Hong Kong has long been a global hub for finance, technology and innovation, attracting talent from around the world. Its strategic location, low taxes and a friendly business environment make the country an attractive destination for international professionals looking for new opportunities. Find out what types of work visas are available for expats in Hong Kong in 2025, which skills are in demand and what salary a foreigner can expect in this country

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As one of Asia’s leading financial and business hubs, Hong Kong attracts many foreign professionals who wish to work and live in the city, including citizens of Canada, Pakistan and Uganda. In order to work legally in Hong Kong, foreign nationals need to obtain the appropriate work visa.

Learn more about the types of work visas that foreigners can apply for to work in Hong Kong, as well as changes to the country’s immigration policy and high-demand jobs later in this article.

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Types of Work Visas in Hong Kong

Before delving into the jobs that are in high demand in 2025 and changes to the immigration policy, it is important to understand the work visa options available to foreign professionals in Hong Kong:

1. General Employment Policy (GEP) Visa

This visa is for foreign professionals who have a high level of education or specialized skills. To obtain this visa, the candidate must provide proof that the position cannot be filled by local workers and that he/she has the qualifications required for the position.

Basic conditions:

- The candidate must have a job offer from a company in Hong Kong.

- The employer must demonstrate that they have not been able to find a suitable local candidate for the position.

- The candidate must demonstrate a high level of qualifications, usually a higher education or relevant work experience.

2. Entrepreneur Visa

This visa is intended for foreigners who wish to start a business in Hong Kong. To obtain this visa, the foreigner must demonstrate that his/her business plan is promising and has economic benefits for the region, as well as that his/her activities will create new jobs for local citizens.

Basic conditions:

- The business must be in Hong Kong.

- The candidate must demonstrate sufficient capital to implement the business plan.

- The business must be economically beneficial to the city and create new jobs for local residents.

3. Technology Talent Scheme

This visa is aimed at attracting specialists in the field of technology and science, in particular to work in innovative companies in Hong Kong. It allows companies operating in the technology sector to hire highly qualified specialists from around the world.

Basic conditions:

- The candidate must work in the field of technology, science-intensive or innovative industries.

- The employer must confirm that there are no suitable local specialists.

4. Hong Kong Graduate Scheme

This type of visa is available to international students who have graduated from a higher education institution in Hong Kong and want to stay in the country to find work. This visa allows graduates to work in Hong Kong and later apply for a transition to other types of work visas.

Basic conditions:

- The candidate must be a graduate of a university or other higher education institution in Hong Kong.

- The visa is issued for one year with the possibility of extension.

5. Sports Talent Scheme

This visa is for foreign sports professionals, such as coaches or athletes, who want to work in Hong Kong to promote local sports.

Main conditions:

- The applicant must have relevant experience or qualifications in the sports field.

- The employer must prove that this visa will benefit the local sports community.

How to get a Hong Kong work visa?

To apply for a Hong Kong work visa under the General Employment Policy (GEP) 2025, follow these steps:

Step 1 – Check eligibility

1. Job offer – You must have a confirmed job offer from a Hong Kong employer. The position must be genuine and match your qualifications or professional experience, and the employer must prove that they could not find a local candidate for the job.

2. Qualifications – You must have a recognized degree, diploma or verified professional qualification and relevant experience.

3. Salary – The salary offered must be in line with market standards for the position.

Step 2 – Prepare the required documents

Before applying, gather the following documents:

- Valid passport – Your travel document must be valid for at least 6 months.

- Job offer – a letter from your Hong Kong employer offering you the position.

- Educational qualifications – copies of your degree/diploma.

- Proof of work experience – CV and certificates or references from previous employers.

- Employer documents – the employer may need to provide business registration documents, proof of financial stability and justification for hiring a foreign worker.

Step 3 – Apply

- Online application – As of January 2025, the Hong Kong Immigration Department requires you to apply online. You must complete the application on the official website of the Immigration Department.

- Paper application – Alternatively, you can submit a paper application to a Hong Kong consulate if you are outside Hong Kong.

Step 4 – Pay the application fee

From February 2025, new fees will be applied for processing your work visa application. You will need to pay this fee as part of the application process. Check the current fees on the Department of Immigration website.

Step 5 – Wait for processing

- Processing time usually takes about 4 weeks after all documents have been submitted.

- If additional information is required, the Immigration Department will contact you or your employer.

Step 6 – Receive your visa

If your application is approved, you will receive an e-visa or visa sticker (if applicable) in your passport.

Important! The visa is usually granted for a period of 1-2 years and can be extended if necessary.

Step 7 – Travel to Hong Kong

Once you have received your visa, you can travel to Hong Kong and start working with your employer.

Changes to Hong Kong’s Immigration Policy in 2025

The Hong Kong government has introduced several new measures in 2025 to attract skilled foreign workers and investors:

1. Expanded work rights for foreign students

From 2025, non-local full-time undergraduate students can work part-time without restrictions, encouraging them to stay in Hong Kong after graduation.

2. Expanded talent program in the Greater Bay Area

The initiative that allows graduates of Hong Kong universities on Greater Bay Area campuses to work locally has been extended until the end of 2026.

3. New capital investment scheme

Starting from 2025, investors can obtain a residence permit by investing at least HK$30 million in eligible assets in Hong Kong.

4. Mainland Travel Permit for Non-Chinese Permanent Residents

From February 2025, non-Chinese permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau can apply for a stay permit to stay in mainland China for up to 90 days in a single visit.

These initiatives reflect Hong Kong’s commitment to strengthening its workforce by making it easier for talents from around the world to live and work in the city.

Hong Kong’s In-Demand Jobs for 2025 and Salary Range

Hong Kong’s job market is constantly evolving, and certain sectors are expected to continue to be in high demand in 2025. These include:

1. Technology and Innovation

As Hong Kong seeks to strengthen its position as a regional technology hub, there is a growing need for professionals in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, data science, and blockchain.

- Popular job titles: Software engineers, AI specialists, data analysts, cybersecurity experts, blockchain developers.

- Average salary: Software engineers can expect to earn between HKD 500,000 and HKD 900,000 (US$ 64,300 and US$ 115,700) per year, depending on experience. Artificial intelligence specialists and data scientists can earn higher salaries, over HKD 1,000,000 (US$128,555) per year.

2. Finance and Banking

Hong Kong has long been known as the financial center of Asia. Despite global financial uncertainty, the demand for talent in the financial sector remains high.

- Popular positions: risk managers, financial analysts, investment bankers, compliance officers.

- Average salary: Financial analysts typically earn between HK$600,000 and HK$900,000 per year (US$77,130 to US$115,700), while investment bankers can see salaries between HK$1,000,000 and HK$1,500,000 (US$128,555 to US$192,833) per year, with the possibility of significant bonuses.

3. Healthcare

Medical professionals are in high demand, especially as Hong Kong's aging population creates a need for additional healthcare services.

- Popular jobs: doctors, nurses, healthcare administrators, medical researchers.

- Average salary: Doctors in Hong Kong can earn between HKD 800,000 and HKD 1,500,000 (US$102,855 to US$192,833) per year, while nurses typically earn between HKD 300,000 and HKD 500,000 (US$38,600 to US$64,278) per year.

4. Education

As one of Asia’s leading educational hubs, Hong Kong continues to attract international teachers. The demand for bilingual teachers in subjects such as English, mathematics and science remains high, as does the need for educational administrators and curriculum developers.

- Popular jobs: English language teachers, international school administrators, curriculum developers.

- Average salary: Teachers can expect to earn between HKD 400,000 and HKD 700,000 (US$ 51,400 to US$ 90,000) per year, with international school administrators earning significantly higher salaries.

5. Legal Services

Hong Kong’s legal sector remains strong due to its prominent role as a financial and commercial center. The city needs lawyers in corporate law, intellectual property law, and international arbitration.

- Popular positions: corporate lawyers, intellectual property lawyers, international arbitrators.

- Average salary: Lawyers can expect to earn between HKD 700,000 and HKD 1,200,000 (US$ 90,000 to US$ 155,000) per year, depending on experience and specialization.

For professionals considering a move to Hong Kong, the cost of living is also a deciding factor. While salaries are competitive, housing costs can be high, especially in prime areas such as Central and Kowloon. However, Hong Kong’s overall tax structure is favorable, with a top income tax rate of 17%, making the city attractive to high-paid professionals.

Hong Kong continues to be a magnet for skilled professionals in 2025, offering exciting opportunities in sectors such as technology, finance, healthcare and education.

With upcoming policy changes aimed at attracting talent and simplifying work visa applications, the city is poised to remain a top destination for expats.

Consult with an immigration lawyer to get help with your Hong Kong work visa application and simplify your journey abroad.

Reminder! Hong Kong is one of the most attractive places to move abroad, at least for employment purposes. However, expats here will have to face stiff competition. We have already talked about the advantages, disadvantages and features of working in Hong Kong.

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