General Employment Policy (GEP)

Overview

The General Employment Policy is the Immigration Department's primary route for professionals (other than Mainland Chinese residents, who use a separate scheme). It requires a genuine, confirmed job offer relevant to the applicant's background, with a remuneration package broadly in line with the local market. The Department assesses whether the skills can be readily taken up by the local workforce. Continuous ordinary residence of not less than seven years can lead to the right of abode.

Eligibility

Application pathway

1. 01

   Check the route fit

   Confirm the role is professional-level, market-paid and hard to fill locally before applying.

2. 02

   Build the evidence pack

   Have the employer prepare the appointment letter and company documents alongside your qualification evidence.

3. 03

   Submit through the official channel

   Submit the visa/entry permit application to the Immigration Department through the official channel.

4. 04

   After approval

   After approval, activate the visa, take up employment and track extension timing toward seven-year residence.

Fees and processing time

A typical General Employment Policy (GEP) application runs about HK$1,900 in government fees (single applicant, initial stay over 180 days). A decision then typically takes 4 weeks. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.

• Full fee breakdown

  Itemised government fees and a worked example.

• Processing time detail

  Current decision windows from the issuing authority.

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Related routes

• Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)

  Points-based talent route for highly skilled or talented people to settle in Hong Kong without first securing a job offer.

• Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)

  Talent route for high earners and graduates of top-ranked universities to enter Hong Kong without a prior job offer.

• Entry for Investment as Entrepreneurs

  Route under the General Employment Policy for people establishing or joining a business in Hong Kong as entrepreneurs.

• Entry for Residence as Dependants

  Route for spouses, civil partners, dependent children and (for permanent-resident sponsors) elderly parents to reside in Hong Kong.