An Employer's Guide to Work Permits in Hong Kong in 2025
Hong Kong presents a compelling proposition for companies seeking a strategic base in the Asia-Pacific region. As a leading global financial centre, it offers unparalleled access to half of the world’s population within a five-hour flight radius. Coupled with a low and straightforward tax regime, world-class infrastructure, and a highly skilled workforce, Hong Kong consistently ranks among the most business-friendly jurisdictions worldwide.
For organisations looking to address specialised talent requirements, the recruitment of non-local professionals is often essential. In such cases, a clear understanding of Hong Kong work permit system is critical to ensuring regulatory compliance and facilitating a smooth onboarding process.
This article offers a comprehensive overview of the work permit in Hong Kong, specifically tailored for employers engaged in international hiring.
Table Of Content
- Who requires a work permit in Hong Kong?
- Type of Work Permits in Hong Kong
- What are the Key Considerations For International Hiring In Hong Kong?
- General Guidelines for Work Permits in Hong Kong
- What is the Application Process For Schemes Requiring Employer Sponsorship?
- What are the Common Challenges faced by the employers during the Visa process?
- How to mitigate the challenges faced by the employers during the Visa process?
- Conclusion
Who Requires A Work Permit In Hong Kong?
Foreign nationals who do not hold the right of abode or right to land in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) must obtain an employment visa prior to taking up any work or professional role. This excludes individuals holding a Hong Kong Permanent Identity Card, which confers the right to live and work without restriction.
Types Of Work Permits In Hong Kong
Work permits in Hong Kong fall under a number of schemes, which vary based on an individual’s nationality, qualifications, and purpose of stay. These are broadly classified as employer-sponsored or non-sponsored.
Employer-Sponsored Permits:
- General Employment Policy (GEP)
- Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
- Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
- Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)
- Training Visa
- Working Holiday Scheme (subject to specific country agreements)
- Supplementary Labour Scheme (SLS)
Non-Sponsored Schemes:
- Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
- Dependent Visas for accompanying family members
- Post-study visas for eligible graduates
Please explore Galaxy Group detailed article on Work Permits in Thailand : What Employers Should Know?
What are the Key Considerations For International Hiring in Hong Kong
Before initiating an international hire, companies must ensure that the role justifiably requires a foreign professional. The Immigration Department places significant weight on the availability of local talent for the role in question.
Employers should:
- Verify the alignment between the job description and the eligibility criteria of the relevant work permit scheme.
- Understand the duration, renewal process, and dependencies associated with the visa.
- Structure employment contracts appropriately and retain relevant proof of recruitment efforts.
- Anticipate possible legal risks in the event of non-compliance or rejection.
Failing to approach these steps with due care can result in business disruptions and reputational damage.
General Guidelines For Work Permits in Hong Kong
Work permits in Hong Kong are granted based on an assessment of both employer and candidate credibility, as well as economic need.
Key points include:
- Labour Market Testing: The role must be demonstrably difficult to fill locally.
- Processing Time: Typically 4–6 weeks, though delays are common during peak periods (June–August).
- Discretionary Decisions: Approval lies entirely at the discretion of the Immigration Department.
- Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must have valid travel documents, no criminal record, and sufficient means of support.
- Document Requirements: A signed employment contract and genuine job offer are essential.
- Credibility Standards: Both applicant and employer must have a legitimate professional background.
- Visa Duration: Permits are usually issued for one to two years and may be renewed.
- Dependent Applications: Spouses and children can apply for dependent visas under most schemes.
- Permanent Residency: After seven years of continuous legal stay, individuals may apply for permanent resident status.
- Change of Employment: A new visa application is required if the individual changes employers.
What is the Application Process For Schemes Requiring Employer Sponsorship?
Step 1: Completion of Forms
Both the candidate and employer must complete the appropriate application forms. For example, under the GEP scheme, Form ID 990A (applicant) and ID 990B (employer) must be submitted.
Step 2: Collation of Documents
- Candidate’s documents: Passport copy, academic qualifications, recent photo, proof of prior employment, etc.
- Employer’s documents: Business registration certificate, employment contract, company financials, organisational structure, and operational plan.
Step 3: Online Submission
Applications are submitted electronically via Hong Kong’s government portal:
Online Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong
Step 4: Review and Assessment
The Immigration Department reviews each case individually, assessing the employer’s business viability and the candidate’s suitability for the role.
Step 5: Visa Issuance
Upon successful review, an electronic visa (e-visa) is issued. This must be presented at immigration upon arrival in Hong Kong.
What are the Common Challenges Faced by Employers during the Visa Process?
Employers may encounter several obstacles during the visa process in Hong Kong:
- Incomplete Applications: Missing or inaccurate documents frequently cause delays.
- Lack of Supporting Evidence: Insufficient justification for hiring a foreign professional may lead to rejection.
- Policy Volatility: Changes to immigration policy or eligibility criteria can impact ongoing or planned applications
How to Mitigate the Challenges Faced by Employers During the Visa Process?
To minimise delays and improve success rates, employers should:
- Review all documents meticulously before submission.
- Provide a comprehensive job description and evidence of local recruitment efforts.
- Stay updated on policy changes through government notices or legal advisers
Consider EOR solutions in Hong Kong
Partnering with a professional Employer of Record Hong Kong, such as Galaxy Group, can be highly beneficial. EORs support businesses by:
- Managing the end-to-end work permit application process
- Ensuring full compliance with Hong Kong’s labour laws
- Overseeing payroll and employee benefits
- Supporting seamless onboarding without requiring a local entity
This allows businesses to focus on strategic priorities while ensuring smooth international hiring.
Conclusion
Recruiting international professionals in Hong Kong is an opportunity that must be approached with diligence. By understanding the visa framework, structuring thorough applications, and working with experienced partners like Galaxy Group, employers can confidently manage foreign talent acquisition.
With the right support, international hiring becomes not only possible but a competitive advantage in one of Asia’s most dynamic markets.
Simplify Work Permits with Expert Support
Choose Hong Kong work permits with our EOR service. From applications to compliance, we handle it all—letting you focus on business growth.
FAQ’S
What is a Work Permit in Hong Kong?
A work permit is an official authorization granted by the Hong Kong government to a foreign national allowing him / her to legally work in Hong Kong under specific employment terms.
Who needs a work permit to work in Hong Kong?
Any person other than permanent residents who have the right of abode or right to land in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), must obtain a visa before coming to Hong Kong for the purposes of study, employment, training, investment, or residence.
What are the types of work permits available in Hong Kong?
There are various work permits the Hong Kong government allows for. The most common among them include the General Employment Policy (GEP), the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents And Professionals (ASMTP) and the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)
What documents are required from employers for a work permit application?
The Employers are required to furnish documents like a detailed job description, proof of recruitment efforts made to employ local residents, business registration certificate, etc.
How long does the work permit application process take?
Applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process after all required documents are received, however the same varies from case to case. A longer processing time may be required during the summer rush period between June and August.