Hong Kong•AsiaID 990A — Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong
At a Glance
4 weeks
HKD $1,200–$1,900
Varies by filing options
3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Employer-sponsored work permit for skilled professionals with confirmed job offers in Hong Kong; up to 36 months with degree or specialized experience required.
The General Employment Policy (GEP) ID 990A is Hong Kong's employer-sponsored work visa for skilled professionals. It requires a confirmed job offer in a role the local workforce cannot readily fill, degree-level qualifications or exceptional expertise, and competitive pay.
The visa permits an initial 36 months or employment contract duration, whichever is shorter, with extensions following a 3+2 year pattern. Application fees total HKD 600 plus a conditional issuance fee; processing takes 4 weeks or 2-3 weeks for extensions. Spouses may work unrestricted; dependents under 18 may reside. The visa is employer-tied; job changes require Immigration Department approval.
This visa is ideal for specialized professionals in finance, IT, engineering, or creative fields who have secured sponsorship with a Hong Kong employer and can demonstrate their expertise is in short supply locally.
Cost Breakdown
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
Hong KongHong KongRight of Abode / Permanent Residence (居留權/永久性居民)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
The applicant must possess a confirmed job offer relevant to their academic qualifications or work experience.
The job vacancy must be one that cannot be readily taken up by the local workforce.
The remuneration package (income, accommodation, medical, etc.) must be commensurate with the prevailing market level for professionals in Hong Kong.
The applicant must have a good education background, normally a first degree in a relevant field, or possess special technical qualifications and proven professional abilities.
There must be no security objection and no known record of serious crime.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Application form ID 990A (for applicant) and ID 990B (for employer).
Applicant's valid travel document.
Recent photograph of the applicant.
Proof of academic qualifications and relevant work experience (e.g., diplomas, transcripts, letters of recommendation).
Employment contract or offer letter detailing terms of employment.
Proof of the employing company's financial position (e.g., audited accounts, profit tax returns).
Detailed job description and company background information.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Up to 36 months initial stay with employer-sponsored contract, renewable up to 3+2 year pattern
- Spouse and unmarried children under 18 can accompany you with full work and study rights
- Dual intent allowed — you can pursue permanent residency while working on this visa
- Fast processing — standard 4 weeks, extensions 2-3 weeks only
- No nationality restrictions — qualifying applicants from all countries
- Allows job mobility with employer approval — not locked to single employer indefinitely
Worth Knowing
- Confirmed job offer required before application — must be tied to a specific Hong Kong employer
- Employer must demonstrate the position cannot be filled by local workforce
- Visa issuance fee increases to HKD 1,300 for stays exceeding 180 days (HKD 600 for shorter stays)
- Job change requires Immigration Department approval — cannot freely switch employers
- Minimum bachelor's degree required — vocational or high school qualifications alone insufficient
Application Process
Employer submits application to ImmD
Application Forms
| ID 990A Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong (to be completed by the applicant) | Fill online |
| ID 990B Application for Employing Professionals in Hong Kong (to be completed by the employing company) | Fill online |
Related visas
More visas in Hong Kong
Work visas in other countries
- Employment Pass (EP)
Singapore
- Employment Visa
United Arab Emirates
- Labuan Employment Pass
Malaysia
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