- Download our Moving to Hong Kong Guide (PDF)
Many expats move to Hong Kong each year to pursue new career opportunities. If you’re considering relocating to Hong Kong, you’ll find several visa options that allow you to take up employment.
General Employment Policy visas in Hong Kong
If you’re a well-qualified and experienced professional wanting to work in Hong Kong, you’ll likely apply for a General Employment Policy (GEP) visa. These visas have no quota restrictions and are accessible across industries. Note that you must have a confirmed offer of employment and an employer sponsor before applying for a GEP visa.
The GEP grants an initial stay of 36 months (or the duration of the employment contract, whichever is shorter), and then it is typically renewed in a 3+2-year pattern. GEP holders can apply to renew their visa up to 90 days before it expires.
These work permits are relatively straightforward to obtain if you can demonstrate a high level of education or possess a specialised skill set that adds value to Hong Kong’s economy and isn’t readily available locally. Employers generally look for candidates with relevant educational qualifications, significant professional experience, and unique skills that aren’t common in the local job market. The offered salary must also be competitive with local standards.
Useful links
Technology Talent Admission Scheme visas for Hong Kong
If you’re a technology specialist in a frontier discipline like quantum computing or cybersecurity, the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) visa might be your ticket. Eligible companies that urgently need technology talent can fast-track visa applications for a wide range of roles in R&D.
The Innovation and Technology Commission (ITC) sets quotas for TechTAS, which eligible companies have 24 months to fulfil. Companies can submit quota requests and individual visa applications simultaneously (in parallel). The fast-track arrangement often allows applications to be processed in as little as two weeks. The ITC also takes into account the company’s efforts to recruit locally, ensuring that non-local talent is only brought in where there is a genuine need.
Expats who gain entry to Hong Kong through the TechTAS are also eligible to bring dependants, making this a family-friendly option for technology professionals.
Useful links
Top Talent Pass Scheme visas in Hong Kong
The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) aims to attract high-achieving professionals to Hong Kong. If you have an exceptional educational background or notable career achievements, this scheme could be the one for you. The TTPS has three main categories:
- Category A: Individuals earning a very high income equivalent.
- Category B: Degree graduates from the world’s top 100 universities with at least three years of work experience in the past five years.
- Category C: Recent degree graduates from the world’s top 100 universities within the past five years, with less than three years of work experience. This category is subject to an annual quota.
Applicants do not need a prior employment offer to apply for the TTPS, which grants an initial stay of 24 months (Categories B and C) or 36 months (Category A). TTPS holders can submit renewal applications up to 90 days before their visa expires.
Successful applicants enjoy the flexibility to switch jobs or sectors and can bring their spouse or partner, as well as unmarried dependant children under 18. Dependants are generally allowed to work in Hong Kong, providing further opportunities for family members.
Useful links
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme visas in Hong Kong
The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) is designed to attract talented individuals who can enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness. Unlike other work visas, the QMAS does not require applicants to have a prearranged job offer. Successful applicants can bring their dependants.
Applicants are assessed on a points-based system that scores them against 12 criteria across six aspects (age, academic qualifications, language proficiency, work experience, annual income, and business ownership), and you need a minimum threshold of six out of 12 points. There are two assessment methods:
- General Points Test (GPT): A minimum passing score is required.
- Achievement-based Points Test (APT): For individuals with exceptional talent or skills, such as international award recipients. This test has a high threshold, and it’s all-or-nothing.
Useful links
Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) visas in Hong Kong
The Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG) scheme is designed to encourage international students who have studied at Hong Kong universities to stay in the city and join the workforce after graduation. To be eligible, you must have completed an undergraduate or higher qualification through a full-time, locally-accredited programme at a Hong Kong institution.
If you apply within six months of graduating, you do not need a confirmed job offer, and you can stay in Hong Kong for up to 24 months while you look for work. If you are a returning graduate applying after that six-month window, you will need an employment contract. In both cases, you can extend your stay once you have secured employment or established a business.
Useful links
Working Holiday Scheme visas
Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) visas allow expats from certain countries aged between 18 and 30 to work in Hong Kong for up to 12 months. There are annual quotas for WHS visas for each eligible country, which includes the UK, New Zealand, Australia, France, and more. Quotas vary by country, with Australia having the highest quota of 5,000 visas, followed by Japan with 1,500 and the UK with 1,000 visas. New Zealand’s quota is 400. These quotas are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so applying early is wise.
If you’re participating in the WHS, you can take up any temporary employment. Popular roles include positions in hospitality and tourism, retail, education (such as language tutoring), administrative support, and food and beverage services. These jobs provide flexibility and are ideal for short-term employment, aligning with the objectives of the WHS.
Depending on your nationality, you may be required to change employers after three, six, or 12 months. Most participants are also permitted to study in Hong Kong, although the number and duration of courses allowed can vary based on your country of origin.
To be granted a WHS visa, you must show sufficient funds in your bank account to support yourself while in Hong Kong and provide proof of valid medical insurance. Insurance requirements vary by country, but most applicants need comprehensive coverage for medical, hospitalisation, and liability. You’ll also need to hold a return air ticket or demonstrate that you have the financial means to purchase one.
While WHS visas are generally valid for 12 months and are not extendable, you may explore other options if you wish to stay longer. These include securing an Employment Visa through a job offer, applying for a Student Visa by enrolling in a recognised institution, or obtaining a GEP visa if you possess specialised skills that are in demand.
Useful links
Visa regulations are subject to change at short notice, and you should contact your respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.