Work permits and visas in Hong Kong: An employer’s guide

Whether you’re bringing on a new employee or relocating a team member to Hong Kong, they must have the legal right to work. Failing to comply with immigration laws can land employers in financial and legal trouble. 

In this article, Remote takes you you through the eligibility criteria, application process, and work visa requirements in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

See also: The complete employer's guide to hiring in Hong Kong

Who needs a Hong Kong work visa? 

A person holding a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card has the right of abode and may work in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China. Anyone without the right of abode or right to land must obtain a visa or entry permit authorizing employment before working in the Hong Kong.

Do non-citizens need a work visa or permit in Hong Kong?

Yes. Anyone who is not a Hong Kong permanent resident must hold an employment visa (also called a work visa) or an entry permit with work authorization by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. There is no separate work permit process in Hong Kong. An entry permit is issued to residents of Mainland China, who need approval to enter and work in Hong Kong.

Right-to-work check in Hong Kong

A Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card confirms that the holder has the right of abode, which includes the right to work in Hong Kong. Anyone who does not have the right of abode or the right to land must hold a visa or entry permit that specifically authorizes employment before taking up work. Employers must therefore ensure that candidates either have a Permanent Identity Card or a valid employment visa or entry permit before hiring.

Types of work visas in Hong Kong

Obtaining an employment visa in Hong Kong can be challenging, as local employers generally give priority to hiring local Hong Kong residents. However, non-residents may still be eligible to work in Hong Kong through specific visa schemes, depending on their qualifications, job offers, or application route.

General Employment Policy (GEP) Visa

Under the General Employment Policy (GEP), foreign nationals who possess special skills, knowledge, or experience that are of value to Hong Kong and not readily available locally may be eligible to apply for a work visa. There is no quota for this scheme, and it is not sector-specific. Applicants must typically hold a bachelor's degree or higher, although exceptionally qualified individuals without a degree may also be accepted.

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

The Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) allows highly skilled or talented individuals to settle in Hong Kong without a job offer. Applicants must meet basic requirements: 18 years or older, of good character, financially self-sufficient, and generally hold a first degree (or equivalent achievements/experience). Those eligible are assessed under either the General Points Test (covering age, qualifications, language, work experience, income, and business ownership) or the Achievement-Based Points Test (for individuals with exceptional achievements).

Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

The Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) allows high-caliber professionals and graduates from top universities to obtain a work permit without a job offer. Depending on the category, approved applicants are granted an initial stay of up to three years (Category A) or two years (Categories B and C). Unlike QMAS which is points-based, TTPS is a criteria-based scheme with clear income and education thresholds.

Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals

The Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) is reserved for Mainland Chinese professionals who have secured employment in Hong Kong based on expertise that Hong Kong lacks. It is quota-free, industry-neutral, and issues an entry permit (not a visa) upon successful application. The scheme mirrors GEP’s requirements but is tailored specifically for applicants from Mainland China.

Eligibility criteria for a work visa in Hong Kong

To qualify for a work visa or entry permit in Hong Kong, applicants must generally meet the Immigration Department’s requirements. While eligibility criteria vary slightly depending on the scheme, there are common conditions:

Job offer requirements

For most employment visas (such as under GEP or ASMTP), applicants must have a confirmed job offer from a Hong Kong employer. The job must be relevant to the applicant’s academic qualifications or work experience, and the position must be one that cannot be readily filled by the local workforce. Certain schemes, such as QMAS and TTPS, do not require a job offer at the time of application.

Employer sponsorship

Applications under employment-based schemes in Hong Kong require employer sponsorship, a market-aligned remuneration package, and sometimes proof of recruitment effort. A visa/entry permit is usually tied to the sponsor; changing employers requires prior approval from the the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

To sponsor an individual for a work permit in Hong Kong, the applicant and the employer must gather their supporting documents (in English or Chinese). Once they have prepared the required documentation, the individual will apply for a Hong Kong ID Card. Processing typically takes around four weeks once all documents and fees are submitted.

Criminal record

Applicants must be of good character, with no criminal or adverse immigration record to obtain a work permit in Hong Kong. This requirement applies across QMAS, TTPS, GEP, and ASMTP. Applicants may be asked to provide police clearance or supporting documents during the application process.

Application process for Hong Kong work visa

To apply for a Hong Kong work permit, both the employee and the sponsoring employer must prepare and submit application forms and supporting documents to the Immigration Department.

Employee documentation

Applicants seeking a work permit in Hong Kong under GEP or ASMTP must submit the following application form and supporting documents to the Hong Kong Immigration Department:

• Completed Form ID 990A (Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong)
• A recent photograph
• A photocopy of a valid travel document showing personal particulars and issue/expiry data (for Mainland residents, a PRC Resident Identity Card if no travel document is available)
• A copy of their Hong Kong Identity Card (if applicable)
• Evidence of academic qualifications and relevant work experience.

Employer documentation

The sponsoring employer must provide the following application form and documentation:

• Completed Form ID 990B (Application for Employing Professionals in Hong Kong)
• A copy of the employment contract or letter of appointment detailing the position, salary, benefits, and employment period
• A copy of the company’s Business Registration Certificate.
• Proof of financial standing (e.g., latest audited financial report, profit and loss account, or profit tax return)
• Documents detailing company background, such as business activities, mode of operation, products/services, markets, and, if available, Chamber of Commerce membership supported by brochures, catalogs, etc
• For companies established within the past 12 months, a detailed business plan and financial forecast
  
  

If the employer has successfully obtained a work or training visa/entry permit for a non-local employee within the previous 18 months, most of these supporting documents are not required again.

Application procedure

Both Form ID 990A (applicant) and Form ID 990B (employer), along with all supporting documents, must be submitted together either by post or in person, to the Immigration Department’s Receipt and Despatch Sub-Unit at Immigration Tower, Wan Chai. These forms can also be downloaded from the Immigration Department website or obtained at official offices.

Visa requirements for digital nomads in Hong Kong

There is no dedicated visa scheme for digital nomads or remote workers in Hong Kong. Individuals who wish to live in Hong Kong while working remotely must still apply under existing visa or entry permit categories that align with their circumstances, such as employment, training, or investment.

Visas suitable for remote workers

Since Hong Kong does not offer a digital nomad visa, remote workers of foreign nationality can go through application procedures for the GEP, QMAS, or TTPS.

How Remote can help with work visas in Hong Kong

To hire or relocate employees to Hong Kong legally, you need to have your own local entity. You also need to navigate immigration laws and regulations to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll, benefits, and other HR requirements.

That's why Remote’s EOR service is invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Hong Kong on your company’s behalf. Remote helps you stay compliant with local employment and payroll laws, so you can onboard your employees in a matter of days to save time and resources. 

If you already have an entity in Hong Kong, Remote can help with international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on the work permit application process.

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.