🇭🇰 Hong Kong · Work Visa
Work permit categories, eligibility, sponsorship, application steps, and processing times.
Quick answer
Professionals usually enter under the General Employment Policy (GEP) with a job offer sponsored by a Hong Kong employer; talent schemes such as the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) allow high earners and graduates of top universities to come without a prior job. You apply to the Immigration Department.
Work visas are administered by the Immigration Department. The General Employment Policy (GEP) covers sponsored professionals, and the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) targets high earners and graduates of top universities.
- The GEP requires an employer sponsor and a relevant job offer.
- The Top Talent Pass Scheme allows qualifying talent to come without a prior job offer.
- Schemes also exist for entrepreneurs and the second generation of Chinese-Hong Kong permanent residents.
Step-by-step
- 1
Choose the right scheme
Choose the route — the General Employment Policy (GEP) for sponsored professionals, or a talent scheme such as the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) for high earners and top-university graduates.
- 2
Secure a job offer (GEP)
For the GEP, secure a job offer relevant to your skills that cannot readily be filled locally; talent schemes do not need a prior job.
- 3
Prepare the application
Prepare your qualifications, the employment contract (GEP) and supporting documents.
- 4
Apply to the Immigration Department
Submit the application to the Immigration Department; the employer sponsors the GEP application.
- 5
Enter and activate your stay
On approval, enter Hong Kong; you receive permission to stay and can get a Hong Kong ID card.
- 6
Extend and consider permanent residency
Extend before expiry; after seven years of continuous ordinary residence you may apply for permanent residency.
Checklist
- Route chosen (GEP sponsored / talent scheme such as TTPS)
- Job offer relevant to your skills (GEP)
- Qualifications + employment contract
- Immigration Department application (employer sponsors GEP)
- Permission to stay on approval
- Hong Kong ID card
- Extensions tracked
- Permanent residency (7 years) considered
Official authorities
- Immigration Department
Work visas and entry.
Frequently asked questions
What is the GEP?
The General Employment Policy admits professionals with a job offer sponsored by a Hong Kong employer for a role that cannot readily be filled locally.
What is the Top Talent Pass Scheme?
The TTPS lets high earners and graduates of eligible top universities come to Hong Kong to explore work, without a prior job offer.
How do I become a permanent resident?
Generally after seven years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong.
Official-information aggregation, not legal advice. Always verify on the authority's own site.