Hong Kong is actively courting global talent. The 2026 to 2027 Budget confirmed more than 270,000 professionals have been admitted under the city’s talent schemes since their relaunch, including over 100,000 through the Top Talent Pass Scheme. For employers, that means a deep and growing candidate pool, if you know which hong kong work visa to use.
Route 1: General Employment Policy (GEP)
The GEP is the standard employer sponsored route for non-mainland foreign professionals. It is quota free and open to all sectors.
What the Hong Kong Immigration Department assesses:
- A confirmed job offer from a Hong Kong registered employer
- A degree, or in some cases strong technical qualifications with proven experience
- Remuneration broadly commensurate with the Hong Kong market
- Skills or experience not readily available in the local workforce
There is no fixed minimum salary, but packages well below market rate attract scrutiny. Processing normally takes around 4-6 weeks after submission for a complete application. Initial visas usually run two to three years, with renewals following a 3, 2, 3 year pattern.
Employer obligations: the sponsor submits company documents (Business Registration, financials, company profile), a sponsorship letter justifying the hire, and later supports renewals. The visa is tied to the sponsoring employer, so a job change requires fresh Immigration Department approval.
Route 2: Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
ASMTP mirrors the GEP but applies to Chinese mainland residents. The eligibility tests, employer sponsorship requirements, documentation and processing are essentially the same. For employers building Greater Bay Area teams, ASMTP is the workhorse scheme. Successful applicants from the mainland also need an Exit-entry Permit with the relevant exit endorsement before travelling.
Route 3: Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
TTPS flips the model: no job offer and no employer sponsorship required. Candidates qualify under one of three categories:
- Category A: Annual income of HK$2.5 million or above, granted a 36 month stay
- Category B: Degree from an eligible university plus three years’ work experience, 24 months
- Category C: Recent graduates of eligible universities with under three years’ experience, 24 months, subject to an annual quota
For employers, TTPS holders can be hired without visa sponsorship and may change employers freely without prior Immigration’s approval However, for visa renewal purposes, they must demonstrate genuine employment or business activity in Hong Kong. Therefore, a stable employment arrangement remains important for their continued stay in Hong Kong.
What changed in 2026:
- Longer renewal window: from 1 March 2026, GEP, ASMTP and most other talent scheme holders can apply for extension up to three months before their stay expires, up from four weeks.
- Expanded university list: the TTPS eligible list grew to 200 institutions from 1 January 2026, widening the Category B and C talent pool.
- Continued high approval volumes: TTPS approval rates have remained high, keeping the scheme the fastest growing pathway into Hong Kong.
Choosing between GEP, ASMTP and TTPS is only the first decision. The application itself, and everything after it, is where hires are won or lost. Links International’s visa application services assesses the right route for each candidate, prepares and submits the application. And if you don’t yet have a Hong Kong entity to sponsor with, our EOR service steps in as the legal employer, onboarding your hire in as fast as 48 hours. With more than 25 years in APAC and the Middle East and 100% in country service delivery, we can help you plan your next hire. Speak to our team today!
Frequently Asked Questions on Hong Kong Work Visa:
Which visa should I use to hire a foreign professional with a job offer?
GEP for non-mainland nationals, ASMTP for Chinese mainland residents. Both require you (or your Employer of Record) to act as sponsor.
Can I hire someone already in Hong Kong on a TTPS visa?
Yes, immediately. TTPS holders do not need Immigration Department approval to start or change jobs during their permitted stay.
Do I need a Hong Kong entity to sponsor a GEP or ASMTP visa?
Yes. If you have no local entity, an Employer of Record can act as the sponsoring employer on your behalf.
How early should renewals be filed?
For most employment visa and talent admission schemes, extension applications can be submitted up to 3 months before the visa expiry date. We recommend filing as early as possible. Processing generally takes around 4 weeks, subject to the complexity of the case and the completeness of supporting documents.
