If you’ve accepted a job in Hong Kong, the most common “work visa” route is Employment as Professionals under the General Employment Policy (GEP) (or ASMTP if you’re a Mainland China resident). Hong Kong Immigration generally looks for skills/experience not readily available locally and an employer sponsor.
Learn how to apply for a Hong Kong work visa in 2026 with a detailed step-by-step process, required forms (ID 990A/990B), document checklist, timelines, costs, and common mistakes to avoid.
Step 1: Identify What “work visa” are you applying for?
Most employer-sponsored hires use Employment as Professionals:
Common Hong Kong work visa routes (quick comparison)
| Route | Who it’s for | Sponsor needed? | Typical use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEP (General Employment Policy) | Overseas/Non-Mainland applicants with professional skills | ✅ Yes | Standard employer-sponsored professional role |
| ASMTP | Mainland China residents working in HK | ✅ Yes | Standard employer-sponsored role for Mainland residents |
| IANG | Non-local graduates of HK programmes | Sometimes (depends on stage) | If you studied in HK and qualify under IANG |
This guide focuses on the GEP/ASMTP Employment as Professionals process, because that’s what most people mean by “Hong Kong work visa.”
Step 2: Eligibility – What Immigration checks (and what your employer must prove)
Hong Kong Immigration states that (for GEP) applicants with special skills/knowledge/experience of value to Hong Kong and not readily available in HK may apply. In practice, your application package should clearly show:
- A genuine job offer (real role, real business need)
- Role matches your background (education + experience)
- Why you vs local hire (skills are not readily available in HK)
- Market-level pay/benefits (avoid “underpaid foreign hire” red flags)
- Employer is credible and can pay you (financial/operational proof)
Immigration’s Approval Lens
| Factor | What They Look For | How to Strengthen |
|---|---|---|
| Role necessity | Clear business need | Detailed job description |
| Applicant fit | Skills match duties | Align CV + duties clearly |
| Salary level | Competitive package | Benchmark market salary |
| Company stability | Financial ability to pay | Provide audited statements |
| Compliance | No adverse record | Ensure clean documentation |
Step 3: Prepare Applicant Documents (Your Side)
This section determines how convincing your profile appears.
Core Documents
You will generally need:
- Passport copy
- Recent passport photo
- Full CV
- Academic certificates
- Employment reference letters
- Professional licences (if applicable)
How to Strengthen This Section
Don’t just upload basic PDFs.
Instead:
- Make sure job duties align exactly with your CV experience
- Highlight measurable achievements
- Include proof of niche expertise
- Provide employment letters confirming job titles and duration
Example
Weak:
“Marketing Manager with 5 years experience.”
Strong:
“Led cross-border digital campaigns targeting SEA markets with HKD 3M annual ad spend.”
Immigration reviews logic. Make it easy for them to approve you.
Step 4: Prepare Employer Documents (Sponsor Side)
Your employer’s documentation is equally important.
They typically must provide:
- Signed employment contract
- Business Registration Certificate
- Company incorporation documents
- Financial statements
- Company background summary
If the company is newly incorporated, Immigration may request:
- Business plan
- Cashflow projection
- Client contracts
- Investment proof
Why this step causes delays
Small or new companies often underestimate how much proof is needed to show:
- They are operating
- They generate revenue
- They can pay your salary
Employer Documentation Risk Areas
| Company Type | Risk Level | Extra Documents Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Established corporation | Low | Standard financials |
| SME (2–10 employees) | Medium | Profit & loss statements |
| Start-up (<1 year) | High | Business plan + funding proof |
Step 5: Complete Forms ID 990A and ID 990B
These are the core application forms:
- ID 990A – completed by applicant
- ID 990B – completed by employer
These forms require:
- Personal information
- Employment details
- Company background
- Salary breakdown
- Job duties
Important Strategy
Ensure the following are consistent across:
- Employment contract
- CV
- Job description in form
- Employer justification letter
Inconsistencies create red flags.
Step 6: Submit the Application Online
Hong Kong uses an electronic submission system.
When uploading documents:
Best practices:
- Combine related documents into one PDF per category
- Ensure scans are clear and legible
- Use professional file names
- Double-check that no pages are missing
Common Submission Mistakes
- Uploading incomplete contracts
- Missing salary breakdown
- Wrong passport page
- Unclear job duties
- Outdated financial statements
Step 7: Processing Timeline and Follow-Ups
Typical processing time:
Approximately 4 weeks after complete submission.
However, delays occur if:
- Documents are missing
- Employer clarification is required
- Salary level seems inconsistent
- Job duties are vague
If Immigration Requests More Information
Respond:
- Quickly
- Directly
- Clearly
- With structured explanation
Do not overshare irrelevant documents.
Step 8: Approval and e-Visa Issuance
Once approved:
- You receive an electronic visa (e-Visa / notification slip)
- You pay any remaining fee
- You print or save the visa
At immigration clearance in Hong Kong:
- Present passport
- Present e-Visa
- Entry stamp issued
Step 9: After Arrival in Hong Kong
If your permission to stay exceeds 180 days:
You must apply for a Hong Kong Identity Card within 30 days of arrival.
You should also:
- Open a bank account
- Register for MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund)
- Confirm tax registration
- Review visa expiry date
Step 10: Extensions and Changing Employers
Most GEP entrants receive an initial stay tied to contract length (often up to 2–3 years).
To Extend Your Stay:
Apply before visa expiry.
Immigration will assess:
- Continued employment
- Salary level
- Company status
To Change Employers:
You must apply for change of employment before starting a new job.
Read: FastLane Visa Extension Services
Full Timeline Overview
| Stage | Action | Approximate Time |
|---|---|---|
| Offer accepted | Prepare documents | 1–2 weeks |
| Submission | Upload and pay | 1–2 days |
| Immigration review | Processing | ~4 weeks |
| Approval | e-Visa issued | Few days |
| Arrival | HKID application | Within 30 days |
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Inconsistent documentation
- Role appears easily fillable locally
- Salary below market level
- Company lacks financial proof
- Applicant lacks relevant qualification
How FastLane Group Can Help?
Applying for a Hong Kong work visa is not complicated — but it is detail-sensitive.
The strongest applications:
- Anticipate Immigration’s questions before they ask them
- Show logical alignment between job, applicant, and business need
- Present clear financial stability
- Provide structured, consistent documentation
With our Visa service, you can apply for any kind of visa in Hong Kong with ease. Our experienced team will guide you through the Hong Kong Work Visa Requirements, ensuring a smooth and efficient application process. Talk to us now to find out more about how we can support you.
