Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
General Employment Policy (GEP): government fee breakdown
By Sam Parks · Last checked:
A Hong Kong GEP application with an initial stay over 180 days costs HKD 1,900 in listed Immigration Department fees.
These are the fees paid to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China government. Your employer does not pay these fees — they are paid by you as the applicant (though some employers reimburse them). Fees for dependants, priority services, or higher salary bands may change the total.
How much does the General Employment Policy (GEP) cost in Hong Kong?
A Hong Kong GEP application with an initial stay over 180 days costs HKD 1,900 in listed Immigration Department fees.
Verified against Hong Kong Immigration Department - Fee tables on 27 June 2026.
Headline total
HK$1,900
Single applicant, initial stay over 180 days
Currency
HKD (Hong Kong dollar)
Last checked
27 June 2026
Itemised fees
| Fee component | Amount | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
Specified-scheme application fee | HK$600 | Yes |
Ordinary visa or entry permit under approved specified scheme, more than 180 days | HK$1,300 | Yes |
Worked example
Single applicant, initial stay over 180 days — HK$1,900
- HKD 600 application fee
- HKD 1,300 visa/entry permit fee
How to read these fees
The HK$1,900 headline covers single applicant, initial stay over 180 days. Of the 2 components listed above, 2 are mandatory. The single biggest mandatory line is Ordinary visa or entry permit under approved specified scheme, more than 180 days at HK$1,300.
Bringing family changes the total — see the dependant section below. Treat the figure as a planning estimate rather than a quote: confirm each line on the official source linked below on the day you pay, because these fees are revised regularly.
Dependant fees
Dependants under GEP pay the applicable visa/entry-permit fee for their own application.
Why fees change
Hong Kong immigration fees are published centrally by the Immigration Department. The GEP is listed as a specified scheme for the application fee note.
Primary source
Hong Kong Immigration Department - Fee tables
https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/services/fee-tables/index.html
Frequently asked questions
How much does the General Employment Policy (GEP) cost in government fees?
A Hong Kong GEP application with an initial stay over 180 days costs HKD 1,900 in listed Immigration Department fees. The worked example assumes single applicant, initial stay over 180 days, totalling HK$1,900. Fees for dependants, priority service, or higher-tier salary bands change the total — see the itemised table above.
Are these fees refundable if my application is refused?
Most application fees are non-refundable once the government begins processing. Some jurisdictions refund specific components (e.g. Canada's Right of Permanent Residence Fee refunds if refused; UK IHS refunds if the visa is refused). Check the linked primary source for the route you are applying to.
How often do these fees change?
Hong Kong immigration fees are published centrally by the Immigration Department. The GEP is listed as a specified scheme for the application fee note.
Do dependants pay the same fees as the primary applicant?
Dependants under GEP pay the applicable visa/entry-permit fee for their own application.
Next steps
Full visa guide
Eligibility, application steps, and FAQs for the General Employment Policy (GEP).
Processing time
How long the General Employment Policy (GEP) takes from application to decision.
Compare: Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS) fees
Points-based talent route for highly skilled or talented people to settle in Hong Kong without first securing a job offer.
Compare: Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) fees
Talent route for high earners and graduates of top-ranked universities to enter Hong Kong without a prior job offer.
Compare: Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs fees
Route under the General Employment Policy for people establishing or joining a business in Hong Kong as entrepreneurs.
Compare: Entry for Residence as Dependants fees
Route for spouses, civil partners, dependent children and (for permanent-resident sponsors) elderly parents to reside in Hong Kong.
Reviewed by Sam Parks, Editor and lead researcher.