Hong Kong offers exciting opportunities for professionals from around the world. Whether you're an individual looking to advance your career in Hong Kong or an employer seeking to bring in skilled talent from overseas, understanding the Employment Visa process is crucial. 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining an Employment Visa in Hong Kong, from eligibility requirements to the application process and beyond.

Yes, generally you will need a visa to work in Hong Kong, unless you already have the right of abode or right to land in the HKSAR. 

You must apply for an employment visa (work visa) under the General Employment Policy (GEP), managed by the Immigration Department (ImmD). 

To qualify for an Employment Visa, you must:

• Maintain a clean criminal record.

• Possess a solid educational background—typically a first-level university degree relevant to your job. However, exceptional professional skills, experience, or achievements can also be considered.

• Have a confirmed job offer that fills a genuine vacancy.

• Ensure your remuneration package aligns with market standards in Hong Kong.

The Immigration Department evaluates whether your qualifications match the job, the job can't be easily filled by locals, and if the sponsoring company is committed to doing business in Hong Kong.

From the Applicant:

• Completed Employment Visa Application Form with a recent photograph.

• Passport copy, including pages with personal details and latest arrival stamp or visa if already in Hong Kong.

• HKID card copy (if applicable).

• Proof of overseas residence.

• CV, academic qualifications, and relevant work experience.

From the Sponsoring Company:

• Completed application for Employing Professionals in Hong Kong.

• Employment contract or appointment letter detailing the job role, salary, benefits, and employment period.

• Business Registration Certificate copy.

• Proof of the company’s financial standing, like audited reports or tax returns.

• Company background information, including business activities, operations, products, and market details.

• For new companies (less than 12 months old), a detailed business plan covering funding sources, capital injection, business activities, projected turnover, profits, and job creation plans.

All documents must be in English or Chinese, or translated by a certified translator. 

The Immigration Department has the right to request additional documents if necessary. 

There are several ways to submit your work visa application:

1. Submit your application online

2. By post (directly or through a local sponsor) to the Hong Kong Immigration Department

3. Overseas applicants can submit the paperwork to the nearest Chinese diplomatic and consular mission. Check with them beforehand, as some missions handle such applications through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centers.

4. Foreigners living in mainland China can also submit the paperwork to the Immigration Division of the Office of the Government of the HKSAR in Beijing or the Immigration Division of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Shanghai (SHETO). In this case, you also need to enclose your valid travel document, so the office can issue a visa or entry permit when the application is approved.

The processing time is normally 4 weeks.

When submitted online or through post, successful applicants receive an “e-Visa,” which must be shown (digitally or printed) along with a valid travel document upon entering Hong Kong.

If the application is submitted through point 3 or 4 above, the visa fee should be paid directly to the relevant office/mission.

While the application is free, the visa fee is HK$230 (about USD 29).

Employment visas are generally valid for 2 years or the length of the employment contract, whichever is shorter. 

You can apply for an extension 4 weeks before the visa expires, usually granted in 3-year increments or for the duration of the contract.

Employment Visas are employer-specific and non-transferable. To change jobs, you must get approval from the Director of Immigration by filing an “Application for Change of Employment.”

Employment Visa holders can apply for dependant visas for their spouse and unmarried children under 18. Each family member needs a separate application, and their visa duration matches the principal visa holder’s. 

Dependants can work, study, and conduct business in Hong Kong.

After residing in Hong Kong for at least 7 continuous years under any visa, you can apply for Permanent Residency, allowing you to live and work in Hong Kong without restrictions.

At blynq, we assist both employees relocating to Hong Kong and employers hiring from abroad.

Our experts can handle your employment visa application efficiently.

Contact us via the form below or at services@iblynq.com for more information and to streamline your visa process.