It's notoriously difficult for companies to obtain work visas in Hong Kong, as the country typically fills vacancies with local professionals. However, knowing the right qualifications and doing the proper research will...
Read MoreIt's notoriously difficult for companies to obtain work visas in Hong Kong, as the country typically fills vacancies with local professionals. However, knowing the right qualifications and doing the proper research will help you demonstrate that your employees are well-qualified for the job. Plus, the visa application process in the country is free, which is a benefit for many companies.
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It’s notoriously difficult for companies to obtain work visas in Hong Kong, as the country typically fills vacancies with local professionals. However, knowing the right qualifications and doing the proper research will help you demonstrate that your employees are well-qualified for the job. Plus, the visa application process in the country is free, which is a benefit for many companies.
Most people moving to Hong Kong for a job apply for a work visa under the General Employment Policy (GEP). These types of visas are usually issued only for a specific period. To be eligible, candidates must have a confirmed job offer with an employer who is sponsoring them.
As of December 28, 2022, Hong Kong expanded opportunities for foreign nationals to work or start a business in Hong Kong through the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS). This scheme is available to nationals from all countries except Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Vietnam, and Nepal. Applicants are not required to have a job offer or business plan and may apply under one of the following categories:
Applicants may submit dependent visas for eligible family members.
Some other common Hong Kong work permits include the following:
If your employees are applying for a Hong Kong work permit under the GEP, they need to include a statement from you describing the position. The Immigration Department will assess the application for:
Sometimes it’s difficult for companies to prove that they couldn’t find a local to fill a position, especially if they’re recruiting individuals from around the world. That said, the immigration authorities typically accept the proof they receive.
If your employees have family they would like to bring to Hong Kong, they’ll need to meet additional requirements. For example, employees must prove that they have a genuine marriage and dependent children under the age of 18. They need to show that they can financially support a family and provide the right accommodations. If a spouse wants to work in Hong Kong as well, they can do so through an extra work permit.
First, employees need to fill out the right application form for their requested visa and attach all the required documents. If the documents are in any other language besides English or Chinese, the employee must provide a translation. They will also need a valid travel document from their home country.
Applications can be mailed or handed in personally. They can go either directly to the Hong Kong Immigration Department or the nearest Chinese mission. If your employee is a foreign national living on the Chinese Mainland, they can submit their visa application in Beijing at the Hong Kong government’s office. Another option is to file the application through a local sponsor, such as a prospective employer.
As of December 2022, Hong Kong’s Immigration Department expanded its online application filing option to all visa types. Applications can still be mailed in or delivered in person if preferred.
While the typical employment visa is valid only in the short-term, employees can get an extension once it expires. They should apply at least four weeks before the expiration date. Most employment visas will follow a two-three-three-year extension pattern. The only exception is a fixed employment contract that runs out before the visa expires, in which the extension will be shortened accordingly.
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For this particular location, Globalization Partners may offer support processing certain work visas and permits. Contact us today to assess your specific needs.
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