What are the key Hong Kong immigration laws for professionals in 2025?
In 2025, the General Employment Policy (GEP) remains the primary work visa route for foreign professionals (excluding Mainland Chinese residents) to take up employment in Hong Kong. Applications are assessed individually, based on the applicant’s qualifications, experience, and the genuine need for the position. Alongside the GEP, the Hong Kong government continues to operate targeted talent admission schemes — including the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS), and the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) — with a policy focus on sectors such as innovation and technology, financial services, and advanced manufacturing.
Which work visas are available for professionals in 2025?
Which work visa routes are available for professionals in 2025?
- General Employment Policy (GEP) — for foreign professionals with a confirmed job offer in Hong Kong (excluding Mainland Chinese residents).
- Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP) — for Mainland Chinese residents with a confirmed job offer in Hong Kong.
- Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS) — for eligible companies in the innovation and technology sector to fast‑track admission of R&D talent.
- Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) — for high‑income professionals or graduates from top universities, allowing them to enter Hong Kong without a prior job offer.
- Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) — quota‑based scheme for highly skilled or talented persons to settle in Hong Kong without securing a job offer beforehand.
- Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) — relaunched in 2024, allows eligible investors to reside in Hong Kong by making qualifying investments.
What documents are needed for a GEP application?
Both the employer and applicant must provide documentation. Common requirements include:
From the employer:
- Business Registration Certificate.
- Proof of financial standing (e.g., audited accounts, recent management accounts).
- Employment contract with detailed job description, salary, and benefits.
- Organisation chart and explanation of why the position cannot be filled locally.
From the applicant:
- Valid passport (and current Hong Kong visa, if applicable).
- Academic certificates and/or professional qualifications.
- Proof of relevant experience (e.g., reference letters, employment records).
- Curriculum vitae (CV).
- Evidence of no adverse immigration record.
Can professionals bring family to Hong Kong?
GEP, TTPS, and other employment visa holders can sponsor eligible dependants — namely, a spouse and unmarried children under 18.
- Dependant spouses are free to take up employment or establish a business in Hong Kong, except in cases where the sponsor is a student (non‑local) or an imported worker under the Supplementary Labour Scheme.
- Dependant children can attend school through the Education Bureau’s standard admission system.
How long does the GEP visa last?
- Initial stay: Usually 2 years.
- Renewal: Typically in 3‑year increments, subject to continued employment in the approved role and meeting all eligibility criteria.
- Permanent Residency (Right of Abode): May be granted after 7 years of continuous ordinary residence in Hong Kong.
What if I’m hiring as a startup or SME?
Immigration officers assess the sponsoring company’s substance, operational history, and financial stability. Startups and SMEs can sponsor employees under the GEP if they can demonstrate:
- A genuine operational need for the role.
- Financial capacity to employ and remunerate the applicant at market level.
- Evidence that the position cannot be readily filled by the local workforce (e.g., recruitment advertisements, interview records).
Can AI help with immigration research?
Yes. Ask.Legal can:
- Suggest the right visa pathway for your situation.
- Break down complex eligibility rules in plain English.
- Help employers prepare compliant employment contracts or letters of support.
- Generate quick answers and relevant templates 24/7.
Need help navigating this issue? Check out Ask.Legal — our AI-powered legal assistant is ready to help 24/7.
