Staying and Working in Hong Kong with an Employment as Professionals Visa

GEP Visa

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Under Hong Kong's General Employment Policy (GEP), individuals with special skills, knowledge, or experience that are valuable and not readily available in Hong Kong can apply for an Employment as Professionals visa.

Successful applicants typically receive an initial stay of 36 months. This stay can be extended by applying at least four weeks before it expires. With subsequent successful extensions, applicants are usually allowed to stay for periods of 3 to 2 years, depending on their employment conditions or contract duration (whichever is shorter).

If an applicant has been working as a professional under the GEP for at least two years and has an assessable income of USD$2 million or more in the previous tax year, they may apply for an extension under the top-tier employment stream. In this case, a successful applicant may be granted an extension of up to 6 years.

Additionally, the Hong Kong government is introducing new channels in 2024 to attract experienced specialists in specific skilled trades, with a quota under this new arrangement.

Family Members of an Employment as Professionals Visa Application

An applicant for an Employment as Professionals visa may bring their spouse or lawful domestic partner (whether same-sex or opposite-sex) and unmarried dependent children under 18 to Hong Kong. Once admitted under the scheme, the applicant will act as their sponsor. However, this provision does not apply to nationals from Afghanistan and North Korea or former Mainland Chinese residents in Macao who have held Macao identity cards for less than seven years, unless they have gained residence in Macao through the One-way Permit Scheme.

Traveling and Returning to Hong Kong

Individuals admitted with a GEP visa can travel and re-enter Hong Kong within their permitted stay without needing a re-entry visa.

Becoming a Permanent Resident in Hong Kong

Individuals admitted under the GEP visa who have lived in Hong Kong continuously for at least seven years may apply for the right of abode.

Quota and Restrictions for Employment as Professionals Visa Application

The Employment as Professionals visa is quota-free and not sector-specific. However, it does not apply to nationals from the following countries: Afghanistan, Cuba, Laos, North Korea, Nepal, and Vietnam.

Overseas Chinese nationals holding People's Republic of China passports can apply if they have permanent residence overseas or have lived abroad for at least one year, and they must submit their applications from outside the region. (Overseas refers to places outside Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao.)

Eligibility for Applying for an Employment as Professionals Visa

Individuals with special skills, knowledge, or experience that are valuable and not readily available in Hong Kong can apply for an Employment as Professionals visa to work in the region. All applications are processed by the Immigration Department, and approval is at their discretion, subject to changes in government policies. However, the following favorable criteria are typically considered:

  • No security objections or known records of serious crime.
  • A strong educational background, usually including a first degree in a relevant field, though exceptional technical qualifications and relevant experience may also be accepted.
  • A genuine job vacancy with a confirmed offer of employment that cannot be easily filled locally, relevant to the applicant's academic qualifications or work experience.
  • A remuneration package that is comparable to local labor standards.

Required Documents for a GEP Visa Application

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The Applicant

  • Completed Form ID 990A
  • Photocopy of valid travel document
  • Photocopy of Hong Kong identity card (if any)
  • Photocopies of proof of academic qualifications and relevant work experience
  • Letter of consent from current working unit or relevant authorities (for Mainland residents only)
  • Photocopy of Macao identification card (for Macao residents only)
  • Photocopy of household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identification card (for Taiwan residents only)
  • Photocopy of proof of overseas residence endorsed by overseas authorities (for overseas Chinese holding PRC passports only)
  • Documents required for sponsor for investment visa application
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The Employer

  • Completed form ID 990B
  • Photocopy of employment contract or letter of appointment
  • Photocopy of the Certificate of Business Registration
  • Photocopy of proof of financial standing
  • Detailed business plan (for companies newly set up within 12 months)
  • Documents required for dependent for investment visa application
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Each Accompanying Dependent

  • Part B of the form ID 990A completed
  • Photocopy of valid travel document
  • Photocopy of evidence of relationship with the applicant such as marriage certificate, birth certificate
  • Photocopy of Macao identification card (for Macao residents only)
  • Photocopy of household registration in Taiwan and Taiwan identification card (for Taiwan residents only)

Processing Time for an Employment as Professionals Visa Application

After submitting your application documents, you can typically expect a response from the Immigration Department within four weeks. They may request additional supporting documents, and the overall processing time usually takes between four to eight weeks.

Relying on Wisehouse for Employment as Professionals Visa Applications

Applying for GEP visas can be complicated and time-consuming if you're unsure about the necessary documents and justifications needed to meet the Immigration Department's approval criteria. It's best to get it right the first time rather than going through trial and error. Wisehouse has a team of experienced professionals who are well-versed in the requirements and processes for obtaining a GEP visa. We also provide renewal services for GEP visas. Wisehouse is the ideal partner for anyone seeking GEP visa assistance to ensure approval on the first attempt.

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