Hong Kong•AsiaGeneral Employment Policy (GEP) - Work Visa
At a Glance
Processing Time
28 days
Application Fee
600 HKD
Stay Duration
Up to 3 years
Renewable
Yes
Job Offer
Not Required
Dependents
Allowed
PR Pathway
Available
This visa can lead to permanent residency — the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa.Remote Work
Not Required
Overview
Work visa for professionals, skilled workers, and entrepreneurs from overseas, Taiwan, and Macao. Requires job offer relevant to qualifications and position not readily filled locally.
The General Employment Policy is the primary work visa for international professionals. It is quota-free and non-sector specific, allowing entry for professionals possessing special skills, knowledge or experience not readily available in Hong Kong.
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Requirements
Personal
Passport Validity
1 day
Criminal Record Policy
Clean record required
Education
Bachelor or higher
Professional
Required Skills
Excluded Nationalities
Citizens of the following countries are not eligible: AF, CU, LA, KP, NP, VN
Documentation
Applicant Documents
Valid passport
Passport with at least 1 month validity
Educational credentials
Degree certificates and transcripts
Work experience documentation
References, employment history, CV
Health check
If required by Immigration Department
OptionalSponsor Documents
Job offer letter
Detailed position, remuneration, duration
Company documentation
Registration, financial statements, organizational structure
Justification for foreign hire
Evidence position cannot be filled by local workforce
Tax returns
Company financial health
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Advantages
- Quota-free, flexible entry
- Non-sector specific
- Can bring dependents
- Path to permanent residency
- No minimum investment required
Considerations
- Requires confirmed job offer
- Employer must justify foreign hire
- Dependent on employment status
- Tied to employer/position
- Requires strong educational background
Application Process
Secure job offer
From Hong Kong employer, position relevant to qualifications
Employer applies for authorization
Sponsor demonstrates position cannot be filled by locals
Complete application
Applicant fills Form ID 990A
Submit with employer
Joint submission with all supporting documents
Pay visa fee
HKD 600 for principal applicant
Process and decision
Normally 4 weeks
Receive entry permit
e-Visa issued to successful applicants
Application Forms
Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals
Form ID: ID 990A
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