1. Main Visa and Work Authorization Categories

1. Visitor Entry and Business Visits

Eligible visitors from outside Mainland China may enter Hong Kong visa-free for different periods depending on their nationality and travel document. Travelers who require a visa must obtain a visitor visa or entry permit before traveling. Mainland Chinese residents generally need an Exit-Entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao and the appropriate endorsement.

Visitors may attend business meetings, sign contracts, submit tenders, participate in trade fairs, and conduct permitted inspection activities. They may not take up employment in Hong Kong, sell goods or services directly to the public, or construct exhibition booths. Whether an individual is paid or receives their salary outside Hong Kong does not, by itself, determine whether an activity qualifies as a permitted business visit.

The permitted stay for each visit is determined by the immigration record. Visitor status cannot be used continuously or repeatedly as a substitute for the required employment status.

2. General Employment Policy (GEP)

The General Employment Policy is intended for professionals who have secured employment with a Hong Kong employer. Additional restrictions may apply to certain nationalities or immigration statuses. Applicants will normally need a degree relevant to the position. In special circumstances, technical qualifications, proven professional abilities, or relevant work experience may also be considered.

The position must be genuine and not readily filled by the local workforce. The applicant’s remuneration package must be broadly consistent with the prevailing market level in Hong Kong. The employer must also demonstrate its business operations and genuine recruitment needs in Hong Kong.

The initial approved stay is normally 36 months or the length of the employment contract, whichever is shorter. Standard extensions may be considered under a three-year and then two-year pattern, while different arrangements may apply to individuals who meet specific talent criteria. GEP holders generally need prior approval before changing employers.

3. Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals (ASMTP)

The ASMTP allows Mainland Chinese professionals to take up employment in Hong Kong. Applicants generally need an offer from a Hong Kong-registered employer. The position must be genuine, the applicant’s skills, knowledge, or experience must be needed in Hong Kong, and the remuneration package must meet the relevant market level.

After obtaining an entry permit, applicants must still hold the Exit-Entry Permit and appropriate endorsement required by the Mainland Chinese exit-entry authorities.

The initial approved stay is normally 36 months or the length of the employment contract, whichever is shorter. Standard extensions may be considered under a three-year and then two-year pattern, or for the shorter remaining period of the employment contract. The applicant may not work outside the scope permitted by the approved employer and conditions of stay.

4. Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

The Top Talent Pass Scheme has three main categories:

For an initial application, Category A applicants are normally granted a stay of 36 months, while Category B and C applicants are normally granted 24 months. The initial stay may only be granted once.

During the approved period of stay, TTPS holders may work, change jobs, or establish a business in Hong Kong without obtaining prior approval for each job change. For renewal, they must demonstrate that they are employed in Hong Kong with a stable income or have established or are participating in a genuine business.

A standard extension is normally limited to three years or the length of the employment contract, whichever is shorter. The fact that a Hong Kong job offer is not required for the initial application does not remove the employment or business requirements for renewal.

2. Entry, Dependants, and Other Arrangements

1. Entry and Stay

In addition to an approved visa or entry permit, applicants must hold an appropriate travel document and be eligible to return to their place of residence or enter another jurisdiction.

Approval of a visa or entry permit does not, by itself, mean that the applicant has acquired immigration status in Hong Kong. The permitted stay and attached conditions must be confirmed separately from the immigration record after entry. Individuals who meet the requirements for Hong Kong identity card registration must also complete the relevant registration.

2. Dependants and Other Immigration Routes

An eligible principal applicant may apply for dependant status for their spouse and unmarried dependent children under the age of 18.

Approved dependants of employment or talent-scheme holders are generally permitted to work in Hong Kong. Different restrictions may apply to dependants of students, and the specific conditions of stay should be checked.

Non-local graduates may consider the Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG). Eligible research and development professionals may consider the Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS). Each scheme has separate graduation, position, company, and other eligibility requirements and does not automatically apply to every applicant.

3. Renewals, Changes, Termination, and Status Maintenance

If the applicant’s employment relationship, sponsorship conditions, or family circumstances change, the immigration arrangements for both the applicant and their dependants should be reviewed. Existing status should not be assumed to continue automatically before the new conditions of stay or extension application are confirmed.

4. How sailglobal Can Help

If your company plans to send employees to Hong Kong for business visits, local employment, short-term projects, or accompanying-family arrangements, sailglobal can help you understand the applicable route and application requirements based on the applicant’s identity, travel document, responsibilities, employment arrangement, and travel plans.

Visa, entry permit, and extension-of-stay applications are independently assessed by the relevant authorities. sailglobal does not guarantee approval or a fixed issuance date.