This article is written as at 17 April 2025
Hong Kong, with its vibrant economy and cosmopolitan lifestyle, is the destination of choice not only for holidaygoers, but for international professionals looking to leverage Hong Kong's status as a leading regional business centre.
In 2024, the city’s population totalled more than 7.53 million, marking its third consecutive year of growth. From its low-tax regime and high standard of living to its strategic location and efficient infrastructure, Hong Kong provides an ideal environment for expats to thrive.
Those with families are also often drawn to Hong Kong due to its prestigious education system, which offers a wide range of quality schools, including public, private and international institutions, allowing parents to provide their children with a world-class education from the heart of Asia.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, we are here to help you navigate the process of getting a job opportunity in Hong Kong.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the essentials of relocating to Hong Kong on a work visa, helping you make a seamless transition into the city's dynamic workforce.
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applying for a hong kong work visa from start to finish
For expats looking to work in Hong Kong, securing the right Hong Kong work visa is your first step. The city offers several visa options tailored to different needs and qualifications, ensuring that international talent can enter the business environment smoothly based on their skills and preferences.
In this section, we'll delve into the key benefits of each visa type, guiding you through the application process and eligibility criteria to help you navigate your journey to working in Hong Kong. The following four visa types will be covered, and for more detailed information, visit the official government website.
key visa types in hong kong
1. general employment policy
The General Employment Policy (GEP) in Hong Kong is for foreign professionals who are equipped with in-demand skills for jobs that cannot be easily filled by local talent, as industries such as healthcare, retail and technology face significant talent shortages.
To qualify for the GEP, applicants must have a job offer from a Hong Kong-based employer who is ready to sponsor their visa application and can demonstrate that the role cannot be filled locally.
Applicants will need to undergo the General Points Test conducted by the Hong Kong Immigration Department, where they are scored based on factors including their work experience, professional qualifications and their sector. Extra points are awarded to applicants who specialise in Hong Kong’s most in-demand sectors under the Talent List, which includes areas such as technology, healthcare and financial services.
Once your GEP status is approved, you are usually granted an initial stay of up to 36 months, which can be extended based on your employment status. As the sector you work under is not restricted, you will be free to explore diverse roles across sectors such as technology, aviation and business support, to name a few. Unlike other visa schemes, the GEP is also quota-free, meaning applications are evaluated solely on merit.
Another significant feature of the GEP is that foreign professionals are able to establish their own businesses under the "Investment as Entrepreneurs" scheme, subsequently allowing them to apply for employment sponsored by their own business in Hong Kong. This visa also allows for dependents such as spouses or children to accompany you to Hong Kong for work or study under dependent visas.
2. quality migrant admissions scheme
A unique aspect of the Quality Migrant Admissions Scheme (QMAS) is that it factors in applicants with exceptional achievements, rather than simply evaluating applicants by their academic performance or professional skills and experience. The Achievement-based Points Test awards extra points to individuals with such accomplishments (e.g., Olympic medals, Nobel prizes).
The QMAS is targeted at skilled professionals, similar to the GEP. Unlike the GEP, QMAS does not require applicants to have a job offer prior to applying for the visa. Successful applicants are assessed through either the General Points Test or the Achievement-based Points Testa, conducted by the Hong Kong Immigration Department. At the time of writing, the quota allocation of 1,000 spots is suspended until the end of 2025.
QMAS allows successful applicants to bring their spouse and children under 18 with them to Hong Kong on dependent visas, with their stay duration being tied to the sponsor’s visa validity. This visa type is also a potential route for professionals looking to secure permanent residency in the future.
top talent pass scheme
The Hong Kong government offers the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), designed to attract high-calibre talent from around the world. This scheme allows graduates from top universities to apply without needing a job offer. The scheme includes three categories
The Hong Kong government offers the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS), designed to attract high-calibre talent from around the world. This scheme allows graduates from top universities to apply without needing a job offer. The scheme includes three categories as mentioned above.
To be eligible, applicants must meet specific criteria, including having a degree from one of the listed top universities globally. Beyond stellar academic qualifications, the TTPS also accepts applicants with an annual income totalling HK$2.5 million and above in the year immediately preceding their application are eligible to apply.
TTPS boasts a relatively quick processing time, as applications are typically processed within two to four months. Similar to the GEP and QMAS, TTPS allows applicants to bring their spouses and dependent children under 18, enabling them to stay and work in Hong Kong under dependent visas.
H3 - 4. working holiday visa
If you're under 30 years old, you might explore a Working Holiday Visa which allows you to work in Hong Kong for up to a year. This visa is ideal for those looking to gain international experience without needing a job offer upfront, while allowing you to enjoy the benefits of the city on holiday.
Under the Working Holiday Scheme, individuals aged 18 to 30 can apply for a Working Holiday Visa in the city if the following criteria are fulfilled:
- You’re able to prove that you have enough financial resources to cover your stay
- You hold a return ticket or prove that you’re able to purchase a return ticket
- You agree to hold medical, healthcare (including hospitalisation), repatriation and liability insurance throughout your stay
This visa only applies to applicants from select countries such as Australia, Germany and the United Kingdom, with a specific quota per country that you can check on the Hong Kong Immigration Department’s official website.
settling into hong kong: insights on accommodation, taxation, healthcare & more
Moving to a foreign country is hard enough, and Hong Kong is famous for its competitive housing market and high costs which can make it even more challenging for anyone to consider. Other common headaches include getting yourself and your family insured, finding the safest neighbourhoods, or knowing how to talk to the locals.
However, it’s not an impossible endeavour - in this section, we walk you through the process of settling in Hong Kong at a glance, from locating accommodation to understanding the tax system.
1. accommodation
To begin with, there are dedicated platforms for accommodation for foreign professionals, such as Spacious.com, AsiaXpat, and GeoExpat, where you may easily browse listings before planning your visit. Hong Kong’s government site also outlines more comprehensive tips on domestic tenancy.
If you’re unsure of how to navigate language barriers or the local market, you may also consider hiring a licensed real estate agent. All real estate agents in Hong Kong are licensed under the Estate Agents Authority (EAA), and adhere to Tenant Protection Act (TPA) which covers both locals and foreigners. Under the TPA, unfair practices such as excessive security deposits or discriminatory rental policies are prohibited by law, ensuring that foreigners are treated equally in the rental market.
Each neighbourhood varies in its vibe and affordability. For younger professionals, areas like Sheung Wan, Sai Ying Pun and Wong Chuk Hang are located close to business hubs and have vibrant social scenes. These areas boast trendy restaurants, bars and places to shop, alongside easy access to fitness studios like Gecko Yoga in Sheung Wan and boutique yoga spaces such as Inhale Exhale Yoga near Sai Ying Pun MTR station.
These neighborhoods also provide outdoor enthusiasts with convenient hiking trails. Sai Ying Pun connects to the Morning Trail leading to Victoria Peak, while Wong Chuk Hang serves as the gateway to Nam Long Shan, a scenic hike with views of Ocean Park and the South China Sea.
Families often prefer Mid-Levels, Repulse Bay or Discovery Bay for spacious homes and access to international schools. Mid-Levels is close to prestigious schools like the German Swiss International School and the Island School, while also being close to Hong Kong Park and the Peak Tram for weekend family outings. The area is well-connected to Central, making it ideal for working parents.
In Repulse Bay, you can find large apartments and houses for a peaceful beachfront lifestyle. The area also offers outdoor activities such as paddleboarding and hiking trails like the Violet Hill and Twin Peaks Trail. Discovery Bay, located on Lantau Island, offers easy access to community parks, and hiking trails such as the Discovery Bay to Mui Wo route. It also provides a convenient ferry service to Central.
When planning your budget for accommodation, it’s important to save for your security deposit - which typically includes two months’ worth of rent, as well as stamp duty rental tax, and agency fees which can amount to half a month’s rent. Each type of housing will also come with its unique lease terms like utility
2. taxation
As an expat, understanding how your employment income is taxed is crucial. Hong Kong has a territorial tax system, meaning you're taxed only on income earned within Hong Kong. Salaries Tax is levied at progressive rates ranging from 2% to 17%, depending on income brackets, or at a two-tiered standard rate system starting from 2024/25 assessment year which applies 15% on the first HK$5 million of net income and 16% on the remainder, whichever results in a lower tax liability.
Additionally, Hong Kong has no capital gains tax, unless they are deemed to be of a trading nature and are subject to profit tax instead. Personal investments and principal residences are generally exempt from taxation as well.
Hong Kong has no social security tax. Instead, employers and employees contribute to the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) at capped rates. Foreign talent are exempt from Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) contributions for their first 13 months of employment if their employment duration is less than 13 months, or if they are covered by an overseas retirement scheme.
The Comprehensive Double Taxation Agreements with over 50 jurisdictions prevent double taxation on international income, offering significant benefits to expats and businesses engaged in cross-border activities.
Foreign professionals also benefit from generous personal allowances, such as HKD 132,000 for individuals and HKD 264,000 for married couples. Housing benefits provided by employers are taxed at a reduced rate of 10% of income.
It’s important to note that tax residency status is relevant for benefits related to CDTAs and tax obligations, but it does not directly impact your visa validity. To be considered a tax resident in Hong Kong, you must:
- Stay in Hong Kong for more than 180 days in a tax year, or
- Stay for more than 300 days over two consecutive tax years (one of which is the year of assessment)
There is no strict requirement to remain in Hong Kong for a specific number of days. However, prolonged absences without working or conducting business in the city could lead to questions about whether visa holders are meeting the terms of their stay.
3. setting up a bank account
Setting up a bank account as a foreign professional begins with choosing a bank that will suit your needs.
International banks like HSBC, Standard Chartered or Citibank are quite popular as they are known for accommodating non-residents with multi-currency accounts and mobile banking services. For professionals who want a faster setup, they can turn to virtual banks and fintech solutions such as WeLab Bank, Statrys and ZA Bank.
Prepare essential documents, including a valid passport, proof of address (utility bill or rental agreement), employment proof (contract or payslips), and a valid visa. Some banks may also require an initial deposit and additional verification steps under Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols.
4. social security in hong kong
Hong Kong is widely regarded as a safe city, with low crime rates and well-lit streets, making most neighborhoods safe to walk around at night. Areas like Central, Mid-Levels and Sai Ying Pun are especially secure.
While foreign professionals do not qualify for benefits such as the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA), they can apply for fee waivers for public healthcare services if they meet criteria such as low income, chronic illness or financial hardship, assessed on a household basis.
5. public infrastructure in hong kong
You do not need to own a car as the public infrastructure in Hong Kong is highly efficient. The Mass Transit Railway (MTR) makes travelling simple, and there are also rail services and feeder buses to take you around the city. MTR stations are typically equipped with amenities like free Wi-Fi, wheelchair-accessible facilities and signages in both English and Mandarin.
Beyond the MTR, you can use a comprehensive network of buses, minibuses, trams and ferries to navigate the city. Double-decker buses connect urban centres to districts on the outskirts of the city, while green minibuses offer quicker routes to more remote locations. The Star Ferry provides scenic crossings between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Taxis are also available in three main categories: urban (red), New Territories (green) and Lantau (blue).
6. healthcare
Foreign professionals in Hong Kong have access to both public and private healthcare systems. With a valid work visa and a Hong Kong Identity Card (HKID), you will be eligible for subsidised public healthcare at government hospitals and clinics. These rates are significantly lower than market rates; for example, a typical consultation at an Accident and Emergency (A&E) department costs around HK$180 for eligible residents compared to HK$570 for those who are not eligible. However, this will of course depend on the severity of your illness or harm.
While public healthcare is affordable, you will often face long waiting times for non-emergency treatments due to high demand. Not all public medical professionals in Hong Kong are fluent in English, but many are proficient enough to communicate effectively.
Private healthcare offers shorter wait times, more flexibility when scheduling appointments and easier access to English-speaking specialists.
Private health insurance is also often provided by employers as part of compensation packages or can be purchased independently through providers like AXA or Cigna.
7. languages
Hong Kong's official languages are Traditional Chinese and English under the Basic Law and Official Languages Ordinance. English is widely used in business, law, and government, making it relatively easy for English-speaking expats to navigate professional life.
Cantonese, spoken by approximately 80% of residents, serves as the de facto local language for daily life, cultural identity and informal communication. While most if not many Hongkongers can speak English, Cantonese is the language of preference for everyday conversation, especially among the older generations. English is still used primarily in government, law, business and education.
8. public holidays
Hong Kong celebrates a mix of traditional Chinese and Western holidays, including Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Christmas. As of 2025, there are 14 statutory holidays in which employers must observe.
The 14 public holidays are:
- New Year’s Day
- Lunar New Year (Day 1 to Day 3 of the lunar calendar)
- Ching Ming Festival
- Labour Day
- The Birthday of the Buddha
- Tuen Ng Festival
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
- National Day
- The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
- Chung Yeung Festival
- Christmas Day (and the first weekday after Christmas Day or more commonly known as Boxing Day)
find a job that suits your unique needs with randstad
Working in Hong Kong can be a rewarding experience, offering opportunities for career growth and cultural immersion.
By understanding the visa requirements, local customs, and professional landscape, you can successfully transition into the Hong Kong workforce. Whether you're applying through the TTPS, securing a GEP visa, or exploring the Working Holiday Visa, Hong Kong welcomes international talent with open arms.
Whether you're simply exploring the possibility of working in Hong Kong or already planning your move into the city, our specialist recruiters are here to help.
Randstad Hong Kong can connect you with the ideal role tailored for your skills and interests. Check out our current job openings, and consider your career opportunities with us today.