtain an employment visa in Hong Kong, applicants must meet several criteria, including relevant academic or professional qualifications, a confirmed job offer, and a remuneration package that matches market standards:
General Employment Policy (GEP) Visa
The General Employment Policy (GEP) visa is a widely utilized employment visa in Hong Kong, aimed at foreign professionals possessing expertise not readily available in the local market. The GEP visa is open to non-Chinese nationals and does not have sector or quota limitations. Applicants must meet several criteria, including:
- Possessing a solid educational background (typically a degree);
- Securing an employment offer in Hong Kong relevant to their qualifications; and.
- Receiving compensation that matches the prevailing market standards in the city.
Notably, applicants are required to show that the role they are applying for cannot be filled by local professionals, emphasizing the need for specialized skills or experience.
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) Visa
For Chinese Mainland residents with unique skills or expertise that contribute value to Hong Kong’s workforce, the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) offers a streamlined employment visa pathway in Hong Kong. Similar to the GEP, this visa program is also quota-free and not limited to any specific sector. Applicants under the ASMTP must:
- Demonstrate that their expertise is not readily available within the local talent pool; and,
- They have secured a relevant job offer in Hong Kong.
A strong educational background, professional qualifications, and evidence of a competitive remuneration package aligned with Hong Kong's market norms are crucial for successful applications.
Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) Visa
The IANG employment visa is designed for non-local graduates who have completed a full-time, accredited program at a Hong Kong institution. The program provides graduates with the opportunity to stay and work in Hong Kong for up to 12 months, without requiring a job offer at the time of application.
Recent graduates applying within six months of their graduation date are particularly advantaged, as they are granted the flexibility to explore employment options post-graduation. After this initial period, applicants can further extend their stay in Hong Kong by securing a job offer. This visa supports Hong Kong's objective of retaining international talent educated within its borders.
Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents Visa
This employment visa category is tailored for individuals who are part of the second generation of Chinese Hong Kong permanent residents but were born overseas. It allows them to live and work in Hong Kong, thus reconnecting with their heritage while contributing to the local economy.
Applicants are required to demonstrate their Hong Kong roots and typically need to provide proof of their parents' permanent residency in Hong Kong, alongside other general immigration requirements.
Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES)
The Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) once provided a route for individuals willing to invest a minimum of HK$30 million in Hong Kong’s permissible investment assets to gain residency.
Successful applicants were not required to be engaged in active employment, making this visa a popular choice among high-net-worth individuals looking to establish residence in Hong Kong through substantial financial investment. The scheme helped boost the local economy by attracting foreign investment, though recent policy changes have since closed this entry pathway.
Documents requirements for employment visas in Hong Kong
Apart from the application form, the following documents need to be submitted for employment visas in Hong Kong:
- From the employee:
- Passport;
- Copy of academic qualifications and relevant work experience; and,
- Recent photo.
- From the employer:
- The company’s employment contract or letter of appointment to the applicant containing information about the post, salary, other fringe benefits, and employment periods;
- Photocopy of the Business Registration Certificate;
- Photocopy of proof of financial standing, such as an audited financial report;
- Documents with details of company background such as business activities; and,
- Detailed business plan.
Applicants must collect and deliver these documents to the Immigration Department of Hong Kong SAR. Foreigners residing in the Chinese Mainland at the time of application must submit these documents to the Immigration Division of the Hong Kong Government in Beijing.
Processing time for Hong Kong's employment visas
The processing of the work visa application takes about two to three months. If the visa application is granted, the government will issue a permit label to the applicant, who has to affix it to their passport. At this point, the fees need to be paid as well. With the label attached to the passport, the applicant can enter and work in Hong Kong.
Comparison of Hong Kong work visa options
To attract and retain highly skilled and sought-after talent, Hong Kong has introduced several talent visa schemes to facilitate obtaining a work visa. This initiation includes visa schemes for foreign graduates of Hong Kong universities and highly skilled and experienced talent.
The different work visa policies and talent schemes are summarized in the table below.
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Comparison of Hong Kong Work and Employment Visa Options |
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Visa scheme |
Applicability |
Requirements |
Characteristics |
|
General Employment Policy* |
General work visa applications for foreign professionals taking up a genuine job position that a local professional cannot fill. |
|
No specific requirements for the applicant’s educational institute.
Job offer required. |
|
Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates |
Foreign graduates of a Hong Kong university or a joint Hong Kong-Mainland China campus in one of the mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). |
|
Specific requirements for the applicant’s educational institute.
Job offer not required.
|
|
Top Talent Pass Scheme |
Foreign professionals with rich work experience and good academic qualifications, including high-income talents and graduates from the world’s top universities. |
|
Specific requirements for the applicant’s educational institute.
Job offer required. |
|
Technology Talent Admission Scheme |
Non-local technology talent to undertake research and development (R&D) work in specific high-tech industries, subject to quota application by the company. |
|
Special requirements for applicant’s education institute.
Applicant must work in a specific position and industry.
Job offer required. |
|
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme |
Highly skilled or talented persons to settle in Hong Kong to enhance Hong Kong's economic competitiveness and fulfill a set of prerequisites |
|
Job offer not required.
Specific language requirements. |
|
Foreign Domestic Helpers |
Foreigners working as domestic helpers in Hong Kong are subject to employees’ eligibility requirements. |
|
Workers can only perform domestic duties.
Job offer required. |
|
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals
|
Chinese residents of the Chinese mainland possess special skills, knowledge, or experience of value that are not readily available in Hong Kong. |
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No specific requirements for the applicant’s educational institute.
Job offer required. |
|
Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents
|
Persons who are the second generation of Chinese Hong Kong emigrants who are permanent residents overseas. |
|
No specific requirements for the applicant’s educational institute.
Job offer not required. |
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*Some companies may be eligible for facilitation measures under the General Employment Policy. Consult the Hong Kong Immigration Department for details. Note: Information provided for reference only. Consult the Hong Kong Immigration Department for specific requirements. Source: Hong Kong Immigration Department. |
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Business and entrepreneurial visas
Hong Kong has introduced a range of visa schemes to enable people to come to Hong Kong for business or investment without having to work for an existing company. One such scheme is “Investment as Entrepreneurs,” which enables people to relocate to Hong Kong while working for their business.
To be eligible for this type of visa, applicants must prove that their business can substantially contribute to Hong Kong’s economy. The immigration authorities may consider factors such as business plans, business turnover, financial resources, investment sum, the number of jobs created locally, and the introduction of new technology or skills. Details of these factors can be found here.
Other types of business visas include:
- Training visa - a visa of up to 12 months for applicants traveling to Hong Kong for training to acquire particular skills and knowledge not available in the applicant's country/territory of domicile.
- Working holiday visas - Citizens of participating countries between the ages of 18 and 30 whose primary intention in traveling to Hong Kong is for a holiday but want to take up short-term employment or short-term study or training. Subject to a quota by country.
- APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) Scheme - Citizens of the 21 APEC member economies are eligible for the ABTC, enabling them to travel to any APEC member region for two to three months for business purposes, including Hong Kong.
For short-term business trips to Hong Kong, citizens of visa-free eligible countries do not need a visa. Those from non-eligible countries can apply for a general visitor visa.
Frequent travelers to Hong Kong can apply for a "Travel Pass," valid for three years. This pass allows multiple visits, each lasting up to two months. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a "genuine need" for frequent Hong Kong travel, having visited at least three times in the past year (excluding trips to and from mainland China). Proof of "genuine need" may include an employer's statement or an essential Hong Kong business contact letter for business-related visits.
Visitor’s visa
Hong Kong grants a visa-free period for citizens of most countries, usually for 7, 14, 30, or 90 days, depending on the country in question. Exceptions are for British nationals who may stay in Hong Kong for up to 180 days without a visa. Visitors must apply for a visa or entry permit before traveling to the HKSAR to stay longer than the allowed visa-free period.
Visitors are not allowed to take up employment (paid or unpaid), to establish or join in any business, or to enter school as a student, where other types of visa or entry permit might be applied.
Renewing the Hong Kong work and employment visas
Renewals of employment visas for non-permanent residents can be done online.
Non-permanent residents in Hong Kong who have obtained an employment visa through any of the following schemes may apply for an extension within four weeks of the expiration of their limit of stay:
- General Employment Policy (GEP)
- Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents
- Entrepreneurs
- Non-Mainland students and their dependents
- Descendants of Hong Kong permanent residents and Hong Kong residents
Applicants who have obtained a visa through the above schemes must submit a completed and signed form ID 91 to apply for an extension.
Applicants who are dependents should also submit form ID 481A, which must be completed and signed by the sponsor. If the dependent is a spouse or civil partner, they must also complete and sign form ID 481B. All of these forms can be obtained free of charge from the Immigration Department Headquarters and the Immigration Branch Offices or downloaded here.
People who have obtained a visa through the Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents and their dependents must submit their application online. Dependents must also submit form ID 481A, completed by the sponsor. Spouses and civil partners must also upload form ID 481B.
Applicants may also be required to submit supplementary documents depending on their situation, such as photocopies of the applicant's travel document, the sponsor's Hong Kong identity card, a letter from the employer confirming the applicant's job position, and the like.
FAQ about employment visas in Hong Kong
"What are the differences between a work visa and an employment visa in Hong Kong?"
In Hong Kong, the terms “work visa” and “employment visa” are often used interchangeably. Both refer to the legal document that allows a foreign national to reside and work in Hong Kong. The most common type of employment visa is issued under the General Employment Policy (GEP), which is designed for professionals with special skills, knowledge, or experience that are not readily available in Hong Kong.
"How difficult is it to get an employment visa in Hong Kong?"
Securing an employment visa in Hong Kong can be challenging due to several factors:
- You must have a confirmed job offer from a Hong Kong employer who is willing to sponsor your visa.
- You need to demonstrate that you possess the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience for the job. Typically, this includes having a relevant degree and professional experience.
- The employer must prove that the position cannot be filled by a local candidate. This is often the most difficult criterion to meet.
Despite these challenges, the process is relatively straightforward once you meet the criteria, and the application is free of charge.
