Hong Kong Work Visas and Permits

Types of Work Permits in Hong Kong

If you are a foreign professional, you need a work visa to work in Hong Kong. Each visa has specific rules, and most require employer sponsorship. Processing takes four to eight weeks, so apply early.

The process can be strict because companies must prove they need foreign talent and cannot find a local worker for the job.

Hong Kong Work Visa Types

The Hong Kong employment visa is based on your skills, nationality, and background. Most require a job offer and employer sponsorship, but some allow work without an offer.

Here are the main types of working visa in HK:

Hong Kong Work Permit Types

A work visa and a work permit mean the same thing in Hong Kong. Both allow foreign professionals to work legally. 

The authorization in Hong Kong offers different work permits based on your skills and goals. Some visas allow temporary work, while others focus on business and high-tech jobs.

• Working Holiday Scheme: For young adults (18-30) from selected countries. You can work while traveling, but only for a limited time and in certain jobs.

• Investment Visa Scheme: This is for entrepreneurs who want to start or invest in a business. You must prove your business will help the local economy.

• Technology Talent Admission Scheme (TechTAS): A fast-track visa for skilled professionals in tech fields like data analysis and innovation.

• Entrepreneur Visa: A work permit visa is available for entrepreneurs who establish or join a business in Hong Kong. Applicants must prove they will contribute to the local economy.

Requirements for Hong Kong Work Visa and Permits 

The immigration department of Hong Kong issues the Hong Kong work permit. It is considered the official visa that allows foreign professionals to live and work in the city based on their job contracts. 

If you wish to avoid international business challenges while doing your business in Hong Kong, follow the rules and submit complete documents to avoid delays or rejection.

Hong Kong Work Visa Requirements

The working visa for Hong Kong requires several documents along with the application. Both the employer and employee need to provide specific paperwork to prove eligibility. Below is the list of all required documents for both parties:

You must submit these documents to the Immigration Department of Hong Kong SAR. If you are in Mainland China, apply through the Hong Kong Government’s Immigration Division in Beijing.

The visa process takes about four weeks. Once approved, you will receive an e-visa. There is no need for a stamp on your passport. After paying the required fees, you can enter and work in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Work Permit Requirements

To work in Hong Kong, you must obtain a valid passport (with at least six months of validity). The employees should receive an affirmed offer letter from their employer and a completed visa application form. Other key documents include:

• 2-3 recent passport-sized photos
• Health insurance covering an employee’s stay
• Police Clearance Certificate proving no criminal record
• Education certificates (degrees, transcripts, etc.)
• Travel insurance for added security

All documents must be in English or Chinese. If they are in another language, you must provide official translations.

How to Apply for Hong Kong Work Visa and Permits

The application process for a working visa in HK involves several steps, including securing a job offer, gathering required documents, and getting approved. Following the correct process and ensuring full compliance with local laws is crucial.

Work Visa in Hong Kong 

The process for a Hong Kong work visa application starts with a secured employment offer from a Hong Kong employer. The step-by-step application process is:

Step 1: A valid job offer

The job contract of the employee should include their salary, role, and other details.

Step 2: Submit the application 

The employer submits Form ID 990B, whereas the employee completes Form ID 990A. They must provide:

• Passport copy
• Academic and work experience proof
• Job contract with salary details

Step 3: Review of application 

The immigration department of Hong Kong checks the documents and recontacts the employee if more information is needed.

Step 4: Issuing the visa

Once approved, the employee receives an entry permit to Hong Kong. The moment they arrive in the country, their visa is activated.

Step 5: Renewal 

The Hong Kong work visas are short-term, so they require timely renewal. Moreover, if they want to take their partners or children (under 18) along, they should apply for a dependent visa.

Work Permit in Hong Kong

Getting a Hong Kong work permit visa involves several steps where the employer sponsors the visa application. The steps are:

• Step 1: Secure a job offer from a Hong Kong company. 
• Step 2: Gather the required documents, including a valid six-month passport, employment contract, qualification certificate, proof of work experience, and recent passport-sized photos.
• Step 3: Once the employer submits the visa application, the immigration department reviews it. Depending on the case, processing usually takes four to eight weeks.
• Step 4: The employee will receive a work visa/entry permit if approved. Once in Hong Kong, you can legally start working.

Hong Kong Work Permit Visa Requirements

Once submitted, the initial processing time for a Hong Kong working visa is around six weeks. However, depending on the complexity of your application, approval may take 6 to 8 weeks (or up to 3 months). If successful, the Immigration Department will issue a visa/entry permit label.

The initial visa is usually valid for 12 months or the length of your employment contract, whichever is shorter. If you plan to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at least four weeks before your visa expires.

Looking to Hire in Hong Kong? Skuad Can Help

Hiring in Hong Kong requires strict work permits and visas. The process involves submitting the right documents, proving the need for international talent, and securing approvals from the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

With Skuad, you can hire anyone, anywhere, without setting up a local entity. As your trusted Employer of Record (EOR), Skuad manages everything. We handle it all, from work permit applications to localized onboarding, cross-border payroll, and compliance with Hong Kong’s employment laws.

If your company partners with Skuad for EOR services, we will handle your global hires' entire work visa process. You focus on growing your business while we ensure your team is legally and seamlessly onboarded. 

‍Book a demo and focus on expanding your workforce globally with Skuad.

FAQs

How do I get a work visa in Hong Kong?

One needs to secure a job offer from a Hong Kong employer who will sponsor their work visa application.

Can I work in Hong Kong with a US passport?

A US citizen with a valid passport for six months or more can apply for a job in Hong Kong with a US citizen Hong Kong visa. If they get the job and the employer agrees to afford their visa expenses, they can apply for a Hong Kong work visa (Job visa Hong Kong).

How long is the work visa for Hong Kong?

Work visas are valid for 12 months or the employment contract's duration, whichever is shorter. 

Is it difficult to get a work visa in Hong Kong?

Getting a work visa in Hong Kong should not be difficult if you meet specific criteria, show all the correct documents, and have the right intentions.

Can we convert a Hong Kong visit visa to a work permit?

If the applicant is staying in Hong Kong currently and gets a job, they can apply to change the visa permit to an employment visa Hong Kong.

How long does it take to get a work permit in Hong Kong?

The processing time usually ranges between 4 and 8 weeks.