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What you need to know to securing a Hong Kong Work Visa

A work visa is designed for foreigners who wish to work legally in Hong Kong. This visa does not apply to residents of Mainland China, who should apply under the Admission Scheme for Mainland Talents and Professionals.

Visa statistics:

  • Length of Stay: 1 year

  • Application Duration: 2-3 months

  • Minimum Monthly Salary: 20,000 HKD

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a work visa in Hong Kong, professionals must:

  • Have a clean criminal record

  • Possess a strong educational background, typically a university degree relevant to the job

  • Have a genuine job vacancy and a confirmed employment offer

  • Receive a salary package that aligns with the market rate for professionals in Hong Kong

When reviewing applications, the Immigration Department considers:

  • The applicant’s exceptional experience and qualifications that make them suitable for the position, as well as the difficulty in filling the vacancy with local talent

  • Supporting documents and explanations from the sponsoring company regarding the need to recruit from abroad

  • The company’s commitment to operating in Hong Kong

Application Documents

Applicants should submit the following documents:

  • Completed Application for Entry for Employment as Professionals in Hong Kong

  • A copy of their passport

  • A copy of their Hong Kong identity card (if applicable)

  • Proof of overseas residence

  • Academic qualifications and CV

  • References or employment letters from previous positions

Employers must provide:

  • Completed Application for Employing Professionals in Hong Kong

  • Documents detailing the company’s background, including business activities, operations, connections, products, sources, markets, and chamber of commerce membership (if applicable)

  • For new companies: a detailed business plan, including information on funding sources, capital, business activities, expected financials, and job creation plans

  • Proof of financial standing, such as the latest audited financial report or a bank account statement with six months' operational expenses

  • A copy of the Business Registration Certificate

  • A copy of the employment contract

Application Process and Timeline

Submit the application to the Hong Kong Immigration Department, including signed forms and all required documents from both the applicant and the employer.

An initial response is usually received within six weeks. The entire process may take 2-3 months, depending on the application’s complexity. If approved, a Visa/Entry Permit label will be issued.

Successful applicants are generally granted an initial stay of 12 months or the duration of their employment contract, whichever is shorter. They may apply for an extension within four weeks before their current visa expires.


Can Woodburn help you?

 

Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China’s most trusted business setup advisory firms.


Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is specialized in inbound investment to China and Hong Kong. We focus on eliminating the complexities of corporate services and compliance administration. We help clients with services ranging from trademark registration and company incorporation to the full outsourcing solution for accounting, tax, and human resource services. Our advisory services can be tailor-made based on the companies’ objectives, goals and needs which vary depending on the stage they are at on their journey.

 

Talk to an expert


Schedule a 30-mins complimentary, no-obligation call to see how Woodburn can help you. Book a call with our Head of Business Advisory - Kristina Koehler-Coluccia.

Topics we can advise on include:

  • Company Registration

  • Cloud Accounting & Financial Reporting

  • Cloud Payroll Services

  • Tax & Audit Services

  • Recruitment

  • Employer-of-Record

  • Visa Application

  • Trademark Registration

  • Switch to Woodburn

  • Partner with Woodburn (cross referral) 

Our calls are automatically scheduled via Zoom - or via Teams, WeChat or WhatsApp upon direct request. 

Our advisory calls are available from Monday-Friday from 8am to 5pm CEST and Wednesday until 9pm CEST.

 



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Woodburn Accountants & Advisors is one of China and Hong Kong’s
most trusted business setup advisory firms

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