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HK Employment Visa

Unit 1605, 16/F, West Tower, Shun Tak Centre,168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Tel: +852 3955 0277

Email：info@complianceone.hk

繁｜簡｜EN

Can’t Wait to See You Here!

 

The Hong Kong SAR Government has been actively inviting global talent to settle in Hong Kong. As the Immigration Department highlights in its promotional video, people are drawn to Hong Kong “because Hong Kong is a global finance hub with lots of investment opportunities and a very strong regulatory framework.”

 

In general, unless a person has the right of abode or right to land in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), he/she requires a visa/entry permit to work, study, establish or join in any business, take up residence or to stay in the HKSAR as a visitor longer than the allowed visa free period.

 

According to the latest figures from the Immigration Department, nearly 60,000 individuals are approved each year under the General Employment Policy and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals. Among them, approximately 8–10% are engaged in the financial services industry.

Major Types of Visas for Talent Admission & Visa Scheme

Name of Admission Scheme(計劃名稱)
Short Form(短稱)
Target Applicants(適合對象)
Annual Approvals(每年獲批數字 (人))
Top Talent Pass Scheme
TTPS
High-income earners or graduates of top-tier universities worldwide.
~30,000 - 40,000
General Employment Policy
GEP
Overseas professionals with special skills, knowledge or experience needed by Hong Kong.
~30,000
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals
ASMTP
Mainland Chinese professionals with special skills, knowledge or experience needed by Hong Kong.
~25,000
General Employment Policy and Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (Technical Professionals Stream)
GEP(TP) & ASMTP(TP)
Non-degree professionals with specific technical skills relevant to their field.
Data not available
Technology Talent Admission Scheme
TechTAS
Technology talents engaged in research and development in specified technology areas.
~150
Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates
IANG
Non-local graduates who have obtained a degree from a eligible university in Hong Kong or the GBA.
~25,000
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme
QMAS
Highly skilled or outstanding talents with good academic qualifications and professional abilities
~7,000 - 12,000
Total
~120,000

# Annual figures are subject to change. The numbers above are compiled with reference to the Immigration Department's published statistics for 2024 and 2025. Please refer to the official website for the latest data. Official Data Source: https://www.immd.gov.hk/hkt/facts/visa-control.html

 

Note: This page focuses on employment-based visa schemes. Other schemes exist for investment purposes, such as the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (New CIES) and Investment as Entrepreneurs, which are not covered here.

Introduction on Employment Visas (GEP & ASMTP)

Scheme Overview:

  • For Mainland or overseas professionals with special skills, knowledge or experience that are needed and lacking in the HKSAR

  • No quota limit and no industry restrictions

  • Eligible to bring dependents (spouse and unmarried dependent children under 18)

  • Initial approval typically granted for 1 or 2 years, with extension of stay on a 3+3-year basis (i.e., 2+3+3). For top-tier talents (with assessable income subject to salaries tax of HKD 2 million or more in the previous assessment year), the arrangement is 2+6 years

  • Prior approval from the Director of Immigration is required for change of employment

  • This arrangement does not apply to: Overseas professionals who are nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, or Vietnam

Applicant (Employee) Eligibility:

  • No known serious criminal record

  • Good educational background, generally a bachelor's degree or higher

  • Have secured a job offer from a Hong Kong company prior to application

  • The position should generally be at "professional" or "managerial" level

  • Relevant to the applicant's academic qualifications and work experience

  • A position that cannot be readily filled by local talent

  • Remuneration package broadly commensurate with that of local professionals

Employing Company (Employer) Eligibility:

✓ Genuine job vacancy exists

✓ Company must have substantial business operations, including: office premises, reasonable number of staff, sound financial standing, etc.

✓ Company must provide detailed background information (e.g., business activities, operational model, company profile, product catalogue, etc.)

✓ For newly established companies, a detailed business plan is required (including: source of funds, estimated capital injection, business nature/model, projected turnover, sales volume, gross profit and net profit for the coming year, and proposed local employment positions, etc.)

What ComplianceOne can do for you

ComplianceOne provides one-stop visa application services, including:

  • Assessing the applicant's eligibility

  • Assessing the employer's eligibility

  • Assisting with matters related to the job offer

  • Submitting applications to the Immigration Department on behalf of applicants

  • Liaising with the Immigration Department throughout the application process

Timeline

Under normal circumstances, the entire application process takes approximately 2 to 3 months, including 1 month for preliminary preparation and 1 to 2 months for processing by the Immigration Department. ComplianceOne will provide full support throughout the process, ensuring your visa application is handled smoothly.

External Reference

Guidebook for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong – Chinese version:​

https://www.immd.gov.hk/hkt/forms/forms/id-e-991.html

Before You Start

  • Have secured a job offer from a Hong Kong company

  • Applicant (Employee): prepares education and work-related documents

  • Employing company: prepares background and business information

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