Staying and Working in Hong Kong with an Employment as Professionals Visa
Staying and Working in Hong Kong with an Employment as Professionals Visa
Under Hong Kong’s General Employment Policy (GEP), those who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong may apply for an Employment as Professionals visa to enter and work in Hong Kong.
Successful applicants will usually be granted an initial stay of 36 months upon entry. Their stay may be extended by submitting an application within 4 weeks before expiry. With subsequent successful extensions, an applicant will normally be permitted to stay on a 3-2 years pattern, based on the employment condition or the employment contract duration (whichever is shorter).
An extension application may opt for assessment under the top-tier employment stream if the applicant has been permitted and working as a professional under the General Employment Policy for not less than two years and has an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of tax assessment. In such case, a successful applicant will normally be granted an extension for a period of 6 years.
The good new is that Hong Kong government is now providing new channels to attract experienced specialists in specific skilled trades. There will be a quota under the new arrangement in 2024.
Family Members of an Employment as Professionals Visa Application
An Employment as Professionals visa applicant may apply to bring in his/her spouse or lawful domestic partner (same-sex or opposite-sex) and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to Hong Kong and, after admitted to Hong Kong under the scheme, will be their sponsors. However, this does not apply to nationals of Afghanistan and Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of) and former Mainland Chinese residents residing in Macao who have obtained Macao identity cards for less than seven years, unless they have acquired residence in Macao through the One-way Permit Scheme.
Traveling and Returning to Hong Kong after Admitted with an Employment as Professionals Visa
Persons admitted with an GEP visa can travel and re-enter Hong Kong within the permitted period of stay without any re-entry visa.
Becoming a Permanent Resident in Hong Kong
Persons admitted under the GEP visa who have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in Hong Kong.
Quota and Restriction for Application for an Employment as Professionals Visa
- Employment as Professionals is quota-free and non-sector specific
- Employment as Professionals does not apply to nationals of the following countries
- Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of), Nepal and Vietnam.
- Overseas Chinese nationals holding People’s Republic of China passports may apply if they have permanent residence overseas or have been residing overseas for at least one year, and submit their applications from overseas. (Overseas means places outside Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao)
Eligibility for Applying for an Employment as Professionals Visa
Those who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in Hong Kong may apply for an Employment as Professionals visa to enter and work in Hong Kong. All applications are processed and determined by the Immigration Department and approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. Nonetheless, these are among the favourable criteria considered by the Immigration Department:
- No security objection or known record of serious crime.
- Good education background, normally a first degree in relevant field, but in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, relevant experience and achievements.
- With a genuine job vacancy, a confirmed offer of employment relevant to academic qualifications or work experience cannot be readily filled up locally.
- A remuneration package comparable to the Hong Kong labor.
Required Documents for a GEP Visa Application
The Applicant
- Completed Form ID 990A
- Photocopy of valid travel document
- Photocopy of Hong Kong identity card (if any)
- Photocopies of proof of academic qualifications and relevant work experience
- Letter of consent from current working unit or relevant authorities (for Mainland residents only)
- Photocopy of Macao identification card (for Macao residents only)
- Photocopy of household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identification card (for Taiwan residents only)
- Photocopy of proof of overseas residence endorsed by overseas authorities (for overseas Chinese holding PRC passports only)
The Employer
- Completed form ID 990B
- Photocopy of employment contract or letter of appointment
- Photocopy of the Certificate of Business Registration
- Photocopy of proof of financial standing
- Detailed business plan (for companies newly set up within 12 months)
Each Accompanying Dependent
- Part B of the form ID 990A completed
- Photocopy of valid travel document
- Photocopy of evidence of relationship with the applicant such as marriage certificate, birth certificate
- Photocopy of Macao identification card (for Macao residents only)
- Photocopy of household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identification card (for Taiwan residents only)
Processing Time for an Application for Employment as Professionals Visa
Upon submission of the application documents, it normally takes four weeks to hear a response by the Immigration Department. Additional supporting documents may be requested by the Immigration Department. The normal entire processing time may take four to eight weeks by the Immigration Department.
Counting on FastLane HR for Assistance in Employment as Professionals Visa Applications
Applying for GEP visas can be complex and time-consuming if you do not know exactly the documents and justifications you need to provide to meet the approval criteria by the Immigration Department. It is always best to do it right the first time than trial and errors. FastLane HR has a team of experienced professionals familiar with the requirements and processes involved in obtaining a GEP visa. We also offer renewals for GEP visas. FastLane HR is the perfect partner for people who need GEP visa assistance to obtain approval in one go.
Full Services offered by FastLane HR to Facilitate GEP Visa Applications
- Understand your situation and needs
- Assist and/or advise preparation of required documents
- Review documents provided by the applicant and employer
- Prepare declarations, application forms and letters of authorisation
- Submit application to the Immigration Department
- Follow-up and communicate with the Immigration Department and provide additional supporting documents when required
- Continuous communications with the applicant and/or employer
- Arrange payment and collection of visa label
- Send the visa label to the applicant