Hong Kong has a large service economy specializing in International business, banking, trade and tourism. To empower its economic situation Hong Kong has launched several Work Visa programs to invite skilled professionals from across the world. Work Visa program eventually leads to Permanent Residency Visa which let immigrants to enter and settle down in Hong Kong.
The work permit issued to skilled foreign professionals comes under the Employment for Professionals scheme of the country. There is no limit to the number of visas, and these permits are issued to individuals based on the assessment of their qualifications and specific skill sets that are not possessed by Hong Kong local citizens. So, if someone is highly qualified and the country has a shortage of their specific skills, getting a work visa will not be an issue for them. There are multiple categories under which one (or their sponsor) can apply.
Types of Work Visas and Their Eligibility
- General Employment Policy (GEP)
- Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)
- Immigration Arrangements for Non-Local Graduates (IANG)
- Quality Migration Admission Scheme (QMAS)
- Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS)
- Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
- Admission Scheme for the Second Generation of Chinese Hong Kong Permanent Residents (ASSG)
- Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (Formerly known as Supplementary Labour Scheme)
- Sector-specific Labour Importation Schemes
- Special Scheme to Import Care Workers for Residential Care Homes
- Working Holiday Scheme
Eligibility requirements of the Hong Kong Work Visa
If you have plans to work in Hong Kong, then you have to meet the criterion that plays an important part in the process of work visa:
- You must have employment offer from Company in Hong Kong. Your job should be relatable to your past work experience and qualification.
- You need to submit police clearance certificate stating that you have no involvement in any kind of criminal activities.
- You have to do complete research to look for the job at a recognized company in Hong Kong.
- Your salary must not exceed the current standards that are designed by the local professionals of Hong Kong. The minimum salary should be at least 20,000 Hong Kong Dollars.
- The company has to submit evidence that due to less availability of local employee who matches the requirement of particular job therefore to fill the vacant places overseas workers are required.
- The employee needs to submit the proofs that they have real intention to work and put their full contribution in improving the economy of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Work Visa Documents requirement
- You must have a valid passport of your native country.
- You have to submit employment offer.
- You need to submit your travel insurance and health insurance.
- You have to submit your personal documents like birth certificate, qualification certification, work experience and other supplementary documents as well
- You need to submit your latest passport paragraphs attached with the employment visa application form.
- You have to submit the documents either in English or Chinese language. If your documents are unavailable in either of the languages, then you need to get it translate from the recognized accessing authority.
Documents need to be submitted by Employers:
- The employer needs to provide the Employment of foreign professionals application form.
- You need to submit the full information about the financial status of the company.
Cost of Hong Kong Work Visa
The price of filing for a new work visa and requesting an extension of an existing one is HK$230. The Service charge for supplying, on application, a copy of any document, or for making or forwarding, or both, a request or recommendation to any authority of a foreign state, for consular or nationality registration or the issue or renewal of a passport or other travel document or of a document of identity or for the grant of a visa or entry permit is HK$260.
