Do you want to work in one of the most exciting cities in Asia? Hong Kong is looking for skilled people from all over the world in 2025. The government made new rules to make it easy for good workers to come and stay. This guide uses the latest information to help you understand the visas and find the best jobs.
We will explain the different ways to get a work visa and show you which jobs pay well right now. You will also learn how to stay in Hong Kong forever (permanent residency).
The New Talent War: Key Visa Schemes for 2025
Hong Kong now has many fast ways to bring talented people. They do not want only one type of visa anymore. Here are the main schemes in 2025.
Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS)
This is the most popular new scheme. It is for people who earn a lot of money or graduated from the best universities in the world. The best part? You do NOT need a job offer when you apply!
- If you earned HK$2.5 million or more per year before (Category A), you can now get a visa for 3 years at the start. This is longer than before because the government wants you to stay.
- By the end of 2024, more than 92,000 people already got this visa. Most of them earn around HK$50,000 per month or more.
Quality Migrant Admission Scheme (QMAS)
This visa uses a points system. You get points for your age, education, work experience, language, and family.
- In March 2025, Hong Kong updated the Talent List. Now there are 60 jobs that Hong Kong really needs. If your job is on this list, your application is faster and easier.
- When you get enough points, you can come to Hong Kong and look for a job. No job offer needed at first.
Immigration Arrangements for Non-local Graduates (IANG)
Did you study full-time in Hong Kong and finish your degree? This visa is for you!
- New graduates can now stay for 24 months to find any job. You can work in any field, no limits.
The Standard Route: General Employment Policy (GEP)
This is the normal work visa. Your company in Hong Kong must sponsor you.
How to Get a GEP Visa
The Immigration Department checks two main things:
- The job must be real and needed by the company.
- Your salary must be similar to what local people get for the same job.
There is no official minimum salary, but if your monthly pay is below HK$20,000–25,000, officers check the application very carefully. The job must be professional level that local people cannot easily fill.
Step-by-Step GEP Application Process
- Get a job offer from a Hong Kong company.
- The company prepares its papers (business registration, company money proof, sponsor form).
- You prepare your papers (passport, university degree, work experience letters, signed job contract).
- The company sends everything to the Immigration Department.
- Wait 4–6 weeks. If approved, you usually get 3 years first, then another 3 years, then 2 years.
High-Demand Sectors for Expat Jobs Hong Kong in 2025
Many good jobs are open for foreigners right now. Here are the hottest areas:
| Sector | High-Demand Roles | Main Office Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Finance Jobs Hong Kong | Private Banking, Wealth Management, ESG Analysts | Central, Admiralty |
| Tech Jobs Hong Kong | AI Engineers, Data Scientists, Cloud Architects | Kowloon East, Cyberport |
| FinTech | Blockchain Developers, RegTech Specialists | Central, Science Park |
| Legal and Compliance | Cross-border M&A Lawyers, Compliance Officers | Central, Sheung Wan |
| Professional Services | Management Consultants, Actuaries, Risk Managers | Central |
These jobs pay very well and companies are happy to sponsor visas.
Financial Compliance and Permanent Residency
When you work in Hong Kong, you must follow some simple rules:
- Tax: Hong Kong tax is very low. Maximum 15% for most people. You only pay tax on money earned in Hong Kong.
- Retirement saving: Every worker and company must pay into MPF (like a pension). It is the law.
- Permanent Residency: After you live here normally for 7 years in a row, you can apply for permanent residency (Hong Kong ID card with ***). This means you can stay forever and no more visa worry.
You can also bring your husband/wife and children under 18 with a Dependent Visa. They can live and study here.
FAQ: Planning Your Move
-
Can I change jobs while on an Employment Visa HK?
Yes! You can change, but the new company must apply for “Change of Employer” for you. They need to prove the new job is also good and pays market salary.
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Are there visa application fees HK?
Yes, there are small government fees. The company usually pays them.
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How does the new TTPS extension work?
High earners (Category A) get 36 months the first time. When you want to extend, you must show you now have a job or your own business in Hong Kong and earned at least HK$2 million in the last tax year.
Hong Kong is one of the easiest and fastest places in Asia to move for work in 2025. With TTPS, QMAS, IANG, and normal GEP, almost every skilled person has a good way to come. Salaries are high, tax is low, and after 7 years you can stay forever.
Start looking for jobs today. Many big companies are waiting for people like you!
Disclaimer:
This information is only to help you learn. Always check the official Hong Kong Immigration website or talk to your company before you apply. Rules can change.