Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China · work sponsored · Leads to settlement
General Employment Policy (GEP)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Hong Kong's main employer-sponsored route for non-local professionals with a confirmed job offer that cannot be readily filled locally.
- Processing time
- The Immigration Department indicates it normally takes about four weeks to process a complete application; confirm current timing on the official page.
- Government fees
- A visa/entry permit fee applies on issuance. Refer to the Immigration Department fee schedule on the official page for current amounts.
- Typical duration
- Initial stay normally up to 36 months on employment conditions; extensions typically follow a 3+3+2-year pattern.
- Sponsorship required
- Yes
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
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
Typical criteria
- ✓No security objection and no known record of serious crime.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ✓A confirmed offer of employment relevant to the applicant's academic or professional background.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ✓A good educational background, normally a first degree, or good technical qualifications and proven relevant experience.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ✓Remuneration package broadly commensurate with the prevailing market level for professionals in Hong Kong.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ✓The job cannot be readily taken up by the local workforce.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
Common blockers
- !No genuine, confirmed job offer in Hong Kong.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- !Remuneration significantly below the prevailing market level.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- !A role that local candidates could readily fill.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- !Mainland Chinese residents, who must use the separate admission scheme rather than the GEP.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Passport and personal particulars.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ·Employment contract or letter of appointment stating post, salary and terms.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ·Academic and professional qualification certificates.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ·Employer business registration and company background documents.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
- ·Curriculum vitae detailing relevant experience.Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the role is professional-level, market-paid and hard to fill locally before applying.
Build the evidence pack
Have the employer prepare the appointment letter and company documents alongside your qualification evidence.
Submit through the official channel
Submit the visa/entry permit application to the Immigration Department through the official channel.
After approval
After approval, activate the visa, take up employment and track extension timing toward seven-year residence.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse official General Employment Policy (GEP) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for General Employment Policy (GEP).
Immigration Department (Hong Kong SAR) · verified
Matches these professions
Also explored by
Compare Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China with
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.
Frequently asked questions
Does the GEP require a job offer before applying?+
Yes. The General Employment Policy is an employment route and requires a genuine, confirmed job offer relevant to your background before you apply. If you want to come to Hong Kong without a prior offer, the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme or Top Talent Pass Scheme are the talent routes that do not require one.
Can GEP holders settle in Hong Kong?+
The Immigration Department states that persons admitted under the GEP who have ordinarily resided in Hong Kong for a continuous period of not less than seven years may apply for the right of abode in accordance with the law. Maintaining continuous lawful residence is key to that pathway.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor →