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.
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.
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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
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