Hong Kong•AsiaGEP — General Employment Policy - Professionals (一般就業政策-專業人士)
At a Glance
4 weeks
HKD $1,200–$1,900
Varies by filing options
2-3 year
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored work visa for overseas professionals; up to 36-month tenure with clear pathway to permanent residency.
The General Employment Policy – Professionals is Hong Kong's work visa for qualified overseas professionals filling confirmed vacancies. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree relevant to the position and secure a job offer from a Hong Kong employer for a role that cannot be filled locally, with competitive remuneration.
Initial applications take approximately four weeks; extensions take two to three weeks. Visa duration is up to 36 months initially, renewable in 2–3 year increments. Fees: HKD 600 application plus HKD 1,300 issuance (or HKD 600 if ≤180 days). Spouses and children under 18 may be dependents; spouses can work unrestricted. Pathway to permanent residency after seven years of continuous residence.
This visa is ideal for university-educated professionals and specialists in technology, finance, engineering, or professional services seeking a position with a Hong Kong employer.
Cost Breakdown
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Hong KongRight of Abode / Permanent Residence (居留權/永久性居民)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
No security objection and no known record of serious crime.
Good educational background (normally a first degree in a relevant field; in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities, or relevant experience and achievements may be accepted).
Genuine job vacancy exists.
Confirmed job offer relevant to the applicant's academic qualifications or work experience that cannot be readily taken up by the local workforce.
Remuneration package (income, accommodation, medical, and other fringe benefits) is broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level for professionals in Hong Kong.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Completed application form (ID 990A).
Applicant's recent photograph.
Copy of valid travel document (passport) and, if currently in HK, the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/e-Visa.
Proof of academic qualifications and relevant work experience.
Sponsoring company's application form (ID 990B).
Employment contract or letter of appointment detailing post, salary, benefits, and employment period.
Proof of company's financial standing (e.g., latest audited financial report, profit and loss account, or tax return).
Business Registration Certificate of the employer.
Details of company background (business activities, mode of operation, etc.).
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Clear pathway to permanent residency after seven years of continuous residence
- No annual quota system — positions filled based on employer demand and candidate qualifications
- Spouse can work without restriction; dependents allowed (unmarried children under 18)
- Initial grant up to 36 months, extensible in 2–3 year increments while employment continues
- Versatile coverage across all professional sectors with no occupational whitelist
- No requirement for medical examination or physical interview in most cases
Worth Knowing
- Job offer must be relevant to your qualifications and employer must prove local workforce cannot fill role
- Visa is strictly tied to sponsoring employer; changing jobs requires immigration approval
- Approval is discretionary; Immigration Director reserves right to refuse even if criteria are met
- Application fee non-refundable; typical 36-month grant costs HKD 1,900 (application + issuance fees)
- Requires good educational background (normally bachelor's degree or proven professional qualifications)
Application Process
Secure job offer
From Hong Kong employer, position relevant to qualifications
Employer applies for authorization
Sponsor demonstrates position cannot be filled by locals
Complete application
Applicant fills Form ID 990A
Submit with employer
Joint submission with all supporting documents
Pay visa fee
HKD 600 for principal applicant
Process and decision
Normally 4 weeks
Receive entry permit
e-Visa issued to successful applicants
Application Forms
Go to application portal| ID 990A – Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals (applicant) | Fill online |
| ID 990B – Application for Employing Professionals in Hong Kong (employer) | Fill online |
| ID(E) 991 – Guidebook for Entry for Employment as ProfessionalsOptional | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in Hong Kong
Work visas in other countries
Ready to see if the GEP — General Employment Policy - Professionals (一般就業政策-專業人士) is your visa path?
Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.
Start Visa Discovery