Skip to main content
Back to visa checker

Hong Kong · Work visa

General Employment Policy (GEP)

Processing
About 4 weeks
Cost
From HK$1,200
Validity
Typically 2 years initially

Hong Kong’s main employer-sponsored work visa for overseas professionals (excluding mainland Chinese residents, who use ASMTP). Requires a confirmed job offer with a local sponsor.

Requirements

  • Confirmed offer of employment relevant to your qualifications
  • Good first degree, or technical qualifications/proven professional experience with achievements
  • Remuneration package broadly commensurate with the prevailing market rate
  • Genuine job vacancy the employer cannot readily fill locally
  • No security objections or serious criminal record

Time and cost

Processing time
About 4 weeks after all documents received
Validity
Typically 2 years initially, extendable on a 3-3 year pattern (or duration of contract)
Cost

From HK$1,200

Required

  • HK$600 application fee
  • Visa fee: HK$600 for up to 180 days or HK$1,300 for over 180 days
Path to residency
Right of abode (permanent residency) after 7 years of continuous ordinary residence

Documents

  • Valid passport

    Copy of bio-data page

  • Application form ID 990A (applicant) and ID 990B (sponsor)

    Signed by employee and sponsoring employer

  • Employment contract

    Stating post, salary and benefits

  • Academic and professional certificates

    Degree and relevant qualifications

  • Employer’s business documents

    Business registration and financial standing proof

  • Recent photograph

    Affixed to the application form

Tips

  • There is no quota and no sector restriction, but the employer must justify hiring overseas
  • Change of employer requires fresh Immigration Department approval
  • Applicants who meet the TTPS criteria can apply without a job offer