Hong Kong Work Visa Solutions for Your Workforce
Hong Kong is one of Asia’s leading business hubs, attracting global talent and companies looking to expand. For employers hiring overseas professionals, securing the correct Hong Kong Work Visa is a critical first step.
A Hong Kong Work Visa allows non-residents to legally live and work in the city under recognised permits and schemes. Visas are typically granted for two years and may be renewed subject to ongoing eligibility. As permanent residency is not automatic, visa holders must maintain valid status until the seven-year residency requirement is met.
With extensive experience supporting employers across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, Links provides expert immigration guidance and efficient visa processing. Our dedicated team of 3,000+ ensures work visa applications are managed accurately, compliantly and without unnecessary delays.
Our Areas of Visa Expertise
Hong Kong Work Visa – General Employment Policy (GEP)
Who is Eligible: Professionals with a confirmed job offer in Hong Kong and skills, experience, or qualifications not readily available in the local workforce.
Process Time: 4 to 6 weeks*
Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must have a genuine job offer, relevant qualifications or expertise, and an employer able to demonstrate a real business need and strong company background.
*Subject to case officer’s discretion, less/extra processing time may be required.
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
Who is Eligible: Mainland Chinese professionals with a confirmed job offer in Hong Kong and skills, knowledge, or experience that are not readily available in the local workforce.
Process Time: 4 to 8 weeks*
Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must have a genuine job offer, relevant academic or professional qualifications, and an employer able to justify the need for hiring a non-local candidate while demonstrating solid business operations.
*Subject to case officer’s discretion, less/extra processing time may be required.
Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) / Immigration Arrangements for Non-Local Graduates (IANG)
Who is Eligible: High-income professionals, graduates from eligible top-ranking universities, or non-local graduates of Hong Kong institutions wishing to live and work in Hong Kong
Process Time: Around 2 to 4 weeks*
Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must fall under one of the TTPS categories, such as meeting the specified annual income threshold, holding degrees from designated top universities, or demonstrating exceptional professional achievements.
*Subject to case officer’s discretion, less/extra processing time may be required.
Training Visa
Who is Eligible: Eligible foreign trainees who want to undergo training in Hong Kong
Process Time: 4 to 6 weeks*
Eligibility Requirement: Required sponsoring company or hiring firm in charge of training
*Subject to case officer’s discretion, less/extra processing time may be required.
Dependant Visa
Who is Eligible: Legally married spouse or unmarried children under the age of 18 of eligible visa holders or Hong Kong Permanent Residents
Process Time: Around 6 weeks*
Eligibility Requirement: Requires sponsor and required documents relevant to the sponsor
*Subject to case officer’s discretion, less/extra processing time may be required
Visa Extension Services
Who Is Eligible: Holders of valid Hong Kong visas (e.g., Employment, Dependant, IANG, Training, etc.) who wish to continue staying in Hong Kong beyond their current visa expiry date.
Processing Time: Around 2–6 weeks*
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must remain eligible under their original visa category and provide supporting documents such as continued employment/financial proof, updated sponsor documents, and required declarations.
*Processing time may vary based on case officer discretion and individual circumstances.
APEC Business Travel Card
Who is Eligible: A business person who is a permanent resident of Hong Kong
Process Time: A minimum of 3 months*
Eligibility Requirement: Must be a certified bona fide business person or investor who needs to travel on short term visits within the APEC region to fulfill business arrangements
*Subject to case officer’s discretion, less/extra processing time may be required.
Permanent Residence Application
Who Is Eligible: Individuals who have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of at least 7 years and can provide proof of permanent ties (e.g., employment, residence, family, long-term intention to stay).
Processing Time: Around 6–12 weeks*
Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must submit evidence of 7 years of continuous residence, valid identification documents, financial or employment proof, address records, and other supporting documents as required by the Immigration Department.
*Processing time varies depending on case officer review, completeness of documents, and individual circumstances.
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Our Visa Application Processing Services Include:
Frequently Asked Questions on Hong Kong Work Visas
No. The Hong Kong Immigration Department (IMMD) is the sole authority for assessing and approving visa applications. While we ensure that your application is complete and compliant, no service provider can guarantee approval.
To obtain a Hong Kong work visa, you must secure a confirmed job offer from a Hong Kong employer. Your employer will act as the sponsor and submit the application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department on your behalf, along with supporting documents that demonstrate your skills, qualifications, and the genuine need for hiring a non-local professional.
Eligibility is based on:
A confirmed job offer in Hong Kong
Relevant qualifications, experience, or specialist skills that are not readily available locally
A genuine business need for the role
A sponsoring employer with strong business credibility and financial stability
The most common work-related visas include:
General Employment Policy (GEP) – for professionals with specialised skills
Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) – for high-earning or highly qualified talent
Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) – for approved tech sector employers
Training Visa – for on-the-job training in Hong Kong
After holding a valid Hong Kong visa and residing in the city for seven consecutive years, you may apply for Permanent Residency (Right of Abode), subject to Immigration Department approval.
Most Hong Kong work visas are processed within 4–8 weeks, depending on application completeness and Immigration Department workload.
The application fee is generally HKD 230 (subject to change). Additional costs may apply depending on the immigration support services required.
Required documents typically include:
Completed visa application forms
Employee’s passport copy
Proof of academic and professional qualifications
Employment contract
Detailed job description
Employer’s business registration and financial records
The Immigration Department may request additional documentation based on the applicant’s profile.
A work visa allows you to:
Live and work legally in Hong Kong
Access Hong Kong’s safe, low-tax, pro-business environment
Sponsor eligible family members to join you
Apply for permanent residency after seven years
Yes. Eligible dependants (spouse and unmarried children under 18) may apply for Dependant Visas, allowing them to live and in some cases work or study in Hong Kong.
Before your visa expires, your employer must submit a renewal application, showing continued employment and compliance. Renewals are typically granted for two to three years depending on your circumstances.
Your employer can notify the Immigration Department to cancel the visa, usually done after the final working day. You must also settle any tax obligations with the Inland Revenue Department before leaving Hong Kong.
No. Applications can be submitted from overseas. Your employer or immigration representative can handle the process on your behalf.
For most visa types, yes. A Change of Sponsorship (COS) application is required before you start your new role.
This applies to:
- Employment Visa (GEP – Professionals)
- ASMTP
- TechTAS
- Training Visa
- Investment Visa
Not required for the following visa types (job change permitted without COS):
- IANG (Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates)
- TTPS (Top Talent Pass Scheme)
- QMAS (Quality Migrant Admission Scheme)
No. You must not begin employment until Immigration has approved and you have activated the visa by entering Hong Kong. Working without a valid visa is an offence.
Yes. If the renewal is submitted before your visa expiry date, you may legally remain in Hong Kong while Immigration processes the application (“deemed extension”).
Immigration accepts extension submissions within 4 weeks (28 days) prior to the current visa expiry date.
No. Employment visas in Hong Kong are tied to your sponsoring employer. If you leave the company, your visa becomes invalid for performing work activities. You may remain in Hong Kong, but you may start working for the new employer only after Immigration has approved the Change of Sponsorship (COS) application.
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