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TaiwanEmployer checks
We help verify the sponsoring employer’s business and compliance record, so the role is genuine and the pay meets the requirements.
Hong Kong employment visas
Hong Kong General Employment Policy (GEP) / Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents (ASMTP)
Professionals hired by a Hong Kong employer can apply for a work visa and bring their family with them.
Reviewed by Oscar Yip · Updated October 2026
Programme overview
This route is for professionals who already have a job offer from a Hong Kong employer. The General Employment Policy (GEP) applies to most overseas and Taiwanese applicants; the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) applies to mainland residents. Both require the job to match your education and experience, with pay broadly at market level.
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InvestmentNo investment required
Job offerRequired from a local employer
Who it’s forGEP: overseas and Taiwan; ASMTP: mainland China
FamilySpouse and unmarried children under 18
Summary
You need a job offer from a Hong Kong employer in a role related to your education or professional experience, with pay and benefits broadly at market level. A university degree, or relevant professional qualifications and experience, is normally required.
Key benefits of Hong Kong GEP
- No quota, any sectorProfessional admissions under the GEP and ASMTP have no quota and are not limited to particular sectors.
- Up to three years on first grantYou are normally granted 36 months, or the length of your employment contract if shorter.
- Decision in about four weeksNew applications normally take about four weeks once all documents are in; extensions take about two to three weeks.
- Simpler for high-pay or Talent List rolesIf the salary is HKD 2 million or more, or the post is on the Talent List, the employer need not prove local recruitment difficulty.
- Family can work and studyYour spouse and unmarried children under 18 can join you as dependants and may work or study in Hong Kong.
- Long extensionsExtensions normally follow a 3+2-year pattern while you remain employed, which with the first grant covers seven years.
- Five unrestricted years for high earnersAfter two years' employment and assessable income of HKD 2 million, you can get five years on time limitation only; job changes need only be notified.
- Permanent residence after 7 yearsAfter seven years of continuous ordinary residence you can apply for Hong Kong permanent residence with the right of abode.
- Low salaries taxSalaries tax never exceeds the standard rate: 15% on the first HKD 5 million of net income and 16% above; no capital gains tax.
Why Global Immigrate for Hong Kong GEP
- families approved
- 14+
- approval rate
- 98%
- offering this programme since
- 2018
GI Group recruitment network
GI Group has its own recruitment team to help match you with suitable employers and roles — not just the visa paperwork.
End-to-end visa and extension support
One team coordinates the timeline from employer documents and the visa application through to extensions and permanent residence.
Clear, transparent fees
All service fees and third-party costs are set out in writing before you sign — no hidden charges — and our refund terms are explained clearly.
Requirements
Applicants generally need to meet the following:
- 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
Our three guarantees
Full service-fee refund if refused
Guaranteed in your service agreement: if your application is refused, we refund the service fees you have paid in full — or you can switch to another suitable programme at no extra charge.
No extra charge for further documents or resubmission
If the authorities request further documents, or an application must be resubmitted, we handle it at no additional service fee.
Handled by professionals, fee fixed at signing
Every application is prepared and reviewed by our professional immigration team. Your service fee is fixed when you sign, with no additional charges afterwards.
Service fees exclude investment amounts, government fees and third-party costs. Refusals caused by false or incomplete information, or by the applicant not cooperating as required, are not eligible for a refund. Full terms are set out in the service agreement.
Free Hong Kong GEP brochure
Covers the requirements, process and timeline, a fee overview and FAQs. Leave your details and we’ll send it to you.
Thank you — the brochure is on its way to your inbox
If you can’t see it, please check your spam folder. A consultant may also contact you to answer any questions about the programme.
Application process
- Confirm the job offerDepends on the employerSecure the offer from your Hong Kong employer.
- Prepare documents1–2 weeksYou and your employer prepare the required documents.
- Submission and processingA few weeksThe Immigration Department processes the application.
- Arrival and extensionsPer your visa periodStart work in Hong Kong and extend when the conditions are met.
Pathway to PR and citizenship
- Hong Kong residence visaUsually a few weeks
A work visa based on a Hong Kong job; your spouse and children under 18 can join as dependants.
While on this statusYou must work for the sponsoring employer; changing jobs needs prior approval; Hong Kong must be your place of ordinary residence for the 7 years — there is no set number of days, but you must explain any absence of more than 6 months in a row when applying for PR
- Hong Kong permanent residenceAfter 7 years of continuous ordinary residence
Apply for a Hong Kong permanent identity card with the right of abode; no more visa renewals. Hong Kong has no separate nationality: Chinese nationals with permanent residence can get an HKSAR passport, while others must first apply for Chinese nationality, which is strictly assessed.
Keeping permanent statusChinese nationals keep permanent residence regardless of absence; non-Chinese permanent residents who are away for 36 months in a row lose the right of abode and instead hold the right to land (they can still live and work in Hong Kong without a visa)
General information only; requirements follow each country’s latest rules and can vary with your circumstances.
Hong Kong GEP client stories
Client storyClear on the requirements, and approval under ASMTP
Ms Tin’s Hong Kong GEP experience. She had been hired by a Hong Kong company and wanted to work in Hong Kong.
Read the full storyClient storySeeking approval before changing jobs, then a smooth change and extensionMr Ho’s Hong Kong GEP experience. While working in Hong Kong, he received an offer from another company.
Read the full storyClient storyA Taiwanese IT manager hired by a Hong Kong companyMr Su’s Hong Kong GEP experience. He wanted to develop his career in Hong Kong.
Read the full storyCompared with other options: Hong Kong
See the Hong Kong overview| Programme | Investment | Status | Typical timeline | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) | No investment or job offer needed | Residence (permanent residence after seven years) | Usually about 4 weeks | Annual income of HKD 2.5 million or more, or a degree from an eligible university |
| Hong Kong Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) | No investment or job offer needed | Residence (permanent residence after seven years) | Depends on selection; no official time published | Well-rounded professionals who do not qualify for TTPS |
| Hong Kong General Employment Policy (GEP) / Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents (ASMTP)This programme | No investment; Hong Kong employer needed | Residence (employment visa) | Usually a few weeks | Professionals already hired by a Hong Kong employer |
| Hong Kong New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) | HKD 30,000,000 | Residence (permanent residence after seven years) | Depends on net asset and investment review | High-net-worth individuals and families |
Hong Kong GEP FAQ
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.
When can I apply for Hong Kong permanent residence?
After ordinarily residing in Hong Kong for a continuous period of seven years in a recognised status, and making Hong Kong your permanent home, you can apply for Hong Kong permanent residence.
Sources
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