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General Employment Policy (GEP)
This webpage sets out the entry arrangement for persons who wish to enter the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (hereafter “HKSAR”) for employment as professionals under the General Employment Policy (hereafter “GEP”).
ApplicantsNote 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 GEP.
The GEP is quota-free and non-sector specific.
This entry arrangement does not apply to:
- Chinese residents of the Mainland of China (hereafter “the Mainland”)Note 2 ; and
- nationals of Afghanistan, Cuba and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of).
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 / persons who have obtained an undergraduate or higher qualification in a full-time programme offered by a higher education institution in the Mainland cities of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area jointly established by universities of the Mainland and Hong Kong in accordance with the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China on Chinese-Foreign Cooperation in Running Schools may apply to stay/return/come and work in the HKSAR under the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (hereafter “IANG”). Further information of the IANG can be found here.
Chinese residents of the Mainland who are not non-local graduates but possess special skills, knowledge or experience of value to and not readily available in the HKSAR may apply to come to work under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (hereafter “ASMTP”). Further information of the ASMTP can be found here.
An application for a visa/ entry permit to take up employment under the GEP may be favourably considered if:
- there is no security objection and no known record of serious crime in respect of the applicant;
- the applicant has a good education background, normally a first degree in the relevant field, but in special circumstances, good technical qualifications, proven professional abilities and/or relevant experience and achievements supported by documentary evidence may also be accepted;
- there is a genuine job vacancy;
- the applicant has a confirmed offer of employment and is employed in a job relevant to his academic qualifications or work experience that cannot be readily taken up by the local work force; and
- the remuneration package including income, accommodation, medical and other fringe benefits is broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level for professionals in the HKSAR.
Overseas Chinese nationals holding People's Republic of China (hereafter “PRC”) passports who meet the criteria stipulated above and normal immigration requirements may apply to enter the HKSAR for employment under the GEP if:
- the applicant has permanent residence overseas; or
- the applicant has been residing overseas for at least one year immediately before the submission of application ["overseas" means countries or territories outside the Mainland, the HKSAR, the Macao Special Administrative Region (hereafter “SAR”) and Taiwan] and that the application is submitted from overseas.
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 or seeking admission under the GEP may apply to bring 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 3 and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18 to the HKSAR under the prevailing dependant policy. Persons admitted or applying for admission under the GEP 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:
- there is reasonable proof of a genuine relationship between the dependant and the sponsor;
- there is no known record to the detriment of the dependant; and
- the sponsor is able to support the dependant's living at a standard well above the subsistence level and provide him/her with suitable accommodation in the HKSAR.
This entry arrangement does not apply to:
- former Mainland Chinese residents residing in the Macao SAR who have obtained Macao identity cards for less than seven years, unless they have acquired residence in the Macao SAR through the One-way Permit Scheme; and
- nationals of Afghanistan and Korea (Democratic People's Republic of).
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.
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.
For applications submitted under the GEP, it normally takes four weeks upon receipt of all the required documents. The Immigration Department (hereafter “ImmD”) 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 ImmD. 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.
General Employment Policy (GEP)
A. Documents to be uploaded by the applicant
| Documents Required |
|---|
| The applicant's recent photograph |
| 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, 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 his/her PRC resident identity card. |
| The applicant's Hong Kong identity card (if any) |
| Proof of academic qualifications and relevant work experience@ |
| The applicant's Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR and Macao identity card [for Macao SAR residents only] |
| The applicant's household registration transcript in Taiwan and Taiwan identity card [for Taiwan residents only] |
| Proof of the applicant's overseas residence, such as official documents showing the applicant's conditions of stay and limit of stay endorsed by overseas authorities [for overseas Chinese holding PRC passports only] |
B. Documents to be uploaded by the employing company
| Documents Required |
|---|
| The company's employment contract with or letter of appointment to the applicant containing information about post, salaries, other fringe benefits and employment periods |
| The Business Registration Certificate@ |
| 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.
C. Documents to be uploaded by each accompanying dependant of an applicant for entry under the GEP
| Documents Required |
|---|
| The dependant's recent photograph |
| The dependant's valid travel document containing personal particulars, its 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 Hong Kong, 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 his/her PRC resident identity card. |
| 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) |
| The dependant's Visit Permit for Residents of Macao SAR to Hong Kong SAR and Macao identity card [for Macao SAR residents only] |
| The dependant's household registration transcript in Taiwan and Taiwan identity card [for Taiwan residents only] |
| Proof of the dependant’s overseas residence, such as official documents showing the dependant’s conditions of stay and limit of stay endorsed by overseas authorities [for overseas Chinese holding PRC passports only] |
Important Notice
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/entry permit 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.
Applicants, their accompanying dependant(s) (if any) and the employing company shall click here for online submission of application and uploading of supporting documents.
For applications submitted under the GEP, it normally takes four weeks upon receipt of all the required documents. The ImmD 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 ImmD. 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 ImmD 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 the 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.
General Employment Policy (GEP)
Once the receipt of application has been acknowledged, applicants can enquire their 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 ImmD 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 the 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.
A visa/entry permit (in the form of “e-Visa”) will be issued upon successful application. Upon immigration arrival clearance in the HKSAR, an “e-Visa” holder should present his/her valid travel document and 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 GEP 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 GEP. 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 GEP 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:
- the applicant has been permitted to take up employment as a professional in the HKSAR under the GEP for not less than two years; and
- the applicant has an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of assessment Note 1.
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 GEP 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 GEP. 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 change of their employment within the currency of their permitted limit of stay to the ImmD through the ImmD’s online service system.
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 GEP 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.
General Employment Policy Entrants and their Dependants
This webpage sets out information about extension of stay for entrants admitted under the General Employment Policy (hereafter “GEP”) and their dependants.
Persons admitted as professionals under the GEP 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 GEP. 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 GEP 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:
- the applicant has been permitted to take up employment as a professional in the HKSAR under the GEP for not less than two years; and
- the applicant has an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of assessment Note.
A dependant may apply for extension of stay for residence in the HKSAR within four weeks before his/her limit of stay expires. Such applications 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.
The length of stay of dependants of persons who have been admitted into the HKSAR to take up employment will normally be linked to that of their sponsors.
Note
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.
Routine applications will normally be finalised within two to three weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents.
The processing time is subject to the circumstances of individual applications and the number of applications received at the time.
General Employment Policy Entrants and their Dependants
Depending on the applicant’s current immigration status, the following documents are required upon online submission of the application:
Entrants admitted under the GEP
| Documents Required |
|---|
| The applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable) |
| The applicant’s Hong Kong identity card |
| Supporting letter from the current employer stating the applicant’s position, total monthly remuneration and period of employment (for extension of stay without change of employment); |
| Supporting documents listed in Part VII(B) of the Guidebook for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong [ID(E) 991](for extension of stay with change of employment) |
| Documentary proof of the applicant 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 (for extension of stay applications under the top-tier employment stream Note) |
Note:
Persons admitted under the GEP 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:
- the applicant has been permitted to take up employment as a professional in Hong Kong under the GEP for not less than 2 years; and
- the applicant has an assessable income for salaries tax of not less than HK$2 million in the previous year of tax assessment.
Dependants
| Documents Required |
|---|
| The applicant’s valid travel document and, where applicable, his/her previous travel document page showing the latest visa/entry permit label/arrival stamp/landing slip/extension of stay label in the HKSAR and the latest issued “e-Visa” (if applicable) |
| The applicant’s Hong Kong identity card |
| The sponsor’s valid travel document (showing personal particulars and current permission of stay) |
| Applicant’s birth certificate (for children born in the HKSAR to non-permanent residents only) ^ |
| Applicant’s Form ID 235B (for children born in the HKSAR to non-permanent residents only) ^ |
| Parents’ marriage certificate (for children born in the HKSAR to non-permanent residents only) ^ |
^ For first time application only
Important Notice
Notwithstanding that the documents and information required have been furnished, applicants, 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 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.
Eligible applicants can submit their applications for extension of stay online here and upload all supporting documents.
Applicants must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of application.
Routine applications will normally be finalised within two to three weeks upon receipt of all necessary documents.
The processing time is subject to the circumstances of individual applications and the number of applications received at the time.
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.
The applicant must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of payment and collection of “e-Visa”.
General Employment Policy Entrants and their Dependants
After the receipt of the application has been acknowledged, applicants can enquire their 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.
The applicant must be physically present in Hong Kong at the time of payment and collection of “e-Visa”.
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17-01-2025
