This webpage sets out the entry arrangement for persons who wish to enter/stay in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) for employment as professionals under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (hereafter “ASMTP”).
Chinese residents of the Mainland of China (the Mainland) Note 1 who possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR may apply to come to work under the ASMTP.
The ASMTP is quota-free and non-sector specific.
Note 1:
Non-local students (referring to persons entering the HKSAR for the purpose of education with a student visa/entry permit issued by the Director of Immigration) who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time and locally-accredited local programme in Hong Kong (hereafter “non-local graduates”) / persons who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time programme offered by the GBA campus of a Hong Kong university (GBA campus graduates) may apply to stay/return/come and work in the HKSAR under the “Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates” (hereafter “IANG”). Further information of IANG can be found here.
Overseas Chinese nationals holding People's Republic of China (PRC) passports who meet the criteria under the General Employment Policy (hereafter “GEP”) and normal immigration requirements may apply to enter the HKSAR for employment under the GEP if:
Further information of GEP can be found here.
An application for an entry permit to take up employment under the ASMTP may be favourably considered if:
In general, unless a person has the right of abode or right to land in the HKSAR, he/she requires a visa/entry permit to work in the HKSAR. While each application is determined on its individual merits, an applicant should meet normal immigration requirements (such as holding a valid travel document with adequate returnability to his/her country of residence or citizenship; be of clear criminal record and raise no security or criminal concerns to the HKSAR; have no likelihood of becoming a burden on the HKSAR, etc.) as well as the relevant specific eligibility criteria detailed above before he/she may be considered for the grant of a visa/entry permit. It should be noted that the eligibility criteria may be subject to change from time to time without prior notice.
Applicants admitted under the ASMTP may apply to bring in their spouse or the other party to a same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership or opposite-sex civil union entered into by him/her in accordance with the local law in force of the place of celebration and with such status being legally and officially recognised by the local authorities of the place of celebration Note 2 and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to the HKSAR under the prevailing dependant policy. Persons admitted or applying for admission under ASMTP will be the sponsors of their accompanying dependants to the HKSAR. An application for admission of a dependant may be favourably considered if normal immigration requirements and the following criteria are met:
This entry arrangement does not apply to:
The length of stay of such dependants will normally be linked to that of their sponsors. Any subsequent applications for extension of stay will be considered only when the applicant continues to meet the eligibility criteria for entry for residence as dependants (including that there is no change in circumstances which would have otherwise resulted in loss of sponsorship for the applicant, e.g. change in marriage relationship between the dependent spouse and the sponsor, or death of sponsor) and the sponsor remains a bona fide Hong Kong resident living in the HKSAR. These dependants are not prohibited from taking up employment or studies in the HKSAR under the existing policy.
Note 2:
For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “civil partnership” and “civil union” above mean a legal institution of a nature which is akin to spousal relationship in a marriage. The same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership and opposite-sex civil union entered into in accordance with laws outside Hong Kong are limited to only relationships which are legally and officially recognised in the places of celebration. Such relationships normally have the following features: (a) the entering into and dissolution of the relationship are governed by legislation of the place where it is entered into; (b) the relationship requires registration by the competent authority specified by the legislation of the place where it is entered into; (c) the registration is evidenced in a written instrument issued by the competent authority; and (d) parties to the relationship have a mutual commitment to a shared life akin to spouses to the exclusion of others on a permanent basis. Such relationships do not include de facto spouse, partners in cohabitation, fiancé/fiancée, etc.
It normally takes four weeks to process entry permit applications for employment under the ASMTP upon receipt of all the required documents. The Immigration Department will not be able to start processing the application unless all the required documents and information have been received.
All applications are processed and determined by the Immigration Department. Approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. The Director of Immigration reserves absolute discretion to refuse any application even if the application meets all eligibility criteria.
Applicants should complete application form ID 990A. The employing companies should complete application form ID 990B. The application forms (ID 990A and ID 990B) can be obtained free of charge from the following offices:
The forms can also be downloaded here.
Forms/Documents Required |
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Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong (ID 990A) |
The applicant's recent photograph (affixed on page 2 of application form ID 990A) |
Photocopy of the applicant's valid travel document containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable). For an applicant who is currently staying in the HKSAR, photocopy of his/her valid travel document page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable). A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit a photocopy of his/her People's Republic of China resident identity card. |
Photocopy of the applicant's Hong Kong identity card (if any) |
Photocopy of proof of academic qualifications and relevant work experience@ |
Letter of consent from the applicant's present working unit or relevant Mainland authorities (page 8 of application form ID 990A) [for Mainland residents only] |
Forms/Documents Required |
---|
Application for Employing Professionals in Hong Kong (ID 990B) |
Photocopy of the company's employment contract with or letter of appointment to the applicant containing information about post, salaries, other fringe benefits and employment period |
Photocopy of the Business Registration Certificate@ |
Photocopy of proof of financial standing (e.g. latest audited financial report, trading profit and loss account, or profit tax return)@ |
Documents with details of company background such as business activities, mode of operation, background/ connection of company, product ranges, sources and markets, membership of chamber of commerce (if any), etc. (supported with catalogues, brochures, etc.)@ |
Detailed business plan (e.g. information on source of funds, estimated capital injection, nature/mode of business activities, expected turnover, sales volume, gross and net profit in the coming years, and proposed creation of local job posts, etc.) [for companies newly set-up within 12 months only]@ |
@ Submission of the documents is not required if the applicant or the employing company fulfills the facilitation measure(s) under the GEP and ASMTP. For details of the facilitation measures, please press here.
Forms/Documents Required |
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The applicant's application form, Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong (ID 990A) with Part B duly completed by the dependant |
The dependant's recent photograph (affixed on page two of the application form ID 990A) |
Photocopy of the dependant's valid travel document containing personal particulars, date of issue, date of expiry and/or details of any re-entry visa held (if applicable). For a dependant who is currently staying in the HKSAR, photocopy of his/her valid travel document page containing the latest arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable). A Chinese resident of the Mainland who has not been issued with a travel document may submit a photocopy of his/her People's Republic of China resident identity card. |
Photocopy of evidence of the applicant's relationship with the dependant e.g. marriage certificate, birth certificate, family photographs, family letters (with envelopes), census record book and Privilege Card for Single child (if applicable) |
Photocopy of the dependant's Macao identity card [for Macao SAR residents only] |
Photocopy of the dependant's household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identity card [for Taiwan residents only] |
Notwithstanding that the documents and information required have been furnished, applicants, accompanying dependants and employing companies may still be required to submit further supporting documents and information in connection with the application(s) when necessary.
Where a document is not in Chinese or English, it must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation certified as a true translation by a sworn translator, court translator, authorised public translator, certified translator, expert translator or official translator.
It is an offence to make false statements or representations to an immigration officer. To verify the authenticity of the information and documents submitted with a visa application, field visits may be conducted. A person who knowingly and wilfully makes a statement or gives information which he/she knows to be false or does not believe to be true shall be guilty of an offence under the Laws of Hong Kong and any such visa/entry permit issued or permission to enter or remain in the HKSAR granted shall have no effect.
Online Submission
Click here for online submission of application and uploading of supporting documents.
Other Means of Submission
Completed application forms, i.e. ID 990A and ID 990B, and all supporting documents may also be submitted by the employing company either in person or by post to the address below. All the forms must be duly completed and signed. Where there are accompanying dependants, each dependant must complete and sign Part B of application form ID 990A. For a dependant under the age of 16, it must be signed by the parent or legal guardian.
Receipt and Despatch Sub-unit
Ground Floor, Administration Tower,
Immigration Headquarters,
61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O,
New Territories
Underpaid mail items will not be accepted by the Immigration Department. For proper delivery of your mail items, please ensure your mail items bear sufficient postage with return address before posting. (Details)
Chinese residents of the Mainland visiting the HKSAR may not request for extending their limit of stay on the grounds of having submitted applications under the ASMTP.
It normally takes four weeks to process entry permit applications for employment under ASMTP upon receipt of all the required documents. The Immigration Department will not be able to start processing the application unless all the required documents and information have been received.
All applications are processed and determined by the Immigration Department. Approval of applications is entirely discretionary and is subject to changes in government policies. The Director of Immigration reserves absolute discretion to refuse any application even if the application meets all eligibility criteria.
Upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the Immigration Department will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees could be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB only), Payment by Phone Service (PPS), Faster Payment System (FPS) or Mainland China's Licensed Digital Wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only). After payment, applicants could instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.
If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, Mainland China's Licensed Digital Wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only) or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.
Once the receipt of application has been acknowledged, applicants can enquire the application status here or through the 24-hour telephone enquiry system at (852) 3160 8663.
Upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the Immigration Department will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees could be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB only), Payment by Phone Service (PPS), Faster Payment System (FPS) or Mainland China's Licensed Digital Wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only). After payment, applicants could instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.
If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, Mainland China's Licensed Digital Wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only) or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.
Successful applicants will be issued with an entry permit (in the form of “e-Visa”).
Successful applicant should apply for an Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (EEP) and a relevant exit endorsement from the relevant Mainland authorities. Upon immigration arrival clearance in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the applicant holding an EEP bearing the relevant exit endorsement should also present the “e-Visa” saved on a personal mobile device or printed on a sheet of A4 white paper, and scan the encrypted QR code on the “e-Visa” with the optical reader at an immigration counter.
Persons admitted as professionals under the ASMTP will normally be granted an initial stay of 36 months on employment condition, or in accordance with the duration of the employment contract (whichever is shorter), upon entry. They may apply for extension of stay in the HKSAR within four weeks before their limit of stay expires. Such applications will be considered only when the applicants continue to meet the eligibility criteria under the ASMTP. Successful applicants will normally be granted an extension of stay following the 3-2 year pattern, also on employment condition, or be in accordance with the duration of the employment contract (whichever is shorter).
Admitted professionals who continue to meet the eligibility criteria under the ASMTP and fulfil the following criteria may apply for assessment under the top-tier employment stream. They will normally be granted an extension of stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay for a period of five years upon approval.
The criteria for top-tier employment stream are as follows:
Note 1:
Applicants should provide documentary proof of having an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of tax assessment, e.g. notice of salaries tax assessment of the previous tax assessment year issued by the Inland Revenue Department or relevant tax documents.
Professionals admitted under the ASMTP who are on employment condition shall only take such employment as approved by the Director of Immigration. They should seek prior approval from the Director of Immigration for any change in employment. Such applications may be favourably considered if the applicants continue to fulfil the eligibility criteria under the ASMTP. For those top-tier professionals who are permitted to remain in the HKSAR on time limitation only without other conditions of stay, they only need to notify the Immigration Department in writing of the change of their employment within the currency of their permitted limit of stay.
Non-permanent residents of the HKSAR, irrespective of their nationality and type of travel document held, do not require a re-entry visa/entry permit to enter the HKSAR provided that they return within the currency of their permitted limit of stay and that the circumstances upon which they have acquired their residential status remain unchanged.
Persons admitted under the ASMTP who have ordinarily resided in the HKSAR for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in the HKSAR in accordance with the law.
This webpage sets out information about extension of stay of entrants admitted under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, entrants admitted under the Technology Talent Admission Scheme, entrants admitted under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, imported workers, Mainland residents admitted as student, entrants admitted under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme, and their dependants (not applicable to imported workers).
In general, entrants admitted under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals, entrants admitted under the Technology Talent Admission Scheme, entrants admitted under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, imported workers, Mainland residents admitted as student, entrants admitted under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme and their dependants (not applicable to imported workers) may apply for extension of stay in the HKSAR within four weeks before their limit of stay expires.
Entrants admitted under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
More information on eligibility criteria can be found here.
Entrants admitted under the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)
More information on eligibility criteria can be found here.
Entrants admitted under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
More information on eligibility criteria can be found here.
Entrants admitted under the Supplementary Labour Scheme (SLS)
More information on eligibility criteria can be found here.
Mainland residents on student status
More information on eligibility criteria can be found here.
Entrants admitted under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
More information on eligibility criteria can be found here.
Dependants
More information on eligibility criteria can be found here.
In general, routine applications will be finalized within two to three weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents. However, the processing time will depend on the circumstances of individual applications and the number of applications received at a particular time. A longer processing time may be required during summer rush period between June and August.
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals Entrants, Imported Workers, Mainland students and their Dependants (not applicable to Imported Workers)
Applicant should submit a completed application form ID 91. If the applicant is under the age of 16, the form should be signed by the applicant’s parent or legal guardian. For applicant on dependant status, form ID 481A which is duly completed by the sponsor should also be submitted. If the applicant is the spouse or the other party to a same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership or opposite-sex civil union entered into by him/her in accordance with the local law in force of the place of celebration and with such status being legally and officially recognised by the local authorities of the place of celebration Note of the sponsor, the applicant should complete form ID 481B. All of these forms can be obtained free of charge from the Immigration Department Headquarters and the Immigration Branch Offices. The forms can also be downloaded here.
Admission Scheme for Technology Talent Admission Scheme, Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates, Quality Migrant Admission Scheme Entrants, and their Dependants
Applicant should submit application online here. If the applicant is under the age of 16, the form should be signed by the applicant’s parent or legal guardian. For applicant on dependant status, form ID 481A which is duly completed by the sponsor should be uploaded. If the applicant is the spouse or the other party to a same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership or opposite-sex civil union entered into by him/her in accordance with the local law in force of the place of celebration and with such status being legally and officially recognised by the local authorities of the place of celebration Note of the sponsor, the applicant should upload form ID 481B.
Note:
For the avoidance of doubt, the terms “civil partnership” and “civil union” above mean a legal institution of a nature which is akin to spousal relationship in a marriage. The same-sex civil partnership, same-sex civil union, “same-sex marriage”, opposite-sex civil partnership and opposite-sex civil union entered into in accordance with laws outside Hong Kong are limited to only relationships which are legally and officially recognised in the places of celebration. Such relationships normally have the following features: (a) the entering into and dissolution of the relationship are governed by legislation of the place where it is entered into; (b) the relationship requires registration by the competent authority specified by the legislation of the place where it is entered into; (c) the registration is evidenced in a written instrument issued by the competent authority; and (d) parties to the relationship have a mutual commitment to a shared life akin to spouses to the exclusion of others on a permanent basis. Such relationships do not include de facto spouse, partners in cohabitation, fiancé/fiancée, etc.
Depending on the applicant’s current immigration status, the following forms and documents (original) are required upon submission of the application:
Entrants admitted under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
# Persons admitted under the ASMTP who continue to meet the relevant eligibility criteria and fulfil the following criteria at the time of application for extension of stay may be regarded as top-tier entrants:
Entrants admitted under the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)
# Persons admitted under TechTAS who continue to meet the relevant eligibility criteria and fulfil the following criteria at the time of application for extension of stay may be regarded as top-tier entrants:
Entrants admitted under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
For applicants admitted as a non-local recent graduate / GBA campus recent graduate under IANG
For applicants admitted as a non-local non-recent graduate/GBA campus non-recent graduate under IANG
# Persons admitted under the IANG who meet the criteria stipulated in extension of stay under IANG and fulfil the following criteria at the time of application for extension of stay may apply for assessment under the top-tier employment stream:
Entrants admitted under the Supplementary Labour Scheme (SLS)
Mainland residents on student status
Entrants admitted under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
* If a person admitted through the General Points Test under the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme has been permitted to remain in Hong Kong for not less than two years and he/she has provided documentary proof of having an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of tax assessment, an extension of stay on time limitation only without other conditions of stay for a period of five years may normally be granted.
Dependants
^ For first time application only
Important Notice
In addition to those documents listed above, you may be required to provide other documents in support of your application especially when you have changed your employment or school since last approval. It may be necessary to provide photocopies of some of the documentary evidence submitted.
Notwithstanding that the documents and information required have been furnished, the applicants, accompanying dependants and employing companies may still be required to submit further supporting documents and information in connection with the application(s) when necessary.
Where a document is not in Chinese or English, it must be accompanied by a Chinese or English translation certified as a true translation by a sworn translator, court translator, authorized public translator, certified translator, expert translator or official translator.
It is an offence to make false statements or representations to an immigration officer. To verify the authenticity of the information and documents submitted with a visa application, field visits may be conducted. A person who knowingly and willfully makes a statement or gives information which he/she knows to be false or does not believe to be true shall be guilty of an offence under the Laws of Hong Kong and any such visa/entry permit issued or permission to enter or remain in the HKSAR granted shall have no effect.
Applicants should be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of application. Applications may be submitted as follows:
Where to Apply
Quality Migrants and Mainland Residents Section of the Immigration Department
6th Floor, Administration Tower,
Immigration Headquarters,
61 Po Yap Road, Tseung Kwan O,
New Territories
Working Hours
8:45 am - 5:00 pm (Monday to Friday)
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays
Eligible applicants may submit the application for extension of stay in person or through his/her authorised representative by making an appointment online here or at (852) 2598 0888.
Routine application will normally be finalized within two to three weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents.
Upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the Immigration Department will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees could be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB only), Payment by Phone Service (PPS), Faster Payment System (FPS) or Mainland China's Licensed Digital Wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only). After payment, applicants could instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.
If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, Mainland China's Licensed Digital Wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only) or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.
The applicant must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of payment and collection of “e-Visa”.
After the receipt of application has been acknowledged, applicants can enquire the application status here or through the 24-hour telephone enquiry system at (852) 3160 8663. Enquiries may also be made via the IANG hotline (852) 2294 2190 during office hours, via fax to (852) 2877 7711 or via email at enquiry@immd.gov.hk .
Upon approval of the applications, the notification of the application result issued by the Immigration Department will include a webpage link for payment. Payment of relevant fees could be made through the said webpage link or the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, UnionPay and JCB only), Payment by Phone Service (PPS), Faster Payment System (FPS) or Mainland China's Licensed Digital Wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only). After payment, applicants could instantly download or print the “e-Visa” by themselves.
If the applicant or his/her authorised representative attend the relevant Immigration office in person to pay, the relevant fee could be settled by cash, EPS, Octopus, FPS, Mainland China's Licensed Digital Wallets (Alipay, WeChat Pay and UnionPay App only) or cheque. The cheque should be crossed, made payable to “The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region”, properly dated and signed. After payment, the applicant or his/her authorised representative will be issued with an “e-Visa” printed on a sheet of A4 white paper on the spot. The applicant can then download or print the “e-Visa” through the GovHK website or the ImmD Mobile Application.
The applicant must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of payment and collection of “e-Visa”.