General Employment Policy (GEP) – Professionals
The GEP lets Hong Kong employers hire overseas professionals for jobs that local workers cannot readily fill. It has no quota and is not limited by sector. The Immigration Department normally decides within about 4 weeks, and the initial stay is normally 36 months. After 2 years, top earners can move to a 5-year stay with no employment condition.
Life in Hong Kong SAR China
Money
3
Currency
Hong Kong Dollar
HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
Cost of living
74
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
2–17%
Income tax (national)
Salaries tax is the lower of progressive rates (2%-17%) on net chargeable income or the standard rate (15% on first HKD 5m of net income, 16% above).
Living
1
Happiness
#88 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Members
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Degree-level professionals (or people with proven special skills or experience) who have a confirmed job offer from a Hong Kong employer.
Eligibility
Education
Normally a first degree in a relevant field. Good technical qualifications, proven professional ability or documented relevant experience may be accepted in special circumstances.
Confirmed job offer
There must be a genuine job vacancy and a confirmed offer for a job relevant to your qualifications or experience.
Local workers not readily available
The job must be one that cannot be readily filled by the local workforce.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirementMarket-level pay
- Document checklistRecent photograph
- FeesApplication fee (per principal and per dependant)
The full requirements are for members
Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.
- 5 more requirements
- 10 documents
- 3 fees
- 8 steps
- Processing times and conditions
Places to visit in Hong Kong SAR China
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