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Hong Kong – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in Hong Kong

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit in order to work legally in Hong Kong. The application for the work permit must be made by the expat’s employer

Exemptions to this rule apply only to a limited number of categories, including visiting business persons, overseas students, and dependents of work permit holders

Types of work permits for expats in Hong Kong

The two main types of work permits in Hong Kong are the Employment Visa (E-Visa) and the General Employment Policy (GEP). The E-Visa is for expats with a degree or higher academic qualification, while the GEP is for those without a degree. Both types of work permits require a job offer from a Hong Kong employer and a minimum salary threshold, which is currently HKD$20,000 per month.

Procedure to apply for a work permit in Hong Kong


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The following is the general procedure to apply for a work permit in Hong Kong:

  1. The employer must first secure an offer of employment from a Hong Kong employer.

  2. The employer must then submit an application for a work permit, along with all required documents, to the Hong Kong Immigration Department.

  3. The Hong Kong Immigration Department will then process the application and may request additional information or documents if necessary.

  4. The application process typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks, although processing times may vary.

Documents needed to apply for a work permit in Hong Kong

The following documents are required to apply for a work permit in Hong Kong:

  1. A completed application form

  2. Proof of the expat’s qualifications and experience

  3. Proof of the expat’s medical fitness

  4. Proof of the expat’s financial means

  5. Proof of the job offer, including the salary and job duties

  6. Proof of the employer’s business status and financial status

  7. Proof of the expat’s travel document (passport)

Costs involved in applying for a work permit in Hong Kong

The costs involved in applying for a work permit in Hong Kong include the following:

  1. Application fee

  2. Medical examination fee

  3. Other miscellaneous fees, such as fees for police clearance certificates or translations

Where to go for reliable information on working legally in Hong Kong

For reliable information on working legally in Hong Kong, expats can visit the following websites:

  1. Hong Kong Immigration Department: https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/visas/work.html

  2. Hong Kong Labour Department: https://www.labour.gov.hk/eng/services/workpermit/index.htm

  3. Invest Hong Kong: https://www.investhk.gov.hk/work-in-hk/working-in-hk/


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