General Employment Policy in Hong Kong in 2026

The General Employment Policy (GEP) is Hong Kong's main professional-employment route for eligible applicants who are not Chinese residents of the Mainland.

Core criteria

A GEP application is generally assessed on whether there is a genuine vacancy, whether the applicant has a confirmed offer of employment, whether the role is relevant to the applicant's qualifications or experience and cannot readily be taken up by the local workforce, and whether remuneration is broadly at the prevailing market level.

A first degree in the relevant field is the normal educational reference point, but strong technical qualifications, professional ability or documented experience can be considered in appropriate cases.

Streamlined local-recruitment proof

Employers do not need separate proof of difficulty recruiting locally where the post is on the Talent List or the vacancy pays HK$2 million or above annually. The other GEP criteria still apply.

Successful entrants are normally admitted on employment condition for up to three years or the employment-contract duration if shorter.

Practical safeguards

Immigration approval is discretionary and depends on the current rules and the evidence submitted. Immigration permission does not replace employer, company, tax, professional-licensing, securities or other regulatory requirements.

Return to the Hong Kong immigration hub, methodology, and legal disclaimer.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Hong Kong