How do I sponsor an employment visa for a foreign worker in Hong Kong

How to Sponsor an Employment Visa in Hong Kong

A company sponsoring an employment visa applies to the Immigration Department under the General Employment Policy (GEP). The application must demonstrate the position cannot be filled locally and that the applicant possesses the relevant qualifications and experience. The sponsoring company acts as the employer, providing a contract of employment, proof of the applicant's qualifications, and evidence the salary is comparable to local market rates. The process begins with the employer preparing the application package, which the applicant then submits to the Immigration Department.

Employment Visa Sponsorship HK

The employer takes responsibility for the application. The sponsoring company must be a genuine Hong Kong business with a valid Business Registration Certificate and proof of financial standing. The Immigration Department assesses the employer's ability to support the employee and whether the role genuinely requires a foreign worker. The employer must also confirm the applicant will be engaged under a proper contract of employment and that the terms, salary and benefits meet Hong Kong standards.

How to Sponsor Foreign Worker HK

First, the employer must confirm the position cannot be filled by a local candidate. This market test requires documentation of recruitment efforts, such as advertisements in local media or through the Labour Department. A detailed job description is also necessary, outlining duties, required qualifications and relevant experience. The Immigration Department will then consider if the applicant's skills are genuinely needed and if the salary is competitive.

Hong Kong Employment Visa Application

The applicant submits the employment visa application to the Immigration Department, but the sponsoring employer must provide comprehensive supporting documents. These include the company's Certificate of Incorporation, Business Registration Certificate, audited financial statements or profit and loss accounts, and a letter explaining the need for the foreign hire. The applicant must submit their passport, photographs, proof of qualifications and a completed application form. Processing typically takes four to six weeks, though this can vary.

Company Sponsor Visa Hong Kong

The employer must demonstrate it is a viable business with a genuine need for the employee. The Immigration Department may request additional information, such as the company's organisational structure, the number of local employees and its tax records. The employer must also confirm the applicant will comply with Hong Kong's immigration laws and that the employment will not prejudice local workers. Once approved, the Immigration Department issues an approval in principle. The applicant must then collect the visa label from the Immigration Department or a Hong Kong consulate abroad. This visa label is the work permit, allowing the holder to take up employment with the sponsoring company.

After the visa is issued, the employer must ensure the employee's contract of employment is in place and that all statutory obligations, such as MPF contributions and employees' compensation insurance, are met. The sponsoring company should also keep copies of all application documents for its records.