Hong Kong Visa
If you are a foreigner looking for a job in Hong Kong, this information will be useful to you.
There are many foreigners looking for jobs in Hong Kong. Hence, the Immigration authorities tend to exercise some discretion in awarding approvals for a Hong Kong visa, including to foreigners looking for Hong Kong jobs.
Many visitors holding a foreign passport can enjoy a Visa-free visit of 14 to 180 days, but visitors are not allowed by law to take up employment (paid or unpaid), to establish or join in any business, or to enter school as a student. Before you arrive in Hong Kong to look for a job, it is best to enquire from the embassy as to whether there is a visa waiver for the nationality concerned.
A Work Permit for Jobs in Hong Kong
All non-Hong Kong residents seeking employment in Hong Kong will require a Work Permit. Several key considerations are made by the Hong Kong Immigration Department before they approve your Work Permit:
- Higher level educational background : a graduate degree and above would be preferable.
- Relevant experience that is deemed to be in short supply in Hong Kong.
- Reasonable salary level; a guide of US$40000 per annum is considered reasonable.
- How beneficial the individual is to Hong Kong’s economy, trade and industry.
- That a local or resident worker could not fill the job position.
- Whether the expatriate can benefit the locals (e.g RND, training, technology)
The processing time from the submission of an application can take 6-8 weeks. If Immigration need to make further enquiries it may take longer.
It may tke up to 6 months and above to get your Work Permit once it is granted. In addition to a valid visa, all residents must obtain Hong Kong identity cards, which they must have on them at all times.
