Hong Kong Work Visa Overview
Securing a work visa is essential for professionals aiming to work in Hong Kong. Several types of visas are available, which vary based on an applicant’s qualifications, country of origin, and intentions behind moving to Hong Kong.
This article gives a basic overview of the different work visas available in Hong Kong.
General Employment Policy (GEP)
The General Employment Policy (GEP), also referred to as the “Employment Visa,” is the most commonly issued work visa in Hong Kong.
This visa is generally administered to individuals with specialized knowledge and experience not readily available in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). It does not apply to mainland Chinese residents.
It’s considered quota-free and non-sector specific, though certain criteria can make the application favourably considered. To maximize the chances of having the visa approved, the employing company needs to provide:
Financial and business information, such as a business plan, financial or bank statements, audits, and tax records
Proof of local hiring efforts
Proof of sufficient office space for the new applicant
If the applicant’s role is on the Hong Kong Talent List, the company is not obligated to provide proof of local hiring efforts.
The applicant needs to provide the following:
University degrees and records (in cases involving highly specialized skills, a visa application may be approved based on the applicant’s expertise, even in the absence of formal education)
Relevant certificates or equivalent records of further qualifications
Recommendation letters from previous employers
The processing time is four weeks after all required documents have been submitted. You can learn more about the GEP visa requirements and how to apply by reading How To Apply For An Employment Visa In Hong Kong.
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents & Professionals (ASMTP)
The Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) is similar to the GEP, with the only major difference being that it only applies to mainland Chinese and Taiwanese nationals.
It’s quota-free and non-sector specific, and it favours individuals whose role is on the talent list.
The employing company and the applicant must provide the same document as for GEP, and the processing time is also four weeks.
Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) was introduced on 28 December 2022 and is directed towards graduates from the top 100 universities and high earners with an annual income of at least HK$2.5 million.
The primary goal of this visa is to attract STEM talent looking for work in Hong Kong and wealthy individuals who would invest in Hong Kong-based companies. The graduates don’t need a job to get the visa, but they should find one if they want to renew it.
TTPS has attracted over 100,000 applicants in the first half of 2023. It is relatively easy to obtain this visa if you meet all requirements, but beware of the long processing time. The standard is four weeks, but the current norm is closer to 12 weeks due to the high volume of applicants.
Note that the income for high-earning individuals must come from taxable income sources, such as salaries (including stock options), and profits from a self-owned company. Income from personal investments won’t be considered.
As for graduates, they must have at least three years of experience within the past five years preceding the visa application. Individuals who graduated within the past five years and have less than three years of work experience can also obtain an entry permit under the TTPS, but they are subject to a first-come, first-serve annual quota.
Aside from that requirement, the applicant should have a clean criminal record to be favourably considered.
Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
The Immigration of Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) provides non-local graduates from Hong Kong universities with an easily accessible visa to stay or return to Hong Kong.
Graduates from the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA campus) can also apply for a visa under the IANG.
To be eligible, the applicant must complete a full-time, locally-accredited undergraduate or higher qualification program.
If the applicant is applying within six months after graduation, they do not need a job offer and are considered non-local recent graduates/GBA campus recent graduates, respectively. Processing time for these applicants is around two weeks.
However, if the graduate applies beyond six months of graduation, they are classified as non-recent graduates/GBA campus non-recent graduates and must prearrange a job offer if they wish to apply under the IANG. The job must be at a level that degree holders take on, both in terms of responsibilities and compensation. Processing time for non-recent graduates is four weeks.
The IANG visa holder can stay up to 24 months, provided they meet all other standard immigration requirements.
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is a visa programme that aims to boost Hong Kong’s economy by admitting highly skilled workers with special backgrounds. Although it primarily aims to attract mainland Chinese residents, foreign nationals from almost all countries can apply for a visa under the QMAS.
QMAS is quota-based and has historically low admission rates, as it’s chiefly reserved for highly skilled talent. In addition to meeting the full set of prerequisites, applicants have to complete a General Points Test or Achievement-based Points Test.
We generally do not recommend applying under the QMAS program, as the newer Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) is a much easier path for most applicants.
Investment as Entrepreneurs
The Investment as Entrepreneurs visa is part of the GEP, but it’s tailored to individuals looking to enter and establish or join a business in the HKSAR. It does not apply to mainland Chinese and Taiwanese nationals unless they have a permanent overseas residence or have been living overseas for at least one year immediately before applying.
This visa is handed to major shareholders in Hong Kong-based companies. It also applies to individuals who wish to start or join a start-up, but it does not apply to one-person consulting companies.
Each application is determined on a case-by-case basis. One of the primary requirements is that the applicant is in a position to launch or join a legitimate business that can contribute to the Hong Kong economy.
The eligibility criteria require that the applicant submit a detailed business plan, the number of locally created jobs, investment sum and financial resources, new technology/skills (if applicable), and business turnover.
Processing time is around four weeks after submission.
Working Holiday Scheme, Training, & Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)
These three distinct visa programs share many similarities and primarily target individuals who plan to stay temporarily in Hong Kong, usually for remote work, training, or research and development.
If you are applying under one of these programs, do not treat applying for a visa as a mere formality. Your business or the company you work with must meet all requirements or risk a rejection. The application should reflect the purpose of your stay and your qualifications. You must have or be provided sufficient office space, funds, and resources throughout the stay.
What’s the Best Visa Type for My Situation?
The General Employment Policy visa is sufficient for most applicants with a job offer in Hong Kong. The Top Talent Pass Scheme is better if you meet all requirements, as you do not need an initial job offer to obtain a work visa. The IANG is the best visa for recent graduates who meet the criteria. For all visa types, be aware of the soft factors that could get your application rejected. For instance, some of these programs favour passport holders of some countries (e.g., Western Europe).
Need more information in applying for these visas?
