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ID 990A — Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong
VisasHong KongID 990A — Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong
Hong KongHong Kong•Asia
Open

ID 990A — Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 weeks

Estimated Cost

HKD $1,200–$1,900

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

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

Application fee (non-refundable)HKD $600
Visa issuance fee (stay > 180 days)HKD $1,300
Visa issuance fee (stay ≤ 180 days)HKD $600
TotalHKD $1,200–$1,900

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

ID 999A — Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa
Hong Kong flagHong Kong

ID 999A — Investment as Entrepreneurs Visa

Validity3 years
Processing2–4 weeks
View Visa Details
Right of Abode / Permanent Residence (居留權/永久性居民)
Hong Kong flagHong Kong

Right of Abode / Permanent Residence (居留權/永久性居民)

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1–3 months
View Visa Details

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

1

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

Verified Claims (8)

Last verified Jun 27, 2026
Fee Breakdown
Application fee (non-refundable): 600 HKD; Visa issuance fee (stay > 180 days): 1300 HKD; Visa issua…
immd.gov.hk
Fees
HKD 600 application fee (non-refundable); HKD 1,300 visa issuance fee for stay exceeding 180 days, o…
immd.gov.hk
Forms
ID 990A; ID 990B
immd.gov.hk
Included Nationalities
null
immd.gov.hk
Max Stay
36 months (or duration of employment contract, whichever is shorter); extensions follow a 3+2 year p…
immd.gov.hk
Max Stay Estimate
type: days, initialDays: 1095, notes: 36 months initial or contract duration, whichever shorter; ext…
immd.gov.hk
Processing Estimates
{"minDays":28,"maxDays":28}
immd.gov.hk
Processing Time
4 weeks (standard); 2-3 weeks (extensions)
immd.gov.hk

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