Thinking about a move to Hong Kong for your career?
Here is a practical, fact-checked guide to the visa pathways, timelines and on-arrival requirements. It also covers the basics you will deal with as an employee, from minimum wage to MPF and taxes.
Hong Kong welcomes skilled professionals through several admission schemes. Most applications and extensions can be completed online and successful applicants receive an electronic visa to download or print. This guide summarises the official rules and links to the primary government sources so you can check details as you plan.
Do you need a visa to work
Unless you have right of abode or right to land, you need a visa or entry permit to work in Hong Kong. Visitor status does not allow employment. We are happy to help you pick and apply for the correct Hong Kong work visa.
Main pathways to work and a visa
At Prism we assist individuals looking to work in Hong Kong. We provide advice and support with the application process.
Employment as a professional under the GEP. This route suits non-local professionals who have a job offer at market level and relevant qualifications, where the role cannot be readily filled by the local workforce. Routine processing is normally around four weeks after all documents and fees are received.
Top talent pass scheme. For high earners and graduates from an eligible universities list. No job offer is needed at application. Initial stay is normally 36 months for high-income applicants and 24 months for the other categories, with extensions available once you are employed or have a business in Hong Kong.
IANG for non-local graduates. Graduates of full-time locally accredited programmes, and on a pilot basis certain graduates from Hong Kong universities’ GBA campuses, can stay and work, normally with an initial 24-month limit of stay.
Quality migrant admission scheme. A points-tested route for highly skilled or talented people, without the need for a job offer at entry. Check eligibility and points with the official self-assessment tool.
Investment as entrepreneur. For founders who will establish or join a business in Hong Kong. You submit a three-year business plan and evidence of financial resources and local job creation potential. Initial stay is normally up to 36 months.
Training visa. For structured, limited-period training in Hong Kong to acquire specific skills, generally up to 12 months.
Working holiday scheme. Nationals of designated economies aged 18 to 30 may work while visiting under a working holiday visa.
Changing jobs later
If you are in Hong Kong on an employment or investment visa and plan to change employer or sponsorship, you must obtain prior approval for the change before you start the new role. Applications can be made online.
Documents and typical timelines
Expect to provide your passport, qualifications, proof of experience and, where relevant, an employment contract and your employer’s business documents. Processing times vary by route, counted from when all required documents and fees are received:
- GEP Visa: 4-6 weeks
- TTPS: 4 weeks
- Dependent visa: 4-6 weeks
Bringing family
Spouses and unmarried dependent children under 18 can usually apply as dependants if the sponsor holds an eligible status, such as employment, investment, IANG, TTPS or QMAS. Dependants of these sponsors are not prohibited from taking up employment in Hong Kong. Dependants of student visa holders require prior permission to work.
What to do after you arrive
If your permitted stay exceeds 180 days, register for a Hong Kong identity card within 30 days of arrival. Applications are handled by the Immigration Department’s Registration of Persons Offices and can be pre-booked online.
Employment basics to know
Employment Ordinance coverage. Employees under a continuous contract, meaning at least 18 hours per week for four weeks or more with the same employer, are entitled to statutory benefits such as rest days, sickness allowance and paid annual leave. Paid annual leave starts at 7 days after one year of service and increases up to 14 days with longer service.
Statutory minimum wage. The SMW is HKD 42.1 per hour with effect from 1 May 2025.
MPF retirement contributions. Most employees and employers must each contribute 5 percent of relevant income to an MPF scheme, subject to minimum and maximum income levels set by law.
Taxes at a glance
Hong Kong taxes employment income that arises in or is derived from Hong Kong under Salaries Tax. See the official guidance on what income is chargeable and how tax is computed. If you become chargeable and have not been issued a return, you must notify the Inland Revenue Department within four months after the end of the basis period.
How to apply for a visa
Choose the route that matches your profile, prepare the required documents, then submit and pay online through GovHK or the Immigration Department. Once approved, pay the issuance fee and download or print your e-Visa for presentation on arrival.
Useful extras
Extending visitor time while exploring options. If you are in Hong Kong as a visitor and genuinely need a short extension, you can apply online within 14 days of your limit of stay. Approval is discretionary and considered case by case. Employment is not permitted while on visitor status.
Checking status and fees. You can track application status online and pay issuance fees by approved methods.
Apply for a Hong Kong visa. We can assist you in picking the correct visa and applying with all necessary documents.
