Shared requirements
- Employment with a Hong Kong employer
- A university degree, or relevant professional qualifications and experience
- A role related to your education or experience that cannot readily be filled locally
- Pay and benefits broadly at market level
Who uses which
- General Employment Policy (GEP): most overseas applicants, including Taiwanese
- Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP): mainland residents
Changing jobs
Changing employer generally requires prior approval from the Immigration Department.
Family
Your spouse and unmarried children under 18 can apply for dependant visas.
Permanent residence
After seven years of continuous residence, making Hong Kong your permanent home, you can apply for permanent resident status.
Hong Kong GEP at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Investment | No investment required |
| Job offer | Required from a local employer |
| Who it’s for | GEP: overseas and Taiwan; ASMTP: mainland China |
| Family | Spouse and unmarried children under 18 |
Hong Kong GEP application process and timing
- Confirm the job offer (Depends on the employer): Secure the offer from your Hong Kong employer.
- Prepare documents (1–2 weeks): You and your employer prepare the required documents.
- Submission and processing (A few weeks): The Immigration Department processes the application.
- Arrival and extensions (Per your visa period): Start work in Hong Kong and extend when the conditions are met.
Main Hong Kong GEP requirements
- A job offer from a Hong Kong employer
- A university degree, or relevant professional qualifications and experience
- A role related to your education or experience that cannot readily be filled locally
- Pay and benefits broadly at market level
Key benefits of Hong Kong GEP
- Come to Hong Kong as a formal employee
- Bring your spouse and children
- Continue working in Hong Kong after extensions
- Apply for permanent residence after seven years
More questions about Hong Kong GEP
Which scheme applies to Taiwanese applicants? Taiwanese applicants generally apply under the General Employment Policy (GEP); mainland residents apply under the ASMTP.
Do I need to reapply if I change jobs? Changing employer generally requires prior approval from the Immigration Department.
Next step
Every family’s background, funds and timeline are different. Global Immigrate’s professional consultants can assess, free of charge, whether this programme suits you and compare other options. You can also request the full programme brochure on the programme page.
Learn more: Hong Kong General Employment Policy (GEP) / Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents (ASMTP)