Guide to Work: Hong Kong

Hong Kong offers a blend of Eastern culture and Western business, so competition for jobs is fierce.

UK citizens can visit Hong Kong for up to 180 days visa free. However if your aim is to work in Hong Kong, the minimum requirements usually include: a degree or technical qualification, proven work experience in the field, an offer of employment and the level of financial support required to sustain life in Hong Kong.

English is widely spoken. However, a grasp of Cantonese is a definite bonus for those seeking to live and work in Hong Kong, as is knowledge of Mandarin Chinese. Local companies usually require their employees speak the local languages, but more internationally-oriented enterprises are open to non-native speakers.

Working visa requirements

There are various schemes under the working visa which allow non-residential individuals to work in Hong Kong. Hong Kong visa requirements can be tough. It is not a point-based system and there is no medical exam, but you will need to demonstrate that you are well-qualified for the job and that it could not be done by a local. For those staying longer than six months, you will need to apply for a Hong Kong ID card within 30 days of arriving.

Working Holiday Scheme:

If you are aged between 18 and 30 and hold a valid national passport of Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Sweden or the United Kingdom, you may apply for a Working Holiday visa. These visas’ offer up to one year in the country and are available to 1,000 people from the UK each year. Please visit Hong Kong’s Immigration Department website to research what requirements are needed to apply.  

Working visas:

If you move to Hong Kong for job-related reasons, you need to apply for a work visa under the General Employment Policy (GEP). You can submit your Hong Kong work visa application form by mailing it or by presenting the documents in person. A visa under the GEP scheme is usually issued only for a specified period of time. In order to be eligible, you must already have a confirmed job offer as you need someone to sponsor you. Additionally, there are other employment schemes for citizens from the Mainland China, foreign domestic helpers, and low-skilled workers.

Immigration Arrangements for Non-Local Graduates:

Non-local graduates are classified as non-local ‘fresh graduates’ and can apply for a (IANG) as long as they submit an application within 6 months of graduation. Non-local fresh graduates who wish to apply to stay and work are not required to have secured an offer of employment upon application, provided that normal immigration requirements are met. 

Quality Migrant Admission Scheme:

A great opportunity for expats of certain professions to relocate to Hong Kong. It offers 1,000 slots to IT, financial, legal, and creative professionals who do not need an existing job offer to be eligible for the visa.

Foreign Commonwealth office (from UK):

Highlights the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of rules currently in place. This information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport. If you are unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements for Hong Kong, or you need further assistance, you need to contact the Hong Kong Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.

Job searching links

Networking is very important in Hong Kong and it can lead you to a great job opportunity. Start off by searching social media for networking events near you; you can attend seminars related to your field, or join meetup groups, like InterNations. Bring some business cards with you as those are very important in Hong Kong and be prepared to sell yourself.

Useful contacts:
Recruitment Agencies:
Job boards, newspapers and networking sites:
International Brands with Franchisee Companies: 

Useful links