Complete Guide to Navigating Hong Kong Work Visas
Moving to Hong Kong for work typically requires a visa under the General Employment Policy (GEP), which needs a confirmed job offer from a sponsoring employer. Recently, the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), introduced in December 2022, has expanded opportunities for international professionals to work or start a business in Hong Kong. The TTPS is available to nationals from most countries, excluding Afghanistan, Cuba, and North Korea.
Employers must ensure compliance with Hong Kong’s immigration laws is crucial when hiring or relocating employees. Obtaining the correct work permits and visas is essential to avoid severe penalties. To simplify the process, many companies use Employers of Record (EOR), which handle everything from benefits and payroll to compliance, making international hiring more straightforward.
Applicants do not need a job offer or business plan to apply and may qualify under one of the following categories:
• High Income: An annual income of HKD 2.5 million or more.
• Top University Degree with Experience: A degree from one of the top 100 universities globally, plus at least 3 years of work experience within the past 5 years.
• Top University Degree without Experience: A degree from one of the top 100 universities globally, without 3 years of work experience. This category is capped at 10,000 applicants annually and excludes international graduates who completed their undergraduate studies in Hong Kong.
Applicants can submit dependent visa applications for eligible family members.
Here are some other common Hong Kong work permits:
• General Employment Policy (GEP): For professionals with skills not readily available in Hong Kong. Excludes Chinese residents of Mainland China and nationals of certain countries.
• Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals: For Chinese residents with unique skills not available in Hong Kong.
• Technology Talent Admission Scheme: For professionals in technology sectors. Companies must apply for a quota before sponsoring.
• Training Visa: Intended for individuals who want to learn a skill or gain specific knowledge while living in Hong Kong for up to one year.
• Quality Migrant Admission Scheme: For skilled professionals without a job offer, assessed based on the General Points Test (GPT).
• Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates: For graduates from Hong Kong institutions to stay for up to a year to find local employment.
When applying under the GEP, include a statement describing the position. The Immigration Department evaluates based on the degree, experience, salary, local impact, and the unavailability of local candidates.
Proving the absence of a suitable local candidate can be challenging, especially when recruiting internationally. However, immigration authorities generally accept the evidence provided.
For family members, proof of a genuine relationship and financial support is required. Spouses wishing to work need an additional permit.
With increasing enforcement of visa laws, working on a tourist visa or without the proper permit can result in severe penalties:
• If a company employs someone who is not legally authorized to work, the employer could face a fine of up to $500,000 USD and a prison term of up to 10 years.
• If an employer fails to verify a worker's Hong Kong identity card or valid travel and work documents, they may be fined up to $150,000 USD and sentenced to up to 1 year in prison.
• If an employee is found working in Hong Kong without a valid work visa sponsored by their employer, they could be fined up to $50,000 USD, sentenced to up to 3 years in prison, and potentially deported.
At Bolster Group, we are committed to removing barriers to global business and creating opportunities for everyone, everywhere. We ensure full compliance with local laws and streamline the visa process in Hong Kong, making international expansion seamless and efficient.